What is the Recovery Fund and it's purpose?

The Recovery Fund is yet one more reason to hire a licensed contractor.  It is a form of financial protection provided by licensed Arizona residential contractors to residential consumers.

The Recovery Fund is governed by statute and available only to owner / occupants of class three (3) residential property.  A "person injured" as defined by statute, can recover losses incurred due to poor workmanship or non-performance by a licensed residential contractor.  Each licensed contractor is covered for up to $200,000.00 to a maximum of $30,000.00 per residential property owner, on a first come, first serve basis upon filing a complete claim.  Keeping detailed records of your contract, checks or other forms of payment will speed the processing of your claim, should the need arise.  For more detailed information, you may contact the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund in Maricopa County Monday through Friday during regular business hours at 1 (602) 542-1525 or from elsewhere in the state at 1 (888) 271-9286, toll free.

Why should I hire a licensed contractor when others offer much cheaper services?

The cost of buying and owning a home is the biggest investment made by most people in their lifetime.  Don’t get caught in the "best price" trap.  Homeowners often look for the lowest price when looking to build or remodel a home.  Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors' recovery fund "see above" or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under bid Investment Builders, LLC.  This bottom line may at first be attractive to the Homeowner, as a way to lower costs and save money.  Most of the time, it is not.  We have often been brought in to repair the extensive damage caused by the unlicensed and illegal contractors.  Many of these illegal contractors don't have much anyway, so avoid expensive legal bills and do what we at Investment Builders, LLC like to do which is:  Do it right the first time.  Often, when there is not enough money to do it right the first time, the Homeowner finds out they must come up with more money to do it over again.

Do most remodel jobs require permits?

Building codes have been established and adopted in Pima County and its cities.  The cities and/or municipalities are the Authorities Having Jurisidiction.  They vary often times, as easily as crossing a major intersection.  Most building permits are required when structural work, specialty "electrical/plumbing" and any change to the essential living area of the home is to be changed.  It is our job to research and guarantee that your project will surpass all local standards.

How much is it going to cost? (Room Additions, Remodels, Kitchens and Baths)

This is always an excellent question.  Unfortunately, it varys greatly.  Each project is unique in its own right.  There are many conditions that can affect the price.  Detailed sets of plans are absolutely necessary and must be developed for proper pricing.  Without drawings for us to quantify, we can only have an educated guess of what it would cost.  We do not practice ball park estimates at Investment Builders, LLC.  The cost is based on facts and specifics of your project, not guesses.  You deserve to know the final cost, and should demand it.

Here are some examples for those doing purely research.  The price for a new kitchen or bathroom will be affected by (1) quality of the contractor performing work, (2) what features it includes and, (3) the brands/models/quality you select.   For kitchens, pricing can range from $6,500 or so (for small square footage) to as much as $140,000 and higher.  On average, a kitchen will cost from $14,500 - $28,000, including design, products and installation.

Bathroom prices generally average between $5,500 (standard replacements) and $13,500 when you're doing a more custom job.  Again, the cost can be lower or considerably higher depending on what you're looking for.

What affects the kitchens final costs?

Cabinets account for about half the total cost of the project on average and will have the greatest impact on your budget.  They range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (supplied by one of our vendors) or custom (built specifically to your specifications and design).   The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for large variations in price.  Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to remodeling.  You will see and live with the options you select for years to come.

What affects the bathrooms final costs?

No single detail in a bathroom remodel comprises a significantly larger portion of the costs than other elements.  Cabinets are one of the biggest parts of the budget, accounting for 35 percent of costs on average; therefore the type and quality of cabinets you select will affect your total costs.

To many it is a surprise to find that fixtures and fittings account for a high cost percentage in the bathroom.  Expense for fixtures and fittings will vary depending on the brand, type of materials, and array of products you select.

It is often difficult to quantify or cut corners in a bathroom project without proper consultation.  We would need to review your specific requests because intricacy of tile cutting, specific design, and lighting requirements all play an important part.  Just tile labor alone can account for 1/3 of the jobs costs.

Through our consultation we can help you make the most of your budget.

What forms of payment does Investment Builders, LLC accept?

We accept major forms of conventional payment including Visa©, Mastercard©, American Express© and personal checks.   We determine the payment schedule based on supplies and ordering lead times, sub contractors, and other variables meant to keep your project on time.  You will always have the payment schedule included in your contract.

Do you do small jobs?

Please view our home Repair Services tab.  We are committed to total customer service, and clients for life.  Whether small, medium or large scale redesign, addition, remodel, we will definitely take care of any home repair needed.  With the quality and backing of a licensed general contractor, you will have the peace of mind to know it's done right.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, our initial consultations are free of charge.  We look forward to creating a great working relationship.  We can assist on budget projections, design, and time expectations so you will have all the necessary information to make the right decision for you and your family.  Based on the size of the project, if drawings and additional design are needed we will ask for a 20% retainer paid to Investment Builders, LLC for the detailed proposal.  Of course, if you award the contract to Investment Builders, LLC then the 20% is credited to your project.

Will you work with homeowner's associations and review boards?

Investment Builders, LLC is at your service, and will take care of all necessary documentation and steps to evaluate and execute your project.

Do you have worker’s compensation insurance?

Investment Builders, LLC and its sub contractors absolutely carry workers compensation insurance.

Do you have Comprehensive General Liability Insurance?

Investment Builders, LLC indeed has the policy in place, and a copy can be furnished upon your request during the consultation process.