Verify before you hire: Arizona contractor checklist

Ten steps to take before you sign with a pool, HVAC, roofing or solar contractor in Arizona.

1. Look up the license on ROC

   Search the business or license number on the official ROC Contractor Search. Confirm the status is active and the business name matches the contract.

2. Match the classification to the job

   A license only covers its classification. Pools: KA-5/B-5/A-9 (builders), CR-6/R-6 (service). HVAC: CR-39/R-39R/C-39. Roofing: CR-42/R-42/C-42. Electrical and solar PV: CR-11/R-11/C-11.

3. Check disciplinary postings and complaints

   Review ROC's Disciplinary Actions posting and the complaint history on the ROC record. Ask the contractor about anything you find.

4. Confirm the bond and insurance

   ROC licenses carry a bond, which is often small relative to project cost. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance (and workers' comp if they have employees).

5. Get 3 written bids

   Compare scope line by line, not just the total. Be cautious of bids far below the others.

6. Insist on a written contract

   It should include the ROC license number, scope, price, schedule, payment terms and change-order process.

7. Pools: know the payment caps

   For a residential in-ground pool or spa, A.R.S. § 32-1158.01 limits the down payment to 15% of the contract price, with later payments tied to excavation, steel/plumbing/shotcrete and decking milestones.

8. Never pay far ahead of work

   Tie payments to completed, inspected milestones. Confirm permits are pulled in the contractor's name.

9. Know the Recovery Fund

   For residential work by a licensed contractor, ROC's Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund can award up to $30,000 per residence (A.R.S. § 32-1132.01). Hiring unlicensed generally means no Fund eligibility.

10. Know how to complain

    ROC accepts complaints against licensed contractors, generally within two years of the work. Unlicensed activity can also be reported to ROC.