Hiring a contractor in Connecticut: check, red flags, complaints

Red flags when hiring

• A contract without the registration number, start and completion dates, or a notice of cancellation rights. Such contracts can't be enforced against the owner. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
• No refund within 10 days of a written request when no substantial work was done after 30 days. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor before you hire

How to complain

• Email the DCP complaint form and documents to [email protected]. (source: DCP: Home Improvement for Consumers (opens in a new tab))

Consumer protections

Guaranty Fund

• The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund can pay up to $25,000 per claim when you can't collect a court judgment against a registered contractor. It does not cover new home construction. (source: DCP: Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (opens in a new tab), source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))

Contract and advertising rules

• The contractor's registration number must appear in their ads and on your contract. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))
• A home improvement contract that lacks the registration number, start and completion dates and a notice of your cancellation rights can't be enforced against you. (source: CGS Chapter 400: Home Improvement Act (opens in a new tab))