🏠 What Is the Wisconsin Right to Cure Law? A Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding This Protection
🔍 What Is the Wisconsin Right to Cure Law?
The Wisconsin Right to Cure Law (2005 Wisconsin Act 201) gives homeowners a fair, legally protected process to resolve construction defect claims before heading to mediation or arbitration. Whether you’re replacing your roof, siding, or simply having repairs done, this law protects you by giving contractors a chance to inspect and fix problems first.
You’ll see this law mentioned in our contracts because it’s not just important—it’s legally required that we inform you about it. But more than that, it’s designed to keep things fair, efficient, and solution-focused for everyone involved.
🛠️ Why the Law Exists—and Why It Matters to You
Construction involves many moving parts. Sometimes, defects show up in materials, workmanship, or installation. The Right to Cure Law:
- Gives you a way to get problems fixed without jumping into a lawsuit,
- Allows contractors a chance to inspect and offer solutions,
- Helps avoid expensive legal costs for both parties.
This law applies to new construction, remodeling, or additions. It does not apply to general maintenance or when purchasing an existing home.
📋 Step-by-Step: How the Wisconsin Right to Cure Law Works
Here’s how the process unfolds if you believe there’s a construction defect:
- Notice of Claim (You):
You must send the contractor a written notice describing the issue at least 90 working days before taking legal action. - Contractor’s Response (Us):
We have 15 working days (25 if it involves windows/doors) to:- Offer to fix the problem
- Offer a settlement
- Do both
- Reject the claim (with reasons), or
- Request to inspect or test the issue
- Your Response:
You can accept, reject, or partially accept our offer. Your written response is due within 15 working days. - Our Final Offer (Optional):
If you reject the initial offer, we have 5 working days to send a supplemental offer. - Final Decision:
You can accept the final offer—or proceed to file a lawsuit if no agreement is reached.
📌 Important: If these steps aren’t followed, your claim might be delayed or dismissed.
✅ Why We Include the Right to Cure Law in Our Contracts
- It’s a legal obligation under Wisconsin law.
- It builds transparency into our process.
- It allows us to respond quickly and fairly if a problem arises.
More importantly, it gives you, the homeowner, a voice and a clear path to resolution—without stress or surprise costs.
🧠 What Happens If You Skip the Process?
If you don’t follow the steps in the Wisconsin Right to Cure Law, your case may be delayed, dismissed, or cost significantly more. Even worse, it may void certain legal protections you’d otherwise have.
This isn’t about legal threats—it’s about making sure things get handled the right way.
In Simple Terms: It’s About Respect
This law gives both sides a chance to fix things without jumping straight to court. It’s not about avoiding responsibility—it’s about handling issues the right way, through communication and solutions.
If you ever have a concern, just let us know. We’re here to listen, respond, and do what’s right.
Have questions about the Right to Cure Law or your contract? We’re happy to walk you through it—just reach out.
🔗 Resources for Homeowners
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Full Text of Wisconsin Statute § 895.07
- Your Rights Under Wisconsin’s Home Improvement Code (ATCP 110)
- Our Construction Process
- Customer Support and Warranty Claims
