An existing improvement is a pre-existing addition to a homestead that is physically attached to the homestead.
Work and material used to repair and renovate existing improvements refers to the process of:
•replacing material physically attached to existing improvements whether or not the new material is similar to or the same as the material being replaced. Examples include replacing flooring, roofing, built-in appliances, siding, windows, or other material that is attached to existing improvements,
•physically attaching material to existing improvements where there is no previously attached material being replaced that is the same as or similar to the material being attached. Examples include attaching to existing improvements a new room, a built-in cabinet, or a second story, and
•mending, remedying or upgrading all or a portion of existing improvements without adding or replacing material to the existing improvements. Examples include restoring wood flooring or woodwork of an existing improvement where the work does not include physically attaching material to the existing improvements, and removing flooring to expose flooring underneath.
Contracts and applications for work and material used to repair or renovate existing improvements have more requirements. If the application and contract are for both work and material used to repair or renovate existing improvements and for work and material used in constructing new improvements, the entire transaction is considered a contract to repair and renovate existing improvements and compliance with the constitutional requirements of (i) a five-day waiting period (ii) spousal consent (iii) a three-day right of recession and (iv) restricted closing locations are required to establish a lien on the homestead.