Arizona Registrar of Contractors Agency News

Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Get the latest news from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The Arizona Legislature established the Registrar of Contractors in 1931. The ROC licenses and regulates residential and commercial contractors. ROC staff investigate and work to resolve complaints against licensed contractors and unlicensed entities.

  1. 11/10/2021

    Keep Your Winter Stress-Free: Check the License Before Hiring a Contractor

    Keep Your Winter Stress-Free: Check the License Before Hiring a Contractor PHOENIX, Ariz., (Nov. 10, 2021) – Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) reminds winter visitors and part-time residents to only hire licensed contracting professionals to work on their homes and to safeguard against remodeling and repair scams that could ruin their winter fun in the sun. Arizona is a popular place to be during winter months and offers a season full of sunshine. Unfortunately, individuals looking to take advantage of winter visitors know this too. From teeing up on the golf course to hiking quiet desert and mountain trails, AZ ROC hopes Arizona’s property owners and visitors are able to enjoy a sunny winter here in our beautiful state. With that in mind, the Agency is warning property owners and visitors not to let their fun be interrupted with problems caused by hiring an unlicensed entity to work on their home. AZ ROC commonly receives complaints where an unlicensed entity goes door-to-door claiming to notice a needed repair on the property. These unlicensed individuals often promise cheap or discounted repairs made with “leftover” materials and pressure homeowners by stating the repair is needed immediately to prevent further damage. In many cases, they will allege having just performed work for a neighbor. Regardless of whatever these door-to-door solicitors may offer, AZ ROC reminds homeowners to always do their research before hiring a contractor. When hiring a contractor, whether for a remodeling project or home repairs, AZ ROC reminds homeowners to not only ask contractors of their license status, but to also check the license by using the Agency’s website (www.roc.az.gov) or by giving the Agency a call at 1-877-692-9762 (1-877-MY-AZROC). ###

  2. 10/01/2021

    Contractor’s License Exams Move Online

    AZ ROC Update October 1, 2021 CONTACT: Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison AZ ROC: Contractor’s License Exams Move Online PHOENIX, Ariz., (October 1, 2021) - Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) is proud to announce exciting changes to Arizona contractor’s license exams. Trade Exams AZ ROC’s online exams are still being administered by our vendor PSI, however, beginning on October 1, 2021, Arizona contractor’s license applicants can take trade exams online without having to sit for the exam in-person. Applicants can still opt to take their trade exam(s) at one of PSI’s testing centers. The Qualifying Party can register to take the trade exam(s) online or at a testing center here. To determine which trade exams are required for a specific license classification, refer to License Classification Requirements. Statutes and Rules Exam The Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) will transition to the AZ Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE). Applicants will take computer-based training about applicable Arizona statutes and rules and then be tested on what they learned throughout the training. Unlike the trade exams, this training course and exam is only available online. AZ ROC is excited to offer an additional and more convenient way for applicants to take their exams. New applicants will also be pleased to note the cost of the SRE was reduced from $66 down to $54. The Qualifying Party can purchase the required training course here. There are specific conditions in which an exam waiver for the trade exam and SRE may be granted. For questions about exams or exam waivers, please call ROC’s Licensing Department at 1-877-692-9762. For questions about scheduling a trade exam please call PSI at 855-744-0310. ###

  3. 09/15/2021

    Changes to Arizona Law Regarding Advertising Requirements for Contractors

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, September 15, 2021 CONTACT: Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison Changes to Arizona Law Regarding Advertising Requirements for Contractors PHOENIX, Ariz., (September 15, 2021) - Advertisements for home repairs and remodeling services are everywhere from Facebook to Angie’s List. Arizona recently passed legislation changing the advertising requirements for licensed Arizona contractors, making it easier to advertise on television, radio and online. Advertising by Licensed Contractors Currently, licensed contractors are required to list their ROC license number on all published advertisements, vehicles with contractor signage, radio advertisements, television advertisements, letterheads and other documents used to correspond with the licensee’s customers or potential customers Beginning on September 29, 2021 (the general effective date for 2021 Arizona laws), new legislation allows an exception to that requirement. Licensed contractors no longer need to include their license numbers on vehicle, radio, internet or billboard advertising if the advertisement includes a web address AND if the license number is “prominently displayed on the website.” Prominently displayed on the website means: The advertisement complies with all other requirements listed under A.R.S. § 32-1124 and A.A.C. R4-9-109; The provided website address links directly to the licensee’s home page; and The licensee’s name and ROC license number: Appears directly on the licensee’s home page; Is clearly visible, and is not hidden behind graphics, photos, or other obstructions; Is in an appropriately sized font; and Is not in the website’s footer. Note that licensees are still required to include their ROC license number on all bids, contracts, estimates, and documents used to correspond with the licensee’s customers or potential customers. See A.R.S. §§ 32-1124(B)(2) and 32-1158(A). Advertising by Unlicensed Individuals and Entities The new legislation does not change the advertising requirements for unlicensed individuals or entities. In addition to not being allowed to advertise or perform any of the work required to be completed by a licensed contractor, unlicensed entities are still required by Arizona law to have the exact phrase “Not a Licensed Contractor” on any and all advertisements. Home and Property Owners Arizona Registrar of Contractors reminds Arizona home and property owners that just because an ad says it, does not mean it’s true. Always check the license before hiring a contractor by visiting the Agency’s website at www.roc.az.gov or by giving the Agency a call during normal business hours at (877)-692-9762. ###

  4. 09/03/2021

    Unlicensed Dewey Man Pleaded Guilty to Contracting Without a License

    PHOENIX, Ariz., (September 3, 2021) –On Tues., August 31, 2021, Robert Howard Woodruff, 51 of Dewey, Arizona, pleaded guilty to Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor, in the Mayer Justice Court. The case stems from an Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ (AZ ROC) investigation which found that Woodruff, DBA Bob’s Property Maintenance and Remodeling, contracted to install two pergolas, a French door, a sliding glass door and perform electrical work at a Dewey, Arizona home for $2,250. The homeowner admitted to an AZ ROC investigator that they knew Woodruff was not a licensed contractor. According to the homeowner, Woodruff claimed to have previously been licensed, however, AZ ROC records show he has never been a licensed contractor in Arizona. Woodruff completed some of the work and claimed to be finished. When the homeowner pointed out areas that were not complete, Woodruff stormed off the job and never returned, leading the homeowner to file an unlicensed complaint with AZ ROC. The Mayer Justice Court fined Woodruff $800 and a restitution hearing is set to be scheduled. AZ ROC commonly receives complaints where an unlicensed entity’s work begins as a small project and increases in price and complexity to a point where they are unable or unwilling to complete the project and the homeowner is out of luck. AZ ROC reminds home and property owners to hire licensed contracting professionals and to always check the license at www.roc.az.gov or give AZ ROC a call at 1-877-MY-AZROC (1-877-692-9762) before hiring a contractor. ###

  5. 08/31/2021

    Chandler-Based Contractor’s License Summarily Suspended

    PHOENIX, Ariz., (Aug 31, 2021)- On Friday, August 27, 2021, Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) summarily suspended the KA-5 Dual Swimming Pool Contractor license held by American Pools LLC (ROC 319458), a Chandler-based contracting business. AZ ROC received and began investigating four complaints from Yuma homeowners against American Pools LLC between June 4 and June 28, 2021. All four cases resulted in AZ ROC issuing written directives for the company to repair or complete work, which the company failed to complete. Based on the complaints received and the preliminary investigation, the Agency issued a summary suspension alleging 11 charges including: 4 counts of poor workmanship 4 counts of failure to take corrective action after a directive to correct work was issued 3 counts of failure to include required elements within a written contract for work over $1,000 As the investigation continues, the formal citation may be supplemented. Since the initial four complaints, AZ ROC has since received and investigated an additional three complaints from Yuma homeowners that are moving forward. Charges from the three additional complaints will be added to the case. A summary suspension prohibits the licensee from being able to legally contract as of the day it is issued. In turn, it requires the Agency to provide the contractor a prompt hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings and the hearing is currently set for September 20, 2021, at 9:00 AM.

    Chandler-Based Contractor’s License Summarily Suspended
  6. 08/03/2021

    Hereford-Based Contractor’s Licenses Summarily Suspended

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tues., Aug. 3, 2021 CONTACT: Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison AZ ROC: Hereford-Based Contractor’s Licenses Summarily Suspended PHOENIX, Ariz., (Aug. 3, 2021)- On Thurs., July 29, 2021, Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) summarily suspended the CR-45 Sheet Metal and the CR-3 Awnings, Canopies, Carports and Patio Covers licenses held by Kanmar Construction LLC, a Hereford-based contracting business. In June 2021, AZ ROC substantiated two complaints of poor workmanship and issued directives giving Kanmar Construction LLC at least 15 days to correct the work. Not only did the company fail to make the corrections, but the Agency received four additional consumer complaints; two alleging deposits were taken and no work performed and two alleging poor workmanship. Based on the complaints received and the preliminary investigation, the Agency issued a summary suspension alleging nine charges including: Three counts of failure to meet the minimum industry workmanship standards. One count of abandonment of a contract or refusal to work after submitting a bid on work without a legal excuse for the abandonment or refusal.​ Three counts of failure to include required elements within a written contract for work over $1,000. Two counts of failure to take corrective action after a directive to correct work was issued. As the investigation continues, the formal citation may be supplemented. A summary suspension prohibits the licensee from being able to legally contract as of the day it is issued. In turn, it requires the Agency to provide the contractor a prompt hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings and the hearing is currently set for August 16, 2021, at 9:00 AM. ###

  7. 07/30/2021

    Unlicensed Green Valley Man Twice Guilty of Contracting Without a License

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, July 30, 2021 CONTACT: Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison Unlicensed Green Valley Man Twice Guilty of Contracting Without a License PHOENIX, Ariz., (July 30, 2021) - On Wed., July 28, 2021, Buck Lawson, 42 of Green Valley, pleaded guilty to Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor, in separate cases in the Nogales Justice Court. Investigation 1 The charge stemmed from two 2020 Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ (AZ ROC) investigations that found Lawson, DBA All American Handyman, contracted to install a roof coating on a commercial property for $3,500 and to repair a residential roof for $3,000. The owner of the Tubac, Arizona properties hired Lawson because he claimed to be available to start right away and the contractor they had already hired was not. They were also familiar with Lawson who had previously done pest control on their properties. Though Lawson has never been a licensed contractor in Arizona, he advertised himself to be licensed, bonded and insured. He listed a pest control license number as an ROC license number. The homeowners paid Lawson $5,500 for the work, however, both roofs experienced leaks after the next rain storm and Lawson stopped communicating with them. The Nogales Justice Court ordered Lawson to pay $5,750 in restitution to the homeowners and $3,648 in fines and fees. Lawson was also sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation. Investigation 2 The charge stemmed from a 2020 AZ ROC investigation that found Lawson contracted to patch the roof of a Tubac home for $3,100. The homeowner filed a complaint with AZ ROC after a roof leak occurred in the area Lawson was supposed to have repaired. The Nogales Justice Court ordered Lawson to pay $1,800 in restitution to the homeowner and $3,668 in court fines and fees. AZ ROC reminds Arizonans to always check the license before hiring anyone to work on your home or property at www.roc.az.gov or by giving the Agency a call at 1-877-692-9762. ###

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Get the latest news from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The Arizona Legislature established the Registrar of Contractors in 1931. The ROC licenses and regulates residential and commercial contractors. ROC staff investigate and work to resolve complaints against licensed contractors and unlicensed entities.