FAQs

This is by far the most common question in the remodeling world. It is a very good question and the importance of ensuring you come in on or under budget is key to a successful contract. Please take a look at our pricing tool to get some rough ideas of costs for typical projects. Our team does not charge for preliminary estimates so please reach out today!

Yes, we are licensed, bonded, and insured. Please feel free head over to the Arizona Registrar of Contractor’s Website under “Contractor Search” and search for Stronghold Enterprises, LLC or you can search for me, “Justen Vickery”. You should do this for all contractors you intend on bidding or awarding work on your home, just to be extra cautious.

Stronghold Enterprises, LLC has been in the general contracting business since 2013. Before that I (Justen) spent some time in the United States Marine Corps. Truth be told, I have been doing construction since I was very young. I grew up working for my dad, who was a general contractor, in his company, Building Space Maintenance. I have worked for some of the largest residential and multi-family construction companies in the US, and am quite passionate about building good things well. One of our instrumental project managers, Adam, has been involved in the construction industry for over 10 years.

I hear this question on probably 60% of the initial consultations I am part of. When moving the interior walls to expand or shrink a room, a key factor is whether or not that wall is assisting in holding up the roof structure. Sometimes it is an easy question to answer, and sometimes it requires going into the attic space, or in rare occasions, a consultation with a structural engineer. Common residential trusses do not typically span distances greater than 40′, but regardless, you can rest assured we are not going to start major construction without having done our due diligence. Even if the proposed remodel affects a load bearing wall, we work with some of the best architects and engineers in the state, and will look to find a solution that fits your dream and your budget!

We do all types of projects from small bathroom remodels, to adding a loft above the garage. If you can dream it and communicate that dream to us, we can get it built!

We operate primarily as a project manager for your project, meaning we leverage our deep industry knowledge to ensure that the many trades that will be working on your project do their work correctly, to code, and for a fair price. We work tirelessly to meticulously plan and execute the many moving parts of a remodel, so that we minimize the amount of time that work is not being accomplished. Our subcontractor trade partners are highly skilled and easy to work with. We value our subcontractor base, as we value our customers, and as we value our own employees. We have spent countless hours ensuring the people we bring to your home are professional, timely, and kind.

When planning your remodeling project, understanding the permit requirements can be crucial. While some tasks might not need permits, others will. Building permits are required for significant construction, alterations, or additions. Electrical permits are needed for major electrical work like installing new wiring or upgrading your electrical panel. Plumbing permits are required for major modifications such as new installations or relocating major pipes. Mechanical permits cover substantial HVAC work. Historic preservation permits apply if your home is in a historic district. At Stronghold Enterprises LLC, we understand that not every project requires permits. Small jobs like minor electrical additions, relocating outlets, replacing showers, updating kitchen cabinets, installing new countertops, and refreshing flooring usually don’t need permits. We provide expert guidance, inform you if your project requires a permit, and handle the application process for you. We are not afraid of permits and can pull permits on nearly anything. The permit process is there to protect citizens against dangerous or improper work, so if you would prefer a minor project get permits, we are happy to oblige!

Understanding the timeline for your remodeling project is crucial for planning and setting expectations. At Stronghold Enterprises LLC, we strive to provide clear and realistic timeframes. Planning and design typically takes 1-3 weeks. Permit review and issuance takes 2-4 weeks. Kitchen remodeling takes 6-8 weeks of on-site work. Bathroom remodeling takes 4-6 weeks. Additions take 8-12 weeks. Garage conversions to livable square footage take 6-10 weeks. We are typically 2-3 weeks out from starting any project. Our scheduling is based on the longest lead time items, particularly for projects where the home will be lived in during the renovation. We provide honest and realistic timelines based on the scope of your project and any potential challenges. Our team is dedicated to working diligently and coordinating all aspects of the project to adhere to the timeline while ensuring that every step meets our high standards.

Minor bathroom remodels range from $10,000 to $20,000. Major bathroom remodels range from $20,000 to $40,000. Small kitchen remodels range from $15,000 to $30,000. Medium kitchen remodels range from $30,000 to $60,000. Large kitchen remodels range from $60,000 to $100,000+. Additions cost $150 to $300 per square foot. Garage conversions to livable square footage cost $100 to $200 per square foot. Our payment schedule includes an initial down payment of 40-50% of the total project cost, a first progress payment of 10-30% upon reaching a significant milestone, a second progress payment of 10-30% upon substantial completion of key components, and a final payment of 10-15% upon final walkthrough and completion. At Stronghold Enterprises LLC, we never utilize builder grade materials. Instead, we focus on high-quality, durable products that enhance both the beauty and longevity of your home.

Our typical workday is 7 AM to 5 PM. We designate a construction bathroom and if necessary, can install a portable restroom on-site. We clearly define and isolate work areas to minimize dust and debris in the rest of your home. Dust barriers and floor coverings are used to protect your living spaces. All interior work areas must be temperature controlled. For your convenience, we can install a lockbox on your property. We perform daily clean-ups to keep the workspace tidy and safe. Our team follows strict safety protocols to protect both your family and our workers.

Kitchen remodeling: A midrange remodel can recoup about 54% to 81% of its cost; upscale may return around 53% to 59%. Bathroom remodeling: Midrange remodels return about 64% to 67%; upscale around 56% to 58%. Home additions typically recoup around 50% to 70% of the cost. Garage conversions generally offer a return of around 60% to 80% of the cost.

Load-bearing walls are structural elements that support the weight of the floors above, the roof, or other loads. Removing a load-bearing wall without proper support can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Common indicators of load-bearing walls include walls perpendicular to floor joists and those located near the center of the house. Always hire a structural engineer or a qualified contractor to assess whether a wall is load-bearing. Walls often contain plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducts. Removing a wall with these utilities requires careful planning to reroute them. Most municipalities require permits for structural changes, including wall removal. If a load-bearing wall is removed, alternative supports such as beams and columns must be installed. Creating an open floor plan by removing walls can increase the value of your home by enhancing the sense of space and improving the flow between rooms. Open layouts are highly desirable in modern home design.