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Hire Licensed Contractors, AZ ROC urges.
PHOENIX, Ariz., (July 13, 2017) – With the return of Arizona’s monsoon season and wildfires, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) warns homeowners against property repair scams and continues to increase efforts to curb unlicensed activity in impacted areas.
In just the past week, AZ ROC investigators have been to Gold Canyon (monsoon), Dudleyville (fire) and Pine Flats (fire) and the Agency wants property owners to be aware of ‘storm chasers.’
‘Storm chasers’ are typically unlicensed individuals attempting to take advantage of homeowners who may want to hire someone quickly to make repairs to their damaged property. These unlicensed entities often may promise cheap or discounted repairs made with “left over” materials.
Ranging from poor work to complete abandonment, the AZ ROC commonly receives complaints against these unlicensed entities taking advantage of property owners. These unlicensed individuals only add to the devastation for those affected by a natural disaster.
In what is an ongoing effort which began in 2015, AZ ROC investigators continue to patrol and post warning signs throughout areas impacted by wildfire or monsoon damage to remind property owners to hire only licensed contractors in order to protect themselves against the potential of a second disaster.
AZ ROC works closely with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to know when structures are threatened by wildfires. As a result, AZ ROC investigators stand ready to ensure homeowners impacted by wildfires are educated about both the benefits of hiring licensed professionals and the potential of falling victim to a second disaster by hiring unlicensed ‘storm chasers.’
Aside from wildfires, the monsoon season poses yet another threat to property owners. The monsoon season officially started on June 15 and will end on Sept. 30. High winds and rushing waters, often associated with monsoon season, create the potential for property damages such as uprooted trees, roof damage, and flooding. Several neighborhoods throughout the valley have already experienced injury to property that has or will require repair.
AZ ROC encourages all property owners to hire only licensed contracting professionals. For more information or tips you should know before you hire, log on to roc.az.gov and also use the contractor search to find licensed contractors in your area.
Background:
Since the Arizona legislature created the Registrar of Contractors in 1931, it has served two core functions; licensing and the regulation of the licensing of contractors. For licensing, AZ ROC ensures contractors possess the experience, training and knowledge required in order to qualify for a license and then issues the appropriate credentials. When considering regulation, the agency works to curb unlicensed entities working within Arizona and investigates complaints made against licensed contractors regarding professional standards of their work.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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