So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and add that patio cover you’ve been dreaming about. No more scorching on your patio furniture. No more sweating through your shirt while trying to grill. No more watching your outdoor plants wither under the relentless Arizona sun.
But then comes the hard part – finding someone to build it who won’t leave you with a structure that wobbles in the wind or sags after the first summer storm.
If you’re like most Phoenix homeowners, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety right now. Excitement about finally having a usable outdoor space. Anxiety about choosing the right contractor for the job.
And you should be concerned. According to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, complaints against residential contractors have increased by 15% over the past three years, with home improvement complaints ranking in the top five categories.
We here at chillax patios believe one of the most important decisions you’re going to make when you decide to build a patio cover is the contractor that you hire.
After installing hundreds of Alumawood patio covers across Phoenix over the past decade, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous when it comes to patio cover installations. We’ve also repaired and replaced numerous covers that failed prematurely due to poor installation.
In this guide, we’ll share five proven ways to identify a questionable contractor before you sign on the dotted line. These aren’t just our opinions – they’re based on real-world experience and industry standards that any reputable contractor should meet.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what red flags to look for, what questions to ask, and how to protect your investment in your outdoor living space. Let’s dive right in and help you avoid becoming another contractor horror story.
In this guide, we’ll share five proven ways to identify a questionable contractor before you sign on the dotted line. These aren’t just our opinions – they’re based on real-world experience and industry standards that any reputable contractor should meet.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what red flags to look for, what questions to ask, and how to protect your investment in your outdoor living space. Let’s dive right in and help you avoid becoming another contractor horror story.
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You’ve collected several quotes for your patio cover project, and most of them are in a similar range. But then there’s that one bid that’s dramatically lower than all the others. It’s tempting, right? Who doesn’t love a bargain?
Not so fast.
If you’re going to get multiple bids, a lot of times they’re going to be real close to each other, and then sometimes you’re going to find one that’s really high or one that’s really low.
This price discrepancy should immediately raise questions. In a recent case, We had a guy bid a cover 37% less than ours was. We have never built a patio cover with 37% net profit. So, what does that tell you? Somebody’s losing money. And if they’re not, then something’s not being built right.
This is especially concerning given current market conditions. Material has gone up this year. However, some of our competitors have gone down in price this year. I think it’s because they’re competing on price only and just trying to keep their guys busy.
When you see a bid that’s significantly lower than others, ask yourself (and the contractor) these questions:
A study by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry found that 77% of homeowners who chose contractors based solely on the lowest bid reported dissatisfaction with the final results, compared to just 12% who selected contractors based on reputation and quality.
Remember, an unusually high bid can also be a warning sign. While quality work deserves fair compensation, some contractors simply price gouge because they can. Always ask for a in-depth description of the work performed so you can compare evenly to understand exactly what you’re paying for, always make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
The bottom line? If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. And in construction, cutting corners to save money can lead to dangerous results.
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Picture this scenario: You have a specific vision for your patio cover. Maybe it’s an extra-wide span without support posts, or a unique design feature you saw online. You consult with three contractors who all tell you it can’t be done the way you want – perhaps due to structural limitations, building codes, or the physical properties of the materials.
Then the fourth contractor comes along and says, “No problem! We can absolutely do that!”
Should you be thrilled that you finally found someone skilled enough to make your dreams come true? Or should you be concerned?
This is definitely a situation that warrants caution. If a contractor says he can make it work while multiple others say you can’t, then you might want to stop and look at that. If you have three contractors say that can’t be built and one says ‘absolutely no problem,’ clearly there’s something going on.
Now, to be fair, innovation exists in the construction industry. Sometimes an experienced contractor has developed solutions to common challenges. I have been out there where people have said you can’t do that. And I’m like, well, I’ve run into that multiple times. We’ve developed a system to take care of just that.
The key difference is in the explanation. A legitimate contractor with an innovative solution will be able to explain exactly how they’ll overcome the challenges that concerned other contractors. They’ll discuss the specific methods, materials, or engineering approaches they’ll use.
A fishy contractor, on the other hand, will simply say “yes” without addressing the concerns or explaining their solution in detail.
How to protect yourself:
Remember this advice: “If somebody says, ‘Oh, absolutely. That can be done. Here’s what we’re going to do. This, this, and this,’ just make sure it makes sense. You might be dealing with somebody that’s really good, or you might be dealing with somebody that just wants to get the job done.”
The physics of construction don’t change based on who you hire. If multiple professionals identify the same limitation, take that seriously.
Would you buy a new car without a warranty? Probably not. So why would you invest thousands in a patio cover without proper protection?
The warranty a contractor offers tells you volumes about their confidence in their own work. If you can’t stand behind your own work, what quality of work are they doing?
Many contractors will claim they warranty everything they do, but the devil is in the details. How long is that warranty? The industry minimum required is two years. So I’d say most of the contractors probably do a 2-year labor warranty on everything they build because that’s required by law.
But is two years really enough? Consider that a quality patio cover should last 15-20 years or more. A two-year warranty covers just a fraction of its expected lifespan.
At Chillax Patios, we do a lifetime warranty on all of our Alumawood patio covers because if it ever comes apart due to our negligence, we’ll be there to repair it. And we’ve had to make good on that.
The importance of a solid warranty becomes painfully clear when things go wrong. I actually have a competitor friend of mine that they are rebuilding a patio cover that collapsed after 2 years of being installed. We are right now installing one that collapsed after 5 years of install. Both of those would technically be out of warranty on a 2-year warranty, but both of them were installed very incorrectly.”
When evaluating warranties, look for:
-The length of coverage (longer is better)
-What specifically is covered (materials, labor, structural issues)
-Any exclusions or limitations
-The company’s track record of honoring warranties
-Transferability if you sell your home
A strong warranty isn’t just paperwork—it’s a statement of confidence and a commitment to quality. If a contractor isn’t willing to stand behind their work for the long haul, that might tell you everything you need to know about the quality you can expect.
In our connected world, there’s really no excuse for a legitimate business to have no online presence or reviews. We, at Chillax, suggest that you take a look at the reviews that they have. Google’s a really good place to look. Yelp, and then if a company does social media, you can always look into that as well.
According to a 2023 survey by the Better Business Bureau, 88% of consumers read reviews before making a purchase decision, and 72% say positive reviews make them trust a business more. For major investments like a patio cover, this research is even more critical.
When examining reviews, look beyond just the star rating. Pay attention to:
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-The number of reviews:Â A handful of 5-star reviews is less meaningful than dozens or hundreds of ratings
-Review specifics: Do reviewers mention details about their projects, or are the reviews vague and generic?
–Consistency: Are there recurring themes in positive or negative feedback?
–Response to negative reviews: How does the company handle criticism?
–Recent activity: Are there recent reviews, or has it been years since the last one?
Be wary of contractors with only a few reviews, all posted within a short timeframe. This can indicate they’ve asked friends and family to create positive reviews, or worse, they’ve purchased fake reviews.
Also, don’t just look at the 5-star reviews. The 3-star reviews often provide the most balanced perspective on a company’s strengths and weaknesses.
Remember that no business is perfect, and even the best contractors occasionally have unhappy customers. What matters is how they respond to issues and whether there are patterns of problematic behavior.
As we like to say, “Anybody can have a one-off, right? Like a complaint is not the worst thing in the world because everybody runs into that customer. However, if you see a pattern or you see multiple of the same thing, then you might want to take a look at that as well.”
The fifth and perhaps most important indicator of a fishy contractor is their standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
Here in Arizona, in order to build a patio cover, you are required to be a licensed contractor. A licensed contractor is held to a standard by the ROC where if you look up, they might have a license that’s suspended, if they have a license that is revoked, you can look at all that, but then also you can look at the complaints.
The ROC is Arizona’s regulatory body for the construction industry. They issue licenses, enforce building standards, and handle complaints against contractors. Their website provides a wealth of information that every homeowner should check before hiring anyone.
Here’s what to look for when checking a contractor’s ROC status:
-Valid, current license: Verify that their license is active, not suspended or revoked
-Proper license classification: For patio covers, contractors typically need a B-3 General Remodeling and Repair or CR-17 Awnings, Canopies, Carports and Patio Cover license
-Bond information: Ensure they have an active bond, which provides some financial protection if things go wrong
-Complaint history: Check for patterns of complaints or unresolved issues
-Disciplinary actions: Look for any past suspensions or other disciplinary measures
According to the ROC’s annual report, approximately 12% of licensed contractors in Arizona have had some form of disciplinary action in the past five years. While not all of these are serious, it’s information you should have before making your decision.
Checking ROC status is quick and easy through their website (roc.az.gov), and as Eli emphasizes, “The number five is probably the most important… Take a look at their ROC. Make sure their license is in good standing.”
Working with an unlicensed contractor or one with serious ROC issues isn’t just risky—it could void your homeowner’s insurance coverage if something goes wrong, leave you with no recourse if the project fails, and potentially even violate local building codes.
Throughout all five of these indicators runs a common theme: the critical importance of quality and precision over price.
In Arizona’s extreme climate, a patio cover isn’t just a decorative feature—it’s a structural element that must withstand intense sun, monsoon winds, occasional heavy rain, and temperature swings of 30+ degrees in a single day. Cutting corners to save a few dollars simply isn’t worth the risk.
Quality installation of an Alumawood patio cover involves:
-Proper engineering and design for your specific site conditions
-Footings that meet or exceed local building code requirements
-Precise measurements and cuts
-Proper flashing and sealing to prevent water intrusion
-Adequate structural support based on span and load requirements
-Proper fasteners and connection methods
-Attention to drainage and water management
None of these critical elements should be compromised to lower the price.
According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, properly installed outdoor structures add an average of 8-12% to a home’s value, while poorly constructed ones can actually decrease value by creating safety concerns and future repair expenses.
Let’s be real – anything left out in the Arizona sun is going to fade eventually. Most Alumawood warranties cover against chalking and fading for 6-10 years. However, here’s a pretty amazing fun fact: the paint is guaranteed against chipping, cracking, and peeling for life.
After reading about these five warning signs, you might be wondering how to find a good contractor rather than just avoid bad ones. Here are some positive signs to look for:
-Transparent pricing with detailed quotes that explain what you’re paying for
-Strong warranties that exceed the minimum requirements
-Positive reviews across multiple platforms with specific details about projects
-Clean ROC record with an appropriate license classification
-Clear communication and willingness to explain their methods and materials
-Proper permitting and knowledge of local building codes
-References from past clients with similar projects
-Experience specifically with Alumawood patio covers
At Chillax Patios, we’ve built our reputation over the past decade by focusing on these positive qualities. We’re not always the cheapest option, and we’re okay with that. What we do promise is quality craftsmanship, honest pricing, and patio covers that stand the test of time in Arizona’s challenging climate.
By now, you should have a clear understanding of the five key warning signs of a fishy patio cover contractor:
2. Promising what others say is impossible
3. Minimal or non-existent warranty
4. Questionable reviews or no reviews
5. ROC status issues
Armed with this knowledge, you’re now better equipped to protect yourself from contractors who might deliver subpar work or, worse, take your money and disappear.
Remember that your patio cover is both a significant investment and a structure your family will rely on for safety and comfort. It deserves to be built right the first time by professionals who stand behind their work.
When you’re ready to add an Alumawood patio cover to your Phoenix area home, we hope you’ll consider Chillax Patios. Not because we say we’re the best, but because our work, our warranties, our reviews, and our ROC standing demonstrate our commitment to quality.
After all, in the Arizona heat, you deserve a cool, comfortable outdoor space that’s built to last—not one that leaves you hot under the collar with regrets.
And as we say here at Chillax Patios say, if this article was helpful, feel free to reach out with any other questions you might have about your patio cover project. We’re always happy to help, whether you choose us for your project or not.Â