Dillsburg, PA - A new state law set to take effect in two weeks means a lot more than just home improvement contractors having to register with the state. It means there will be much more detail in home improvement contracts.

Even guys like Mike Ryan of Ryan's Tree Removal in Dillsburg have to register under the new "home improvement consumer protection act". He thinks his small business is ready but the process has been confusing.

"You would think that it would just be registering with the state to get a number or you'd be fined," said Ryan. "It's a lot more than that."

Many documents from his attorney he showed us are proof of that. The new law means even for a simple tree removal, the contract will be at least six pages.

"Things that need to be in the contract," said Ryan. "Numbers, dates, start and stop dates. And if these things don't fall into place, you need to re-contract with the customer."

With only two weeks to go for registration with the state attorney general, many home improvement contractors still have not done it. The Pennsylvania Home Builders Association (PBA) said that could be a problem.

"You've got to change your contracts and you've got to change all your advertising and promotions," said Scott Elliott of the PBA. "So if you wait until the eleventh hour, you won't be able to be ready in time."

Beginning on July 1, 2009, Elliott said consumers should ask any home improvement contractor if they are registered and check out the profile of the business on the state attorney general's website. But he said the new law is no guarantee that a contractor, is honest. He said homeowners need to do their own research on a home improvement contractor.

The state attorney general's website has more information on the new law for both home improvement contractors and consumers. Go to www.attorneygeneral.gov.

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