A California contractor wants to make a change to an existing home improvement contract that will increase the total contract price by $3,500. According to B&P Code 7159, what documentation is required?
Correct Answer
C) A written change order signed by both parties
B&P Code 7159(d) requires that any changes to a home improvement contract that alter the contract price or scope of work must be documented in a written change order signed by both the contractor and the buyer before the changed work begins.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
B&P Code 7159(d) requires any modification to a home improvement contract that alters the contract price or scope of work to be documented in a written change order signed by both the contractor and the buyer before the changed work begins. At $3,500, this change clearly exceeds any threshold and requires full written documentation.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Change orders are not permitted once a contract is signed
Change orders are absolutely permitted after a contract is signed — they are a standard and expected part of construction. The law governs how they must be documented, not whether they can occur. Prohibiting all changes after signing would make construction contracts unworkable.
Option B: Email confirmation from the homeowner
Email confirmation alone is not sufficient under B&P Code 7159. The statute requires a formal written change order signed by both parties. An email from the homeowner, while written, does not constitute a properly executed change order.
Option D: Verbal agreement with the homeowner is sufficient
A verbal agreement with the homeowner, no matter how clearly communicated or agreed upon, does not satisfy B&P Code 7159's written change order requirement. Verbal agreements for contract modifications are unenforceable and expose the contractor to disputes and license violations.
Memory Technique
The rule is simple: '$0 change to scope or price = written change order required.' There is no minimum threshold for change order documentation in home improvement contracts — any price or scope change needs a signed written change order.
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