How do I check a contractor's license in Arizona?

Ask for the license number and search for it on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website, roc.az.gov. Confirm the license is active and that its classification fits your project.

How many estimates should I get for a remodel?

Two or three written estimates is common. Compare the scope, materials and what is not included, not just the overall number.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Most bathroom remodels take about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the room and the shower door or glass.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

It depends on your city and the work involved. Ask your contractor whether a permit is needed, who applies for it and who schedules inspections.

Can one company handle both the remodel and the flooring?

Often, yes. Hiring one company for the remodel and the flooring can mean fewer handoffs. Ask who is responsible for each part and how the work is scheduled.

October 25, 2026

How to Choose a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeler in the West Valley

Bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, soaking tub and dark vanity

The short answer: choose a remodeler who is licensed in Arizona, puts the full scope of work in writing, tells you who will actually be in your home, and is easy to reach after the project ends. The nine questions below help you check each of those before you sign anything.

A kitchen or bathroom remodel touches plumbing, electrical, tile, flooring, cabinets and countertops, often all at once. That is a lot of moving parts in a room you use every day, so who you hire matters as much as what you choose. Whether you are in Surprise, Peoria, Sun City, Goodyear or anywhere else in the West Valley, these questions apply.

1. Is the contractor licensed in Arizona, and can I verify it?

In Arizona, contractors are licensed by the Registrar of Contractors. Ask for the license number and look it up yourself on the Registrar's website at roc.az.gov. Check that the license is active and that the license classification fits the kind of work you are planning. It takes a few minutes and it is the most important check on this list. We encourage you to do the same for any company you consider, including ours.

2. How long have they worked in the West Valley?

Local experience matters. Older homes in this area have their own quirks, from original plumbing to slab foundations and hard water that shows up on tile and glass. A company that has worked here for years has seen those issues before. Henley's Floor & Home Pros has served the West Valley for over 30 years, but whoever you choose, ask how long they have been working in your part of the Valley and for examples of similar homes.

3. Who will actually do the work?

Some companies use their own crews, some use subcontractors for certain trades and some use both. Neither is automatically better or worse, but you should know. Ask who will be in your home each day, who is in charge on site and who you call with a question. A single point of contact is a good sign.

4. What exactly is in the written scope of work?

A vague estimate leads to misunderstandings. The written scope should say what is being removed, what is being installed and which materials, brands, colors and sizes are included. It should also say what is not included. For a kitchen, that might cover cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, plumbing fixtures and lighting. For a bathroom, it might cover the shower or tub, tile, vanity, flooring and glass. If you can read it and picture the finished room, it is detailed enough.

5. Who handles permits and inspections?

Requirements vary by city and by the type of work. Ask whether your project needs a permit, who applies for it and who schedules any inspections. Do not assume it is handled; ask.

6. What is the schedule, and how will we communicate?

Ask for an expected start and finish window, and what could change it. Bathrooms commonly take about 2 to 6 weeks depending on size and the shower door or glass, and custom glass is often the longest wait. Kitchens usually take longer because cabinets and countertops have lead times. Also ask how updates will happen: calls, texts or a weekly check-in. Our guides on what to expect during a bathroom remodel and the order of flooring and cabinets in a kitchen show how the stages fit together.

7. What happens if something unexpected turns up?

Walls, floors and plumbing hide surprises. Water damage behind a shower, uneven subfloors and outdated wiring are common in older homes. A good contractor explains how a change is brought to you, what the options are, and how any change to the scope is written down and approved before work continues. Ask this question directly and listen to how specific the answer is.

8. Can I see the materials in person?

Photos and screens change colors. Tile, countertops, cabinets and flooring all look different in your own light. A company with a showroom lets you hold samples, compare finishes side by side and ask questions before you decide. Our showroom is at 15226 W Bell Rd #104 in Surprise, and you can browse our kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling services before you visit.

9. Can they show me similar work and give me a way to follow up?

Ask for photos of completed projects similar to yours and for ways to see what other homeowners say, such as public reviews. Then ask what happens after the job is finished: who do you contact if something needs attention, and how quickly do they respond? A company that is easy to reach after the project is usually easy to work with during it.

Red flags to watch for

No license number, or reluctance to let you verify it.
A vague or verbal-only scope of work.
Pressure to sign the same day.
No local address or showroom, and no way to see past work.
No clear answer about who will be in your home or who is in charge.

Compare more than one estimate

It is common to ask two or three companies for written estimates. When you compare them, compare the scope line by line, not just the headline. Two estimates for the "same" bathroom can include very different materials, labor and cleanup. Ask each company to explain any difference you do not understand.

Next step

If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom in the West Valley, call Henley's at (623) 337-4200 or request an estimate. Bring your questions from this list; we are glad to go through every one of them.