Home improvement projects—also known as home repairs, renovations, or remodeling—range from small painting projects to complete reconstruction of rooms or of an entire home.

Home improvement projects can present a number of potential legal issues, including financing and loans (home equity line of credit or HELOC, for example); the construction contract for the work (materials and labor); surveys and lot lines; mechanic’s liens; waivers or releases of mechanic’s liens; insurance against damage or loss (builder’s risk) to the home or materials; and worker’s compensation insurance to insure against personal injuries sustained by a contractor or subcontractor.

In Connecticut, home improvement projects are regulated to protect homeowners and ensure that contractors conduct business in a fair and legal manner. Financing such projects often involves a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which is a loan where the borrower uses the equity of their home as collateral. The construction contract is a critical document that outlines the scope of work, materials, labor, and payment terms. It's important to have a clear and detailed contract to avoid disputes. Connecticut law requires that any home improvement contract for a job costing more than $1,000 be in writing. Homeowners should also be aware of surveys and lot lines to ensure that improvements comply with local zoning regulations. Mechanic’s liens are a legal claim against a property by a contractor or subcontractor who has not been paid for work performed. In Connecticut, contractors must follow specific procedures to enforce these liens. Waivers or releases of mechanic’s liens can be obtained once payment is made. Insurance is another important consideration; builder’s risk insurance can cover damage or loss to the home or materials during the project, while worker’s compensation insurance is required for contractors to cover personal injuries sustained on the job. Homeowners should verify that contractors are properly licensed and insured to perform the work in Connecticut.