What’s Driving Homeowners in West Des Moines to Remodel Right Now

Take a drive through any West Des Moines neighborhood and you’ll see it—driveways with contractor vans, the sound of framing hammers in the distance, and home exteriors getting a serious refresh. Remodeling is on the rise. But it’s not just about chasing trends. Homeowners are looking for better ways to live in the spaces they already own.

Here’s what’s really behind the renovation momentum.

Homes Are Being Asked to Do More

The kitchen has officially become the most overworked room in the house. It’s still the place for dinner, sure—but it’s also doubling as an office, a homework station, a drop zone, and a place to gather with friends.

• Homeowners are searching for smart appliances, oversized islands, and touchless faucets to make multitasking easier.
• Two-tone cabinetry and quartz countertops keep popping up in remodel plans, not because they’re trendy, but because they’re easy to live with.
• Storage is a major focus. Pull-out pantries, spice drawers, and built-in charging stations aren’t luxury upgrades—they’re part of how families actually function now.
• Open floor plans are back in focus, with many looking to knock down walls between kitchens and living rooms for more connection between spaces.
• We’re also seeing more interest in creating quiet nooks—pocket offices, small reading corners, or flex rooms that can shift between roles throughout the week.

Families Are Choosing to Stay Put

Between a tight housing market and rising interest rates, moving isn’t always the best option. A lot of homeowners are deciding to invest in what they already have.

• Finishing a basement or adding a new bedroom can create the breathing room a growing family needs, without uprooting everything.
• More people are asking about converting unused garage space into in-law suites or offices that support multigenerational living.
• Some are planning ahead—creating accessible layouts, widening doorways, or adding main-level laundry to help them age comfortably in place.

Energy and Efficiency Are Top of Mind

Utility bills and climate-conscious design are pushing more homeowners to think about what’s behind the walls, not just what’s on them.

• Upgrades like energy-efficient windows, better insulation, and new HVAC systems are in high demand for both comfort and cost savings.
• Reclaimed wood, low-VOC paints, and long-lasting materials are becoming go-to choices for sustainability-minded remodelers.
• Solar panels are a growing consideration, especially for homeowners planning to stay long-term.
• Smart thermostats, leak detectors, and app-connected lighting systems are often part of the plan—not for show, but for peace of mind.

Kitchens and Bathrooms Still Lead the Pack

These are the spaces that get used every single day. When they function better, life feels easier—and when they don’t, it’s immediately noticeable.

• People are remodeling bathrooms to feel more like personal retreats, with curbless showers, heated floors, and layered lighting.
• Walk-in pantries and appliance garages are popular kitchen additions, especially for families that cook and host often.
• Many projects now include wider doorways, better lighting, and slip-resistant flooring—smart changes that make spaces safer and more comfortable for everyone.
• Homeowners are also adding things like prep kitchens, coffee stations, and built-in wine storage to streamline entertaining and daily routines.

Outdoor Living Has Become Essential

Outdoor space used to be a nice bonus. Now it’s an extension of the home—and West Des Moines homeowners are making the most of it.

• Covered patios, three-season porches, and large sliding doors are making it easier to enjoy outdoor space through spring, summer, and fall.
• Built-in grills, prep counters, and outdoor fridges are turning basic patios into fully functional cooking areas.
• Fire pits, overhead lighting, and mounted heaters make it possible to enjoy the space well past sunset.
• Families with kids and pets are fencing in yards, upgrading landscaping, and installing turf or play zones that work year-round.

Every Inch Matters

Beyond the big-ticket rooms, homeowners are taking a closer look at the forgotten corners of their homes and asking how they can make them work harder.

• Laundry rooms are being combined with mudrooms to create cleaner entries and more efficient use of space.
• Storage is being added under stairs, inside benches, and behind false panels—no square footage wasted.
• Unused basements are being converted into media rooms, home gyms, or full guest suites that give families flexibility without needing more square feet.
• Entryways, back halls, and upstairs landings are being reimagined as places for built-ins, lockers, or homework stations.

Thinking About Remodeling?

You don’t need a huge addition or a full gut job to change the way your home works. Most renovations start with one simple question: What’s not working right now? Maybe it’s the lack of pantry storage. Or the way your bathroom lighting makes getting ready in the morning harder than it needs to be. Or maybe it’s just that your family has outgrown the current layout.

West Des Moines homeowners are remodeling because they want homes that support the way they actually live—now and in the future. The reasons are practical, thoughtful, and long overdue. If you’ve been feeling the same, reach out to us here to have a conversation about your own home renovation.

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