The 10 Best Phoenix, AZ General Contractors

Although the State of Arizona allows homeowners to hire unlicensed contractors to conduct work on their primary residence, it strongly encourages them to hire licensed contractors for remodeling or construction work.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors maintains high standards for licensing. Contractors are required to pass a written board exam, prove at least four years of relevant work experience (this varies a bit based on specialty) and pass a criminal background check that includes running an applicant's fingerprints through the FBI criminal database. Applicants must prove they have workers’ compensation and hold a bond. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors can revoke or suspend a contractor’s license for violations.

Contractors in Phoenix must hold workers’ compensation insurance. Although state law does not require contractors to carry general liability insurance, it is highly recommended to hire a contractor to holds an active policy. Request a copy of each insurance certificate for your records before any work begins.

A building permit is required in Phoenix for most construction projects. Generally, a permit is needed to build new homes, for demolition and when existing homes are remodeled or additions are made. Any work that affects a building’s structure will need a permit. Common projects that require a permit include building or working on a garage/carport, porch enclosure, patio cover, fences more than 3 feet, retaining walls, driveways, some roof replacements, window replacement if the size is changed, and building any detached structure that is more than 200 square feet. If you build without the necessary permit, you risk a citation, fines, increased permit fees, home hazards, the required removal of the unpermitted work and you may run into issues selling your property in the future. If you are unsure if your project needs a permit, contact the Phoenix Planning and Development Department.

The Phoenix Planning and Development Department issues permits and reviews projects to ensure that all work is done according to building safety codes and the City’s zoning ordinances. You and your contractor should clarify at the start of project planning who is responsible for acquiring the necessary permits. The Department provides a variety of services and advice online and in person to guide you through the permitting process. Multiple methods to acquire a permit are available, including same-day over the counter permits for some small scale projects. The Department also offers electronic plan submission. More details are available on the Phoenix Planning and Development Department’s website.

General contractors in Arizona are required to provide a consumer protection bond. This may be in the form of a surety bond; cash deposit in the amount of $200,000; or payment into the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund. Under certain circumstances, homeowners in Phoenix may have financial recourse through the Recovery Fund. Depending on the actual damages resulting from the licensed contractor's errors, homeowners may recover up to $30,000 to have the work corrected or completed. Hiring a licensed contractor also provides access to the Building Confidence Program if a problem arises between a contractor and homeowner. This Program offers assistance with dispute resolution.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors; building permit data, gathered from the Phoenix Planning and Development Department; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Phoenix, Arizona. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Phoenix. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.