A home improvement contract must include the approximate dates when the performance will be:

Including the approximate dates for substantial completion in a home improvement contract is essential because it provides clear expectations for both the homeowner and the contractor. Substantial completion marks a point in the project where most of the work has been completed, allowing the owner to use and occupy the space for its intended purpose, even if some minor tasks or corrections remain.

This term plays a significant role in the overall contract as it helps in planning, scheduling, and project management. Both parties benefit from this clarity, as it allows the homeowner to anticipate when they can utilize the improvements and gives the contractor a timeline for when major deadlines should be met. Including these dates also serves as a basis for evaluating the project's progress and addressing any potential delays in a structured way.

While the other options might seem relevant, they do not capture the crucial point in a project's timeline that substantially completed signifies, which is pivotal in keeping the workflow organized and the expectations aligned between both parties.