A major renovation touches nearly every part of your daily life, so who you hire matters as much as what you build. If you're weighing home remodeling options in Central Iowa, you've probably noticed that most contractors promise the same things: clear communication, fair pricing, and a finish date you can count on.
Homeowners who choose Zenith Design + Build tend to say the same thing afterward: they knew how the project would unfold before the first wall came down. Here's why.
One Team for Design and Construction
Many renovation headaches start in the gap between the designer and the builder. The designer draws something beautiful, the contractor prices it, and suddenly the budget and the plan don't match. Zenith closes that gap by keeping both under one roof.
Owner Nicholas Donlin founded the company in 2018 with a straightforward goal: give homeowners the best remodeling and building experience possible, with their needs and budgets in mind at every step.
Your design consultant, project manager, and on-site superintendent work together from the first sketch, so ideas get checked against cost and construction reality early, and your initial design comes with a suggested budget. You can see how that works on the design services page.
A Process You Can Follow, Step by Step
Big projects feel less stressful when you know what comes next. Zenith lays out six stages: an initial consult, an initial design with a suggested budget, design selections for fixtures and finishes, a proposal meeting, a pre-construction meeting, and then construction.
You get a written proposal to review before anything moves forward, and you meet your superintendent before work begins, so there's a familiar face on site.
The consultation itself is practical. The team takes photos and measurements, talks through your pain points, and shares an initial estimate and timeframe. You leave with a clearer picture of scope, cost, and timing.
What 2026 Data Says About Renovation Demand
Homeowners aren't alone in choosing to improve what they already own. According to the National Association of Home Builders, its Remodeling Market Index reached 62 in the third quarter of 2026, up one point from the prior quarter and above the 50-point mark that signals more remodelers see conditions as good rather than poor.
NAHB's chief economist, Robert Dietz, said the reading fits the group's projection for remodeling activity to stay stable in 2026 and grow slightly in 2027, and that remodeling is gaining share of overall construction because it's less sensitive than new buildings to elevated interest rates.
For anyone planning home remodeling right now, that points to a steady market. The bigger variable is the team you pick.
Results Homeowners Can Verify
Zenith's work includes a top-to-bottom transformation of a 1919 house in Des Moines' Woodland Hills neighborhood, plus additions, bathrooms, and basements across the metro. Client reviews tell the same story from the homeowner's side. People describe projects that stayed on budget, wrapped up on schedule, and came with steady communication from a superintendent who was on site.
One homeowner pointed out that Zenith buys materials early and stores them in its warehouse, which helps protect against supply delays and sudden price jumps. Another said the team replaced a failing bathroom tile floor at no cost under its warranty program. The company also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Browse the project portfolio and read the reviews yourself.
Honest Timelines and Cost Conversations
Renovation costs depend heavily on scope and materials. A whole house renovation with upscale finishes will cost far more than a basement finish with simple selections, so Zenith's team talks through scope before talking numbers.
Typical timelines help with planning, too. Kitchens and primary bathrooms generally run 6 to 10 weeks, a main floor transformation 8 to 12 weeks, and a full house remodel 3 to 8 months, depending on weather and material availability.
If you want a starting point for budgeting, the cost guide is a good place to begin, and financing is available through GreenSky. Smart home remodeling budgets start with a clear scope, and a design-first approach lets you set one before demolition day.
Remodeling & Addition Design Services
From One Room to the Whole House
Zenith handles kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, additions, and exteriors, so you can phase work over time or tackle everything at once. The service area covers about 45 miles around Des Moines, including Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and West Des Moines.
Each service follows the same design-first process. When you're planning a kitchen renovation, it is mostly about the space, the function, and the style of the room where everybody comes together. The design of a bathroom, on the other hand, is centered around your personal style and way of living.
A finished basement can become a guest room, play room, home theater, or bar. Additions come with permits, inspections, and construction streamlined under one team, and exterior updates give the house a stronger first impression. Combining several of these in one plan lets your design consultant coordinate them together.
Ready to Plan Your Renovation?
Choosing a contractor for a major project comes down to trust, clarity, and follow-through. Zenith offers one team, a defined process, and a track record homeowners are willing to put in writing.
You get a design that respects your budget, a written proposal before work begins, and an on-site superintendent who keeps you informed.
If you're ready to start home remodeling with a team that plans before it builds, book an initial consultation call or call (515) 800-2148. Zenith's team is glad to talk through your goals and show you what's possible for your house.
FAQ
1. How long does a whole house renovation take? Zenith's typical range is 3 to 8 months. Things like scope, weather, and availability of materials will determine the ultimate schedule.
2. Does Zenith offer financing? GreenSky's financing options are available if you need help getting started with your construction project.
3. Which areas does Zenith serve? The team works within roughly 45 miles of Des Moines, including Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and West Des Moines.
4. What makes design-build different from hiring a general contractor? The difference with design-build is that you only have one team for design and construction; this is especially beneficial in terms of how the plan is adapted to a certain budget and the lifestyle that needs accommodating from the get-go.
5. What happens at the first consultation? A design consultant will go through what you have planned, take pictures and measure the areas, talk about your requirements and needs, then give you a rough estimate of the cost and how long the whole thing will take.
Sources
- NAHB, "Remodeling Market Sentiment Remains Stable in Third Quarter Despite Headwinds" (October 2026): https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/10/remodeling-market-sentiment-remains-stable-in-third-quarter-despite-headwinds
- Zenith Design + Build homepage and Initial Consult step (founding year, six steps, consultation details, BBB A+ rating, warranty review, phone
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