The Des Moines metro is full of remodeling contractors — but not all are created equal. Too many homeowners have horror stories about poor communication, surprise charges, unfinished work, or even outright scams. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or building an addition, knowing what makes a contractor truly trustworthy can save you tens of thousands of dollars — and months of stress.

Here are five signs you’ve found someone worth hiring.

1. Transparent Pricing and Scope Up Front

Trustworthy contractors don’t just throw out a vague estimate. They:

• Break down costs by line item and phase
• Clearly define what’s included and what’s not
• Disclose how they handle pricing changes (such as material cost shifts)

You should walk away from your first planning session with a clear sense of what your investment range looks like — and why. At Zenith Design + Build, for instance, pricing is built using a detailed analysis sheet that reflects up-to-date labor and material costs in Central Iowa.

2. Verified Credentials, Insurance, and Track Record

Ask for:

• Iowa contractor license number
• Proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance
• References from past clients in your city (Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, etc.)
• Portfolio of completed projects similar to yours

Vetted professionals — like those listed in the Trusted Home Experts Alliance directory — meet strict standards for licensing, accountability, and experience. If someone dodges these questions, that’s a red flag.

3. Defined Process and Consistent Communication

Trustworthy contractors don’t just “wing it.” They have a proven process and a team that keeps you informed. Look for companies that:

• Offer a project roadmap from design through build
• Assign a dedicated project manager or site lead
• Use tools like daily logs, email/text updates, and client portals

At THEA, we’ve seen how remodeling chaos happens when there’s no process — and how the best firms avoid it.

4. Positive Reviews, Repeat Clients, and Referrals

In the Des Moines market, word of mouth matters. Look for:

• Dozens of positive Google, Facebook, and Houzz reviews
• Clients who have hired the contractor for multiple projects
• Realtors and industry pros who refer them regularly

A trustworthy remodeler has fans — not just customers. And if you ask past clients, they should speak highly of both the final result and the journey to get there.

5. Contracts and Policies That Protect the Homeowner

A detailed contract is essential. Look for:

• Payment schedule tied to project milestones
• Change order policy (written approval required)
• Warranty terms (both labor and manufacturer)
• Process for delays or scope adjustments

A trustworthy contractor doesn’t just cover themselves — they protect you, too.

Bonus Signs to Watch For:

• They offer planning help before selling you design services
• They educate you on options instead of pressuring you to commit
• They prioritize fit — they’re not trying to close every lead

Case in Point: What Trusted Looks Like

One Johnston couple worked with an unlicensed contractor and ended up with an unsafe basement finish that failed code inspection. They came to THEA and were connected with a vetted remodeler who redid the work properly. That contractor’s transparency and professionalism helped them regain trust in the process.

How THEA Helps You Choose With Confidence

The Trusted Home Experts Alliance exists to:

• Connect homeowners with pre-vetted, high-integrity professionals
• Offer contractor comparison tools
• Provide planning guides, checklists, and questions to ask

We believe no homeowner should feel anxious about remodeling — especially not in Des Moines, where quality professionals do exist.

Takeaway:

Hiring the right contractor means protecting your money, your home, and your peace of mind. When you know what to look for — and where to find it — you can remodel with clarity and confidence.

Explore our Trusted Directory or download the Homeowner Planning Kit at HomeExpertsAlliance.org