Contractors-How To Choose One

🛠️ How to Choose a Reliable Contractor in Arizona for Your Home Projects

Whether you’re preparing to sell, recently purchased, or simply upgrading your Arizona home, hiring the right contractor is essential to protect your investment and ensure quality results. From HVAC repairs to landscaping overhauls, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose a trusted professional for your project.

âś… Step 1: Identify the Type of Contractor You Need

Arizona homeowners often need specialized professionals for various types of work, such as:

  • HVAC Technicians – For heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
  • Roofers – To repair or replace your home’s roof.
  • Plumbers – For water, gas, or sewer line work.
  • Landscaping & Hardscaping Experts – For outdoor design, irrigation, patios, and retaining walls.
  • Painters – For interior and exterior finishing.
  • Electricians – For wiring, lighting, and panel upgrades.

Each of these trades requires specific licensing and experience. Start by clearly defining your project so you can look for the right type of licensed contractor.

🧾 Step 2: Verify Contractor Licensing in Arizona

In Arizona, most contractors performing work over $1,000 or that requires a building permit must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC).

🔍 How to check a license:

  1. Visit the Arizona Registrar of Contractors License Search.
  2. Enter the contractor’s name, company name, or license number.
  3. Review:
    • License status (Active, Suspended, Expired)
    • License classification (residential, commercial, dual)
    • Complaints or disciplinary actions
    • Bonding and insurance information

Tip: Avoid hiring unlicensed individuals. Not only is it risky, but you may have little to no legal recourse if something goes wrong.

🌟 Step 3: Read Reviews and Ask for References

Before hiring, it’s smart to dig into the contractor’s reputation:

  • Check Online Reviews:
    • Google Business Profile
    • Yelp
    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
    • Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
    • Nextdoor (for local recommendations)
  • Ask for References:
    • Request 2–3 recent homeowners they’ve worked with.
    • Ask about timeliness, communication, cleanliness, and overall satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Look for contractors with consistently high ratings and clear responses to negative reviews—this shows professionalism and accountability.

đź’µ Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes in Writing

Don’t settle for the first contractor you talk to. I recommend getting at least three written estimates that include:

  • Scope of work
  • Materials and brands used
  • Timeline and projected completion date
  • Payment schedule
  • Warranty or guarantee information

Make sure each quote is detailed and comparable. This also gives you a better sense of the going rate for your specific project in Arizona.

⚖️ Step 5: Protect Yourself with a Contract

Before any work begins:

  • Get everything in writing.
  • Include milestones, payment structure, and how changes will be handled.
  • Ensure the contractor carries liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
  • Ask about permits and who is responsible for obtaining them.

For large or complex projects, you may also want to have an attorney review the contract.

🏠 Bonus Tips for Arizona Homeowners

  • Use Local Professionals – Contractors based in your area are more likely to know state and city codes, permitting processes, and local suppliers.
  • Private Equity has been acquiring contractor companies with a sizeable business. What may have been a locally owned company, may not be anymore. If this is important to you ask the contractor and/or check the ownership information.
  • Be onsite for both estimates and repairs –Example: roofs, are they removing the old underlayment or not? Understand what you have contracted them to do and then check.
  • Beware of “Storm Chasers” – After monsoon season, unlicensed or out-of-state contractors may knock on your door offering roof repairs. Always verify licensing and reputation.
  • Be Cautious with Door-to-Door Sales Tactics – Legitimate contractors rarely solicit this way.

🔍 Need Trusted Contractor Referrals?

As a REALTOR® living and working in  Oro Valley, Marana, Sun City, Saddlebrooke and Tucson, I know the top local professionals across every trade. Whether you’re fixing up to sell or customizing your dream home, I can connect you with trustworthy, licensed contractors who show up and get the job done right.

📞 Call me today at 520-344-3171 — I’m here to connect you with local contractors, handymen and cleaning services.