Maybe it's a 1980s kitchen that never got updated, a 1990s bathroom with tile you've stopped seeing, or a 2000s house that still has every builder finish it came with. We're Jimmy Griffin and crew, and we take on kitchens, bathrooms, painting, trim, garage floors and handyman repairs in Chandler, and the estimate is free. From our base in Queen Creek, central Chandler is about 27 minutes away with no traffic.
Chandler's housing spans three building booms. About a fifth of the city's homes went up in the 1980s, more than a quarter in the 1990s and another quarter between 2000 and 2009, with a median of 1997. That mix means we see every stage of a home's life here, and each stage tends to need something different.
An original 1980s kitchen is often ready for a full kitchen remodel. A 1990s bathroom with dated tile usually calls for a bathroom remodel. A 2000s home may only need its builder finishes upgraded. Whatever the age, the work starts the same way: we look at what bothers you about the room and tell you whether it needs a refresh or a rebuild. Getting that call right first keeps you from paying for a rebuild when a refresh would do.
From the Silk Stocking District to Downtown Ocotillo in Chandler
Chandler keeps its history close. The Silk Stocking District, just outside downtown, is mostly 1930s homes, and the San Marcos Resort downtown is a designated landmark. The Goodyear District at Alma School and Ocotillo Road is a conservation district, and the Goodyear Canal became a historic landmark in 2023. In South Chandler, Downtown Ocotillo is known for its tree-lined boulevards.
So a Chandler address can mean anything from a 1930s house near downtown to a home built in the 2000s, and the right work for each looks different. We work across the whole city, from downtown to the south side.
Chandler Draws the Permit Line at Pipes and Wiring
In Chandler, remodeling work needs a permit unless it's on the exempt list. The exempt side is finish work: painting, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops and similar work, plus replacing a water heater with a like-for-like model.
The permit side is anything that alters or relocates water, drain, gas or vent piping, or electrical wiring, along with any remodeling work that isn't on the exempt list. In practice, that's a useful way to plan. A new backsplash and new counters usually stay simple, while moving a sink or adding outlets brings in the permit step. We'll sort out which side your project falls on during the estimate, so you can decide with the whole picture in front of you.
Chandler's Hard Water Means Planning for the Hard End
Chandler's water averages about 16.5 grains of hardness per gallon, which is on the hard side for the Valley. It's also a blend. About 60 percent comes from the city's surface water treatment plant, drawing on the Salt and Verde Rivers, about 20 percent from the Santan Vista plant shared with Gilbert, and the rest from 32 wells. The mix shifts through the year, which is why hardness swings from about 5 to 20 grains per gallon.
For a remodel, that means planning for the hard end of the range. Hard water shows on glass, chrome and dark counters, and finishes that hide spots will save you a lot of wiping. Glass shower panels, polished chrome and dark stone show buildup quickly, while textured tile, lighter grout and brushed finishes hide it. We'll walk you through the trade offs when you pick materials, so the bathroom still looks new a year later.
What Chandler Homeowners Can Expect From Us
One customer wrote this after an interior trim and decorative molding job:
5.0 on Google, 5 reviewsAngi Super Service Award 2024
“★★★★★
“The gentleman who took care of the work was exceedingly professional. He showed up right on time, went to work promptly, was completed in a short amount of time and picked up after himself when the job was finished.”
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Barbara S.January 2022
“★★★★★
“We interviewed 3 other general contractors before deciding to sign with Jim and Joe Griffin at New England Upgrades. It turned out to be a 3.5 month total remodeling project of our 1,100 square foot 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom condo.” Read the full review
Kay CGoogle review
Google
“★★★★★
“Have nothing but good things to say about New England Upgrades. What started out as a bathroom renovation became a whole house (and yard) renovation. Jimmy and Joe were able to quickly determine what I wanted and needed and were able to help guide me through choices and decisions I had to make.” Read the full review
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Jill F.Google review
Google
“★★★★★
“Fabulous. Jimmy and Joe were always gentlemen, kept me informed of what was going on, and their work was very meticulous. They took their time to do the job correctly and efficiently.”
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Marlene H B.January 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“NEU did a fantastic job out here in Scottsdale. It was a pleasure working with their team. The communication was great and the work was amazing. I will definitely use Jimmy and Joe again for my next project.”
“Great they were courteous and did a good job kept me informed on their progress”
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Nana E.August 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“Jimmy was awesome! Did everything so well and within a few hours! Will definitely be hiring again!”
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Lexi D.July 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“Went great problem solved!”
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Michael I.June 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“Excellent. My cabinets were raised and time was left, so they fixed my closet doors. Such gentlemen. The work was excellent.”
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Rhonda G.February 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“Jimmy was a great communicator throughout the entire time I was speaking with him about the job. He does quality work in an efficient time frame. Great personality and easy going. Definitely will be going to him for future services.”
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Vaughn V.February 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“Jimmy did everything we needed to get done, work was excellent and reasonable cost”
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William F.February 2024
Angi
“★★★★★
“Perfect, very professional and done correctly. Would use them as first choice.”
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Raymond S.November 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Great brother-duo. All around knowledge of fixing the home. Anything I mentioned, they were willing to complete!!! Friendly, professional! Have a need in the home? Call them!!!”
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Shawn J.October 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“It when exceptionally well, would definitely use them again and would recommend them to my friend and family”
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Anna A.October 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Very productive and efficient! Courteous!”
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Kristen H.August 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Very happy with the results of their services! There were many needed repairs at a rental and they were all done quickly and completely. Thank you.”
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John P.August 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“They were very professional and on time. Went above and beyond in all the work they did, even offered to help fix my running toilet! Took me five years but I finally found a handyman/contractor I trust.”
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Karen C.July 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“It went very well. Jimmy G is great man.fun personality , hard worker. Nice clean work”
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Sue F.May 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“James Griffin does excellent work, very attentive to details. He let us know when he was arriving and leaving and was always in a good mood, singing or whistling while he worked. He knew which experts to call in for specific work, i.e., electric, plumbing, stucco.” Read the full review
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Melvin & Suzanne S.April 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Outstanding work, polite, very clean and very professional. Thank you for all your help you are amazing.”
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Richard T.February 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Great !! Jimmy Hriffin was very proficient and knowledgeable.”
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Patricia C.January 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Promptly showed up & the mess I started he did a perfect to cover it up. Angie won't hire me! Plus found out he can do many other jobs & a definite hire he would be.”
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Sharon A.January 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“Excellent. Jimmy was quick, professional and friendly. Chatted on the phone, he was in the area and came right over!”
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Janet E.January 2023
Angi
“★★★★★
“We are very pleased with having the interior of our cement block fence painted with elastomeric paint.”
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Brian M.December 2022
Angi
“★★★★★
“Does a great job. Will be doing a second bathroom for us soon”
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Warren ISeptember 2020, bathroom remodel
“★★★★★
“Jimmy's crew were great. They arrived on time, finished the job in one day, and left the area immaculate. They were very respectful. I would definitely hire them again.”
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Melissa K.October 2022, exterior painting
“★★★★★
“We had some miscommunication about the scope of work but we settled it amicably. The work was timely and very professional. I would definitely hire them again.”
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Janeen H.November 2022, exterior painting
“★★★★★
“Very easy to work with. Added on numerous other jobs - Jimmy was very knowledgeable about them all. Inside painting -workers were very considerate and cleaned up at the end of each day for two week job. Jimmy will be back in spring to do outside painting and power wash.”
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Gail S.January 2021, interior painting
“★★★★★
“They painted my whole house, replaced my kitchen floor and power washed the house. I would highly recommend them. They did a great job and were a pleasure to work with. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again.”
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Nancy F.October 2020, interior painting
“★★★★★
“His knowledge of the job is price was right on. Showed up on time completed the job. Good work”
Angi Super Service Award 2024
Kay CGoogle reviewGoogle
Kitchen RemodelingFull remodels for 1980s kitchens and lighter updates for newer ones.
Bathroom RemodelingNew tile, vanities and showers with finishes that stand up to Chandler's water.
Walls, Trim and CrownAccent walls and trim that give a standard room some character.
Painting and Power WashingInterior repaints and exterior paint for sun worn trim and doors.
Garage Floor CoatingsA dirt resistant flake floor for a garage that does double duty.
Handyman and RepairsDoors, windows, fans and repairs, handled in one visit.
