Before you hire: a tradesman's checklist

I've been fixing things in Cave Creek long enough to see the good, the bad, and the "who did this?" Here's what I'd tell my own neighbor before they hand anyone a check.

1. Look up the license — every time

Arizona requires a ROC license for most jobs over $1,000 (labor + materials) or any job needing a permit. Search the name and the license number on the truck or bid. Make sure the class matches the work: a roofer should hold a roofing class, an electrician an electrical class.

2. Match the name on the bid to the license

The business name on your contract should match the license. If someone says "I work under my buddy's license," walk away.

3. Ask about the bond — and understand what it is

Every licensed contractor carries a bond, but the minimum amounts are small compared to most remodels. Check the bond on the ROC lookup. Arizona also has a Residential Recovery Fund that can help homeowners on residential jobs with licensed contractors — one more reason to only hire licensed.

4. Get it in writing

Scope, materials, price, payment schedule, start and finish dates, who pulls permits, and how changes are handled. A good contractor won't mind.

5. Keep the deposit reasonable

Pay as work gets done. Big up-front cash for "materials" on a small job is a warning sign.

6. Ask for local references

Two or three recent jobs in the North Valley. Drive by. Call them. Ask "would you hire them again?"

7. Permits protect you

If a job needs a permit, the contractor should pull it. "We don't need a permit for that" on a panel swap or a wall removal is not a savings.