Can you start emergency repairs before signing a contract?

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

Margaret Torres

Elderly widow who needs roof repairs

Listen

1. AGo immediately and stop the flooding. But get a written contract signed as soon as the emergency is stabilized — before performing any non-emergency repairs
   Correct

   Emergency stabilization (shutting off water, preventing further damage) is reasonable to start without a contract. But once the emergency is stabilized, you must have a written contract before performing repair work. The emergency doesn't waive Maryland's contract requirements — it just justifies reasonable immediate action. Document the emergency, take photos, and get the contract signed the next morning.

2. BGo fix everything — the burst pipe, the water damage, the drywall, the flooring. Send her a bill when it's done
   Wrong

   Performing thousands of dollars in non-emergency repair work without a written contract, especially for an elderly homeowner, violates Maryland home improvement law. Stopping the water = emergency. Replacing drywall and flooring = non-emergency work requiring a contract. Sending an after-the-fact bill for undefined work to an elderly widow is exactly the kind of complaint that makes headlines.

3. CTell her to call a plumber — pipe repair isn't covered under your MHIC license
   Partially true

   Specialized plumbing work requires a master plumber's license. However, shutting off the water main to stop flooding is basic emergency response anyone can do. You could also help coordinate the emergency, call a plumber on her behalf, and handle the restoration work (drywall, flooring) under your MHIC license. Leaving an elderly widow alone with a flooding basement at 10 PM is not a good look.