Free MHIC Training

What happens in a scope dispute when nothing is in writing?

Short answer. You usually lose. Without a written contract the MHIC typically sides with the homeowner, and working without one is itself a violation of Business Regulation §8-501, whoever is right about the scope.

  • Business Regulation §8-501

Work it through

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

Sarah Mitchell

First-time homeowner who wants a kitchen renovation

Three weeks into Sarah's kitchen renovation, a dispute erupts over the scope of work. She says you agreed to replace all the countertops. You say it was only the island countertop.

There's nothing in writing. Sarah threatens to file an MHIC complaint.

  1. Lesson learned

    You absorbed the cost, but this could have been avoided entirely with a written contract detailing the exact scope. Without documentation, the MHIC typically sides with the homeowner in disputes. The cost of a proper contract: 20 minutes. The cost of this mistake: thousands in free countertops.

  2. Bad outcome

    Sarah files a complaint with the MHIC. Without a written contract, you've already violated Maryland Business Regulation §8-501. The Commission will find that you operated without a required written contract, which is an independent violation regardless of the scope dispute. You'll face a hearing, possible fine, and license action.

All 19 home improvement contracts questions

  1. Is a handshake deal legal for home improvement work in Maryland?
  2. What must a Maryland home improvement contract include?
  3. Which MHIC notice must every home improvement contract include?
  4. What if a signed contract is missing the completion date?
  5. Can a Maryland home improvement contract require arbitration?
  6. What happens in a scope dispute when nothing is in writing?
  7. Does a small cash side job need a written contract?
  8. Does a $2,000 job need a written home improvement contract?
  9. Can you start emergency repairs before signing a contract?
  10. Should you give a homeowner a ballpark or a written estimate?
  11. How do you fix a vague scope of work before it becomes a dispute?
  12. How should you respond when a client redlines your contract?
  13. How should a contract handle upgrades during the project?
  14. How do you price a contract for work that starts months later?
  15. Should a multi-year renovation be one contract or several?
  16. Can you sign a home improvement contract with a 17-year-old?
  17. What happens when a homeowner fires you partway through a job?
  18. Can you substitute materials named in the contract?
  19. How should you handle materials the homeowner supplies?