So I know there are strict rules for Home Improvement Contracts in California but are there any rules that apply to Preconstruction Services Contracts with Home Owners? What I mean is when a home owner comes to us and wants us to give them as estimate for work to there home, and we provide services which may include outsourcing to architectural and engineering firms for project design drawings or details for the owner to obtain building permits, deconstructive services when required and value engineering and budgeting. Are we required to follow the Home Improvement Contract requirements for such services or are there other rules we need to follow when the client is a home owner?
Your contract needs to comply with the rules for Home Improvement Contracts ("HIC") only if your work is considered home improvment. The contractors state license law defines "home improvement" as "repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, or modernizing of, or adding to, residential property . . ." Based on the description of the services you are providing, I don't see that they fall within the scope of the "home improvement." Also, if your work is for new home contruction (i.e., ground up), you do not need to use a contract that complies with the HIC rules.