Things to know when hiring a contractor for home improvements

Who are specialty contractors?
A contractor hired by a household to install, repair or maintain the different systems in a house is less commonly known as a specialty contractor. Some common examples of licenses are plumbing, electrical, swimming pool, heating and cooling (HVAC), roofing, security and alarms, and landscaping.

Depending on the state law on licensing requirements, a specialty contractor goes thru specific training and an apprenticeship in order to obtain a license in the desired specialty.

Why do contractors require licenses?
Here in Arizona, a licensed contractor has to possess a minimum amount of experience and must pass a business management test in order to obtain a license. A criminal history background check may also be required for the applicant to take a trade exam. Meanwhile, an applicant cannot have any outstanding unresolved contracting complaints.

How does using a licensed contractor protect consumers?
You should always hire a licensed contractor because the contractor is held liable for any injury or property damage caused by negligence. If you have hired an unlicensed contractor, you will have no recourse through the Arizona Registrar of Contractor (AZ ROC).

If a licensed contractor is hired, you can file a complaint against the contractor’s license within a two-year period from the date of occupancy or date the last work was performed. For more information, read this article by the AZ ROC: https://roc.az.gov/before-hire#hire.

Also, review the contractor’s license record to make sure that the contractor is compliant and see if the contractor has any complaints filed against it. If you live in Arizona, you can search for a contractor’s license and complaints information here: https://roc.az.gov/contractor-search.

On a side note, keep these tips in mind while you are looking to hire a contractor:

• Beware of door-to-door solicitation that offers low cost construction services.
• Try to get at least three estimates and ask for references when you’re hiring for contracting work.
• If a contractor is referred to you, do your due diligence to check for the contractor’s profile on the AZ ROC and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Keep a written agreement from the contractor that includes details such as the license number of the contractor, estimated start and completion dates of the project, and services that the contractor will provide. For a complete list of things to include in the contract, check out this page by the Arizona Legislature: https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01158.htm.

Call 800-368-7767 or visit www.elahomerepairs.org for a free referral to a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor.  All our contractors are regularly monitored and meet high industry standards.