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Frequently asked questions

Source: Arizona Garage Door Help (arizonagaragedoorhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.

How much is an Arizona residential specialty contractor license, such as R-7?

For a new two year Specialty Residential (R) license: license fee $270 and $80 application fee, plus the Residential Recovery Fund assessment of $370, for $720 total, per the ROC fee page. Exam fees are extra.

How much can I get from the Arizona Recovery Fund?

Up to $30,000 per residence, and no more than $200,000 in total per contractor license, if you qualify.

Can a handyman do small jobs in Arizona without a license?

Only casual or minor work under $1,000 in total that needs no permit. Any job that needs a permit needs a licensed contractor, the ROC says.

Does my Arizona contractor have to give me a written contract?

For jobs over $1,000, A.R.S. 32-1158 lists what the written contract must contain, including the license number and total price with taxes.

How long do I have to file an ROC complaint?

For remodels and repairs, two years from the date work was last performed. For new construction, two years from close of escrow or occupancy, whichever came first.

Can I do work on my own Arizona home without a license?

Yes, if it is for your own use and not for sale or rent for at least a year, per the ROC. Permits and building codes still apply.

Is there a garage door license in Arizona?

The ROC classification list has no class named for garage doors. R-7 Carpentry lists metal doors, door frames and hardware; R-60 lists metal doors and automatic door closers. Ask the ROC which class fits your job.

Can a handyman replace my garage door in Arizona?

Only if the job is casual or minor, under $1,000 in total, and needs no permit. Otherwise a licensed contractor is required.

How do I check a garage door company's license in Arizona?

Look up the license on the ROC Contractor Search and confirm the class covers the job. ROC: (602) 542-1525.

How fast must a garage door opener reverse?

Under 16 CFR 1211, a closing door must start to reverse within 2 seconds of contact with an obstruction.

Can I add auto close to a one-piece garage door?

No. The federal standard does not permit unattended operation on one-piece or swinging garage doors.

How do I test my garage door opener?

Monthly: place a 1 1/2 inch object, or a 2 by 4 laid flat, on the floor under the closing door. It must reverse on contact. If not, adjust, repair or replace the opener.

Does the door from my garage to my house have to be fire rated?

Chandler's manual says it must be self-closing and at least 20-minute fire rated, 1 3/8 inch solid wood, or 1 3/8 inch steel. Ask your own city for its rule.

Do I need a permit to replace a garage door in Arizona?

It depends on the city. Tucson exempts same size, same location door replacement; Phoenix exempts replacement in kind of doors and hardware. Ask your city about garage doors and opener wiring.

Do I need a permit to replace a garage door in Phoenix?

Phoenix exempts minor repair or replacement in kind of non-structural components such as doors and hardware. Its list does not name garage doors, so ask Phoenix Planning and Development.

Do I need a permit to replace a garage door in Tucson?

Tucson says same size, same location door replacement needs no permit if no structural framing is added or changed. A new wired outlet for an opener needs a permit.

Do I need a permit to replace a garage door in Mesa?

We did not find a Mesa rule on garage door replacement. Mesa requires permits for structural and electrical modifications and for converting a window to a door; ask Mesa Development Services.

What kind of door is required between a Chandler garage and the house?

Chandler's manual says a self-closing door that is at least 20-minute fire rated, 1 3/8 inch solid wood, or 1 3/8 inch solid or honeycomb core steel.

Does Scottsdale exempt garage door work from permits?

Scottsdale's non-structural exemption excludes work affecting a garage, and garage enclosures need a building permit. Ask Scottsdale Planning and Development about your job.

Do I need a permit to widen a garage door opening in Glendale?

Glendale says door and window openings need structural items looked at, and a size change could need a larger header. Ask Glendale Building Safety.

Does replacing a garage door in Tempe trigger new smoke alarms?

In Tempe's 2018 code copy, replacing windows or doors is exempt from the smoke alarm upgrade rule. Ask Tempe whether a permit is needed.

Do I need a permit to replace a garage door in Flagstaff?

Flagstaff's exempt list does not mention doors. Its general rule covers altering or repairing a structure, so ask the city first.

On this site: Arizona specialty contractor license fees (such as R-7 Carpentry) · Contractor bonds and the Recovery Fund in Arizona · The Arizona handyman exemption and $1,000 limit · What an Arizona garage door contract must include · How to file a complaint against an Arizona contractor · Doing your own work on your Arizona home · Arizona license rules for garage door work · How to check an Arizona garage door company before you hire · Federal garage door opener safety rules (16 CFR 1211) · How to test your garage door opener's auto reverse · Garage to house door and outlet rules in Arizona cities · Garage door and door permit rules in Arizona cities · Cities · FAQ · Sources

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