arizona registrar of contractors

What is the Arizona Registrar of Contractors?

The construction industry is growing in leaps and bounds, largely thanks to gains in the commercial sector. In fact, in 2017 there were 210,000 new jobs in construction—up from 155,000 new jobs in 2016.

Because of this remarkable growth, it’s often tempting for uncertified, semi-competent independent laborers to try and take their share, by offering contracting services of their own.

In Arizona, however, this practice is illegal. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors keeps track of certified and uncertified contractors and brings contractors practicing without a license to court.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or ROC, is a state-run agency that licenses contractors and protects people who hire contractors in Arizona.

According to their website at roc.az.gov, their mission is to “protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public through a regulatory system designed to promote quality construction by Arizona contractors.”

Besides licensing Arizona contractors, the Registrar of Contractors also receives and studies complaints from individuals and businesses who have bad experiences with contractors.

A large portion of these complaints come from people who never hired certified contractors in the first place, but unknowingly hired uncertified contractors who practice illegally, and caused damage to their clients’ property.

Because of this, a major aspect of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors is their “most wanted” list of the current 10 most-wanted unlicensed contractors, who practiced contracting illegally and caused damage to property.

As a student in an Arizona contractors license school, when it’s time to start your own business as a competent contractor yourself, you can see why it’s so important that you become state certified before you launch your practice.

Another important source of protection for contractors, clients, and companies are Arizona contractor bonds.

Arizona Contractor Bond Service

An Arizona contractor bond is a type of surety bond, which basically ensures everyone involved in a transaction doesn’t get cheated.

There are three different parties involved in a contractor license bond: the contractor, the company or individual hiring you, and the state bond issuing agency.

The surety bond verifies that you as a contractor are certified to provide professional services. It also makes sure that the hiring client will be compensated, should there be any damages as a result of your contracting services.

To acquire a license bond, you’ll need to approach an Arizona contractor bond service when that time comes.

Contractor License Examination Prep: 5 Tips to Follow

In the aftermath of the financial recession and housing crisis, the American economy has since recovered. More residents want to become homeowners or start their own businesses — which means that contractors and construction workers are in high demand. In fact, at least 19,000 new homes were expected to be constructed in Phoenix, Arizona during 2017, with 68% of Arizona contractors saying they’d increased pay for construction crew positions to fill vacancies and meet demand.

Essentially, that means that there’s never been a better time for hard-working and talented individuals to obtain their Arizona contractor licenses. But before you can achieve your certification and begin working in the industry, you’ll need to take your state exam. In order to successfully complete and pass this test, you’ll need to devote time and energy to proper preparation. Below, you’ll find five helpful tips for Arizona contractor license exam preparation.

Contractors License Exam Prep: 5 Study Tips to Follow

  1. Don’t Wait
    Cramming for exams might be commonplace for many college students, but that tactic won’t work when you’re trying to obtain your Arizona contractor license. Putting off your studying until the last minute won’t help you achieve your goals. Instead, you should start studying as early as possible to give yourself more than enough time to master this material. By giving yourself a bit of breathing room, you’ll have a chance to apply for your exam and study in a way that allows you to absorb all of the essential concepts without causing unnecessary stress.
  2. Set a Schedule
    It’s a good idea to start early, but you should also block off time in your calendar for regular studying. Otherwise, it’s simply too easy to fall behind or to underestimate the amount of time you’ll actually need to prepare. Experiment a bit with the time of day you use for studying and find a period that works best for you. Having a set schedule will make it harder for you to procrastinate and will make the prep process seem a lot more manageable.
  3. Find the Right Environment
    When you don’t live in a dorm room, it can be tough to find the best place for studying. If you don’t have a home office, you might assume that the kitchen table or the couch will do nicely. But depending on your home environment, you could be doing yourself a disservice by failing to establish the right place to study. You don’t need a separate office to invest in a desk or small table. Your study area should be quiet and well-lit — so if you need to devote another room to this purpose, you might be more successful. Alternatively, your local library or community center can be an excellent choice for quiet study time. If you’re serious about obtaining your Arizona contractor license, make sure that you’ve got an equally serious spot for studying.
  4. Enroll in a Prep Course
    You might not realize just how many resources you have available to you. An Arizona contractors license school can provide the courses you need to ace your exam and embark on a successful career in this field. These courses will help you to know what to expect, as qualified staff members will guide you through the process. And because these courses are developed by construction professionals with current regulations in mind, going the extra step by enrolling in these schools can give you an edge and even allow you to pass the exam the first time you take it. Don’t assume that you need to do it all by yourself!
  5. Reward Your Hard Work
    A little bit of motivation can go a long way. Although you already know that obtaining an Arizona contractor license will be an investment in your future, it sometimes helps to add an immediate reward. When you meet or exceed your studying goals each day or each week, take the time to do something fun for yourself or treat yourself in some way. This can help to cement those positive studying habits and give you something to look forward to when you do well.

Ready to get started on prepping for your Arizona contractor licensing exam? We’re here to help. For more information, contact the Contractor’s Exam Center today.

Nevada contractor bond service

Nevada Contractor Bonds: 3 Things You Need To Know

Before you can start working in the construction industry, you need to become a fully bonded and licensed contractor. In the state of Nevada, it’s legally required that every contractor licensed in the state has a Nevada contractor bond.

A contractor license bond is a type of surety bond that legally protects you as the contractor, the company that hired you, and the state bond issuing agency. Bond rates in Nevada start at 3% and then change based on credit, claims, and experience.

What do I need to know about my contractor’s bond?

The amount of your bond depends on the type of Nevada contractors license you’re requesting but it’s ultimately determined by the Nevada State Contractors Board. The board will take into account your experience, financial responsibilities, and your license type.

However, before you reach out to your local contractor bond services, it’s important to know a few things about your contractor’s bond.

  1. Your contractor bond is a legal promise. Your contractor bond is a legal bond. It assures the state of Nevada that you’ll adhere to all state regulations. In the event that you go against one of these regulations or against the law, a claim could be filed against you and the company that issued your bond. It’s important to note that anyone you work with can file a claim against you including clients, employees, and businesses. This might sound intimidating, but your bond isn’t meant to be a threat. It assures your clients and the state of Nevada that you’re there to do the best job you can.
  2. Your private life can jeopardize your bond. Your private behavior could be grounds for disciplinary action once you become licensed and bonded. This doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to act freely, but it does mean if you break the law that your bond and license could be revoked.
  3. Your bond isn’t insurance. Your contractor bond might sound like an insurance policy, but it’s not. The company that issued your bond will pay out claims, but you’ll be required to repay them for their expenditures. You’re also responsible for paying any legal obligations that come with that claim against you.

Where can I find a Nevada contractor bond service?

The construction industry is a growing industry with large gains in the commercial sector. In fact, the construction industry added 210,000 jobs in just 2017.

If you’re looking to get your Nevada contractor license and you need exam prep and Nevada contractor bond services to secure your contractor’s bond, Contractors Exam Center is the place for you. To learn more about our Nevada contractor bond services Nevada contractor license exam preparation services, contact Contractors Exam Center today.

arizona contractor bond

Becoming a Reputable Contractor

The construction market in the United States is the second largest in the world, with a market share of approximately 10%. It was worth over $1.1 billion dollars in 2016 alone, and in 2017, over 8 million people were doing some kind of job within the construction industry.

It is no wonder why many strive to become a contractor in an industry that is clearly thriving, but it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure you maintain a good reputation and get good-paying jobs. Check out some tips below.

Invest in Arizona Contractor Bond Services

Obtaining an Arizona contractor bond will give your customers the extra assurance they need to pick you over someone else. It is your way of committing yourself to either finish the job or pay out what you left unfinished should you need to cut your services short. All in all, they will not be stuck with no contractor and a job half completed.

An Arizona contractor bond is a sign of professionality and shows your potential client that you take your work seriously. Anyone looking to hire a reputable contractor will likely require they have a bond in place before signing anything.

Obtain Appropriate Licensing and Insurance

If you are trying to get a job, do not be surprised if the customer asks for proof of licenses and insurance. These are things every established contractor should have, and your willingness to provide evidence of your qualifications will show confidence and professionalism.

Having the appropriate licenses, permits, bonds, and more will make you much more appealing throughout the hiring process. There will be some upfront fees for obtaining those, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.

Need some extra help? There are contractors license exam prep classes to invest in that will ensure you have all the knowledge you need to get your Arizona contractor license without any hiccups along the way. Check into options today.

Consider Your Appearance

How you present yourself says a lot about how you conduct your business. A polished appearance, as well as using proper terms and language makes a big difference in the eyes of any potential customer.

When it comes down to it, people want someone who they can easily communicate with and who will listen to their needs and concerns. If you show that you can be that person, they will be much more inclined to hire you. Be accessible, upfront, and honest about they can expect, and you should not have many problems.

Follow these guidelines and you will be getting the jobs you need in no time. Being a contractor can be a prosperous occupation when you play your cards right, so get to work today.

nevada contractor license

3 Benefits of Getting Your Contractor License

The construction industry is one of the fastest growing industries in America. In fact, the construction industry gained 210,000 jobs in 2017 alone, compared to the 155,000 added jobs in 2016. But throughout the industry, there are several different job titles and certifications workers can obtain. One of the most common routes for contractors to take it to obtain a state-issued license. This article is going to explore a few key benefits of becoming a licensed contractor.

What Does it Mean to Be a Licensed Contractor?

Being a licensed contractor essentially gives you the right to buy certain tools and take on big projects, like building houses and office buildings. These jobs require the help of a licensed contractor because if someone were to hire a contractor without a license, they could risk being scammed or ending up with an unsafe structure. Getting your license tells people that you’ve passed the tests, paid the fees, and are legally allowed to work on construction projects. While there are certainly home services that can be done by contractors without a license, bigger projects, like the ones that need to be bid on, should always be done by licensed professionals.

Benefits of Getting a Contractor License

There are several benefits to getting your Nevada contractor license. First and foremost, going through a Nevada contractor bond service gives you more credibility as a contractor. When potential customers see that you have a contractor license, they’re not only more likely to hire you for the job, but they’re also more likely to instill their trust in you. Along with increased credibility, having a license also opens up the opportunity for taking on higher-paying jobs. This can be done by taking on larger jobs or simply asking for higher rates from customers. Additionally, having a license allows you to work on your own time — since you’re essentially you’re own boss, you can decide when to work, which jobs to take, and overall do what you want in regards to taking on work. And because you’re licensed, you can have other contractors or laborers work under you, meaning you can take on more projects for higher profit. All in all, there are numerous benefits to looking into Nevada contractor licenses.

Hopefully, this article provided some insight into the great benefits of becoming a licensed contractor. If you’re interested in learning more about the Nevada contractor license requirements, call Contractor’s Exam Center Inc. today for more information.

arizona contractor license

Demystifying Contractor Bonds: FAQs

With a market share of approximately 10%, the United States has the second largest construction market in the world. The construction industry is so massive that regulating it is a formidable task. Regulatory laws vary around the United States, but contractor license bonding is a national process that can be a little confusing.

As we mentioned, contractor bonding differs per state. We work specifically with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Nevada State Contractors Board, but across the country, the intent behind contractor bonding is largely the same.

Let’s unpack some frequently asked questions.

What Is A Contractor Bond?

A contractor bond acts as an agreement between three parties. Between the contractor, the entities the contractor is completing work for, and the legislative body issuing the bond. The agreement ensures accountability between all parties. It’s a mark of professional confidence for contractors. It protects the public, as well. Should a bonded contractor’s work be below the standards or against regulations set forth by the bond, the bonding agency pays for any damages incurred. The contractor, in turn, owes that money back to the issuing agency.

Why Should I Become Bonded?

Becoming bonded is a mark of quality in the contracting profession. You’re publicly informing potential customers that you’re confident in the quality of work you’ll perform for them. There have been horror stories of people being ripped off by contractors who weren’t bonded and there being little to no recompense for the ripped off parties. People look for bonded contractors because it’s a safety net in the case of poor building practices.

Which Bond Should I Opt For?

An Arizona contractor license will look different from other states. Even within the state, there are various types of different contractor bonds and values that really have to do with the type of contracting work you’ll be doing. For instance, the Arizona contractor licenses are based on the scope and size of work, specialty versus general contracting, and residential/commercial contracting. Which you opt for depends entirely on what work you do as a contractor.

Arizona contractor bonds and Nevada contractor bonds may have different hoops to jump through, but now you can see why becoming bonded would be beneficial for your contracting business. It ensures professional service and provides coverage to the people who hire contractors that perform work that breaks the bond agreement.

Contractors Business Tips

Contractors Business Tips to Get You Started

Once your exam is passed, your bonding is in place, and your license number is issued, what next? Here are some important contractors business tips compiled from numerous sources to keep in mind when starting your new business. Each State Contractor Licensing Board has laws that should be reviewed for changes and updates on laws on Contractor Requirements. Go to the following websites for Nevada, California and Arizona Contractor License  requirements.

Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board

California: Contractors State License Board

Arizona: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Contractors Business Tips: Follow These Steps

  1. Enlist the services of required professionals, (legal, accounting, insurance, etc)
  2. Research and obtain general liability and other required insurance. Contractors Exam Center can assist you with this step.
  3. Obtain required state, city, and county licenses.
  4. Finalize your Business Plan. A great resource is SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) https://www.score.org/ , Small Business Administration https://www.sba.gov/  and Minority Business Enterprise http://www.mwbe-enterprises.com/mbe/.
  5. Research sources for financing.
  6. Hire necessary employees.
  7. Secure Workers Compensation For quotes: http://contractorsexam.com/contact-us/
  8. Obtain pre approval for contract bonding, for more information: http://contractorsexam.com/bonding-services-arizona-nevada/
  9. Print Business Cards, great deals can be found at: http://www.vistaprint.com/?couponAutoload=1&GP=7%2f25%2f2016+4%3a32%3a59+PM&GPS=4021502237&GNF=0.
  10. Order tools and Equipment.
  11. Prepare Contracts .
  12. Check to ensure licenses or persons with whom you contract are active and valid.
  13. Be sure that the contract is within the scope of work/license classification. If any additional licenses are required we offer exam prep and possible exam waivers, contact us at: Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.
  14. If it is not in your contract, it doesn’t exist. Make sure all change orders are in writing and signed by all parties.
  15. Make sure your license number is on all business advertisements, vehicles, business cards, letterhead, website, and any other place your business name appears in public.
  16. If your address or other pertinent information about your business changes, notify your state Board immediately.

Bonding Insurance Evaluation

Please call and check with one of our experienced license agents for your bonding and insurance needs Contractors License Center has a new instant quote page,  Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.

Contractor Insurance – What You Need To Know

Do Contractors Really Need Insurance?

Contractor Insurance isn’t always required as part of the initial licensing process. It’s after the Contractor’s License is issued that Contractor Insurance may become a requirement. If you are sub-contractor, the General you are bidding to will most likely require that you be insured. If you are going to be bidding on large, commercial or government jobs you will  be asked to show proof that you have the required insurance.  For a competitive quote and analysis we are here to assist you at www.contractorsexam.com.  Individual states’ guidelines can differ. Click these links for Nevada State guidelines and Arizona state guidelines.

Types of Contractor Insurance

There are many types of Contractor Insurance, such as Property, Liability, and Employee Benefits. Liability Coverage is determined to defend and pay for claims by third parties, business and contractual expenses, judgements, and legal expenses resulting from civil actions against the contractor, and actions caused by sub-contractors and employee. Liability Insurance can actually be a great tool to help the Contractor as part of their business plan as a method to transfer risk. Workers Compensation is required as part of the licensing process if you plan or hiring employees or acting as a subcontractor.

Where to get a Competitive Quote

We have a great market to offer Contractor Insurance quotes, both credit based or non-credit. We are eager to offer you competitive quotes, just contact us at:  Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.  If you are being asked for a certain type of Contractor Insurance, or certain limits, please let us know and we can work with our Agent to get you the best comprehensive quote. We work with James Newkirk, who specializes in obtaining competitive quotes for Contractors. He can be reached directly at 702-372-2045 or at James@crestlineins.com.

Contractor’s License Surety Bonds: AZ, NV, CA

Understanding Contractor’s License Surety Bonds

Contractor License Bonds are a type of Surety Bond, and are typically required from a variety of businesses, such as Contractors, as a pre-licensing requirement.  California, Arizona and Nevada Contractors are all required to post Contractor’s License Surety Bonds or a cash deposit. This type of bond is a guarantee that the contractor will satisfactorily complete all work for the owner according to the contract, and that all construction costs be paid. This is a three party agreement between the Surety Company (Guarantor), the Contractor (Principal) and the Owner (Obligee, such as in this case, the Contractors Board).

Each State Contractor Licensing Board has their own specific bond form and amounts required. Nevada, California and Arizona Contractor’s License Surety Bond requirements can be found using these links: Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board; California: Contractors State License Board; and Arizona: Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Contractors Exam Center is ready to help you acquire your bond. You can start your application here.

Is a Contractor’s License Surety Bond an Insurance Policy?

Contractor License Surety Bonds are not insurance. They do not protect the Contractor. The Contractor, who defaults, will be responsible pay back any money spent to complete the project.  Bonds function as a credit guarantee to the owner.

How much do Contractor’s License Surety Bonds cost?

Most contractors purchase a Contractor’s License Surety Bond in lieu of putting up a large cash deposit for a long period of time. For example, if the Nevada State Contractors Board requires a $10,000.00 bond, they would require a cashier’s check for $10,000.00 and a biennial fee of $200.00. If a Contractor opted to purchase a bond instead, the Surety Company would charge a premium of the bond amount which usually paid annually.  You can see bond rates here.

An important factor in determining premium is credit score based, however, some are instant issue. As a premium example from above, a $10,000.00 Nevada Contractors License with good credit could cost an experienced contractor approximately $300.00 annually, and discounts are offered in multi years.  Most Nevada Contractor License Surety Bonds $2,000.00 and under are instant issue, as are most Arizona Contractor License Commercial Surety Bonds.

Other Types of Surety Bonds

After a Contractor is licensed, they may be asked for additional bonding for public works, or large construction projects. These are called Contract Bonds, which are different than a Contractor’s License Surety Bond and include bid, payment and performance bonds. These guarantee the Contractor fulfills his contractual agreement as promised and that subcontractors are paid.

Contractors Exam Center is a great source to discuss these needs with you after licensing, as well as Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation. We can be reached at Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.   Next month we will discuss Liability and Workers Compensation in more detail.