Remodeling a home is exciting, but without clear expectations, that excitement can quickly turn into stress. Budgets, timelines, and unexpected discoveries behind the walls often leave homeowners thinking the same thing at the end of a project: I wish I had known this before we started. That moment of clarity is where Matador Construction begins its work.
Founded in 2018 by Ruben Cossio and Cynthia Zarate, the family-owned Tempe construction company has built its reputation not on being the biggest operation in town, but on guiding homeowners through the realities of remodeling with intention, transparency, and craftsmanship.
A work ethic built early
Cossio’s path into construction began long before job sites and blueprints. As a child, he spent summers knocking on neighbors’ doors, offering to mow lawns and clean yards for a few dollars. The work was simple, but the lesson stayed with him.
“There was something really satisfying about showing up, working hard, and seeing how happy people were when the job was done,” Cossio says.
That sense of pride followed him into large construction firms, where he worked his way up—learning to manage teams, solve problems, and lead by example. Over time, his approach took shape around building a company where people felt valued and worked together with purpose. Today, that vision defines Matador Construction, which remains intentionally small, hands-on, and relationship-driven, prioritizing quality and communication over volume.
Remodeling reality check: what homeowners should know
As office manager and co-founder, Zarate is often the first point of contact for clients and the steady presence throughout a project. Over the years, she has noticed the same questions and surprises surface again and again.
Insurance coverage is one of the most common areas of confusion.
“Many homeowners don’t realize that insurance often covers water damage,” Zarate says. “Before assuming something will be out of pocket, it’s important to check your policy. We help clients understand what’s covered and how the process works.”
Matador Construction completes a significant amount of insurance-related repair work, including water and fire damage restoration. The company’s website outlines the process step by step, helping homeowners better understand what to expect before work begins.
Budget conversations are another essential part of the planning phase.
“Always keep your budget in mind,” Zarate says. “Our role is to help clients stay within it by offering guidance, clear estimates, and realistic options. Remodeling isn’t always predictable.”
Her most frequent reminder is one many homeowners learn firsthand: “You never know what’s behind the wall.”
Hidden plumbing issues, outdated wiring, or structural surprises can affect timelines and costs. At Matador Construction, transparency is central to the process. Homeowners are kept informed, given options, and asked to approve changes before any work moves forward.
“We don’t believe in surprises,” Zarate says. “Communication is everything.”
One final piece of advice
After years of helping homeowners transform their spaces, Zarate has come to see remodeling as more than a construction project—it’s a deeply personal decision about how people want to live.
“You only live once,” she says. “Why not remodel and actually enjoy your home?”
At its best, remodeling is not about rushing toward a finished product, but about creating spaces that support everyday life. When expectations are clear and communication stays open, the process can feel far more grounded—and far less overwhelming.
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Growth without losing the family feel
Like many small businesses, 2020 brought challenges. Matador Construction weathered that period and rebounded, growing steadily while expanding its services. By 2025, the company began branching into new builds and broader construction projects, offering everything from landscaping and cabinetry to full renovations. Despite that growth, Matador remains intentionally family-owned and hands-on. Cossio and Zarate’s now nine-year-old son has been part of the journey, visiting job sites and learning what it means to build something lasting. That sense of legacy matters deeply to Cossio. “My goal isn’t to be the biggest company,” he says. “It’s to be the best—building work my son can be proud of while doing right by every client, every time.”