Contractors and Repair Shops in Illinois
Licensing, written contracts, deposits and estimates for home improvement contractors and auto repair shops in Illinois.
Short answer: Before starting home repair or remodeling work over $1,000, the contractor must give the customer a written contract or work order to sign stating the total cost (with parts and materials listed with reasonable particularity and any estimate charge) and the business name and address. 815 ILCS 513/15 (Home Repair and Remodeling Act); Illinois Attorney General, Avoid Home Repair Fraud
| Home improvement contractors | Before starting home repair or remodeling work over $1,000, the contractor must give the customer a written contract or work order to sign stating the total cost (with parts and materials listed with reasonable particularity and any estimate charge) and the business name and address. The Attorney General says the contractor should also present and both parties should sign the Attorney General's Home Repair Consumer Rights document for work of $1,000 or more, and that you have three business days to cancel a contract signed at home (up to 15 business days for seniors over 65). Attorney General page: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/home-repair/ |
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| Auto repair rules | For repairs over $100, a shop may not begin work without the consumer's specific authorization after required disclosures. It must either give a written estimate for parts and labor and not charge more than 10% over it without the consumer's oral or written consent, or give a written price limit and not exceed it without consent. The estimate must list major parts (new or used), whether repairs are required or suggested, disassembly costs, and a promised delivery date. If unforeseen circumstances make the estimate insufficient, the shop must get consent before doing the extra work and record oral consent. Retail installations at a firm price chosen by the customer (such as tires, batteries, oil and lube jobs) are excluded. |
Where to get help in Illinois
More Illinois consumer protection
- The Lemon Law in Illinois
- Your Right to Cancel a Purchase in Illinois
- Filing a Consumer Complaint in Illinois
- All Illinois consumer protection rules
FAQ
What are the rules for home improvement contractors in Illinois?
Before starting home repair or remodeling work over $1,000, the contractor must give the customer a written contract or work order to sign stating the total cost (with parts and materials listed with reasonable particularity and any estimate charge) and the business name and address. The Attorney General says the contractor should also present and both parties should sign the Attorney General's Home Repair Consumer Rights document for work of $1,000 or more, and that you have three business days to cancel a contract signed at home (up to 15 business days for seniors over 65).
What are your rights with an auto repair shop in Illinois?
For repairs over $100, a shop may not begin work without the consumer's specific authorization after required disclosures. It must either give a written estimate for parts and labor and not charge more than 10% over it without the consumer's oral or written consent, or give a written price limit and not exceed it without consent. The estimate must list major parts (new or used), whether repairs are required or suggested, disassembly costs, and a promised delivery date. If unforeseen circumstances make the estimate insufficient, the shop must get consent before doing the extra work and record oral consent.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.