Is the estimate free?
Yes. We look at the job with you and give you the price before any work starts, at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most questions about a remodel or a repair come down to a few things: what it will cost, who does the work, how it runs and whether we come to you. The answers are all below, with every one open. Don't see yours? Ask us, and we'll answer it within 24 hours.
33 answers, all open
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimates and pricing
What should I have ready for the estimate?
A rough idea of what you want, any photos of looks you like, and the materials or fixtures you've already bought, if any.
What happens if you find a problem partway through a job?
You hear about it as soon as we find it. We explain what we found and your options, and we agree on the next step together before going on.
How the work runs
How quickly will you get back to me?
We reply within 24 hours, by phone or email.
Who will actually do the work?
We do. Jimmy Griffin owns the company and runs every job with our own crew.
Do you take small jobs?
Yes. A single repair or a list of them is welcome, and so is a full remodel.
License and where we work
Are you licensed in Arizona?
Yes. New England Upgrades holds Arizona Registrar of Contractors license 343142, class R-62, and we're insured and bonded. You can look up any Arizona contractor's license at roc.az.gov.
Where do you work?
We're based in Queen Creek and work across the East Valley, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction. See our service areas page for each town.
Do you also work outside Arizona?
Yes, in Massachusetts, where the company name comes from. Tell us where the job is and we'll let you know.
Kitchens
Can you add an island to my kitchen?
Often, yes. It depends on the space you have and how people move through the room. We'll look at it with you during the free estimate.
Do I have to replace all my cabinets?
No. Some kitchens only need new counters, a backsplash and hardware. We'll tell you what makes sense for yours.
What happens if you find a problem once the work starts?
We show you what we found, explain the options and agree on the next step with you before work goes on.
Can I keep my current layout?
Yes. Plenty of kitchens keep the layout they have and get new cabinets, counters, a backsplash and floors.
Bathrooms
Can you add a niche to my shower?
Yes. We build recessed niche shelves into tile showers, including niches with a mosaic insert.
Do you do just one bathroom, or the whole house?
Either. Some customers do one bathroom. Others start with a bathroom and go on to the rest of the house.
What if you find damage when the old tile comes off?
We stop and walk you through it. You hear what the fix involves and what it adds before anything else happens.
Do you also remodel kitchens?
Yes. See our kitchen remodeling page, or ask about both rooms during your free estimate.
Painting and power washing
Do you paint both inside and outside?
Yes. We paint and stain interiors and exteriors, from one accent wall to a whole house.
Can I book power washing without painting?
Yes. Power washing can be a job on its own.
When is the best time to paint outside in Arizona?
Outside the worst of the summer heat, so many homeowners plan it for the cooler months.
Can you handle other work while you're there?
Yes. Customers often add trim, floors or repairs to a paint job. Ask during your free estimate.
Walls, trim and crown
Do you install crown molding?
Yes. We install crown molding, baseboard, wainscoting and decorative moldings.
Can you build an accent wall with a TV and shelves?
Yes. We've built wood slat accent walls with a mounted TV and floating shelves.
Should I replace baseboard when I get new floors?
It's often the right time, since baseboard frequently comes off when floors go in. We'll talk it through with you.
Do you paint the trim too?
We can. Trim work often goes together with interior painting.
Garage floor coatings
What kind of garage floor coating do you use?
Flake epoxy, sealed with a clear, dirt resistant top coat.
Will it stop oil stains?
A coated floor resists oil stains far better than bare concrete, which soaks them in.
Can you coat walkways too?
Yes. We've coated walkways and entries with a speckled finish.
Do I need to empty the garage?
Yes, the floor has to be clear for the coating. We'll help you plan around it.
Handyman and repairs
Do you take small jobs?
Yes. Small repairs are a big part of what we do, and a list of them is even better.
Do you mount TVs?
Yes. We mount TVs on the wall, including on accent walls with shelving.
Do you replace windows?
Yes. We've replaced windows set in stucco walls, including arched windows.
Are you licensed?
Yes. Our Arizona ROC license number is 343142, class R-62, and we're insured and bonded.
Before we start
What to Know Before You Ask for an Estimate
Price is the first thing everyone asks about, so here's how it works. The estimate is free, and it comes after we've looked at the job with you, because a project described over the phone and a project seen in person can be two different jobs. You get the price before any work starts.
Older homes can hide things behind walls and under floors. If we find something once the work is underway, we stop, show you what we found, explain your options and agree on the next step with you before going on. One customer described a long remodel this way: every unexpected issue was "examined, explained, and options provided."
Getting Your Home Ready for the Work
A little preparation makes the first day go faster. Clear the room or area we're working in, including what's on the counters and in the cabinets for a kitchen or bath. For a garage floor, the garage needs to be empty. If you've already bought fixtures, a fan, a TV mount or tile, have them on site. If your HOA has rules about exterior colors, work hours or parking, tell us ahead of time. And let us know about pets, gate codes and the best place to park.
Ready to Ask Your Own?
Tell us about your project through the contact form, and we'll answer within 24 hours. You can also browse our services or our reviews.