Hiring someone to redo your backyard is a real investment. Before you hand over a deposit, take five minutes to check one thing: their license.
In Arizona, landscaping contractors are required to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, known as the ROC. You can look anyone up at azroc.gov. Just type in the company name or license number and you'll see whether they're active, what their license covers, and if they have any complaints or disciplinary actions on file.
Here's what to look for once you're on the page.
Active status. If the license is expired or suspended, stop there.
License classification. There are different contractor classifications in Arizona. For landscaping, you want to see an L-4 (landscaping) or C-57 (water well drilling if irrigation is involved). Hardscaping like pavers typically falls under a general engineering or general contractor license. Make sure what they're licensed for matches what they're selling you.
Complaint history. A complaint doesn't automatically mean a bad contractor — sometimes disputes happen. But look at how it was resolved. Unresolved complaints or a pattern of issues is a red flag.
Beyond the license, ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' comp. If someone gets hurt on your property and they're not covered, you could be on the hook. A legitimate contractor will have no problem sending over their certificate of insurance before the job starts.
One more thing — be cautious of anyone who asks for a large cash deposit upfront, has no online presence, or can't give you references from recent jobs in the area. Licensed and insured is the baseline, not the finish line.