Contractors and Repair Shops in Maryland

Home improvement contractors and salespeople must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Each home improvement contract must be in writing, legible and signed by both parties, and must include the contractor's name, address, phone and license number, the salesperson's name and license number, approximate start and completion dates, a description of the work and materials, the price and payment terms, and notices about the Commission and the right to buy a performance bond. If the contract creates a lien on the home, it must include a notice of the right to rescind within 3 business days. The owner must receive a signed copy before work begins. No payment may be taken before the contract is signed, and the deposit may not exceed one-third of the contract price. Contractors may not offer gifts or bonuses (beyond small promotional items) as an inducement to sign.

Before starting repair work that will cost more than $50, an automotive repair facility must, if the customer asks, give a written estimate with the estimated completion date, the estimated price for parts and labor, any surcharge, and a statement about the shop's responsibility for damage to the vehicle. A shop may charge a reasonable fee for the estimate only if it discloses the fee beforehand. A shop may not charge more than 10% above the written estimate without the customer's consent. The shop must give an invoice describing all work and parts, stating whether any used, rebuilt or reconditioned parts were supplied, and must offer to return all replaced parts to the customer unless they must be returned to the manufacturer or distributor under a warranty.