Residential work in Franklinton is moving quickly, and recent changes in Ohio law place many repair, improvement, remodeling, and renovation contracts over $25,000 under Chapter 4722, the Home Construction Service Suppliers Act (HCSSA). We are already seeing disputes tied to forms that fail to include required disclosures or cancellation language, which can slow draws and turn routine issues into litigation.
Who is Covered?
For covered projects, HCSSA specifies required contract content and homeowner rights. If contractor liability insurance is below $250,000 or the job value is under $25,000, different rules may apply, so confirm which statute governs before you bid or sign. A short review of your prime contract, change-order process, and closeout materials can prevent avoidable friction.
Common Friction Points
These issues keep resurfacing on active projects. Flag them early to keep schedules and cash flow on track:
- Missing or incomplete three-day cancellation language
- Vague scopes that rely on “as needed” or undefined selections
- Change approvals by text instead of signed, priced forms
- Payment terms without clear milestones or lien waivers
- Warranty language that conflicts with statutory rights
Align Your Subs and Suppliers
Subcontractor and supplier agreements should mirror the owner contract in terms of scope, changes, insurance, lien waivers, and closeout deliverables. If they do not, you inherit gaps that are difficult to fix mid-project. Aligning flow-downs with the prime reduces back-and-forth and supports faster approvals.
Documentation That Lowers Risk
Keep selections, approvals, and field decisions in a single running file with clear naming for plan revisions and change orders. When an issue arises, send a short written notice and follow the cure path outlined in your contract. These small habits often make the difference between a quick resolution and a larger dispute.
What to Bring for a Quick Check
A focused document set lets us confirm HCSSA disclosures and tune language without slowing your pipeline:
- Prime contract template, change-order form, and closeout checklist
- A recent draw package with invoices and lien waivers
- Current subcontract template and standard purchase order
- Recent insurance certificates and endorsements
Next Steps
If you are building or remodeling in Franklinton and regularly cross the $25,000 threshold, a brief contract review can reduce disputes, protect margins, and speed draws. CPM’s Business Law and Litigation teams can pressure-test your forms for HSCCA compliance and align sub flow-downs and documentation so projects stay on schedule.
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