Zenith Design + Build | Our Home Remodeling & Design Blog

How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost in Des Moines, Iowa? | Blog

Written by Nicholas Donlin | Jun. 18, 2024

With a home remodel, you have the incredible opportunity to transform your living space into a sanctuary tailored to your preferences and lifestyle! Whether you're considering a comprehensive refresh for a whole new feel or a full overhaul to change the layout and add some breathing room, understanding the cost of remodeling your house is an important first step in your process.

We want you to feel prepared and informed from the start, so let's get into the costs of remodeling your home, room-by-room ideas for your remodel, and the factors that influence cost. 

Understanding the Scope of a Home Remodel in Des Moines, Iowa 

A home remodel can vary significantly based on the scope and scale of the project. In Des Moines, a full-scale remodel might include updating every room or just focusing on key areas like the kitchen and main living spaces. Typically, this involves not just cosmetic updates, but potentially changing your layout, removing walls, updating your finishes throughout, and even creating additions to better suit your needs.

For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home and a primary focus of remodeling efforts. A full gut and remodel of a kitchen, combined with refinishing the main level—updating flooring, paint, trim, and windows—can cost between $150,000 and $250,000. The cost of your unique project is influenced by several factors, including the size of the space, the structural changes required, and the grade of finishes selected. 

How Are Home Remodeling Costs Calculated?

At Zenith Design + Build, we value your trust and know that transparency is a major driver of developing trust. This is why we go the extra distance of not only performing a detailed analysis that explains how much your project could cost but also sharing this with you, line by line, so you can make the best financial decision for you and your family.

This analysis also includes the financial benefits of your investment (so you can compare it to your other investments such as the stock market), a well-defined allowance summary, and local vs national industry averages. With this analysis in hand, you can move into the design phase with confidence that your design decisions are well-informed, helping you remain within your ideal budget. 

The costs in this blog are based on industry averages compiled by national organizations as well as our in-house cost analyses. 

The Main Factors That Influence Your Home Remodeling Cost

Like homes, remodels come in all shapes and sizes. Let's take a look at what the main deciding factors are for your final price tag. 

Scope of Work

The more comprehensive the remodel, the higher the cost. If you decide to extend your project to fully include exterior remodeling or to add an addition, your cost will increase accordingly. A comprehensive bathroom remodel could add, on average, $30,000 to $60,000 or more. An addition, such as an expanded living area, could add around $80,000.

It's always best to discuss your options with a knowledgeable design-build company that can guide you through the options that will suit your budget and your needs. When you're having this discussion, a trustworthy design-build team will be able to tell you how much the difference in cost will be as well as why, based on the latest industry data. 

Quality of Materials

The grade of finishes you choose—luxury versus midrange—can significantly affect the overall cost. If you're head over heels for a high-end artisan tile for your bathroom shower but want to keep your costs in check, your designer can work with you to balance your budget elsewhere.

For example, you can choose midrange plumbing fixtures and a prefab vanity to let your walk-in shower or wet room shine! The good news is that plenty of highly stylish midrange features and finishes available will deliver the overall look you want, especially when paired with high-end options. 

Structural Changes

Moving walls, rerouting or extending plumbing and electrical systems, adding to your home's square footage, or other structural changes can add to the complexity and cost of the project. If an addition is the difference between growing out of your home or staying put for as long as you love your home, it could be well worth the added investment. 

Whole Home Remodel Ideas: A Room-by-Room Guide

Each room in your home offers unique opportunities for improvement and personalization. We're going to help you navigate the possibilities with a few ideas we have up our sleeves. Consider how remodeling or adding each of these spaces could serve your needs and enhance your lifestyle. As a bonus, we'll include what you could expect each of these projects to cost on their own!

Primary Suite Remodels in Des Moines, Iowa

Transform your primary suite into a personal retreat that offers comfort and luxury. Enhance your space with a walk-in closet with custom storage and a bathroom with a curbless shower wrapped in Zellige tile, smart features, heated floors, and a floating vanity. Adding ambient lighting, an electric fireplace, and high-quality sound insulation can turn the bedroom into a serene sanctuary, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

As with any remodel, the cost of your primary suite remodel will depend on the size, finishes, and features. However, the average cost of a primary suite remodel in Des Moines, Iowa, could be $80,000 to $150,000

Kitchen Remodels in Des Moines, Iowa

The kitchen is often the centerpiece of a home. Functionality and style can coexist in this space with the right blend of features and finishes. Upgrading your kitchen with high-end smart appliances and incorporating an island with ample seating can boost its utility and aesthetic appeal. For those with culinary inclinations, adding a scullery kitchen or a spacious walk-in pantry can keep the main kitchen area clean and organized while entertaining or preparing large meals.

A kitchen remodel in the area in and around Des Moines, Iowa, could cost between $65,000 and $150,000. On the lower end, you can expect new finishes, cabinets, countertops, and other details that will refresh your space. On the higher end, expect all custom cabinets, high-end finishes, a layout change, and even an open floor plan. 

Bathroom Remodels in Des Moines, Iowa

Bathrooms should be both functional and relaxing. Stamped handmade tiles in a fun pattern are both trendy and slip-resistant. A wood vanity with custom storage solutions is a great asset for keeping everything in its place. The bathroom is also a great place to play with color. Choose an all-over hue or create a striking accent wall. 

The cost of a bathroom remodel in Des Moines, Iowa, can range from $30,000 to $100,000 but can exceed this range based on the size of your bathroom and design goals. 

Laundry Room Addition in Des Moines, Iowa

A well-equipped laundry room that also flexes plenty of style has become a hot commodity over the past few years. Adding ample counter space for folding clothes, built-in cabinets for storage, easy-to-clean surfaces, and improved lighting can make laundry tasks easier. Consider energy-efficient appliances to reduce both your ecological footprint and utility bills. To add a laundry room to your Des Moines home, expect it to cost $50,000 to $80,000. 

Mudroom Addition in Des Moines, Iowa

A well-designed mudroom serves as a catch-all space that helps keep the rest of your home clean and organized. Include built-in lockers, bench seating with storage, and durable flooring to withstand the Iowa weather. This space can be both practical and stylish, reflecting the overall aesthetic of your home. In Des Moines, adding a mudroom to your home can cost an average of $50,000 to $80,000. 

Exterior Remodels in Des Moines, Iowa

Enhancing your home’s exterior can significantly increase its curb appeal and functionality. Consider updating the siding, adding a front porch or expansive rear deck for outdoor living, and integrating professional landscaping. Energy-efficient windows and doors not only improve aesthetics but also help in reducing heating and cooling costs. 

In Des Moines, Iowa, you can expect the following costs for various exterior remodels:

  • Replace 10 architectural windows: $20,000
  • Add 16'x20' wood deck: $15,000
  • Replace asphalt shingle roof: $28,000
  • Entry door replacement: $3,000 - $10,000
  • Replace 2,400 sq ft of fiber cement siding: $33,000

The Importance of Expert Guidance

The range of Iowa remodeling costs in 2024 reflects the importance of expert guidance in planning and executing a home remodel. At Zenith Design + Build, we understand that remodeling is not just about enhancing the physical space—it’s about designing an environment that resonates with the lifestyle and functional needs of our clients.

We empower homeowners by providing detailed consultations and clear, data-driven cost estimates up front, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.

Take the Next Step

If you're considering a home remodel in Des Moines, the costs can vary widely based on your specific needs and desires. We invite you to schedule a consultation with us at Zenith Design + Build, where we can provide you with a personalized estimate and share more about how our process can make a remarkable difference in your home remodeling journey.

Remember, a well-planned home remodel isn’t just an expense, it’s an investment in your quality of life. Let us help you turn your house into the home you’ve always dreamed of—thoughtfully designed and expertly executed.