Contractor Problems in Iowa: Complaints and Your Options

Where to file a complaint

You may file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General online if a contractor used unfair, deceptive or misleading practices. Include contracts, estimates, receipts, photos and messages. Source

Bond or insurance

With few exceptions, each contractor with a principal place of business outside Iowa must file a $25,000 bond to register, and subcontractors need their own. The state says this bond guarantees taxes, penalties and other payments due to the State of Iowa, and only the State and its agencies may collect on it, so it is not a source of money for homeowners. Source

Contract and cancellation rules

The Attorney General says the contract should list the work, materials, price, and start and completion dates, plus cleanup, permits, inspections and change orders. Some contracts signed at your home may include a short cancellation period, so read the notice before signing and keep proof that any cancellation was sent on time. It also says to ask for proof of liability insurance. Source

Liens on your home

If subcontractors or suppliers are not paid, they may claim lien rights. The Attorney General says to ask for lien waivers before final payment, and says you can search the state's mechanic's lien registry. The page does not state notice deadlines. Source

This is general information, not legal advice. A topic we don't list means we couldn't confirm it on an official page, not that the protection doesn't exist.

Iowa licensing and costs · All states

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.