Which act is considered fraud in relation to home improvement contracts?

Materially altering a contract without consent is considered fraud in relation to home improvement contracts because it undermines the principle of mutual agreement between the parties involved. In a home improvement contract, both the contractor and the client must agree to the terms set forth, which typically include the scope of work, payment terms, and other essential details. If one party, often the contractor, changes these terms without the knowledge or agreement of the other party, it constitutes a breach of trust and can lead to significant misunderstandings or financial loss for the affected party. This kind of behavior is not only unethical but also illegal, as it violates consumer protection laws designed to safeguard clients in such transactions.

While the other options involve various issues related to home improvement practices, they do not carry the same legal weight of fraud that altering a contract without consent does. For example, offering payment plans may be a legitimate business practice, improper advertising could lead to misunderstandings but isn’t fraud, and charging for unused supplies can be misleading but does not necessarily equate to altering contract terms without interaction or consent from the involved parties.