A contractor completes a $125,000 home improvement project. The homeowner discovers defective work 8 months later. What is the contractor's obligation under the Home Improvement Contract law?
Correct Answer
B) Must remedy defects in workmanship within the warranty period
B&P Code Section 7159 requires contractors to remedy defects in workmanship during the specified warranty period, typically one year unless otherwise specified.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
B&P Code Section 7159 requires contractors to remedy defects in workmanship during the applicable warranty period. The default warranty period for home improvement work is one year from completion unless the contract specifies otherwise. Since the defect was discovered at 8 months — within that one-year window — the contractor has a legal obligation to repair or remedy the defective workmanship, not just the materials.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Must provide warranty for materials only
Limiting the warranty to materials only misrepresents the law. B&P Code Section 7159 covers both materials and workmanship. A contractor cannot contractually disclaim the workmanship warranty under this provision; attempting to do so in a home improvement contract would be unenforceable.
Option C: Obligation limited to 6 months from completion
A 6-month limitation is not supported by statute. The default warranty under the Home Improvement Contract law extends to one year for workmanship. An 8-month discovery falls squarely within the valid warranty period, making a 6-month cutoff incorrect.
Option D: No obligation after project completion
Claiming no obligation after project completion directly contradicts B&P Code Section 7159. Contractors retain warranty obligations for a specified period after completion. Arguing otherwise would expose the contractor to CSLB disciplinary action and civil liability.
Memory Technique
Remember '7159 = One Year, Work and Materials.' The law number 7159 has four digits — think '1 Year for All' to remind yourself that both workmanship and materials are covered for the full warranty period.
More ca-license-law Questions
A Class C-10 electrical contractor has annual gross receipts of $3.2 million. What is the required bond amount under current California law?
Under B&P Code Section 7125.4, what is the fee for initial Home Improvement Salesperson registration?
According to B&P Code Section 7125, what is the maximum penalty the CSLB can impose for contracting without a license?
A home improvement contract for $8,500 requires a 3-day right to cancel notice. The contract is signed on Tuesday at 2 PM. When does the cancellation period expire?
A contractor employs 15 workers across multiple job sites. The total annual payroll is $850,000 with a workers' comp rate of 4.1%. If they self-insure with a deposit requirement of 125% of estimated annual premium, what deposit is required?
A C-10 electrical contractor wants to perform plumbing work valued at $8,000 as part of a larger electrical project. Is this permissible under CSLB regulations?
A homeowner discovers that an unlicensed contractor performed $25,000 worth of work on their property. Under B&P Code Section 7031, what remedy is available to the homeowner?
A Class B general building contractor wants to perform electrical work valued at $750. According to the B&P Code, this contractor:
A contractor's qualifying individual leaves the company. How many days does the contractor have to replace them before the license becomes invalid?
According to B&P Code Section 7031, what happens to a contractor's right to payment if they perform work while unlicensed?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
What is the minimum net worth requirement for a Class A general engineering contractor license in California?
Next Question
A contractor bids $45,000 for a kitchen remodel but the final cost is $52,000 due to change orders. What is the maximum finance charge the contractor can collect if offering payment terms?