From the Arizona Regitrar of Contractors

SOME STEPS TO HELP ENSURE THE WORK YOU CONTRACT FOR IS THE WORK YOU GET

• Review the contractor’s license record at: https://roc.az.gov/contractor-search
• Make certain the contractor’s license class allows for the work listed in the contract.
  
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  • Please contact the ROC License Department with questions.
  
  
• Request a list of references and check them.
• Verify the person you are negotiating your project with is an authorized representative of the licensed contractor by calling the contractor’s number listed on the ROC license record.

• Ask for written estimates from at least three (3) contractors.
• Make sure a detailed list/description of the project, including the price, the responsibility to obtain building permits, and any other relevant terms, are spelled out in the estimate.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS: Only sign a contract agreement WITH A PROPERLY LICENSED CONTRACTING PROFESSIONAL.

• Review the written estimate and reconcile it with your written contract prior to signing – make sure the costs match.
• Make sure a detailed list/description of every aspect of the project is included in the contract.
• Ensure the price, the responsibility of obtaining building permits, and any other relevant terms are spelled out in a written contract.
• Be specific about the responsibilities of all parties involved and spell these responsibilities out in the contract document:

Some Examples:

• Permits – Permits are the responsibility of the property owner. However, many contractors include the cost of obtaining and fees in the contract.
• HOA notification and approvals – A property owner is responsible for notifying the contractor of CCR restrictions, requirements, and construction policies before the signing of a contract.
• Temporary power and water.
• Trash and debris removal.
• Sanitary facility details.

• Determine a payment/draw schedule.
• Make sure you understand the process for ensuring a properly executed change order:
  • How does it increase/decrease your total project cost?
  • How does it affect your project completion timeline?
  • It MUST BE SIGNED by both parties.
• Make clear, in writing, any other relevant terms or considerations you wish to include in your agreement with the properly licensed contracting professional.

• Never make a hurried decision. – REMEMBER – IF YOU AND THE CONTRACTOR DO NOT INTERPRET THE WRITTEN DOCUMENTS THE SAME WAY……DISPUTES ARE TO BE EXPECTED.
• Some payment guidelines to consider:
  • Never pay in cash.
  • Make checks payable to the name of the company/contractor listed in your signed contract. o Never make a check payable to individuals or companies not listed in your contract.
  • Do not allow payments to get ahead of the work.

§ NOTE: Special order materials, permits, and fees may need to be paid-for in advance.
1700 W. Washington Street ● Phoenix AZ 85007-2812
602.542.1525 ● Within AZ 877.692.9762 ● Fax 602.542.1599 ● www.roc.az.gov 

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