The provisions of this Chapter shall not be applicable to residential contractors as defined in G.S. 87 10(1a), or to improvements to real property intended for residential purposes which are exempted from the application of Chapter 83A of the N.C. Gen. Stat. pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 83A-13(c)(1), or to improvements to real property intended for residential purposes which consist of 12 or fewer residential units.? (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 946.)