A public resource for Illinois homeowners
Hiring a contractor? Know the rules.
Illinois law protects you when someone offers to repair or restore your home.
3daysTo cancel any door-sale contract
30daysTo cancel if your claim is pending
10Tips before you sign
Illinois AG · Pamphlet 02/14
Avoiding home repair fraud
Six things that should make you pause.
- 01Door-to-door deals.Salespeople with no local ties offering work for far less than the going rate.
- 02Only a phone number.Solicitations from a company that lists only a phone or PO box — especially if it's out of state.
- 03No references.Contractors who can't produce references when you ask for them.
- 04Free home inspections.
- Never let anyone into your home without verified ID.
- When in doubt, call the employer to confirm the worker's identity.
- 05Cash or odd payee.Contractors who demand cash, or want a check made out to a person — not the company.
- 06Rides to the bank.Offers to drive you to the bank to withdraw funds for the work.
What the law requires
What every contract must spell out.
A
Contractor identity
Full name, address, and phone number. Any change to the business name or address before completion must be disclosed.
B
Scope of work
A clear description of the work to be performed.
C
Schedule
Starting and estimated completion dates.
D
Total cost
Total cost of the work, in writing.
E
Payment plan
Schedule and method of payment, including any down payment.
F
Termination
- Either party can end the contract. The grounds must be stated in writing.
- You still owe the contractor for work already completed.
- If the contractor misses the deadline, you can cancel and may get your deposit back.
- Send the cancellation by certified mail, in writing.
G
Roofing license
For roofing work, the contractor must include their Illinois roofing license name and number on contracts and bids.
Before you sign
Ten things to check before you sign anything.
- 01Get every estimate in writing.
- 02Don't sign under pressure.
- 03No blanks, no surprises.Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one you don't fully understand. If a loan is involved, wait for your lender's approval before signing.
- 04Three days to cancel.
- If you signed at your home, you have three business days to cancel.
- The contractor cannot take that away by starting work or selling the contract.
- Insurance-tied work: cancel within 5 days of a written claim denial.
- Insurance-tied work: cancel within 30 days of filing your claim.
- 05Check the business name.If the contractor uses a name other than their real name, the business must be incorporated or registered under the Assumed Business Name Act. Confirm with the Secretary of State or the county clerk.
- 06Check permits and inspections.Local and county rules often require permits or inspections. Ask your municipality before work begins.
- 07Ask about guarantees.Confirm whether the contractor warranties their work and the products they install.
- 08Confirm insurance.Ask for proof of liability and workers' comp before any crew steps on your property.
- 09Don't sign off too soon.Never sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until the work satisfies you.
- 10Know who's supplying the job.
- Suppliers and subcontractors can put a lien on your property if the general doesn't pay them.
- To protect yourself, request lien waivers from the general contractor before final payment.
What you'll sign on day one
The acknowledgment form, in plain English.
Restoration Associates Corp · 2601 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Home Repair · Know Your Consumer Rights Acknowledgment Form
“I, the homeowner, have received from Restoration Associates Corp a copy of the pamphlet entitled, ‘Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights.’”
- Homeowner signature · Date
- Print name · Date
- Restoration Associates representative · Date
If something feels off
Talk to the Attorney General.
Source: Office of the Attorney General, State of Illinois · www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov · Reproduced here for public reference. Original pamphlet: PDF.