Cost and pricing
Q: How much does a kitchen or bathroom remodel cost?
A: Most projects fall into three tiers: a cosmetic refresh (new surfaces and fixtures), a mid-range remodel (new cabinets, counters and tile), and a full renovation (layout changes and custom work). We'll help you find the right fit for your budget.
Q: Do you offer free estimates?
A: Yes, we offer free estimates. Please give us a call to schedule a virtual call or in person meeting.
Q: How do you price jobs: fixed bid or time and materials?
A: After we walk the space with you and finalize the scope, you get a detailed written estimate showing exactly what's included, so you know the total cost before work begins. Where you haven't picked items like tile, fixtures or countertops yet, we include clear allowances in the bid. You can then choose finishes that fit your budget. If you decide to add or change something once the project starts, we'll give you a written change order with the cost before we do that work. There are no surprise bills at the end.
Q: What's your payment schedule, and how much is the deposit?
A: Our standard payment schedule is as follows:
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1st Payment is 50% when you sign the contract. This reserves your spot on our schedule and lets us order your cabinets, countertops, fixtures and other materials right away, so everything is ready when work begins.
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2nd Payment is 30% on the first day of installation, once your materials have arrived and our team is on site.
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3rd payment is 10% when the work is complete.
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4th and final payment is, 10% after we've finished the punch list. We'll walk through the finished space with you and take care of any final details, so you only make the last payment once you're happy with the result.
Q: Do you offer financing?
A: We don't offer financing directly, but we're happy to connect you with trusted third-party lenders who specialize in home improvement loans. Just let us know during your consultation, and we'll point you in the right direction so you can find an option that works for your budget.
Q: What happens if costs go over the estimate?
A: Our goal is no surprises. Before you sign anything, we work hard to account for every project cost so your estimate reflects the real price of your remodel. If something comes up during design or construction that would change the cost, like a change you request or a hidden issue behind a wall, we'll explain it to you first. You'll get a written change order to review and approve before any additional costs are added. Nothing moves forward without your OK.
Timeline and process
Q: How long does a kitchen or bathroom remodel take?
A: Before construction starts, we take time to plan with you: finalizing the design, picking your finishes, getting any permits (If needed), and ordering materials. Depending on your selections and permit needs, this usually takes [2–6] weeks. Custom cabinets or special-order items can add time, so we'll let you know up front. If you already have a design and finishes selected, this stage of the project will be reduced significantly. Once we start, we keep you updated at every stage. We'll give you a schedule before work begins and tell you right away if anything could affect your timeline. Our goal is to get you back to enjoying your home as quickly as possible, without cutting corners.
Q: What are the steps from first call to finished project?
A: Here are the steps we take to make your remodel as seamless as possible:
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Free consultation. Call or send us a message, and we'll set up a time to visit your home. We'll look at the space, talk through your ideas, and learn about your goals and budget.
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Detailed estimate. We'll put together a written estimate showing exactly what's included, so you can compare options and decide with confidence.
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Design and selections. We'll help you finalize the layout and choose your cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures and other finishes.
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Contract and scheduling. Once everything looks right, you sign the contract and make your deposit. We then reserve your spot on our schedule and order your materials.
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Permits and preparation. We handle any permits your project needs and make sure all materials arrive before work begins, so there are no delays once we start.
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Construction. Our team gets to work. We'll protect the rest of your home, keep the job site clean, and keep you updated along the way. If anything changes, we'll review it with you and get your approval in writing first.
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Final walkthrough. When the work is complete, we'll walk through the space together and note any final details. We take care of every punch-list item, so you're completely happy with the finished result.
Q: How soon can you start?
A: It depends on our current schedule and the size of your project, but most projects start about [4–8] weeks after the contract is signed. That time lets us finalize your selections, get any permits, and make sure your materials arrive before work begins, so once we start, we can keep moving without delays. If you have a deadline in mind, like a holiday, a family event or a move-in date, let us know at your consultation and we'll do our best to plan around it. The sooner we talk, the sooner we can get you on the calendar.
Q: Can I live in my home during the remodel?
A: Yes. most of our clients stay in their homes during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. We work hard to keep the disruption to a minimum. We seal off the work area with dust barriers, protect your floors and walkways, and clean up at the end of every day. We'll also go over our daily work hours with you ahead of time, so you know when to expect us.
There will be some inconvenience. During a kitchen remodel, many clients set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker and mini fridge in another room. If we're working on your only bathroom, we'll plan the work to keep the time without a working toilet or shower as short as possible and let you know the dates in advance. For larger remodels that affect several rooms, we'll talk through whether staying somewhere else for part of the project would be easier.
Q: How will I know how the project is going?
A: You'll never have to wonder. Before work begins, we'll give you a project schedule so you know what's happening each week. During construction, we'll send you regular updates by [text, email or phone], with photos of the progress, what's been done, and what's coming next. If anything comes up that could affect your schedule or budget, we'll let you know right away and talk through your options together. You'll also have a direct line to project manager for any questions along the way. You're always welcome to ask, and we'll get back to you quickly.
Licensing, trust and protection
Q: Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
A: Yes. ELEM Builders LLC is fully licensed, bonded and insured in Arizona. We hold a KB-1 license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC #362824), which covers both residential and commercial construction. You can check our license anytime on the ROC website. We also carry general liability insurance to protect your home and property while we work. We're happy to send you a copy of our insurance certificate before your project begins, just ask.
Q: Who will actually be working in my home: your crew or subcontractors?
A: Most of the work on your project is done by our own trusted crew, and every job is supervised by me, James, the owner, or by one of our project managers. You'll always know who's in charge and who to call.
For specialized work such as countertop fabrication and installation, plumbing and electrical, we bring in licensed specialty trades. These are skilled professionals we've worked with for years and trust to meet our standards for quality, cleanliness and respect for your home. Plumbing and electrical work also has to be done to code and inspected, so having licensed experts handle those parts protects you and your investment.
No matter who is on site, Elem Builders is responsible for the entire project. We schedule every trade, manage their work, check the quality, and stand behind the finished result. You get the skill of specialists with one point of contact from start to finish.
Q: Do you offer a warranty on your work?
A: Yes. We stand behind every project with a 1-year workmanship warranty. If something related to our work isn't right within the first year after your project is finished, just call us and we'll come back and fix it at no cost to you.
Many of the products we install, such as cabinets, fixtures, appliances and some countertops, also come with their own manufacturer warranties, which often last well beyond one year. We'll give you that information when your project is done and help you with any warranty claim if you need it.
Our relationship doesn't end at the final walkthrough. If you have a question or concern down the road, we're always just a phone call away.
Permits and design
Q: Do you pull the permits?
A: Yes. When your project needs permits, we take care of the whole process for you. We prepare and submit the application, work with your city, schedule every required inspection, and make sure the work passes before we move on to the next stage. The cost of permits is included in your estimate, so there are no surprise fees later.
Not every remodel needs a permit. Cosmetic updates like new countertops, cabinets or paint usually don't, while moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits, or removing walls usually do. Rules vary from city to city across the Valley, so we'll tell you exactly what your project needs during your consultation.
Pulling the right permits protects you. It makes sure the work meets code, keeps your homeowner's insurance in good standing, and prevents problems when you sell your home later.
Q: Do you help with design and choosing materials, or do I need a designer?
A: We're happy to help either way. If you already have a design in mind, or you're working with a designer, we'll bring your plans to life. Coming to us with your layout and finishes already chosen is the fastest way to get your project started, because we can give you an accurate estimate and order materials right away.
If you'd like help, we can guide you through the design process too. We'll talk through layout options, suggest materials that fit your style and budget, and help you pick your cabinets, countertops, tile and fixtures. Just keep in mind that design and selections take time, so starting early helps keep your project on schedule.
Q: Can you move plumbing, take out walls, or change the layout?
A: Yes. Layout changes are some of our favorite projects, because they can completely change how your home looks and works. Whether you want to open up your kitchen to the living room, move a sink to an island, or turn a tub into a walk-in shower, we can make it happen.
Before we give you a price, we'll look closely at what's involved. Most homes in the Valley are built on concrete slabs, so moving drains usually means cutting and trenching the slab, which adds time and cost. Removing a wall depends on whether it's load-bearing and what runs inside it, like plumbing, electrical or HVAC. For load-bearing walls, we work with a structural engineer to design the right beam or support, and we pull the permits and schedule the inspections to make sure everything is done safely and to code.
We'll explain your options and what each one costs, so you can decide what's worth it for your home and budget.
Service area and logistics
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We serve the following areas but we have the ability to perform work across Arizona in places not listed below.
Phoenix, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Mesa, AZ
Gilbert, AZ
Casa Grande, AZ
San Tan Valley, AZ
Maricopa, AZ
Cave Creek, AZ
Goodyear, AZ
Sun City, AZ
Peoria, AZ
Glendale, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Buckeye, AZ
Tempe, AZ
Chandler, AZ
Ahwatukee, AZ
Laveen, AZ
Estrella Mountain, AZ
Whitman, AZ
New River, AZ
Black Canyon, AZ
Q: Do you handle cleanup and debris removal?
A: Yes, cleanup is part of every project. We haul away all demolition debris, packaging and leftover materials, so you never have to deal with the mess. During construction we keep the work area tidy, sweep up at the end of each day, and keep dust contained to protect the rest of your home.
For larger projects, we may place a dumpster or trailer on your property. We'll talk with you ahead of time about the best spot and check any HOA rules that apply. When the work is finished, we do a final cleanup so your new space is ready to enjoy.
Q: How do you protect the rest of my home from dust and damage?
A: We treat your home with the same care we'd want for our own. Before any work begins, we set up protection so the rest of your house stays clean and undamaged:
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Dust barriers. We seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and zippered doorways to keep dust where it belongs.
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Floor protection. We cover floors and walkways from your entry to the work area with heavy-duty protective material.
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HVAC protection. We cover air vents and returns near the work area, so dust doesn't spread through your air conditioning system.
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Furniture and belongings. We'll help you plan what to move out of the way and cover anything nearby that has to stay.
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Daily cleanup. We clean up the work area at the end of each day, so dust doesn't build up or travel through your home.