Regarded as Iowa’s cultural and economic hub, Des Moines is home to more than 60 leading companies yet is often described as a city with a small-town feel. The area is also a popular place to retire, with a large percentage of the population owning their own homes. Popular home styles here range from traditional to modern. Home remodeling is a thriving business, with kitchens, in particular, often the subject of these renovations.
This list showcases Des Moines’s best and leading general contractors, companies capable of turning an outdated space into a showplace. Our editorial team curated this list based on the contractors’ relevant experience and portfolios.
Zenith Design + Build
1492 NW 86th St Clive, IA 50325
As its name suggests, Zenith is a leading expert in the design-build process. Keeping the entire process in-house lessens the challenge for homeowners, as there is no need to look for additional subcontractors and tradespeople. The company extends its services throughout Iowa and takes great pride in the stellar reviews it has received through the years. Most recently, it was recognized in the 2020 Best in American Living Awards for its exceptional work. Moreover, the featured project below was featured in DWELL magazine. The firm was founded by Nicholas Donlin, who established the firm in 2018. Under his leadership, the firm has built its expertise in a broad range of services, including interior and exterior remodeling and custom new homes, in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
The project shown here entailed an exhaustive renovation of a 1955 kitchen. This kitchen now has a modern design and opens up to the home’s living room. The Zenith team installed new GE Cafe Line appliances, together with modern, wood slab door cabinets and white countertops.
Kaufman Construction
1848 Fuller Rd # 1, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Kaufman Construction operates out of its office in West Des Moines and offers its clients a comprehensive range of planning and design services. It maintains affiliations with vital organizations like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Des Moines. This allows it to stay up to date with some of the industry’s latest and most innovative techniques. The firm assists its clients every step of the way and ensures that all projects are completed on time and within the agreed-upon budget. The firm is also highly regarded for its repair services. In 2004, it established KC Handyman, which serves as the company’s division specializing in installations, repairs, and finishes.
The company’s kitchen remodels are noted for their top-notch cabinetry and finishing work. From breakfast bars to kitchen islands, the firm can take on any remodeling project, regardless of complexity. The project shown here is an example of the firm’s talent and expertise. It features tiled backsplashes, wood flooring, and excellent lighting.
Eden + Gray Design Build
4627 Oakwood Lane West, Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Eden + Gray specializes in interior design, construction, and styling services. Headquartered in West Des Moines, the firm offers its clients expert space planning and has been recognized repeatedly for its kitchens and bathrooms. The firm’s process begins with a 15- to 20-minute call before conducting a site visit and providing homeowners with a comprehensive estimate. This consultation allows the firm to keep the project within budget throughout the process. The firm is also noted for its meticulous methods and attention to detail. At its helm is the owner, Jonathan Shiplett. His background includes not only construction but also welding, trim carpentry, and project management.
Showcased here is the firm’s Emerson project. Completed in the spring of 2018, this project features antique, leaded-glass windows and elevated doors. Our editorial team was particularly impressed by the project’s modern touches.
Silent Rivers Design+Build
800 19th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
With nearly three decades of industry experience, Silent River offers its clients a highly hands-on design-build approach. Since its inception, it has completed countless award-winning projects and has an excellent reputation. The firm also employs sustainability practices in its projects, assuring homeowners of the efficiency of its work. It anchors its work and services in its extensive experience in every aspect of the process, with deep roots in various disciplines. The firm’s portfolio shows its adept hand with both modern and traditional spaces.
For the project shown here, the firm’s team employed a midcentury modern style. The original home was built in 1966, so extensive updates were required. This national award-winning remodel now lets in abundant natural light and opens up to some of the home’s other active spaces.
Remodeling Contractors
3051 104th St STE B, Urbandale, IA 50322
Headquartered in Urbandale, Remodeling Contractors maintains affiliations with its local HBA and the Remodelers Council of Greater Des Moines. This allows it to stay attuned to some of the latest industry techniques. It draws inspiration from over four decades of experience and demonstrates an affinity for every aspect of the remodeling process. The company credits its vision and talent to its own “Theory of Remodeltivity,” which highlights the importance of integrity and close collaboration with its clients. The project shown here is an outstanding example.
Completed on Bradford Drive, this kitchen was redesigned for a family that loves entertaining. For this project, the firm’s team removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed an all-new island for the family and friends to gather around. It also added custom backsplashes and a range hood.
Red House Remodeling
404 5th St West, Des Moines, IA 50265
Red House Remodeling is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Ben and Stephanie Trannel, who have been a team for nearly three decades. Under their leadership, the firm has built a solid reputation and offers a comprehensive range of services. Since its establishment, the firm has mastered the design-build process, allowing the team to control the entire project from start to finish. This cuts down on time and also reduces the possibility of any major revisions during the process. Red House takes great pride in having been named one of the country’s best remodelers, included in Remodeling Magazine’s annual Big 50 list.
The project shown here is one of our favorite kitchens from the firm’s portfolio. For this space, the team designed and constructed a large kitchen island that also serves as a breakfast bar. It also installed wood flooring and sleek cabinetry.
AIM Kitchen & Bath
2624 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
As its name suggests, AIM specializes in the remodeling, design, and construction of kitchens, bathrooms and beyond! It operates out of Des Moines and extends its services throughout the area. Uniquely, the firm has its own showroom, located in Beaverdale. This extensive showroom offers clients insight into the company’s projects, style, and the high-quality products it uses. These include tile, flooring, quartz countertops, plumbing fixtures, and cabinet hardware. The firm draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience and offers its clients a comprehensive “one-stop” approach. It helps clients with every aspect of the process, including product selection and accurate 3D renderings, resulting in timeless designs.
An excellent example of the company’s kitchen work is showcased here. From a box kitchen, AIM transformed this into an open space kitchen blending in with the rest of the home. This project features a new drink station with floating shelves, a 12’-long island with room for six barstools and custom cabinetry painted in soft white tones to match the dark tones of the floor and island. Finally, the marble herringbone backsplash and black accents add to this home’s charm and uniformity.
HomeWorx Remodeling
10052 Justin Dr. Ste H, Urbandale, IA 50322
In its nearly three decades of industry experience, HomeWorx Remodeling has completed more than a thousand projects. It prides itself on the stellar reviews it has received through the years and has demonstrated a talent for an extensive range of architectural vernaculars. The firm grew out of the vision of its talented and experienced team, who started out working for local Des Moines homeowners on the weekends before expanding the business into the company it is today. The firm is known for its upscale designs at reasonable prices. Some of the company’s best work can be found in the most sought-after communities in Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines, Johnston, and Urbandale.
The project shown here was completed in collaboration with Leu Interiors. Located in West Des Moines, this project showcases a clean, contemporary feel. We loved the curving countertops that run the length of the room, the custom cabinetry, and wood flooring.
Midwest Contractor Services, LLC
8980 Hickman Road Ste 106, Clive, IA 50325
Midwest Contractor Services handles both design and construction services and is especially well regarded for its home remodels. The firm assists its clients through the entire process and uses the best and latest virtual 3D design software. This allows for a convenient selection process and accurate renderings. The firm’s most noteworthy projects can be found in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Grimes, and Clive. This company is also the only one on this list that is an Authorized Builder of Heritage Homes. Interested clients may request a free estimate.
Founded in 2009, the firm is personally led by its owner and project manager, Nick Kirk. Under his leadership, the firm has become well known for its exceptional designs. Nick is experienced in every aspect of the process, from initial meetings to custom finishes. He personally ensures that each project the firm takes on receives the benefit of his supervision.
Premier Construction Services
3120 Jordan Grv, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Founded in 2005, Premier Construction Services extends its services throughout West Des Moines. It is a full-service general contractor that handles both residential and commercial projects. Our editorial team was especially impressed by its custom home additions, garages, lower levels, finishes, patios, and of course, its kitchens. The firm creates its successful spaces through the use of only the best and latest materials. Because of this, it has secured partnerships and relationships with some of the area’s leading brands. These include Diamond Kote, LP Smart Side, James Hardie, and Rollex.
At the firm’s helm is owner Adam Sieren. He got his first glimpse into the industry in 2004, when he was “flipping” houses as a real estate investor. Later on, he delved into construction and established the firm. He oversees the company’s sales, estimates, and the design-build process.
Scott’s Home Renewal
676 44th St., Des Moines, IA 50312
Scott’s Home Renewal draws inspiration from over three decades of industry experience. It is a family-owned and -operated business that offers its clients a comprehensive range of residential renovation services. The firm is particularly noted for its kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Our editorial team was also impressed by its extensive whole-home remodels. The firm takes its name from Roger Scott, who founded the firm in 1980. He is joined by his son Andy. Together, they oversee every aspect of the entire process and adhere to the highest standards.
The project shown here is an example of the firm’s talent and expertise. For this kitchen, the team made use of a contemporary design, adding backsplashes, elegant white cabinetry, and black countertops.
Monarch Renovations
1072 44th St., Des Moines, IA 50311
Founded in 2003, Monarch Renovations utilizes a design-build approach. Since its inception, it has become known for its residential services, which it extends throughout Iowa. The firm is composed of a talented and experienced staff of professionals, who work with clients throughout the entire process to ensure that their needs and visions are incorporated into their new spaces. This integrated approach greatly reduces the risk of revisions and delays. The firm uses the latest 3D software for accurate renderings.
The firm is the proud recipient of numerous honors. In 2012, it was a recipient of Master Design Awards. It has also been featured in publications like Qualified Remodeler. The photo here shows an example of the firm’s modern kitchens. It showcases an open floor plan and a wall that slides open to reveal a pantry.
Paramount Kitchen and Bath
2155 SE 37th St., Ste. C+D Grimes, IA 50111
As its name suggests, Paramount has earned a superior reputation for its kitchens and bathrooms. Headquartered in Grimes, the firm extends its services throughout Des Moines and has worked in some of its best neighborhoods. The firm begins its process by setting up clients with its best designers, who assist with brainstorming and preparing a suitable design. They also take detailed measurements and photos of the space to be transformed. This highly hands-on approach continues throughout the process.
Shown here is one of our favorites from the firm’s portfolio. Located in Prairie Creek, this kitchen showcases a sleek, modern design with neutral finishes. Our editorial team loved its unique, L-shaped breakfast bar and wine rack.
Platinum Design Build, LLC
6450 NE Rising Sun Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Platinum is a premier home remodeler and builder best known for its work throughout Pleasant Hill and Ankeny. It prides itself on the outstanding reviews it has received through the years, particularly for its expertise in complex and challenging architectural styles. Aside from its kitchen work, our editorial team was also impressed by its home additions, large-scale home renovations, and basement finishes. Its portfolio also depicts several ground-up construction projects. The firm also offers handyman services and employs a design-build approach. Its expertise is drawn from over two decades of experience, and it assists its clients with every detail from start to finish.
Shown here is one of the firm’s best projects. This kitchen is connected to the home’s living area via an open floor plan. The firm installed a breakfast bar, which also complements the paneled kitchen island. Our editorial team loved the wood finishes, exposed beams, and unique fixtures.
Hartman Construction & Remodeling
907 California Dr STE 2, Des Moines, IA 50312
Hartman Construction specializes in kitchens and bathrooms and is one of Des Moines’s premier remodeling and construction firms. It offers its clients nearly four decades of industry experience and delivers all of its spaces on time and within the agreed-upon budget. It offers its clients a wide range of options and provides custom packages for each project it takes on. Our editorial team was particularly impressed by its cabinet refacing services and countertop installations.
The kitchen shown here is one of our favorites from the company’s portfolio. For this kitchen, the team employed a transitional theme. Our editorial team loved the cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, and breakfast bar.
