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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
Fri., Oct. 15, 2021CONTACT:
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.
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AZ ROC Update
October 1, 2021CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonAZ 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
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonChanges 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.
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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:
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 $1,000As 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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tues., Aug. 3, 2021CONTACT:
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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 30, 2021
CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonUnlicensed 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
Thurs., July 15, 2021
CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonUnlicensed 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information Liaison
Unlicensed Mesa Man Guilty of Contracting Without a License
Phoenix, Ariz., (June 22, 2021) – On Wed., June 16, 2021, John Harold Roberts, 49 of Mesa, was found guilty of Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor, in the McDowell Mountain Justice Court.
The charge stemmed from a 2020 Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) investigation that found Roberts, DBA JG & 8K LLC contracted to remodel a Scottsdale home, including drywall, electrical, plumbing and more, for $11,590.
The homeowner told an AZ ROC Investigator that Roberts' response to their request for a written contract was that he only did "handshake deals," leading the homeowner to draft one instead.
Work was slow and the homeowner noticed several problems with the workmanship leading the homeowner to fire Roberts and file a complaint with AZ ROC after paying Roberts $16,252.68.
Roberts has never been a licensed contractor in Arizona. AZ ROC investigated two prior unlicensed contracting cases against Roberts in 2015 and 2017. The 2015 case was submitted for prosecution review and in the 2017 case Roberts was issued a $2,500 civil penalty.
A restitution and sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2:30 PM on August 18, 2021, in the McDowell Mountain Justice Court.
AZ ROC reminds home and property owners to always check the license before hiring a contractor at www.roc.az.gov or by giving the Agency a call at 1-877-692-9762.
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With materials and labor shortages affecting the construction industry nationwide, Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) urges homeowners and contractors to have patience and keep open lines of communication regarding their projects.
From new home builds and pools to installing air conditioning units, both residential and commercial contractors alike have been struggling to get materials and find enough workers to fulfill existing contracts and start new ones according to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) March 2021.
What is Causing the Shortages
The pandemic may have worsened an existing nationwide labor shortage the construction industry was already struggling to solve. According to AGC, the current supply chain issues have several potential causes, including the pandemic, one-time events like natural disasters, and federal tariff and quota policies.
What Can Contractors Do?
One of the most common reasons AZ ROC receives a complaint is because of broken communication lines between a contractor and the property owner. If the ongoing labor and supply shortages are going to impact a current project, AZ ROC urges contractors to keep an open and honest dialogue with the homeowner about the status of the project and any expected or unexpected delays.
AZ ROC encourages contractors to discuss the current situation with clients while submitting estimates or bids for new projects. Contractors should not take on projects if they know they will not be able to fulfill them.
Contractors should know AZ ROC is aware of the shortages, however, the Agency will continue to investigate complaints as they come in.
What Can Homeowners Do?
When the expected completion date of a project comes and goes, it’s frustrating for all parties involved. At this time, AZ ROC urges homeowners to be patient when delays occur. Disciplining a license or investigating a case will not make material shortages decrease and if possible, it’s always best to try to resolve issues with the contractor before filing a complaint.
Homeowners should know 95 percent of licensed contractors never have a complaint filed against their license and the ones who do often work to resolve those complaints. If a homeowner is experiencing a problem, AZ ROC is always here to answer questions and to assist with resolving workmanship or abandonment issues if such issues arise.
Should a homeowner need to file a complaint, the Agency has a two-year jurisdiction from the date escrow closed or the date work was last performed. If work is not completed, the jurisdiction time is not tolling.
Homeowners who hire licensed contractors may have the additional protection of the Residential Recovery Fund. Access to the fund through administrative means, however, requires the homeowner to allow the contractor the opportunity to correct any outstanding work or workmanship issues and to take part in the Agency’s administrative process. You can read more about AZ ROC’s complaint process here.
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PHOENIX, Ariz., (June 15, 2021) - Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) urges homeowners to prepare for monsoon season by educating themselves on how to avoid contracting scams.
Wildfire season is already in full swing and Arizona’s monsoon season officially begins today, June 15. Last year’s monsoon season was abnormally dry, but this year the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center is predicting a 40 percent chance of above-average rain.
Monsoon storms mean some Arizonans are going to need home repairs and as always, some will be in a hurry. The current labor and materials shortages may make normal busy season delays worse, putting unlicensed individuals and entities at a better position to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners rushing to make repairs.
These unlicensed entities will likely claim to be available to start immediately, unlike many properly licensed contractors who are currently projecting significant delays due to high demand and labor and supply shortages.
Additional red flags homeowners should look out for are:
Door-to-door solicitors offering low-cost construction services, possibly with “left-over” materials.
Requests for payment in cash.
Requests for homeowners to sign over an insurance check.Homeowners should never make a hurried decision about their home, and in most cases there are things they can do to mitigate further damage to the home while waiting for a licensed contractor.
Residential property owners using a licensed contractor have significant protections not available to persons hiring unlicensed entities. Among them is the ability to file a complaint against the contractor's license within a two-year period from the date of occupancy or date the last work was performed. This is the Agency's jurisdiction period should work performed be below workmanship standards.
Under certain conditions, you may also be eligible to apply to the Registrar's Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund and, depending on the cost of damages, receive up to $30,000 to have the work corrected or completed.
To avoid falling prey to a second disaster, damaged homeowners should only hire licensed contracting professionals to work on their property. Always get multiple estimates and check the license using the free contractor search at 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
Monday, May 17, 2021CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonAZ ROC: Yuma-Based Pool Builder’s License Revoked
PHOENIX, Ariz., (May 17, 2021) - On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) accepted the decision made by an Administrative Law Judge to revoke the KA-5 Dual Swimming Pool Contractor license (ROC 316303) held by Gomez Pools & Service LLC, a Yuma-based contracting business.
The revocation resulted from a hearing held on April 16, 2021. During the hearing, an Administrative Law Judge found that Gomez Pools & Service LLC failed to deliver on a contract to build a pool at a Tacna, AZ RV Park in October 2019. The project was supposed to take six months, but was still not completed a year later in October 2020, leading the property owner to file a complaint with AZ ROC.
After being notified of the AZ ROC complaint, the company agreed to finish the pool by December 2020, but again failed to deliver. On December 1, 2020, AZ ROC issued a directive ordering Gomez Pools & Service LLC to complete the project by appropriate means, the contractor’s third chance to finish the job. They failed to complete the work by a February 3, 2020 compliance jobsite inspection, leading to the hearing that resulted in the decision to revoke the license.
AZ ROC investigated 13 prior complaints against Gomez Pools & Service LLC since 2018, and while the company resolved most of the complaints, one resulted in prior suspensions of the license.
The revocation goes into effect on June 24, 2021. The company has until June 24, 2021 to appeal the decision.
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Read the release: https://roc.az.gov/newsarticle/az-roc-april-2021-unlicensed-adjudication-highlights
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 3, 2021CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonUnlicensed Tonopah Remodeler Pleaded Guilty to Contracting Without a License
PHOENIX, Ariz., (May 3, 2021) –On Thurs., April 29, 2021, Uriel Navarrete, 32 of Tonopah, AZ, pleaded guilty to Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the Dreamy Draw Justice Court.
The case stems from an Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) investigation which found that Navarrete, DBA Navarrete’s Renovation Services LLC contracted to paint, install tile and perform hardscaping work at a Phoenix rental property for $11,600.
Navarrete was paid $6,220 for the project and started the job. The homeowner filed a complaint with AZ ROC after Navarrete failed to address concerns about paint drips and unreturned extra tiles and materials.
The homeowner told an AZ ROC investigator they knew Navarrete was unlicensed but hired him in order to save money. Rather than saving money, however, the homeowner ended up with poor and incomplete work that may need to be repaired.
The court fined Navarrete $2,000 as a part of the plea agreement. No restitution was ordered in this case.
AZ ROC commonly receives complaints where an unlicensed entity’s work begins as small projects 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 the AZ ROC a call at 1-877-MY-AZROC (1-877-692-9762) before hiring a contractor.
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Visit www.roc.az.gov/news
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 3, 2021CONTACT:
Breanna Bang, Public Information LiaisonUnlicensed Flagstaff Home Builder Pleaded Guilty to Contracting Without a License
PHOENIX, Ariz., (May 3, 2021) –On Wed., April 28, 2021, Michael Valenzuela, 32 of Flagstaff, pleaded guilty to Contracting Without a License, a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the Flagstaff Justice Court.
The case stems from an Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) investigation which found that Valenzuela, DBA Valenzuela’s Construction LLC, contracted to build a new home in Flagstaff for $282,420. According to the homeowners, Valenzuela falsely told the homeowners he was currently licensed to do electrical work and was applying for a General Contractors license. The homeowners mistakenly believed Valenzuela was “using” or “borrowing” the license belonging to a licensed contractor until he could get his own.
The project dragged on past the original completion date leading the homeowners to contact their lawyer. Their lawyer informed them Valenzuela was not legally allowed to do the work, which is when they told Valenzuela to stop working and filed an unlicensed complaint with AZ ROC.
In addition to the work being incomplete, the homeowners also learned through a home evaluation that some of the work needed to be corrected. After paying Valenzuela $282,420, an estimate shows it will cost them another $198,925 to complete and correct the work before they can move in.
Valenzuela was fined $1,921. No restitution was awarded in this case.
AZ ROC investigated another complaint against Valenzuela in 2018 and in July 2019 he pleaded guilty to Contracting Without a License in the Flagstaff Justice Court.
AZ ROC reminds home and property owners that a company is either licensed or they are not. License numbers cannot be “borrowed” and a company cannot claim to be working under another company’s license. Individuals must also be bona fide employees of a contractor to be covered by their license, which means among other things, the company is in compliance with workers’ compensation and tax laws. Always check the license at www.roc.az.gov or give the AZ ROC a call at 1-877-MY-AZROC (1-877-692-9762) before hiring a contractor.
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PHOENIX, Ariz., (Tues., April 6, 2021) – Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) closed five unlicensed investigations after they were successfully adjudicated in Scottsdale, Kingman, Bullhead City, and Phoenix courts last month.
Read the press release and other AZ ROC news at www.roc.az.gov/news.
