You’ve been planning on remodeling your Des Moines home, but the number of remodeling contractors can feel overwhelming. It’s like online dating but without the swipe-left option. However, hiring the right remodeler can make or break your Des Moines home renovation. With the right questions, you’ll find a team that understands your vision, respects your budget, and delivers results that exceed expectations. Here is a list of 9 questions to ask before choosing a renovation company in Des Moines.
What Qualifications and Experience Should I Look For?
We’ve found that many homeowners are unsure of what questions they should ask remodeling contractors in Des Moines and often ask us, “What are the key questions to ask about project management and communication?” and other follow-up questions. Asking for details and photos before committing to a renovation company will save you time and money in the long run. Don’t be afraid to check out a portfolio or read customer testimonials raving about a great experience. Browse photos of their various home remodeling projects in Des Moines and see if their style fits yours.
How Do I Evaluate a Renovation Company's Portfolio and Customer Feedback?
The questions below will help you evaluate a portfolio, discern through feedback, and pick out the perfect Des Moines home remodeler for your project. Let’s get started!
1. What Are Your Estimated Project Costs?
Your remodeler should be able to guide you by providing a range of prices based on similar projects. Planning your budget is an essential part of the remodeling process, and it starts with understanding the costs. To help you get started, we offer a cost guide that provides clarity on what to expect for different types of projects. When you remodel with us, we provide multiple price and design options to help you make an informed decision that balances your vision with your budget.
For more complex design-build projects—especially those involving multiple rooms—we believe it’s important to go beyond "free estimates." While free estimates might seem appealing, they often lack the depth and insight needed to make confident decisions. A thoughtful design phase is essential because it allows you to explore creative possibilities, refine your vision, and see how different options fit within your budget. When paired with pricing insights from similar or past projects, this process provides the peace of mind that your remodeler delivers value without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Think of it like buying a car. You wouldn’t purchase a vehicle without test-driving it, exploring the features, and understanding how it fits your needs. In remodeling, the design process is the equivalent of that experience—it gives you the opportunity to see, touch, and explore the possibilities before committing. A free estimate may skip over this step, leaving you to make decisions based solely on price or the contractor’s convenience. By working with a remodeler who invests in both design and transparency, you ensure a balance of realistic pricing and a design that aligns with your dreams and priorities.
2. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues During a Remodel?
We all want seamless perfection, but a home remodel in Des Moines can sometimes uncover unexpected challenges. When searching for a remodeling company, it’s essential to ask how they handle unforeseen issues. Their answer can provide valuable insight into their flexibility, problem-solving skills, and commitment to communication. At Zenith Design + Build, we track every schedule deviation and address unforeseen conditions quickly and efficiently, ensuring your project stays on course with transparency and open communication.
During your interview process, consider asking specific questions like, “Do you measure whether your schedules stay on track?” and “How do you track and manage change orders caused by unforeseen conditions?” At Zenith, we believe that what gets measured gets improved. That’s why we don’t just make promises—we back them up with clear, measurable data that demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accountability.
3. What Are the Timelines for Your Projects?
We all wish we could snap our fingers and complete a remodel in the time it takes to watch an HGTV episode. However, real-life remodeling projects take more time—and knowing your project’s timeline is key to planning around this significant change. Timelines vary based on the size and scope of the project, but any reputable home remodeling contractor in Des Moines should be able to answer this question clearly.
At Zenith Design + Build, we believe in full transparency when it comes to timelines. Every project is managed with a shared Gantt chart schedule, giving you a clear view of the project’s progress and expected milestones. This not only helps us communicate effectively and stay accountable to scheduling promises, but it also allows us to track and measure schedule deviations for each project. By analyzing this data, we continually improve our processes to ensure your remodel stays on track and delivers the exceptional experience you deserve.
4. What Is Your Process?
It’s crucial to understand a remodeler’s process. At Zenith Design + Build, we follow a proven process focused on creating the best experience for our clients. From aligning expectations to managing any unexpected challenges, we’ve fine-tuned our approach to ensure that every project is completed efficiently and transparently. Once you reach out to us about your project, you’re in the first step of the process. If a remodeling contractor in Des Moines can’t cogently explain the process to you, go somewhere else. One of the most expensive mistakes you can make when remodeling is choosing a remodeler who does not have a proven process.
5. Do You Use a Design-Build Model?
As mentioned before, remodeling in Des Moines gives you plenty of options. You have designers, builders, and design-build firms. It’s important to discern whether or not a design-build firm is right for you, then ask your remodeling contractor prospects if they do both. Whether or not you need a Des Moines architect for your remodel is also impacted by whether or not your remodeler uses a design-build approach.
Not all companies handle design and construction, but with our integrated design and build process, we manage every detail from start to finish. By keeping both teams under one roof, we streamline your project, ensuring everything goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. This also means fewer delays and miscommunications—so your project stays on track!
5. Do You Offer a Warranty?
A warranty allows any home remodeler to stand by their work. It’s also a way for you to feel confident with your Des Moines remodel. At Zenith Design + Build, every project comes with a one-year warranty, but more importantly, we believe in building lifetime relationships with our clients. We’re not just committed to the job; we’re committed to you. If another home remodeler in Des Moines can't offer you a warranty, it’s a great idea to seek out someone else.
7. How Do You Handle Permits and Regulations?
If the answer is “we don’t” or some workaround, look for another team. Renovation projects often require permits and must meet local building codes. It's important to ask how the company handles this process and choose a more than competent team with the paperwork element of home remodels. At Zenith Design + Build, we take care of all the paperwork and ensure your project meets Des Moines regulations, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
8. Why Are You in Home Remodeling in Des Moines?
Home remodeling is about so much more than building; it’s about understanding the region, weather, and culture you’re in. At Zenith Design + Build, we’re proud to say that our service area includes the greater Des Moines area, including West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Johnston. As Des Moines locals ourselves, we understand the unique challenges and needs of homeowners in this community and are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality remodels. In 2024, we became an Inc 5000 Company, proving that we have the qualifications and experience you should look for when searching for a remodeler. We were recognized because we’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality Des Moines home remodeling results that our clients love.
9. What Makes You Different from Other Des Moines Remodelers?
There are over 100 remodeling contractors in Des Moines, and many can offer beautiful designs and high-quality service. Every single one offers you something different. Zenith Design + Build is a financial advisor and helps you confidently choose your remodel based on the price, design, and data-driven return on investment. We will also analyze the cost vs. value report and the local appreciation rates to help you determine how long it will take to pay off your remodel. Most projects can see positive returns in 5 years or less, making them wise investments for homeowners who want to spend their golden years in spaces designed for them.
Ready to Remodel in Des Moines?
Choosing the right remodeling company is essential to achieving the home of your dreams, and asking these crucial questions can help you find a remodeler you align with. At Zenith Design + Build, we combine expert guidance, a proven process, and top-notch data to deliver the best possible results and create a space you will love for many years to come.
Contact us to get started on your next project!
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