An owner asks a contractor to add an unforeseen scope of work mid-project. To be paid for the extra work, the contractor should FIRST:
Explanation
On a home improvement contract, B&P §7159(c)(5) makes a change order part of the contract only if it is in writing and signed by the parties before any work covered by it begins, and §7159(d) says the same of any change to the contract. Doing the work first and adding it to the final invoice leaves the contractor arguing over an unauthorized extra. A verbal go-ahead with a log entry is not a signed writing, however contemporaneous the note. Calling the extra an allowance at closeout relabels the billing without supplying the signature the statute requires.
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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