Today's Business: CT's Home Improvement Act Offers Formula for Smooth Contracting Jobs
11/28/2023Disagreements between homeowners and contractors have been known to be an unfortunate part of home improvement projects. To help minimize disputes that can turn litigious, HSSK Partner David Slossberg reminds us that complying with Connecticut’s Home Improvement Act facilitates communication between the two parties.
In a recent article published in the Connecticut Hearst papers, including the New Haven Register and Stamford Advocate, David explains that the Connecticut Home Improvement Act emphasizes the importance of clear communication and legally sound agreements. To be enforceable in court, he says a contract must be in written form, signed by all involved parties and detail the project’s scope, timeline, payment terms and safety measures. David also advises homeowners to check if the contract limits or caps damages in case of any contract breaches.
David, who is a co-author of the definitive treatise on unfair trade practices in Connecticut, adds that failure to have a signed contract constitutes a violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA). Without one, he says the aggrieved homeowner may be able to recover compensatory and punitive damages and even attorney fees under CUTPA.
Read the article.