Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a contractor may not pay or otherwise compensate another person for performing or selling a home improvement unless: the person to be paid or compensated is licensed; the person to be paid or compensated is not subject to the licensing requirements of this title; or the transaction for which the consideration is to be paid is not subject to this title. After the expiration, suspension, or revocation of a license, a person: is not relieved of outstanding obligations; and may complete and be paid under a home improvement contract that is made but not performed on the date of the expiration, suspension, or revocation.