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).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison

Most Wanted Unlicensed Entity Sentenced to 5 Years at Dept. of Corrections

PHOENIX, Ariz., (Oct. 15, 2021) – On Wed., Oct. 6, 2021, Lance Edward Wills, 45 and formerly of Higley, Arizona, was sentenced to five years in prison at the Arizona Department of Corrections by the Mohave County Superior Court. The sentence comes after Wills was found guilty of violating his probation for a prior conviction.

On January 12, 2015, the Mohave County Superior court found Wills guilty of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class 2 Felony. The charge stemmed from a 2013 AZ ROC investigation that found in April 2012, Wills DBA NSD 1 LLC, contracted with an insurance company to perform a water remediation and remodeling project at a Dolan Springs, Arizona residence for $12,425.45.

Wills was paid $18,000 over the course of the project but never finished the job and did not deliver over $10,000 in materials.

The Mohave County Superior Court originally sentenced Wills to pay $14,265.17 in restitution to the homeowner, to pay $538 in court fines and fees, to serve 90 days in jail, 7 years of supervised probation, 200 hours of community restitution, and 100 hours of community service.

AZ ROC Update

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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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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:

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.

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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.

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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:

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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:

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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unlicensed Lake Havasu City Man Arrested in California

PHOENIX, Ariz., (July 15, 2021) – On Friday, July 9, 2021, the Fontana Police Department arrested Tielman Lindsay, 40 of Lake Havasu City, in Fontana, California, after locating a vehicle wanted out of Fresno for a burglary involving the theft of high-powered rifles. cC

In Arizona, Lindsay is wanted on a Failure to Appear Warrant issued by the Lake Havasu Municipal Court on April 22, 2021, and faces the charge of Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

The charge stems from a 2021 Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ case that found Lindsay DBA TTS Landscape and Maintenance, and Trinity Tree Services LLC, contracted to install travertine tile pavers at a Lake Havasu City home for $5,500.

Lindsay accepted $3,800 as a down payment for the job but never returned to start the work or deliver materials. Nearly four months later the homeowner, unable to get a hold of Lindsay, filed a complaint with AZ ROC who submitted the case for prosecution review.

Lindsay’s next hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2021, at 8:30 AM in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

AZ ROC investigated one other case against Lindsay in 2013. AZ ROC submitted the case for prosecution review and issued Lindsay a $2,500 civil penalty.

AZ ROC reminds home and property owners that if the entire cost of the project, including labor and materials is over $1,000 or requires a permit by the local municipality, Arizona law requires the person or business performing the work to be licensed. Always check the license before hiring a contractor at www.roc.az.gov or by giving the Agency a call at (877)-692-9762.

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PHOENIX, Ariz., (July 1, 2021) – On Fri., June 18, 2021, Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) performed a statewide enforcement effort aimed at educating businesses and property owners about Arizona’s contracting laws. AZ ROC’s participation represented one of many states participating in their own efforts, all in coordination with the National Association of Contractor Licensing Agencies (NASCLA).

AZ ROC dedicated 15 two-person teams of investigators to make contact with contractors, unlicensed entities and property owners to increase outreach, provide education, and when necessary, issue warnings or violations.

The 30 investigators concentrated efforts in Maricopa, Coconino, Yavapai, Gila, Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties and made contact with 236 individuals, including 30 homeowners, 184 contractors, 9 unlicensed entities, 5 business property owners, 5 building officials and 3 law enforcement officers.

The vast majority of contacts are described as educational in nature. AZ ROC did however issue over 30 warning letters for violations such as contracting without a license, aiding and abetting unlicensed entities and working outside the scope of a license.

Director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors Jeff Fleetham stated, “A remodeling project is one of the most expensive things a home or property owner will do, and yet many are unaware the contractor they hire needs a license. The goal of concentrated efforts like this and the territory management our investigators do every day is to make sure Arizona property owners and businesses know Arizona’s contracting laws and where they can go with questions.”

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