Why Should I Hire a Licensed Low Voltage Contractor?
Because consumers lose over $25 million dollars per year to unlicensed contractors!!
OVER 2,500 COMPLAINTS ARE FILED AGAINST UNLICENSED INDIVIDUALS EACH YEAR AT THE REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS OFFICE!
IN ONE FISCAL YEAR, THE REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS OFFICE FILED 937 CRIMINAL CHARGES, ISSUED 244 CIVIL CITATIONS AND FILED 22 FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY FELONY CASES AGAINST UNLICENSED PEOPLE!
One of the most common cases is when the "Home Theater Installer" cannot be located when a problem develops with an A/V system he installed. If there is a problem with an A/V system installed by a licensed contractor you have more than a telephone number to fall back on. You have the assurance that the contractor has met the qualifications required by the State of Arizona.
The State of Arizona has rigid standards for professional low voltage contractors. Only those who meet these standards can qualify for a low voltage contractor's license. These licenses are YOUR best protection. Should you have a legitimate dispute with a licensed low voltage contractor you have the right to file a complaint with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors office. In most cases, your complaint will be resolved satisfactorily.
Contracting without a license in the State of Arizona is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE! ARS: 32-1151 lists contracting without a license as a Class I Misdemeanor, punishable by fines or imprisonment or both.
THE RECOVERY FUND
Dealing with licensed contractors allows the homeowner access to the Registrar of Contractors Recovery Fund.
The Recovery Fund is financed by licensed contractors and is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. It was established to cover losses suffered by homeowners that have incurred damages caused by the failure of a LICENSED CONTRACTOR to adequately build or improve a residential structure or appurtenance on their property.
When a contractor refuses or is unable to comply with an order of the Registrar of Contractors to remedy a violation, the homeowner may file a claim against the Recovery Fund and can recover as much as $30,000. The maximum payout for any one contractor's license is $200,000.
THE RECOVERY FUND BENEFIT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO HOMEOWNERS USING UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS!
BEWARE OF THE RISKS!
The State of Arizona requires that anyone who contracts to perform home theater services exceeding $750, including labor and material, must have a valid Arizona contractor's license. THIS LAW WAS WRITTEN TO PROTECT YOU! It was implemented for good reasons. If someone performs low voltage services valued over $750 without a license, THEY ARE BREAKING THE LAW!
In most cases unlicensed roofers do not have Worker's Compensation Insurance. They do not have Liability Insurance. They are not Bonded. They do not pay City, State, or Federal Taxes. They do not adhere to Local and State Construction Law.
All of the above can cause YOU grave consequences! When the installer is unlicensed, YOU are considered to be their employer. YOU can be personally liable for employment taxes. If an accident or injury occurs YOU could be held liable for medical costs. YOU could also be exposed to future lawsuits. Don't assume a potentially devastating liability by hiring an unlicensed installer.
THE UNLICENSED INSTALLER YOU HIRE TO INSTALL YOUR HOME THEATER TODAY! COULD OWN YOUR HOME TOMORROW!