Home Improvement Contract (HIC) Requirements

Some states require a specific type of contract — called a Home Improvement Contract (HIC) — for residential contractor work above a certain dollar threshold.

Which States Require HICs?

States with the strictest HIC requirements include:

• Connecticut — Required for all home improvement work over $200
• New Jersey — Required for all work on 1-4 family dwellings
• Maryland — Required for home improvement contracts over $500
• Virginia — Required for work over $1,000
• New York — Required for residential work over $500
• Pennsylvania — Required for all home improvement contracts

What an HIC Must Include

State requirements vary, but a typical HIC must include:

• Contractor name, address, and license number
• Customer name and property address
• Detailed scope of work
• Start and completion dates (or a timeline)
• Total contract price and payment schedule
• Right-to-cancel notice (typically 3 business days)
• Warranty information

JobsPaid and HIC Compliance

JobsPaid invoices include your license number, business information, job details, and payment terms. For full HIC compliance in strict states, you may need to add the scope of work description, timeline, and cancellation notice in the Notes field of your invoice.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without a required HIC can result in fines, inability to enforce the contract in court, and in some states, criminal penalties.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only. Consult a contractor attorney in your state for complete HIC compliance requirements.