I want to share a cautionary experience in case it helps others avoid the same headache.

I hired a general contractor (GC) here in Tucson, Arizona for a cosmetic remodel on my property. Before we started, I specifically asked him if a permit was needed. He said no, claiming that since we weren’t adding rooms, moving plumbing, or breaking down walls, it wasn’t required. He also said he was licensed for both residential and commercial work.

He seemed professional at first, and I paid a 33% deposit upfront. But soon after the project began, he started asking for more money before finishing major parts of the job. I ended up paying almost the full amount before realizing something wasn’t right.

Then a city inspector stopped by randomly and issued a stop work order, saying the work did require a permit. That’s when things fell apart. The GC became uncooperative, wouldn’t assist with the permit application, and once I obtained the permit myself, he refused to be listed as the GC and completely ghosted me.

I then consulted another GC, who helped me confirm that this person is not licensed at all, despite his earlier claims. I have since filed a complaint with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC). They confirmed he is unlicensed and have opened an investigation.

Luckily, I paid with a credit card. I’m currently disputing the charges, and the credit card company has frozen the funds while it’s under review. They told me if the contractor can’t prove he did the work as agreed, I may be able to recover the money.

I also learned that because he’s unlicensed and abandoned the project, he likely can’t place a mechanic’s lien on my property.