Guide to Kitchen Remodeling in Scottsdale: Costs, Trends & Must-Haves

So, you're thinking about adding more space to your home maybe a new bedroom, home office, or even a guest suite? That’s a smart move. A well designed home addition can give you the room you need and boost your property value. But before you break ground, there are a few key things to understand especially here in Scottsdale and Phoenix, where zoning laws and HOA rules can get a little tricky. At KC KREW , we’ve helped plenty of Arizona homeowners plan and build smart additions that make life more comfortable without running into avoidable roadblocks. Here’s what we think every homeowner should know before getting started. 1. Understand Local Rules: Zoning, Setbacks & What You’re Allowed to Build First things first—just because you own the land doesn’t mean you can build anything you want on it. Every city, including Scottsdale, has zoning laws that tell you what’s allowed on your lot. Here’s what to watch for: -Setbacks – These are the minimum distances your structure has to stay away from property lines. Common setbacks in Scottsdale might be 7 feet on the sides and more in the front or rear. -Lot coverage – This is the total percentage of your lot that can be covered by structures. Going over that limit? That’s a red flag. -Height restrictions – Adding a second story? That may trigger extra review, especially in HOA communities. The good news? You don’t have to figure this out alone. At KC KREW , we check your property’s zoning and lot coverage for you during the planning process. It saves you time—and potential headaches later. 2. Permits, Inspections & HOA Rules—Don’t Skip the Paperwork We get it—permits and paperwork aren’t exciting. But they’re absolutely necessary. And yes, you need permits for almost any type of home addition in Scottsdale or Phoenix. Here’s what you’ll usually need: A building permit from the city Official plans drawn by a contractor or architect Inspections at different phases of construction Cutting corners here can lead to delays, fines, or problems if you ever want to sell your home. And if you’re in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association (HOA)? You’ll need their sign-off too. Most HOAs require approval for any visible changes to your home—materials, paint color, rooflines, and even landscaping might be regulated. At KC KREW , we handle all of this for you—from permit applications to dealing with the HOA board. That way, you can focus on the fun part: the design. 3. Plan a Smart, Beautiful Addition That Adds Real Value This is where it gets exciting. A home addition isn’t just about extra square footage—it’s about improving the way you live in your home. The best additions feel like they were always part of the original layout. A few pro tips: Match the style – Your addition should blend with the architecture, materials, and layout of your current home. Think long-term use – Is this space going to serve your family for years? Can it flex into something else down the road (like a home office that could become a nursery)? Build for Arizona – Our desert climate makes energy efficiency crucial. We recommend features like high-performance windows, extra insulation, smart thermostats, and thoughtful window placement to reduce heat gain. Some of the most popular additions we see in Scottsdale and Phoenix include: Primary bedroom suites with spa-style bathrooms Detached casitas or guesthouses Expanded kitchens and great rooms Garage conversions or home gyms KC KREW designs with both comfort and resale value in mind , so your investment works for you now and later. Let’s Build Something You’ll Love Adding onto your home is a big project—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning, permits, and expert design, you can create a space that’s functional, beautiful, and 100% Scottsdale-approved. At KC KREW , we handle every step—from zoning checks to final walk throughs, so you can build with confidence. Ready to get started? Contact KC KREW today to schedule your free home addition consultation. Let’s build something great—right where you are!

Hey there, homeowner! Let’s talk about something we run into a lot: doing work on your house without a permit.If you’re in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or anywhere in the Valley, we get it—pulling permits can feel like a hassle. Maybe you're replacing cabinets or adding a patio cover and think, “Do I really need to go through the city for this?”Here’s the truth: skipping the permit process can cost you way more in the long run. We're talking fines, insurance issues, resale problems—and it’s not worth the risk. Let’s walk through what happens and how to fix it if you’re already in that spot. Fines Can Add UP FAST! If the city finds out work’s been done without a permit (and they usually do), you could be hit with daily fines. In Phoenix, for example, it’s $250 per day or the full cost of the permit—whichever is more—and it can climb to $2,500 per day until you get it sorted.You might also get a Notice of Violation giving you a short window (typically 15 days) to apply for the proper permits. If you don’t act, the city can issue liens, order you to remove the work, or even pursue misdemeanor charges. Licensed or Not—There Are Rules If you’re a homeowner doing your own work, Arizona law gives you some room. But once you start altering electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural stuff—it’s permit time.For contractors or handymen, the rules are even tighter. Licensed contractors doing work without a permit can face fines or even lose their license. If you're unlicensed and doing big jobs? That can land you in legal hot water.Bottom line: permits protect everyone—especially you. Insurance Might Not Cover You Here’s a scenario we’ve seen: Someone does a bathroom remodel without a permit. Six months later, a hidden leak damages the flooring—and guess what? Insurance refuses to cover it because the work wasn’t inspected or approved.Most insurance companies won’t pay for damage caused by unpermitted work, and in some cases, they can even cancel your policy. That’s a big risk for what might feel like a shortcut. Planning to Sell? This Could Slow You Down If you’re thinking of selling, unpermitted work can be a deal-breaker. Arizona requires you to disclose it to potential buyers. If you don’t, and they find out later (they will), you could be facing legal action—or a canceled deal.Even if the sale goes through, appraisers won’t count unpermitted square footage or improvements. So, your bonus room or garage conversion? I t may not add a penny to your home’s value unless it’s fully permitted and signed off. How to Fix It: Don’t Panic—Permit It If you’ve already done work without a permit, here’s what to do: 1. Stop the work (if it’s ongoing). 2. Call your local city building department and be upfront—they deal with this all the time. 3. Gather plans, or have a contractor or engineer draw them up based on what was done. 4. Apply for a retroactive permit (yes, it’s possible). 5. Expect an inspection. You might need to open up walls or make corrections to meet code. 6. Once approved and signed off, you’re good—and protected. The Smart Takeaway What Can Go Wrong -Fines (Up to $2,500/day in some cities) -Insurance Issues (Claims denied, policies canceled) -Resale Problems (Value loss, buyer walkaways, legal risk) -Contractor Risk (License fines or legal consequences) KC KREW’s Got Your Back At KC KREW, we’ve helped tons of Arizona homeowners fix un-permitted work, pull retroactive permits, and avoid the stress that comes with it. Whether you’re planning a new project or cleaning up something from the past, we can walk you through the process—or connect you with the right pros. Have questions about your project? Reach out—we’re happy to help!

Adding a bedroom is one of the smartest ways to grow your home’s value and livable space — especially in Arizona, where extra square footage can majorly bump resale. But what does it actually cost? At KC KREW , we build and remodel homes across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding areas. Here’s what you really need to know. Typical Cost to Add a Bedroom in Arizona Most bedroom additions run between $200 and $350 per sq. ft. So for a 12' x 12' (144 sq. ft.) bedroom, that usually means: Finish Level Estimated Total -Basic Build $28,000 - $35,000 Structure, drywall, basic flooring & electrical. - Mid-Range $35,000 - $45,000 Upgraded flooring, trim, lighting. - High-End $45,000+ Custom windows, built-ins, luxury fixtures. What Drives the Price? Key cost factors: Foundation & excavation: Especially if your lot slopes. Tying into existing HVAC & electrical: May require a panel upgrade. Matching exterior finishes: Stucco, roofing, and paint to blend seamlessly. Permits & plans: Usually $2,000–$5,000 in Arizona. Who Pulls the Permits? We do. As your licensed Arizona contractor, KC KREW handles: -City permits & inspections -Engineering or architectural plans if needed -Scheduling all inspections so your project stays stress-free. This keeps your addition legal & insurable, and protects your investment long term. Will It Pay Off? Absolutely. Going from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom home often jumps your property class, meaning more buyers and higher appraisals. Plus, you get extra livable space that’s custom to your lifestyle. How Long Does It Take? 4–6 weeks for simpler builds 8–10+ weeks if you’re adding custom finishes, big roofline changes, or new HVAC zones. Quick FAQs How does financing work? -Most of our clients use a HELOC (home equity line of credit) or cash-out refinance. We can also connect you with lenders. Is it cheaper to build up or out? -Usually building out is more cost effective — building up often means reinforcing your entire structure. What happens if I build without a permit? -You risk big fines & forced tear-outs. If that’s you — don’t stress. We can help get retroactive permits & inspections to fix it. Why KC KREW ? We’re a woman-owned, Arizona-based general contractor. We live here, build here, and know exactly what your city inspectors expect — so you avoid surprises. Ready for your estimate? Click below to schedule a consultation: