If you’re a homeowner in the Des Moines metro area, investing in the right remodeling projects can pay off in a big way. With home values continuing to rise across Central Iowa, especially in high-demand neighborhoods like Waukee, Ankeny, and West Des Moines, strategic renovations can boost both lifestyle satisfaction and resale value.

But which projects are most likely to deliver a return on investment — not just financially, but in how your home works and feels? Below are five remodeling projects that Des Moines homeowners consistently prioritize — and for good reason.

1. Kitchen Remodels

Modern kitchen upgrades — especially those featuring quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and open-concept layouts — remain the most valuable renovation a homeowner can make. Today’s buyers and homeowners prioritize functionality, durability, and timeless design. That means:

• Upgraded cabinetry with soft-close hardware
• Durable and stylish quartz or granite countertops
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Open floor plans with islands and natural light

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, major midrange kitchen remodels recoup around 70% of their cost, with even higher returns in competitive real estate markets like Des Moines. Homeowners working with firms like Zenith Design + Build also benefit from design guidance that aligns visual style with long-term resale value.

2. Bathroom Renovations

From spa-like master bathrooms to efficient powder room updates, bathroom remodels are high-impact projects. Baby Boomers in areas like West Des Moines and Urbandale often focus on aging-in-place features, such as:

• Barrier-free walk-in showers
• Heated floors
• Grab bars and built-in benches

Middle-aged families and professionals, on the other hand, seek:

• Double vanities with upgraded lighting
• High-end tile work
• Freestanding tubs and luxury fixtures

The right bathroom remodel can return 60-75% of its cost — and improve daily life significantly.

3. Finished Basements

Basement finishing is a smart way to expand without building up or out. In Des Moines, homeowners are converting underused basements into:

• Home offices or gyms
• Teen or guest suites
• Playrooms or rec rooms
• Media centers and wet bars

According to Zillow, finished basements can boost home value by $20,000–$50,000 depending on size and quality. In neighborhoods with rising property values like Clive or Johnston, this often equates to 70–90% ROI.

4. Outdoor Living Spaces

Post-2020, the importance of outdoor space has skyrocketed. More homeowners now invest in:

• Composite or wood decks
• Covered patios with ceiling fans
• Outdoor kitchens with grills and sinks
• Fire pits or fireplaces
• Integrated landscape lighting

Projects that blend indoor-outdoor living — particularly in properties with walkouts or generous yard space — often return 50-80% depending on complexity. But beyond numbers, they deliver major lifestyle gains.

5. Seamless Additions

Sometimes the best way to get the home you want is to expand it. Whether that’s:

• A master suite addition
• Second-story bedroom/bath expansion
• Four-season sunroom
• Garage-to-office conversion

…the key is seamless integration: matching rooflines, materials, flow, and function. In Des Moines’s high-value neighborhoods, additions often outperform the cost of moving.

Local Case Snapshot

In Waukee, a family completed a $200K addition + kitchen remodel. Two years later, their home appraised at $260K more than the pre-remodel value — and better matched their lifestyle.

Takeaway:

Each of these projects not only enhances how you live — they’re strategic investments in your property. Homeowners can access free tools, checklists, and planning sessions through the Trusted Home Experts Alliance to remodel with clarity and confidence.