HB 383 Summary

• Excludes home construction service contracts from Consumer Sales Practices Act coverage by amending section 1345.01 to create separate regulatory framework

• Establishes new Chapter 4722 requiring written contracts for home construction services exceeding $25,000, with specified terms including contractor information, project description, timeline, estimated costs, and insurance documentation

• Requires home construction service suppliers to maintain minimum $250,000 general liability insurance and limits down payments to 10% of contract price (or 75% for special order items) before work begins

• Mandates written or oral estimates for unforeseen excess costs exceeding $5,000 during contract performance and prohibits suppliers from charging unapproved excess costs

• Prohibits deceptive practices including misrepresenting work necessity, failing to perform in workmanlike manner per Ohio Home Builders Association standards, and misrepresenting conditions; establishes enforcement authority for Attorney General and private cause of action for owners with damages up to $5,000 plus actual economic losses