Design-Build: What to Expect & What Is Involved
Homeowners obviously like to know what the next steps are going to be, and we get asked the same questions each time, so we created a detailed outline to be concise and easy to digest.
Please watch this video because it will probably answer most of the questions homeowners have at this point regarding next steps and it will explain many things that homeowners wouldn’t even know to consider:
This is the link to purchase if you want to use a credit card, and there is a 3% charge from the merchant account:
Purchase the Feasibility, Planning, & Design Package
You can also write us a check out to "Phx Home Remodeling” and we can collect it at the next meeting.
You can download the design agreement here:
Text version of the video, plus FAQ at the bottom:
If You Want To Work With Us On The Design Package:
If you would like to work with us on the design phase, we only need 2 things back from you. The signed design agreement and the design package payment.
- When filling out the 1 page design agreement:
- Please make sure to initial the middle section
- If there is more than one project, please add up the total of all the projects you want to do with the design build and write that price range on the design agreement
- Sign the design agreement and take a picture to send it back to us.
- You can also schedule a call to further discuss if anything in this video isn’t covered.
- The second item we need is the design retainer and there are 2 ways to make the payment.
- The first one is with a credit card and because our credit card merchant account charges 3% we have to pass on that hard cost which is about $45.
- The second option is to write us a check and we can pick it up at the next meeting.
- Please make checks out to "Phx Home Remodeling"
Design Initial Walkthrough Meeting
- After we receive the design agreement, we will setup a couple items in our system and then send you a calendar link to schedule the next meeting.
- The design initial walkthrough meeting is with your consultant and designer to review the space at a high level. This way the designer can see the space(s) and talk through the layout and get into a high level of design. If you haven’t provided the design package check, this is the meeting to provide it.
The Design Phase
- After that meeting you start the design phase of the project. Your designer will help you pick out selection items, ensure they’re good quality, at the best price, and that it looks good in the space.
- We help you pick out all items but we also provide you a list of places you can look on your own if you want. Countertops are something we always request you go and look since a sample is not adequate.
- We don’t care where you get the majority of your items from as long as they are good quality which we can advise on.
- We will use BuilderTrend for all communication to ensure it is all in one place. This helps you, our team, and our other clients by keeping things consistent and efficient.
- We provide a rendering specific to the items you have chosen to ensure it is the way you want it to look.
- We revamp the rendering when needed to ensure it is the way you want it to be and we finalize everything.
- The design phase is usually 30-60 days and there are so many factors that play into that timeline.
Once The Design Phase Is Completed
- If you want to work with us for the construction phase, we sign the construction agreement.
- What’s great is all of your information and what we need is already in BuilderTrend software and it is ready to go.
- After you sign the construction agreement, we schedule the Construction walkthrough meeting for your project manager to come out to see the space or spaces, review your needs, discuss what times of day are ok to do construction, accessing the house, and other normal housekeeping items.
- Once the Project Manager has seen the space or spaces and ensures everything is finalized, they will start ordering materials.
- We do not start projects until all of the important items have arrived and have been checked by us to ensure nothing is wrong with them. This way we don’t have delayed items or damaged items prolonging your construction timelines.
- Once the important items have arrived the Project Manager confirms the demo day and we ask that you clear out your personal items from the area a couple of days before. This ensures nothing gets dusty or damaged.
- Then we start the project and keep you updated on each stage!
If you have not already, we strongly recommend visiting this article that discusses the difference in detail between a design-build firm and a general contractor:
https://phxhomeremodeling.com/design-build-vs-general-contractor/What Your Neighbors Are Saying
(Hover over a review to pause the slider)
Phoenix Home Remodeling recently remodeled our master shower! It was an amazing experience from the beginning to the completion of the project.
They informed us the whole process, showed up on time, communicated with us the progress every day, and the area was cleaned and organized when they left daily.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about the whole team.
A+++++! We love Phoenix Home Remodeling so much that we already recommended them to our friends and neighbors.
Lucy F.
“We contracted with Phoenix Home Remodeling to renovate our three bathrooms and they did a fantastic job. Great communication, the project plan kept at least one bathroom functional throughout, absolutely zero corner-cutting, great attention to detail, and very clean work.
Mark, Ben and Jeremy are responsive, helpful, skilled and easy to work with. Their level of craftsmanship is something that every contractor should aspire to.
Absolutely recommend!”
Ian C.
“I had (3) Bathroom remodel and the job was completed in 6 weeks. I allow them to enter my home while I was out on vacation.
Every bathroom exceeded what I imagined.
This group is a great team.
Thanks again PHR for such a great job.”
Mary C.
“My husband and I recently completed a home remodel through Phoenix Home Remodeling that included replacement of the living room floor, new kitchen, laundry room and master bath.
They were recommended to us through a blog that services my daughter’s neighborhood in Gilbert. We did do our due diligence and got 4 estimates but ultimately chose Phoenix Home Remodeling.
We found the company to be reputable with clear and honest communication throughout the process.
They updated us with any changes to the original plan/pricing and finished the project within their estimated timeframe. Most importantly, they were sensitive to our concerns about the safety of our home and were respectful of the condition of our home.
We would most definitely use them again for another home remodeling project.”
Annette B.
“We love Phoenix Home Remodeling! They did an amazing job on our bathrooms as well as the kitchen and den.
They were very prompt with answering our emails and calls as well as addressing any concerns we had.
Highly recommend Phoenix Home Remodeling for your next renovation!”
Jeong K.
“Deciding to remodel my house interior was a major decision.
The scary part of this decision, I lived out of state in NY. I was fortunate enough to still have the first house I purchased while living in AZ. After reviewing various contractors, I felt the most comfortable with Phoenix Home Remodeling.
I have to admit that this was the most stress-free, easy-going process I ever experienced. I was able to keep in contact with Ben even with a 3 hour time difference.
I was informed about the progress of my project by phone and was also sent photos. The final results of my remodel were above my expectations.
My place looks great! Thanks to Ben and his crew.”
Kelly G.
“They were outstanding start to finish. I got multiple quotes and their price was very fair. I immediately trusted them.
They communicate very well and did throughout the whole process.
They are detail-oriented which is important during a kitchen remodel. They got all our work done within the expected timeline.
Some companies in this space look to take advantage of homeowners but not Phoenix Home Remodeling. They are the best and we will use them again.”
Justin S.
“Remodeling with Phoenix Home Remodeling was AMAZING! We completely remodeled the second level of our home: master bathroom, guest bathroom all flooring on the second level including a dual staircase.
From the ease of scheduling the initial appointment to the final walk through each step of the way exceeded our expectations!!
Jeremy, Mark, Ben and Townsend were a pleasure to work with. Their dedication and attention to detail, scheduling of each part of the remodel and the quality of work completed was exactly as promised. Home remodeling projects can get off track with problems or issues and we were pleased that our whole remodel was right on track or completed earlier than expected.
We were always informed of any slight change of plan and communication through the whole process was outstanding.
Thank you, Jeremy, Mark, Ben and Townsend! We LOVE our “new” home! We highly recommend Phoenix Home Remodeling!!”
Mary T.
“Phoenix Home Remodeling recently completed the remodel of our guest and master bathrooms.
We are extremely pleased with the quality of their work, their attention to detail and the professionalism displayed by every person (plumbers, tile setters, counter installers, shower doors and glass team, etc.) who worked on our project.
Jeremy and Mark were great to work with and provided an exceptional level of customer service.
I would especially like to thank Townsend Saunders, (project manager) for providing outstanding communication, flexibility and completing the project on time and within budget as promised.
I highly recommend this company for any type of home remodeling projects.”
Paul D.
“This was my first experience with a remodel. Phoenix Home Remodeling redid both of my bathrooms and they look amazing!!
Great attention to detail, reasonable prices, and they finished within the estimated timeframe.
Jeremy and Mark were so easy to reach with questions and they responded very quickly, usually within the hour.
I don’t think you could find a more organized remodeling company! Thank you!!”
Kimberly C.
“We loved Phoenix Home remodelling. They gave us a three-week estimate to completely redo our kitchen – from demo to rebuild.
They had it completed in 1.5 weeks! They truly care about their work and their customers and it showed throughout the entire process.”
Benjamin P.
“Easy to work with this team. I’ve worked with many contractors over the years and I must say this is the first time I’ve ever really been impressed. They showed up daily on time, worked hard the whole time they were there, listened to what we wanted, did an awesome job, completed on time as promised, fairly priced and cleaned up their job site daily. Would definitely recommend and will use them again if needed.
Thanks to Jeremy for reaching out to my request, and thanks to Mark and Ben for helping us create our dream shower!!”
Dawn G.
“Phoenix Home Remodeling is a quality company both in service and in workmanship. What I valued most, however, was their willingness to work with me as an equal partner to help me reach the vision I had for creating a beautiful new master bathroom. The employees of this company are people of utmost integrity and I trusted their judgment as we worked together to create this new extraordinary space. I could not have chosen a better company and my expectations were reached and even exceeded. I am so grateful.”
Donna B.
“Jeremy, Ben & Mark did a wonderful job. Very professional, always showed up on time & kept me advised every step of the way. I will absolutely use them again.”
Tish D.
“Remodelling is such a daunting concept…until you meet the guys at Phoenix Home Remodeling. From the initial conversation, we were made to feel that our vision didn’t seem too far fetched after all! We gave them a long wish list and they took the time to provide the quote for each item allowing us to prioritize.
The quote left no room for big surprises. They were always accessible which is very helpful to anxious homeowners! What was even more impressive was how neat they left the work area each day. One of the many indications they really care about each home they touch. Thank you, Jeremy, Ben and Mark (in no particular order ) and to your crew for everything! We are so happy with the care you gave our home and for the many extras, you did just because.”
Maryola F.
“A big thank you to Mark, Ben and Jeremy with Phoenix Home Remodeling!! They did an AMAZING job with our SECOND remodel on our home! Our first remodel was our master and guest bathrooms and our complete flooring on our second level. This time they did a complete remodel on our family room wall/TV niche.
Once again their level of service, commitment, timely completion and perfection of work done was above and beyond. They make any remodel as easy as possible. They communicate each and every step and follow through with precision. Thank you again!!!!
We HIGHLY recommend Phoenix Home Remodeling!
Mary and Joel Terrill”
Joel T.
“Phoenix Home Remodeling far exceeded our expectations! We remodelled our master math and partial remodel of two other bathrooms. The process was so smooth and the entire team made something that can be very stressful into a project that was enjoyable.
I appreciated the collaboration and communication throughout the entire project from start to finish. Jeremy, Ben, and Mark are absolutely amazing and we will definitely work with them again on our next project! They by far are the best of the best.”
Amy S.
“I have worked with lots of contractors and these guys impressed me with their clear communication, how clean they keep the work areas and how much they care about their customers..highly recommend them.”
Ramon H.
My wife and I were nervous to hire a home remodelling company. We chose Phoenix home Remodeling because they talked about how organized they were. That was definitely true.
They let us know what was going on at every step. Our 2 bathroom remodels look amazing. My wife and are very happy. If you are looking for a home remodelling company in Phoenix you’ll like working with them.
rybendure1
“Mark and his team were easy to work with and their attention to detail was great. Our kitchen looks perfect just how we wanted it and we couldn’t be happier.
Thank you Phoenix Home Remodelers!!!”
Daniel O.
“Remodelling is such a daunting concept…until you meet the guys at Phoenix Home Remodeling. From the initial conversation, we were made to feel that our vision didn’t seem too far fetched after all! We gave them a long wish list and they took the time to provide the quote for each item allowing us to prioritize. The quote left no room for big surprises.
They were always accessible which is very helpful to anxious homeowners! What was even more impressive was how neat they left the work area each day. One of the many indications they really care about each home they touch.
Thank you, Jeremy, Ben and Mark (in no particular order 😊) and to your crew for everything! We are so happy with the care you gave our home and for the many extras, you did just because.”
M.S. F.
“We have worked with Phoenix Home Remodeling on a few jobs recently and are really impressed by their renovation work.
I’ve seen their bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels and other interiors remodel work. Their attention to detail on this renos is fantastic.
I’ve never seen such organized contractors in Phoenix when it comes to their technology, scheduling, and processes.
If you need a good home to remodel contractor in Arizona, Phoenix Home Remodeling is amazing.”
Fernando D
“Phx Home Remodeling is great. You hear nightmares all the time about contractors that don’t follow through, do poor work, and can be very difficult with whom to work.
These guys were excellent on every front. They were always on time, very considerate, easy to work with when you run into issues, and outstanding quality.
It is so nice to find a group like this in a very hit or miss industry.”
Rhet A.
“From the first contact to finish the experience was beyond my expectations! The communication, collaboration, and attention to detail was first class.
The bathroom tub removal & shower install was completed on time and at budget.
I can’t wait to start an even bigger project with Phoenix Home Remodeling.”
Elizabeth N.
“Jeremy and the rest of the team were great to work within remodeling our bathroom.
Although small, it was a technically complex remodel with limited space.
They did an excellent job from start to finish, and we were updated every step of the way.”
Brian A.
“We had this company come out and give our kitchen a facelift (new sink, countertops and backsplash).
While we didn’t have a huge project we were very impressed with this company.
They were easy to communicate with and always on time. The workers who came into our home were polite. We worked with their designer, Jason and he was great.
Throughout the whole process, we always knew what was coming and what was expected of us. Looking forward to working with them in the future for our bathrooms.”
Charlie B.
Phoenix Home Remodeling recently remodeled my kitchen and master bath.
Jeremy, Ben, and Mark are incredibly professional! We chose designer cabinets which take a bit longer, and the results are incredible and very high quality!
Both the kitchen and master bath and many other projects they completed throughout my entire home are perfect and exactly how I dreamed they would turn out!
Several friends and family have been to my newly remodeled home and they can’t get over how amazing it looks! The quality of the work is beyond my expectations!
Phoenix Home Remodeling is a company I would definitely hire again; a truly top-notch company!
Dawn W.
“I don’t have a ton of experience with remodels (this was our first) but I can’t imagine the process being any smoother.
The Phoenix Home Remodeling team is a well-oiled machine. They kept our fairly substantial remodel (flooring, 3 bathrooms, Kitchen, Paint and more) on time and on budget.
Even after we added a large amount of scope to the project (decided to do all 3 bathrooms) they still finished the project within a week of their original estimate.
The quality was outstanding, but their communication was even better. I text Ben (PM) regularly through the process and they always kept me up to date which helped a ton.
As it is with most things, you get what you pay for, and hiring Phoenix Home remodeling is a decision I would make over and over. They might not be the cheapest option, but they are undoubtedly the best.
I hope this review is helpful for anyone looking to get their home remodeled. This is definitely the company to hire.”
Ben A.
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Phoenix Home Remodeling! I love my new bathroom. The whole team is incredibly professional, and each person on it excels in their area of expertise.
Jeremy has established a wonderful system and provides so much valuable information and I love the software system he uses. I always felt well-informed, and my questions and requests were responded to quickly. Jason, the Designer, took my few ideas and came up with a design that was both beautiful and highly functional.
The guys who did the work – Ben, Mark, Garin and all of the others – worked so hard, their work was perfection, and before they left every day, the area was clean and organized.
I’ve heard of people so tired of having workers in their house and problems associated with remodels, but these guys were so great, professional and the whole process was so easy and went so fast! Thank you, Phoenix Home Remodeling!”
Valerie P.
“We recently remodeled our master bathroom with Phoenix Home Remodeling. After having at least six other companies come through and give us a bid, we never felt comfortable.
Then we met with Phoenix Home Remodeling.
They were upfront, honest, and able to answer our questions. We decided to move ahead with Phoenix Home Remodeling for the project.
Then the entire process was fantastic. We were able to diagram out every single thing we wanted, and they made it happen. We had good dialogue throughout.
Every one of their employees was very pleasant, on time every day, and worked with us around our schedule.
And the end result is beautiful. We are extremely pleased with our new bathroom.
Special shoutout to Lupe on the tile work. It is immaculate.”
Darren B.
“In the first stages of researching people to do a bathroom remodel, I reached out to friends & co-workers. I received ZERO recommendations from them, but a few “who not to work with” as well as hearing the story of how one of my co-workers had an open BBB complaint against the company they used. I’ve never done this size remodel before so I was already a little nervous, but hearing their stories stressed me out!
I went online to do some research and that included NextDoor and the Living Chandler Facebook group. Checked out past “remodel” posts and noted any companies that were recommended multiple times. Once I got a fair amount of companies, I started calling them for initial consultations. After that, I narrowed it down to 3 for in-home consultations and quotes.
All 3 quotes were in the same ballpark, which was good since I didn’t feel like anyone was trying to take advantage of me. I went with Phoenix Home Remodeling (PHR) because unlike some of the others, they didn’t try to push me in a specific design direction and didn’t try to force expensive options. Seriously, one company really tried to upsell me on everything, even when I would share concerns.
Jeremy, Ben, Mark, and Jason made me feel comfortable and, while working with them, reinforced that I made the correct decision by listening to my questions and concerns. They were able to take general ideas/concepts and make them a reality! Their subs also helped reinforce that I went with the right people. Lupe (tile), Roy (vanity), Cody (woodworking, misc), and everyone else was friendly, polite, asked me questions to make sure they got things right and did a wonderful job.
Any kind of remodelling can be overwhelming, and PHR was the perfect guide through the process and helping me keep my sanity. I’ve already recommended them and will continue to do so, and I look forward to using them again! (apologies for the novel, but I can’t say enough good things about PHR)”
Valerie C.
“We had a fantastic experience with Phoenix Home Remodeling on a recent project that included redoing our kitchen, powder room, and entire downstairs floor.
Ben, Mark, and Jeremy were very professional, responsive, and courteous.
We always knew exactly what each part would cost and had a great system for managing change orders.
They brought in excellent subcontractors for all the work and always made sure we were satisfied with what was completed.
We are already planning to use them again on our master bath remodel.”
Megan S
“Thank you so much for everything! This company is amazing! I was a nervous wreck when we bought our first “fixer-upper” home.
I had no idea where to start or what to do. Jeremy was one of the first contractors that reached out to me, out of many I contacted, calmed my nerves and walked me through every step! My house feels like a different home!
It’s beautiful, clean and everything is done to perfection!
I couldn’t imagine going with anyone else! Thank you Phoenix Home Remodeling!!”
Brittany B
Most people love their house after a renovation, but not so many can say they loved the process….I did!
This company holds itself to such a high standard of workmanship and communication, it exceeded all my expectations.
I am a perfectionist, but so are they.
They love their work. They explain processes, show up on time, guide you when needed, answer calls and concerns immediately.
The finished product is amazing.
At the end of the process we felt like family! What more can I say?
Donna W.
“I highly recommend PHR for your home remodeling needs! You start off the process with Jeremy, who walks you through the step by steps of how they operate and makes sure that PHR and you are compatible (making sure the job scope fits their abilities/size). It’s a very detailed approach and is very informative, regardless if you stick with them for the project or not.
Once we signed the contract to start work, we met with Jason, who is PHR’s interior designer, who helped us pick out materials and the layout of our office based on an image we had found on the internet. After that was settled, Mark and Ben came over for measurements and to discuss the game plan for the renovation.
We requested that the project be done before our new baby arrived and they nailed it!
Ben handled the project management side and Mark handled the various subcontractors and a bunch of work. Whenever I pointed out something that was flawed, Mark was sure to take care of whatever the concern was, no questions asked.
He was very meticulous in his work and it showed off in the end. Our office turned out fantastic and we are so happy that PHR was able to deliver on time and on budget. Jeremy comes back at the end to make sure everything went smoothly and sign off on the final delivery.
We plan on doing more renovations in the coming years and PHR will certainly be the first contractor we reach out to! Thanks guys!”
Devon M.
“We couldn’t be happier with our bathroom remodel by Phoenix Home Remodeling.
They nailed my vision to a tee and made a process which is usually unorganized, stressful and unpleasant all around, into a breeze.
From start to finish they answered any questions that came up, gave us advice on finishes, showed up daily on time and was in constant communication with us about the project.
To top it all off, they finished our project early! Who doesn’t like that!
All in all a complete win with this company. Thank you Phoenix Home Remodeling!”
Lisa S.
“We had two bathrooms fully remodeled and they look great!
I was impressed with the communication. We were updated along the way and were always told when someone would be at our house.
If we needed a question answered, we always received a quick response. We plan to use Phoenix Home Remodeling for our kitchen as well.”
Leslie L.
“Phoenix Home Remodeling did a fantastic job for me. They did all my floors, 2 bathrooms and my kitchen in 5 weeks (one of which I was away on vacation) without going a dollar over the original budget.
Ben’s project management skills take all the work off of me. All I had to do was pick things out and he did the rest. Mark did a fantastic job with every detail. His workmanship is exceptional as is the work of their title team.
I couldn’t be happier with the results, the price and most of all the overall customer experience. We all know how hard it is to find trustworthy contractors in this area because there’s so much demand.
I’m glad I found PHR and I will be gladly referring them to anyone that asks. Thanks guys…”
Dave B.
“I had the wonderful experience of doing a 3 bathroom remodel, and many other add ons, with Phoenix Home Remodel in the fall of 2019.
The entire team was extremely professional, easy to communicate with, reasonably priced and fabulous to work with. From the initial meeting with Jeremy to the final walkthrough, they made the entire process easy and manageable.
Loved the app to track the whole process, loved when Mark was able to explain my vision to plumbers, glass, tile and the many other trades that we were working with. If you are ready to remodel, give them a call.”
Debbie S.
“We hired Phoenix Home Remodeling, after meeting with and receiving quotes from several other companies, to remodel our master bathroom.
We were so very impressed with the communication, support, and reliability we experienced, from our initial appointment through our entire remodel.
Every trade that came to our home to complete the project was equally professional.
We are so pleased with our new bathroom and appreciate that Ben, Mark, and Jeremy were always available to answer questions, respond to requests, and help us create our new space.”
Michele L.
“Phoenix Home Remodeling did all of the heavy liftings on a fix and flip project for me!
It’s was only my second project and these guys made it a nice and easy experience.
In the fix and flip world, or life in general, you hear horror stories about how contractors have been a nightmare….NOT THESE GUYS!!!
Super friendly, prompt, kept a clean and neat work site.
I’d use them again and def recommend to anyone that asks. I’ll def be calling them for the next one…”
Felipe M.
“As a commercial contractor, my experience with residential contractors have been less than stellar so I am generally jaded towards them.
These folks are not like residential contractors.
These guys have a good business model in my opinion and do excellent work!
On-time, reasonably priced, and quality installation.
Our first remodel and largest expense outside of the home or auto purchase and they made it as easy as possible for us.
If you can wait for this team to do your remodel you will not be sorry.”
Colin P.
“This was our first time working with Phoenix Home Remodeling to completely remodel two bathrooms.
From start to finish they were professional and the workmanship was outstanding.
They helped guide us through our first remodel venture.
We are planning to use them again as we have a few more projects to get done.”
Susan M.
“I recently had Phoenix Home Remodeling complete renovations in both my master and guest bathrooms, kitchen, and entertainment wall in my home. I can’t tell you how happy I am with the results!!
The process they set in place and communication on a daily basis made the entire project so much easier than expected.
The use of BuilderTrend software helped to keep me on budget and communication between the team and myself seamless. The team of employees were amazing to work with; especially given this was my first time remodeling a home.
The work and amount of care for my home, lifestyle (we lived in the house during the construction), and quality of work was evident from day one until completion. I would highly recommend this company to anyone who is in need of a home project or upgrades.
I am pleased beyond measure with my newly updated home and cannot thank Phoenix Home Remodeling enough for their time, effort, and personalization they put into making this project well worth the investment. Thank you PHR!!”
Julie M.
“We loved Phoenix Home Remodeling.
They gave us a three-week estimate to completely redo our kitchen – from demo to rebuild. They had it completed in 1.5 weeks!
They truly care about their work and their customers and it showed throughout the entire process.”
Ben P
If you are looking to do a bathroom remodel, we highly recommend reviewing these bathroom remodel tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
With all the issues contractors can cause homeowners and the reputation home remodeling often has, it's normal to have questions and concerns about choosing a home remodel company.
Below are the most common FAQs at this point in the process and they are separated into different topic sections.
If there's a question you have that's not answered below or want more detail, feel free to reach out to us.
Simply click on a question you want to read and the answer will appear below it.
Research Phase FAQ
Why do I need to make sure a remodel contractor has workers comp & liability insurance?
If the contractor doesn't have these and one of their workers is hurt you could be liable. This could mean an increase in your insurance policy or you getting sued for any injury they occur or if they die.
If you are considering not using a licensed contractor that has the proper insurance, check out this article: https://www.beaconinsuranceadvisers.com/3-risks-of-hiring-contractors-without-general-liability-and-workers-comp/
Here is an excerpt from that article:
"Many contractors say it is not a big deal, and they would never sue you, but if a life changing event occurs, they are looking for someone to make them whole. Do you think a permanently disabled contractor would pass up the chance to sue your homeowners insurance policy for $300,000 or $500,000? These contractors do not take the time to protect themselves and their families before a claim happens. Yet, they are looking to protect their families after the fact with your insurance coverage. What if the contractor dies on the job like in my doctor scenario? Don’t you think the family would want to replace the lost income of the wage earner?"
Why do I need to make sure the remodeling company is licensed?
One of the large problems with using an unlicensed contractor is there's very little recourse you or the ROC can take. If they aren't licensed, the ROC doesn't have a license to suspend or revoke.
There is very little recourse a homeowner has when an unlicensed remodeler walks away from a project or won’t fix their problems.
Here is a news article of it happening to 2 sisters in Ahwatukee: https://www.abc15.com/news/let-joe-know/when-a-renovation-goes-terribly-wrong
Where do I go to check if the remodel company is licensed and it's really them?
As shown in the last FAQ, there are unfortunately "contractors" in the Phoenix area that use fake licenses and insurance.
It's absolutely horrible, but you can check their license and make sure it is really them. You can also see if they have any complaints with the ROC: https://roc.az.gov/contractor-search
You can put our ROC# in there to check it. Our ROC# is 313636.
Why are homeowners choosing the Design Build Model?
Design Build Model is where the contractor helps the homeowner with all of the panning, design and feasibility of the project without the homeowner being obligated to do the construction part with them.
This is called the Feasibility, Planning and Design Package. In the design-build business model, we plan everything out in advance before starting construction, which drastically reduces the issues that would often come up.
Planning is the most vital part to a construction project and unfortunately many companies do this poorly which inflict undue stress on homeowners.
This is an important article on the Design Build business model VS General Contractor business model.
That info in the link above explains the difference between the 2 and after reading it, we are confident you will see how much better the design-build process is for homeowners.
Design-build model ensures the exact costs are calculated due to a detailed scope of work and ensures you don't have the common contractor surprises.
When can you get started on my project after the design phase?
This depends on many factors but rest assured we move quickly compared to many contractors.
Since we don’t start the demo and construction until all of the important items have arrived and have been checked, the main factor is how long those take to arrive and if anything is damaged.
It's impossible to say but to give you a rough idea, on average it usually takes about a month while new cabinets can take 1-2 months in some scenarios.
Once we have all of the important items, we can then get started with your project usually within a week or two, but theres so many factors so obviously we keep you updated.
FAQ Around Issues Contractors Often Cause Homeowners
How do you keep the dust out of other areas of my home?
Obviously construction is a messy job with a lot of dust. We want your experience to be as pleasant as possible. We combat that with plastic zip walls (imagine blocking off an area with plastic walls - floor to ceiling), the industries best air filters called BuildCleans, and we ask that all items are removed from the construction zone and near it.
That being said, we do try to prevent but cant always eliminate all the dust. We will keep the job site as clean as possible but there are times it will get messy. In certain cases we will wait until the end of a part of the project for the end to do a final clean. If someone in the household is sensitive to odors or dust, they may consider being out of the house or allowing time for proper ventilation.
A little extra preparation goes along way to keep out dust and make your remodel experience a little better!
Do you guarantee your work with a warranty?
Absolutely. We provide a 2 year warranty on all services, labor, and workmanship. 1 year warranty on materials. Appliances and fixtures are dependent on manufacturer's warranties which usually range from 1-3 years.
The exception is if we reinstall a used item such as an electrical light you like and it breaks 6mo later, it's the lights age and not because of us. It's rare because the majority of people have us install all new items.
I've heard of contractors leaving the project unfinished, will you do that?
This makes me sad when hearing about this. It recently happened to 2 nice sisters in Ahwatukee: https://www.abc15.com/news/let-joe-know/when-a-renovation- goes-terribly-wrong
We have never left a project. I've heard some of the main reasons contractor leave a project are because:
- They didn't quote the job right in the beginning and can't finish it
- They lowballed the quote to get the business and then when they ask the homeowner for more they said no. So they couldn't finish.
- They are bad with their finances (business cash flow, expense management, they can't read their P&Ls and balance sheets, buy nice things they can't really afford, etc)
To set your mind at ease: The co-owner Jeremy went to the Owen college of Business and has a bachelors degree in Finance and he also owns a personal finance & credit education company. Phoenix Home Remodeling has no debt - not a single debt on a car, tool or equipment.
We run a very lean company and the majority of expenditures are around the client experience - software for efficient processes, the industries best air filters, the best laborers and a dedicated Project Manager as one point of contact for homeowner from beginning to end.
How do I know I will get quality work at a reasonable price?
We could discuss all the ways we are different from many contractors out there but the best way is to look at our reputation. Client reviews speak volumes about a contractor and doing what they say they will do.
We suggest looking at several review websites to check out what your neighbors are saying about any contractor you are considering.
As of writing this we have dozens of reviews on 3rd party websites and every single one is a 5 star. This is construction which is a hectic business, so at some point I'm sure we may not get a perfect review but that hasn't happened yet. That should speak volumes about who we are as a business, that we truly care and we do what we say we will.
We are not the most expensive because of our lean business approach mentioned above, but we are certainly not the cheapest because you can always find someone cheaper. If you keep asking for proposals and reducing the amount you tell them you will pay, you will find some guy (we like to call "Chuck in a truck") who will underbid to get the job. Then all the issues you hear about will come true. If you haven't heard about these types of issues, just type into Google: "issues with contractor".
Being candid: If price is the most important thing to you in a remodel, you are going to have a terrible experience with the cheapest contractor. Check out this guide on How To Avoid Choosing The Wrong Contractor.
I’ve heard horror stories of not having someone to reach during the remodel, will I have to deal with that with you?
Absolutely not. One of the things you'll notice about our reviews is people love how we are always letting them know what is going on. Some of the areas we provide ourselves on communication:
- What to expect next (We have emails, print outs and project management software to let you know)
- You have a dedicated Project Manager for any questions or concerns. They are your main point of contact from start to finish!
- We use a software called BuilderTrend that allows for amazing communication for everything from financials, scheduling, selection items (your shopping list!), change orders, progress photos, daily logs of work done and much more. Homeowners love this especially if they are on vacation or gone for a few days they can still see the progress)
Financial FAQ
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept credit cards and there is a 3% fee to cover our merchant account fee.
Are there options for other remodel financing?
There are many options for remodeling financing.
Jeremy has his bachelor's degree in Finance and wrote up an article on the pros & cons of remodel financing options.
What if I don't have a budget?
It's understandable if you do not.
Also, it's unrealistic to ask a homeowner to know how much a remodel will cost.
Most people remodel 1-4 times in their entire life so how could you possible be expected to know how much a remodel will cost.
It can be beneficial to tell the remodel company your max amount you can pay once you trust for the reasons outlined below in the next FAQ.
Should I tell the remodeling company what my budget is?
I understand if you do not want to tell a remodeling company your budget for your project. You don't want them working backwards and charging you more than they should.
It is very important for a remodeler to know roughly what your budget is because just the type of materials you pick could literally double the price of the project. Even though that is not common it is not an exaggeration.
Remodels vary so greatly because it is all based off of measurements, what you want removed, what you want added and your tastes. (Some people want kitchen cabinets that are basic and some people want to spend 40-50k just on the cabinets themselves)
Another reason it is important to make sure your expectations are correct. Part of our job is to balance your wallet with your wishlist. If you want to do a full kitchen remodel that is going to be around $40,000 and you only want to spend $10,000 than its not realistic. There's no fault, it's just not realistic.
Luckily we have found a good solution to all of this: On the first call we ask for basic measurements of things you want replaced and we provide a range of what that could cost. This way, you don't have to provide your budget but we can make sure what you are looking to spend, verse what you want is realistic and doable.
If you would like to schedule the phone call to see if we are a good fit to then potentially do the in-home visit, check out our processes and schedule a phone call here:
Project Based FAQ
If I want to make a change once the project started, is it possible and how is it handled?
As long as the work has not been done then we can usually make the change. If the project hasn't been started then that is much easier. It is common to want to make a couple small tweaks before the project starts and that is normal.
If there is a change you want to make, or something we find after doing demo that is new, we explain it to you, review it and then do what is called a change work order. The change work order makes everything very clear and it is inside the homeowner portal so you always have access to it. You approve the change order inside the software so there are no financial surprises.
Will you provide me with the schedule?
Inside BuilderTrends online portal, there is a calendar feature. Because construction is so dynamic we have found the best homeowner experience is having our Project Manager keep you up to speed with the schedule. This way you are informed quickly and more personally.
You'll know when different aspects of the project are being completed, when you would want to be out of the area (such as demo day, cabinet install day, flooring). Communication is very important to use and we want you to have the best remodel experience possible.
How long will my project take to complete?
It depends on the type of project, how large the rooms are, if we are removing walls, what materials are being used, how much electrical is being changed, how much plumbing is being changed and many other factors. For this reason it is very specific to each project.
We like to finish the project as fast as possible. Every day that there is a delay costs us money, so we don't want it going any longer than it needs to.
Luckily we use project management software with Gantt Charts, automated to-dos, messaging and other advanced features to progress the remodel project as fast as can be safety done, while still providing high quality work.
Can you tell me who will be in my home?
All of our tradesmen are licensed and insured and they uphold the same values as the 3 owners of Phoenix Home Remodeling. It is very important to us that you feel comfortable in your own home. Your Project Manager coordinates everything with our tradesmen and you always know what is going on and who is in your home.
You'll notice many of our reviews mention how we keep the house clean (as much as possible considering it's construction), we are polite, respectful and it is easy working with us.
Can I pick my selection items for my project?
Absolutely! Selection items are those items that the homeowners pick out like a kitchen sink, faucets, backsplash, shower tile for the floor and walls, countertops, flooring, electrical fixtures, etc.
Our proposal includes the cost for them with an allowance so you aren't surprised with an additional cost for all of those items.
All of the items are in the online portal so you have a shopping list to pick out what you like.
You can pick your items from anywhere you want but we have several places we know have the higher quality items at the best prices. We provide you a paper with all of the best places to find your selection items for the remodel and we help you ensure they all go together and fit well in the space.
Do I need to move out of my house while the remodel project is happening?
As you can imagine, construction can get pretty messy. There's a few phases of a remodel that are best to have homeowners out of the house (not necessarily moved out, but just not in the house) such as demo days, flooring in multiple rooms where you can't walk on it, cabinet install days in a kitchen or multi room remodel or if we are painting the entire inside of the house.
If it's just one bathroom then there is usually no need to be out of the house. The larger projects are best for the homeowner not to be around and it's in everyone's best interest.
If there are any scenarios where you may want to be out of the house, your Project Manager will let you know ahead of time to decide on what you would like to do.
I've heard some contractors leave scuff marks on the walls after they are done with the project, will that happen with you?
We like to paint towards the beginning of the project and then we do touch ups at the end so this isn't an issue. Sometimes we paint at the end depending on the situation.
Homeowners love that we do this, so it's one less thing to worry or think about. We just have to let homeowners know ahead of time so they know it will fixed before the project is completed.
Even with due diligence and being careful during a remodel, things can still get scratched/hit. Some touch-up might be required. A lot of times we are painting the area where the project is occurring and we are already painting the area. If we are not painting the area where a scratch occurs, then we ask if you have extra recent paint or we use paint match technology. Paint match is where you take a sample to Dunn Edwards, Sherwin Williams, Lowes, etc and they match the paint. The challenge is in some instances the sheen or hue may be slightly different to where it may not be an exact match. This isn't something on our end, it's all paint companies.
We do everything in our powers to be careful, respect your home and work out and challenges like paint matching.
Can demo charges be reduced by donating used building materials to an organization such as Stardust or Habitat for Humanity?
We do try to get them to take items so we can prevent them from being in landfills.
The challenge is they have become quite picky on the type of items they are willing to pick up.
They are also slammed due to the popularity of remodeling and many of their warehouses are full or close to capacity. So we do try but cannot guarantee what another organization will do.
Your Project Manager can discuss that once they visit to give you an idea if it might be feasible.
