Remodeling nightmare highlights need to check contractors

For Gary Richardson, what started out as a three-week, $16,000 remodeling project of his two bathrooms has turned into a nine-month nightmare of shoddy work and broken promises.

And he's luckier than many people in the same position.

"I got lucky, I got real lucky," said Richardson, because the company he hired had just had its contracting license reinstated, so he has the Arizona Registrar of Contractors helping him, backed up with insurance and a special recovery fund to make sure the work will eventually get done correctly.

Without the state license, Richardson would have been on his own to make the company honor its contract and finish the work.

But still, even with the help of the state, it could be months before Richardson can reclaim his bathrooms, one of which has had a hole in the ceiling since October.

"It's a nightmare," he said last week. "I just want to get them out of here at this point."

 

Always check first

In Richardson's case, he visited the offices of the company and was reassured by the Registrar of Contractors' number he saw on all the official documents as well as the promises staff made about the work they would do.

What he didn't know was that when he first visited the company, whose name the Ahwatukee Foothills News is withholding because the owner has been out of town and unavailable to comment, was on probation and its license was suspended.

It highlights a peculiarity in state law.

"A contractor who has a license suspended means they still hold their license (so they don't have to remove the ROC number from their vehicles, advertisements or documents)," said Brian Livingston, assistant director of the Registrar of Contractors.

 

Benefits of a license

"A licensed contractor is several things. One is that they are qualified to have a license. Secondly, after they get a license they are requited to post a bond," Livingston said.

While it doesn't guarantee smooth sailing, it does help to make sure that people in the construction trades know what they are doing and have the financial backing to make sure problems are fixed.

Livingston estimated that just 5 to 7 percent of licensees ever come under the scrutiny of the department. And while complaints are up each year, so are the number of license holders, growing from 40,000 to 60,000 contractors in the last five years.

"We have a terrific contracting industry, but of course we have those that wind up in our disciplinary system," Livingston said.

 

Tip for remodeling

While anyone who contracts to do a job valued over $1,000 must have a license and bond, just seeing a Registrar of Contractors license number may not be enough, as Richardson learned. 

Instead of just assuming the license is valid and in force, visit the Registrar of Contractors at www.azroc.gov to make sure that there are no suspensions or problems with the license-holder.

"You really need to dig into it," said Richardson, by checking the ROC number and not just looking at pretty ads.

Also, make sure that the project is clear for everyone, that the bid is in writing and that any changes to the project are in writing.

And if all else fails, as Richardson also learned, go to the Registrar of Contractors for help.