Bus. & Prof. Code §7159 requires home improvement contracts to include the approximate dates when work will begin and when it will be substantially complete. If the contractor fails to commence the work within a reasonable time from the agreed start date, the consumer's primary remedy is to:

Explanation

B&P §7159(d)(10) and (d)(11) make the approximate start and completion dates required contract terms, so failing to start within a reasonable time is a breach of the contract itself — a material one that supports rescission, and conduct the CSLB may also pursue as abandonment under §7107 or failure to complete under §7113. Nothing requires a consumer to wait six months to complain, or to wait out the original completion date when the contractor never started. And the Registrar disciplines licensees; restitution comes through a disciplinary order, the license bond or a court, not on request.