Bill > HB485

This bill aims to regulate residential home construction contracts by establishing key protections for consumers and contractors. The legislation specifies that once a construction bid is accepted, the contractor cannot increase the total amount, effectively locking in the original bid as the full financial obligation for the agreed-upon construction services. The bill also prohibits time and materials contracts (where clients pay for actual labor hours and material costs) unless both parties explicitly agree to such terms in writing, with a time and materials contract defined as one where the client pays a contractor based on actual material costs and hourly labor rates until the project's completion. The bill provides exceptions to these rules, such as when parties agree in writing before bid acceptance that the bid is not the final cost, or when there are mutually agreed-upon changes in the project's scope, material costs, or subcontractor bids. The legislation is intended to be codified as part of Title 28, Chapter 2 of Montana state law, providing clarity and protection for both homeowners and contractors in residential construction projects.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2352