Home improvement projects—also known as home repairs, renovations, or remodeling—range from small painting projects to complete reconstruction of rooms or of an entire home.

Home improvement projects can present a number of potential legal issues, including financing and loans (home equity line of credit or HELOC, for example); the construction contract for the work (materials and labor); surveys and lot lines; mechanic’s liens; waivers or releases of mechanic’s liens; insurance against damage or loss (builder’s risk) to the home or materials; and worker’s compensation insurance to insure against personal injuries sustained by a contractor or subcontractor.

In Rhode Island, home improvement projects are subject to various legal considerations to protect homeowners and contractors. Financing such projects often involves a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which uses the homeowner's equity as collateral. It's important to understand the terms and conditions of such financial agreements. The construction contract is a critical document that outlines the scope of work, materials, labor, costs, and timelines. Rhode Island law requires that home improvement contracts for more than $1,000 be in writing. Before starting any project, it's essential to verify property boundaries through surveys to avoid disputes over lot lines. Mechanic’s liens are a legal tool for contractors and subcontractors to ensure payment for their work; they can place a lien on the property if they are not paid. Conversely, waivers or releases of mechanic’s liens are used once payment is received or to clear the title during a sale. Insurance is another key consideration: builder’s risk insurance covers damage or loss to the home or materials during construction, while worker’s compensation insurance is mandatory for contractors with employees to cover injuries on the job. Compliance with these regulations helps ensure that home improvement projects are completed lawfully and with financial and legal protections in place.