Can you sign a home improvement contract with a 17-year-old?
Short answer. Not safely. In Maryland a contract with someone under 18 is generally voidable at the minor's option, even after the work is done. Have a trustee sign if one manages the property, or wait until the owner turns 18.
Work it through
You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.
A 17-year-old who just inherited a house from their grandmother wants you to renovate the kitchen. They have the money (inheritance) and seem mature and decisive.
But they're not 18 yet.
- Correct
In Maryland, contracts with minors (under 18) are generally voidable at the minor's option. This means the 17-year-old could cancel the contract at any time, even after you've completed the work, and you'd have limited legal recourse. If there's a trustee managing the inheritance, the trustee can sign. If not, waiting a few months until they're 18 is the safe path. Never start work on a voidable contract.
- Risky
Property ownership doesn't change contract law. A contract signed by a minor is voidable, meaning they can walk away at any point. If you complete $20,000 of work and the minor (or a newly appointed guardian) voids the contract, your recovery options are extremely limited. Protect yourself and the young homeowner by waiting for legal capacity or involving an adult fiduciary.
All 19 home improvement contracts questions
- Is a handshake deal legal for home improvement work in Maryland?
- What must a Maryland home improvement contract include?
- Which MHIC notice must every home improvement contract include?
- What if a signed contract is missing the completion date?
- Can a Maryland home improvement contract require arbitration?
- What happens in a scope dispute when nothing is in writing?
- Does a small cash side job need a written contract?
- Does a $2,000 job need a written home improvement contract?
- Can you start emergency repairs before signing a contract?
- Should you give a homeowner a ballpark or a written estimate?
- How do you fix a vague scope of work before it becomes a dispute?
- How should you respond when a client redlines your contract?
- How should a contract handle upgrades during the project?
- How do you price a contract for work that starts months later?
- Should a multi-year renovation be one contract or several?
- Can you sign a home improvement contract with a 17-year-old?
- What happens when a homeowner fires you partway through a job?
- Can you substitute materials named in the contract?
- How should you handle materials the homeowner supplies?