It's the law in Pennsylvania ... Effective 7/1/2009 

On July 1, 2009 the way we will be doing business is going to change. Why? The Pennsylvania Legislature has taken away -- in my opinion, the trust in business. Governor Rendell has signed the Home Improvement Contract Law and it is to take effect the first of July.  What does this mean to our relationship?  Well if the amount of the work you want done is over $500.00 then this law mandates that I must give you a contract, showing the start and finish date, a description and specification of the work to be done. The contract must be signed by both you & I. The content of this law also states the "consumer protection law" will be enforced. In short unless you are having a bona fide emergency (and the emergency is spelled out in the law) then a 72 hour or three working day period is required to allow the customer to cancel the new mandated contract. 

Also there are state registration numbers that must be displayed on trucks (if they are lettered), on all advertisements, on all contracts and other documents. Needless to say for a tradesman this is a logistic nightmare.  For the customer it is going to be a pain in the _________.  Why did they do this you might ask? 

Well my understanding is, there are unscrupulous businesses out there, they pry on the elderly take advantage of all who are gullible take excessive down payments, start the job, don't finish ... Some are never seen again. The law was written to protect you, the consumer. But for the legitimate business/customer relationship it should be tweaked a bit.   

If you would be interested in seeing this law this link will get you there.  http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx  You may view the law and also some frequently asked questions.

From my standpoint I can live with this law if I have to. But I would tweak it making the law reasonable to the customer and fairer to the honest businessman.

1.   If the call was made by the customer, to the business, then no contract shall-be required and the law will not take effect, to do the work the customer is requesting.  Unless a certain dollar amount is reached – assume $2,500.00. 

2.  Increase the $500.00 threshold to at least $2,500.00 for customer generated calls.

3.  Even though the customer made the call, if the value of the work is over the new threshold the law shall take effect and a contract shall be provided.

4.  If the call was business generated by direct mailing, newspaper, radio or TV advertising, phone or electronic solicitation the law shall take effect as written. 

5.  Also this law should have wording to protect the consumer when special trade licensing is required.  e.g. When a plumber, electrician or other special license requirements are necessary.  As written it might appear that the State registration number is all that’s needed. 

After review perhaps you might want to write your senator and representative. Let them know your comments. Do you agree the law should be tweaked? Find them here ... http://www.legis.state.pa.us/ Look in the upper right hand corner use your zip + four to find your PA senator ... When finished click on the house tab and find your PA representative.  

Thank you for reading and taking the time to understand,

Bill Parr