In Illinois, "For home repair contracts over $1,000, you have the right to a written contract or work order" (Illinois Attorney General). The contractor must also give you the Attorney General's brochure, "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights."

What you are owed

• A written contract or work order for jobs over $1,000.
• The "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights" brochure. Over $1,000, you sign an acknowledgment that you received it.
• A right to cancel within 3 business days when the sale is made at your home and is over $25.

The Attorney General's home repair page adds that adults over 65 get up to 15 business days to cancel (Attorney General home repair).

Red flags the Attorney General names

The Attorney General says to "Get more than one estimate and get them in writing," and warns about a contractor who demands "cash payment and/or full payment before they complete a job."

Lien waivers

The Attorney General's fact sheet advises getting lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers.

Complaints

File with the Attorney General online, or call a consumer fraud hotline: 1-800-386-5438 (Chicago), 1-800-243-0618 (Springfield) or 1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale).

Before you sign, check the license for any trade the state licenses. See how to check an Illinois plumber or roofer license.

FAQ

When does an Illinois home repair job need a written contract? The Attorney General says you have the right to a written contract or work order for home repair contracts over $1,000.

Can I cancel a home repair contract in Illinois? Within 3 business days when the sale is made at your home and is over $25. Adults over 65 get up to 15 business days, according to the Attorney General.

Should I pay a contractor in full before the work is done? The Attorney General lists a demand for cash or full payment before the job is done as a red flag.

Sources: Illinois Attorney General, Home Repair: Know Your Rights, Illinois Attorney General home repair, Illinois Attorney General file a complaint.

Illinois licenses plumbers through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and roofing contractors through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). For electricians and general contractors, check with your city or village.

Plumbers: IDPH

IDPH says "the Department licenses plumbers, plumbing contractors, plumbers' apprentices, irrigation contractors and retired plumbers," and "All plumbing contractors must register with the state and pay an annual fee" (IDPH plumbing). Look up a plumber with the IDPH plumber license verification.

A tip from IDPH: "All advertisements for plumbing services must include the plumbing license number in the advertisement." An ad with no number is a reason to ask.

Roofers: IDFPR

IDFPR licenses roofing contractors (IDFPR roofing). Use IDFPR's license lookup. IDFPR notes it can take up to 24 hours after a license is issued for it to show.

IDFPR's roofer brochure says to write down the license number so you can verify it, and that the number "starts with #104-XXXXXX and is on the contract." It also says "Never make a full payment until all the work has been completed" and not to pay in cash (IDFPR roofer brochure). Complaints go to IDFPR's complaint page or 1-888-473-4858.

Electricians and general contractors

The Village of Libertyville puts it this way: "in Illinois, there is no State Electrical License like you might find in other states" (Village of Libertyville). Cities and villages set their own rules for electricians and general contractors, so they differ from town to town. Call your building department and ask which license a contractor needs there.

Your rights on the contract itself are in Illinois home repair contract rights.

FAQ

Who licenses plumbers in Illinois? The Illinois Department of Public Health. Plumbing contractors must also register with the state every year.

Who licenses roofers in Illinois? The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The license number starts with 104.

Does Illinois have a state electrician license? The Village of Libertyville says there is no state electrical license in Illinois. Check with your city or village.

Sources: IDPH plumbing, IDFPR roofing, IDFPR license lookup, IDFPR roofer brochure, IDFPR complaints, Village of Libertyville electrical licensing.