NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2007
Contact: Brian Livingston, Assistant Director of Communications for the Arizona Registrar of Contractors: (602) 542-1525 X7130; 602-510-6239 (cell)
Home Sweet Home Construction faces ROC Scrutiny
PHOENIX – The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) has been carefully investigating a number of complaints regarding Home Sweet Home Construction. These complaints range from abandonment to failure to initiate the construction process after contracts were signed and earnest monies deposited. Currently Home Sweet Home Construction’s contractor’s license has been suspended by the ROC for not meeting the statutory bonding requirement that all contractors are required to meet.
“From our investigation of Home Sweet Home Construction so far, it appears to be a case of over sales and lack of a sufficient labor force on the part of the contractor. The ROC is taking the appropriate steps to investigate and resolve the complaints against Home Sweet Home Construction,” said Brian Livingston, Assistant Director of Communications at the ROC.
The ROC suggests that all consumers affected by the activities of Home Sweet Home Construction file a complaint with the ROC immediately. Consumer’s can download a complaint form from the ROC website (www.azroc.gov). Upon completing and signing the form consumers may mail or drop off the completed complaint form at any ROC office. Due to the number of complaints that have already been filed against Home Sweet Home Construction the ROC urges consumers to not delay in filing their complaint. Homeowners that prevail in their claims through the complaint process may, upon disciplinary action being taken against the contractor, file a claim for damages with the Residential Contractor’s Recovery Fund.
The Residential Contractor’s Recovery Fund was established to assist residential homeowners in the recovery of actual damages caused by a licensed contractor. Each residential homeowner has the ability to recover up to $30,000 in actual damages caused by a licensed contractor. The maximum allowable payout from the Residential Contractor’s Recovery Fund is $200,000 per license. The Residential Contractor’s Recovery Fund pays claims on a first come, first served basis and for this reason the Registrar urges affected homeowners to file their complaint as soon as possible. Consumers also have the right to file civil court claims against the contractor at the same time they file their complaint with the ROC.
To help prevent consumers from becoming a victim when hiring a contractor, the ROC provides the public with information resources that can be found on their website (www.azroc.gov). The ROC encourages anyone thinking of hiring a contractor to check the ROC website or call the ROC to verify that the person or company that they are hiring is licensed to do contract work in Arizona and is in current license standing with the ROC. Consumers are strongly encouraged to check references provided by the contractor and to get multiple bids before finalizing any contract. It is also important not to be pressured into any contract and to remember “if a bid sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
For the latest information on this investigation or the status of any registered contractors in Arizona, please contact the ROC at 888-271-9286 or www.azroc,.gov. Media inquires should be directed to Brian Livingston at 602-542-1525 ext. 7130 or 602-510-6239 (cell).
The ROC regulates construction contractors in the state by providing a licensing and regulatory system for residential and commercial contractors designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Additionally, the ROC offers financial protection to residential consumers who use licensed contractors through its Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund. Established in 1931, the ROC operates 11 offices statewide. For more information about the agency, call 602-542-1525 or toll-free outside Maricopa County at 888-271-9286 or visit www.azroc.gov.