Illinois: what the law says about your contract
2 Illinois rules, each quoted from the statute with its link and the date we checked it, after the federal rule that applies everywhere.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Illinois licenses roofing contractors statewide (IDFPR). Plumbers are licensed by the state health department, and general contractors and electricians by cities such as Chicago.
FTC Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR 429)
Three business days to cancel in-home sales of $25 or more
“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction.”
The rule covers sales of $25 or more made at your home, and $130 or more at a seller’s temporary location such as a hotel, fair or convention center. It applies even when you invited the salesperson in. The seller must give you two copies of a cancellation form, tell you about the right out loud, and refund within 10 business days of a valid cancellation.
16 CFR 429 · checked 2026-10-05The scope, in the rule’s words
“…which has a purchase price of $25 or more if the sale is made at the buyer’s residence or a purchase price of $130 or more if the sale is made at locations other than the buyer’s residence…”
Exceptions include sales negotiated at the seller’s permanent place of business, real estate, insurance and securities, and genuine emergencies you started where you sign a handwritten waiver.
FTC consumer guide to the ruleThe emergency exception
“In which the buyer has initiated the contact and the goods or services are needed to meet a bona fide immediate personal emergency of the buyer, and the buyer furnishes the seller with a separate dated and signed personal statement in the buyer’s handwriting describing the situation requiring immediate remedy and expressly acknowledging and waiving the right to cancel the sale within 3 business days…”
A pre-printed waiver handed to you by the seller is not this. The statement has to be in your own handwriting, for an emergency you asked them to fix.
16 CFR 429 §429.0What the law says, quoted with its source. Not legal advice: for your situation ask your state's contractor board or attorney general.
Illinois rules
Over $1,000: a written contract with the total cost
“Prior to initiating home repair or remodeling work for over $1,000, a person engaged in the business of home repair or remodeling shall furnish to the customer for signature a written contract or work order that states the total cost, including parts and materials listed with reasonable particularity and any charge for an estimate.”
For Illinois work over $1,000 you should get a written contract with the total cost and the parts and materials listed, plus the “Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights” pamphlet (513/20).
815 ILCS 513/15 · checked 2026-10-05No paying or rebating your insurance deductible
“A contractor offering home repair or remodeling services shall not advertise or promise to pay or rebate all or any portion of any insurance deductible as an inducement to the sale of goods or services.”
If an Illinois contractor offers to cover your deductible, that offer is prohibited. You may also cancel an insurance-paid contract within 5 business days of a claim denial (513/18(e)).
815 ILCS 513/18(b) · checked 2026-10-05What the law says, quoted with its source. Not legal advice: for your situation ask your state's contractor board or attorney general.