Consumer Information:
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR?

Because consumers lose over $25 million dollars per year to unlicensed contractors!!

OVER 2,500 COMPLAINTS ARE FILED AGAINST UNLICENSED INDIVIDUALS EACH YEAR AT THE REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS OFFICE…

IN ONE FISCAL YEAR, THE REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS OFFICE FILED 937 CRIMINAL CHARGES, ISSUED 244 CIVIL CITATIONS AND FILED 22 FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY FELONY CASES AGAINST UNLICENSED PEOPLE…

One of the most common cases is when the “roofer” cannot be located when a problem develops with the roof he installed. If there is a problem with a roof installed by a licensed contractor you have more than a telephone number to fall back on. You have the assurance that the contractor has met the qualifications required by the State of Arizona.

The State of Arizona has rigid standards for professional roofing contractors. Only those who meet these standards can qualify for a roofing contractor’s license. These licenses are YOUR best protection. Should you have a legitimate dispute with a licensed roofing contractor you have the right to file a complaint with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors office. In most cases, your complaint will be resolved satisfactorily.

Contracting without a license in the State of Arizona is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE! ARS: 32-1151 lists contracting without a license as a Class I Misdemeanor, punishable by fines or imprisonment or both.

THE RECOVERY FUND

Dealing with licensed contractors allows the homeowner access to the Registrar of Contractors Recovery Fund.

The Recovery Fund is financed by licensed contractors and is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. It was established to cover losses suffered by homeowners that have incurred damages caused by the failure of a LICENSED CONTRACTOR to adequately build or improve a residential structure or appurtenance on their property.

When a contractor refuses or is unable to comply with an order of the Registrar of Contractors to remedy a violation, the homeowner may file a claim against the Recovery Fund and can recover as much as $30,000. The maximum payout for any one contractor’s license is $200,000.

THE RECOVERY FUND BENEFIT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO HOMEOWNERS USING UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS!

BEWARE OF THE RISKS!

The State of Arizona requires that anyone who contracts to perform roofing services exceeding $750, including labor and material, must have a valid Arizona contractor’s license. THIS LAW WAS WRITTEN TO PROTECT YOU! It was implemented for good reasons. If someone performs roofing services valued over $750 without a license, THEY ARE BREAKING THE LAW.

In most cases unlicensed roofers do not have Worker’s Compensation Insurance. They do not have Liability Insurance. They are not Bonded. They do not pay City, State, or Federal Taxes. They do not secure Permits when required. They do not adhere to Local and State Construction Law.

All of the above can cause YOU grave consequences! When the roofer is unlicensed, YOU are considered to be their employer. YOU can be personally liable for employment taxes. If an accident or injury occurs YOU could be held liable for medical costs. YOU could also be exposed to future lawsuits. Roofing is a dangerous business! Don’t assume a potentially devastating liability by hiring an unlicensed roofer.

THE UNLICENSED ROOFER YOU HIRE TO ROOF YOUR HOME TODAY…
COULD OWN YOUR HOME TOMORROW!

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Your home is an important and valuable asset, you should not trust just anyone to roof it. Before hiring a roofing contractor you should follow these simple steps:

Have the roofing contractor provide you with a list of references!
Check the roofing contractor’s license. Make sure he has a C-42 (residential roofing) or K-42 (dual license) and that the license is current and in good standing.
Check the contractor’s complaint record at the Registrar of Contractors office. The number of complaints should not eliminate a contractor from consideration unless it is extreme. The manner in which the complaints were resolved is much more important and will help to determine if you want to do business with this company.
Inquire as to the contractor’s insurance coverage. Does he have both worker’s compensation and liability insurance and will he provide you with certificates of insurance?

To verify license and complaint information call the Registrar of Contractors at (602) 542-1525, or:
Click Here to Check a Roofing Contractor's License

ASK THE CONTRACTOR

This checklist should help you find a licensed and qualified roofing contractor:

Does the contractor have an Arizona roofing contractor’s license that is in good standing?
Does the Registrar of Contractors verify that the license is C-42 or K-42 (residential)?
Is the contractor’s complaint history acceptable?
Does the contractor have worker’s compensation and liability insurance?
Will the contractor provide certificates of insurance?
Can the contractor provide you with a list of references?
Does the contractor use a written contract that includes the scope of work and payment terms?
Will the contractor provide you with his own guarantee?
Will the contractor provide you with a manufacturer’s warranty?

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Be cautious if a contractor asks for an exorbitant amount as a down payment. Reasonable down payments are often required and are acceptable for material purchases as well as for the contractor’s own security.

Be certain the contractor furnishes a written contract that includes the specific work to be performed, where the work will be performed, terms of payment and warranties and/or guarantees offered and their conditions.

Do not issue full payment for the job until all work has been completed. Lengthy projects may require progress payments, be sure the amount does not exceed the value of the work performed.

If there is a problem with any of the above items, do not hire the contractor in question. Protect yourself and your assets. DO NOT RELY ON VERBAL PROMISES!

7 WAYS TO AVOID THE INFAMOUS
ROOFING “RIP OFF”