A change order on a home improvement project that increases the price must:
Explanation
B&P §7159(c)(5) makes a change-order form part of a home improvement contract only if it is in writing AND signed by the parties before any work covered by it begins, and §7159(d) repeats that requirement for any change to the contract. An email confirmation is a writing but not a signed change order, which is where this goes wrong most often in the field. No provision requires a change order to be filed with CSLB, on a five-day clock or any other. And a lender's approval may govern the draw, but it is not what makes the change binding between owner and contractor.
Law Reference: B&P Code §7159(c)(5), (d)This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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