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The guide outlines how to select qualified Delaware and New Castle County licensed contractors, what contractor and subcontractor information to require, and which contract dates and language should be clearly specified. It also addresses deposit and payment structure, the consumer cooling-off cancellation rights for door-to-door or off-site contract signings, and any required “Notice of Cancellation” attachments.",{"@graph":63,"@context":119},[64,80,102],{"@type":65,"itemListElement":66},"BreadcrumbList",[67,71,74,77],{"item":68,"name":69,"@type":70,"position":9},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",{"item":72,"name":10,"@type":70,"position":73},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/",2,{"item":75,"name":41,"@type":70,"position":76},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/letters/",3,{"item":78,"name":59,"@type":70,"position":79},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/guide-to-home-improvement-contracts-know-your-rights/269475/",4,{"url":78,"name":59,"@type":81,"image":82,"author":87,"headline":59,"publisher":90,"fileFormat":93,"inLanguage":57,"description":61,"dateModified":94,"datePublished":95,"encodingFormat":93,"isAccessibleForFree":96,"interactionStatistic":97},"DigitalDocument",{"url":83,"@type":84,"width":85,"height":86},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/guide-to-home-improvement-contracts-know-your-rights/269475.png","ImageObject",442,249,{"name":88,"@type":89},"Mimi","Person",{"url":68,"name":91,"@type":92},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-10-20","2026-09-15",true,{"@type":98,"interactionType":99,"userInteractionCount":101},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":100},"ViewAction",13,{"@type":103,"mainEntity":104},"FAQPage",[105,111,115],{"name":106,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":108},"How can homeowners reduce risk when choosing a contractor?","Question",{"text":109,"@type":110},"Homeowners should select a qualified contractor and confirm required licenses with the State of Delaware and New Castle County. 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Because circumstances vary considerably from one job to another, New Castle County makes no claims, express or implied, that this simplified homeowner guide will protect all owners against all possible circumstances. It is wise to have legal counsel review a contract if the job is large and/or unique.  \nGUIDE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS  \nKnow Your Rights!  \nCONTRACTOR SELECTION  \nHomeowners can avoid many problems by selecting a qualified contractor. While there are no guarantees, risks are reduced if the homeowner makes certain that the contractor has all required licenses with the State of Delaware and New Castle County. All individuals and businesses that provide construction and building improvement services are required to obtain a New Castle County contractor license, in addition to the State of Delaware business license. Those contractors performing work requiring a permit or utility trade work need a contractor license with permit endorsement. You can verify contractors online at  \n[https://www3.newcastlede.gov/contracto](https://www3.newcastlede.gov/contracto)[rlicense/search/](rlicense/search/)  \nCONTRACTOR'S INFORMATION  \nThe contract should contain the name, address and New Castle County contractor license number. If the contractor intends to use subcontractors to complete any work, then the contract should also contain the name and license number of each subcontractor.  \nDATES  \nA home improvement contract should contain the approximate dates when the work will begin and when it will be substantially completed.  \nCONTRACT LANGUAGE  \nYour first right as a consumer is to know what you’re agreeing to; so the written contract should be legible and clearly state the specifics of the job and materials to be used. The contract should describe each document that it incorporates, including construction plans and material list, and it should be signed by each party to the agreement. Remember, the contract is a legally binding document so it is important to understand what is being signed.  \nLastly, the homeowner should receive a signed copy of the contract prior to the work starting. The contract should include all warranties and guarantees from the contractor, subcontractor, and material suppliers.  \nDEPOSIT AND PAYMENT  \nAs with any contract the agreed-upon price of the home improvement should be clearly stated, and no payment should be made until all parties have signed the contract. It is not uncommon for a down payment representing costs of materials and other early costs ([e.g. design](e.g. design) fees, permit fees, etc.) to be paid prior to work commencing. Beyond the deposit, additional payment terms should seek to break the job down into as many discrete components as is reasonable, and to keep the payments related to the costs of materials and labor for that component. Homeowners shouldn’t get into a position where they make final payment prior to the completion of work.  \nDOOR-TO-DOOR SALES ACT  \nAccording to the Federal Trade Commission’s “Cooling-Off Rule” and Delaware’s laws concerning home solicitation, if the home improvement contract was signed at your home or at a location other than the sell","cbCaibPYILWmsDz0","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaibPYILWmsDz0","pdf",538058,"English","# Guide to Home Improvement Contracts\n## Contractor Selection\n## Contractor's Information\n## Dates\n## Contract Language\n## Deposit and Payment\n## Door-to-Door Sales Act","[{\"question\":\"How can homeowners reduce risk when choosing a contractor?\",\"answer\":\"Homeowners should select a qualified contractor and confirm required licenses with the State of Delaware and New Castle County. For work requiring a permit or utility trade, the contractor should have a permit endorsement.\"},{\"question\":\"What contract details should homeowners ensure are included?\",\"answer\":\"The contract should list the contractor’s name, address, and New Castle County contractor license number, along with subcontractor details if subcontractors will be used. It should also state approximate start and substantial completion dates and clearly describe job specifics, materials, and any incorporated documents.\"},{\"question\":\"What cancellation rights apply if the contract was signed at home or off-site?\",\"answer\":\"If signed at your home or another location besides the seller’s permanent place of business, you generally have the right to cancel within three days under applicable federal and Delaware rules. The contract must include this notice and, when covered, attach a separate Notice of Cancellation form with required language.\"}]","Guide to Home Improvement Contracts - Know Your Rights | PDF",1789452269]