5 Home Renovation Services That Provide the Best Returns

At Zenith Design + Build, we ensure every dollar you spend on your home adds real value—now and in the future. When you remodel with us, we give you real-time, data-driven ROI insights to help you choose the right project. Ready to see which ones deliver the best returns in Des Moines? Let’s dive into the top 5.

1. Room Additions 

Adding more space to your home is one of the best ways to boost your comfort and your home’s value. Thanks to the added square footage, room additions can recoup anywhere from 60% to 80% of the cost.

As home values in Des Moines continue to rise, the additional space becomes an even more significant asset that can pay itself off over time. Some ideas for this renovation include:

• Bright Sunrooms: Let the natural light pour in while creating a cozy space perfect for relaxation or indoor plants.
  
  
• Functional Bathrooms: Upgrade your bathroom to maximize both style and efficiency, making it a practical retreat for your daily routine.
  
  
• Expansive Garages: Add extra room for storage, vehicles, or even a workshop, boosting your home’s functionality and value.
  
  
• Second Story Additions: Expand your living space upward, adding square footage without taking up more of your lot, perfect for growing families or guest rooms.

2. Finished Basements

A finished basement is like finding bonus space in your home. Whether you turn it into a family room, home gym, or entertainment center, you’re likely to recoup around 70% to 75% of the costs.

In Des Moines, where the average home is around 50 years old, updating a basement can breathe new life into your home while offering functional and stylish space for the family. Our finished basement projects typically include:

• Functional Layouts: Flexible, multi-use spaces designed to optimize every square foot, whether adding a guest bedroom, gym, or playroom.
  
  
• Durable Flooring: Moisture-resistant, stylish flooring options like luxury vinyl planks or carpet tiles, ideal for high-traffic areas and designed for long-lasting appeal.
  
  
• Insulation & HVAC: While it may sound basic, proper insulation is key. Energy-efficient insulation improves temperature control and comfort, making the basement a cozy, functional space year-round.
  
  
• Tailored Storage Solutions: Built-in shelving and custom cabinetry maximize functionality and keep the space organized.

3. Exterior Remodels

While you can make smaller updates to your exterior, at Zenith Design + Build, we find bundling those with larger projects delivers greater value. For example, updating your front door or siding in Des Moines, IA, offers a solid ROI, but combining these with an outdoor living space can be more time-efficient and cost-effective for you.

Here are some other projects you can tackle with an exterior remodel:

• Outdoor Entertainment Areas: Create a backyard oasis perfect for entertaining or relaxing, with features like patios, decks, and fire pits to maximize outdoor enjoyment.
  
  
• Updated Rooflines & Added Structures: Changing rooflines or adding structures such as pergolas or covered patios can dramatically transform the look and function of a home’s exterior, providing both architectural interest and practical outdoor living space.
  
  
• Custom Projects: Did you see a one-of-a-kind project online that you want on your lot? Let's bring your vision to life with custom designs that reflect your style.

4. Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel in Des Moines is always a smart move. Depending on the scope of work and materials, you can expect to recoup between 33% and 62% of your costs. Typical kitchen remodels include:

• Stylish Tile or Backsplash: Add a pop of personality and texture with eye-catching tiles that seamlessly tie the entire space together.
  
  
• Space-Enhancing Cabinets: Maximize storage and functionality with sleek, custom cabinetry. Features like custom spice cabinets are a standout, offering a practical and stylish solution to keep essentials organized.
  
  
• New Countertops: Upgrade to beautiful, durable countertops that elevate the kitchen’s style while standing up to daily wear. Quartz, with its endless design options and budget-friendly pricing, is a favorite for its resilience, particularly in busy family homes.
  
  
• Updated Floors: No kitchen remodel is complete without modern, stylish, and easy-to-maintain flooring that enhances both aesthetics and practicality.

5. Bathroom Remodel

Des Moines bathroom remodeling typically offers a cost recoup of 30% to 48%. Updating fixtures, installing a new vanity, or re-tiling can make a big difference to your private sanctuary. With this remodel, you can enjoy: 

• An Enhanced Bath or Shower: A bath remodel in Des Moines can turn your space into a spa-like retreat with a modern bath or shower that offers both comfort and style.
  
  
• Luxury Items: Elevate your space with high-end features like heated floors, rainfall shower heads, or a freestanding tub for a touch of indulgence.
  
  
• Efficient Storage: Keep your bathroom clutter-free with smart storage solutions that maximize space while maintaining a sleek, organized look.

How to Maximize the Returns of Your Remodel

At Zenith Design + Build, we've attained our status as an Inc. 5000 company by prioritizing our customers' time and money. Whether you are doing a siding repair project or a bathroom remodel in Des Moines, here are a few tips we tell potential clients to help them get the best returns on their remodel: 

Do Your Research on Your Remodel

Understanding the market and determining which renovations are the best financial choices is crucial to maximizing your returns. Consult with experts who can guide you through the process and provide insights tailored to your home and neighborhood.

Set a Firm Budget Range

Budgeting is key to any successful renovation. Set a clear budget with a contingency for unexpected costs, and stick to it. This helps prevent financial stress and ensures you don't waste funds.

Remodel with a Trusted Company

Choosing the right contractor is half the battle. Partner with a company like Zenith Design + Build that offers expert guidance, quality craftsmanship, a proven process, and a 1-year warranty. With our focus on transparency and efficiency, you can trust us to deliver a remodel that enhances both your home and your peace of mind.

Set a Timeline for When the Remodel Pays for Itself

One of the best ways to maximize the return on a remodel is to ensure it pays for itself within a set period of time. Establish a clear timeline to avoid unnecessary financial strain. At Zenith Design + Build, we offer an investment analysis tool that helps forecast how quickly a remodel can pay off, taking factors like home appreciation, construction costs, and available incentives into account. This tool ensures that your project is not only beautiful but also a smart financial decision that delivers value for years to come.

Your Dream Home, Our Proven Process

At the end of the day, renovating your home is about more than just ROI—it’s about creating a space that feels right for you and your family.

As a leading remodeler in Des Moines, we’re here to help you make quality decisions, stay on track with your financial goals, and achieve the home of your dreams. Ready to get started? Contact us today, and let’s turn your renovation dreams into reality.