Design

The best projects start with design!

Des Moines Remodeling Contractor Home Design

Compassion Builders Design Build Remodel offers complete Residential design services for Basement Finishing, Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling and Whole house Renovation & Remodeling projects and more! Our goal is to bring your vision to life to ensure your project turns out exactly as you dreamed!

By listening to your wants, needs, goals and dreams and we interpret that into your design. We utilize 3D rendering technology that makes your ideas come to life and will help you visualize your project. It provides you with realistic photos and walkthroughs incorporating your product selections into the Design. Just look at the difference going from 2D into 3D in the photo below.

Des Moines Home Design 2DDes Moines Home Design 3D

Why Design First???

Let’s face it. Remodeling can be a stressful situation four you and your family especially if you’re living in the home during construction. By having a thorough design and construction documents, you can eliminate:

  • The urgency of making selections during construction that can lead to delays!
  • It ensures you against miscommunications and interpretations of design intent from the tradespeople!
  • It helps you stay within budget!
  • It can prevent you from not loving the outcome of your project.

Your satisfaction is ensured by having two or more virtual meetings where we review and edit your design live before your eyes and from the comfort of your own home! We have found this to increase the speed that we can produce your design as well as ensures you are getting exactly what you wanted and needed before construction is started.

Des Moines Bathroom Remodeling Design 3D

The above photo shows a bold bathroom design option. Gloss black tile and matte black trim and cabinets. The shower features a frameless glass door and a rain shower head with body spray.

Alternatively, the below photo shows the same bathroom but with a completely different look! This time white and bright is the feel with tile walls surrounding the freestanding soaking tub. White trim and cabinets give the space a clean and refined feel.

Des Moines Remodeling Design 3D

By using our 3D Design software, you can get a feel for the overall look of your space to ensure that you’ll love your new space. Once you’re in love with the look it simplifies the selections process. Once you’ve made your product selections, we update the design to be as similar to your product selections as possible for your final approval.

Do you struggle with making decisions with the overwhelming amount of choices there are when choosing your product and color selections? You also have the option of selections assistance with one of our interior designer partners. Working with our interior designers can help save you money as well as save you hours of frustration and stress — which undoubtedly is priceless.

All designs include:

  • Fixed Fee Design Agreement that clearly defines what is included
  • Site survey and an as-built rendering (on remodels)
  • Virtual meetings for layout revisions, window & door sizing & placement, Electrical locations and final product selections.
  • Floor plan, Elevation & Specifications Construction Documents
  • Firm Fixed Price Quotation To Build
  • Any hazardous material testing where required
  • Partial credit towards construction if you choose Compassion Builders to be your contractor of choice.
  • Your choice to utilize selections assistance.

Let Compassion Builders become your Design, Build & Remodel partner and bring your dreams to life!

Whole Home Remodeling & Renovations

Remodeling and Renovation are the processes of improving or repairing a broken, damaged, or outdated structure. Both remodeling and renovating mean to make improvements on an existing home or commercial building. Additionally, renovation can refer to making something new, or bringing something back to life while remodeling tends to mean to change the structure or the form of the home or building. Projects involving renovation and remodeling require a solid design, specifications as well as flexibility due to unforeseen issues that may arise.

Gary & Melody first approached us at the Home & Remodeling Show after a relative had referred us to them as a quality renovation & remodeling contractor that shared their personal values. We spoke about their dislikes of their current Norwalk Iowa homes layout and what their end goal was to have an open and functional floor plan as well as a master bathroom. 

Whole Home Remodeling with Kitchen from Des Moines neighbor NorwalkWe first would love to introduce our clients who better tell the story of how this Home Remodeling brought their dreams to life.

Renovations & Remodels Start With 3D Design!

 Whole Home Remodeling with Kitchen Design Trace

The following spring they hired us to design and quote the renovation of their home. After a as built rendering was completed we went to work figuring out the best scenario to accomplish their vision in a way that complimented their space. 

We began by turning the stairs 90 degrees from the existing location to open up the space. The existing bathroom was eliminated to open up the space for the new larger kitchen as seen in the photo at the top of the page. The existing kitchen was converted to the dining room with a new sliding door to allow additional sunlight as well as access for a future deck. The second bedroom was used to create the master bathroom. Doorways and bulkheads in the hallway would be eliminated to allow the space to feel less constricted.   

The initial price for all the work required for the design and their selections was beyond their target budget. With their authorization we developed a plan to reduce certain items and change some methods to get them into an investment range they could proceed with. Once approved we scheduled construction to begin in a time that worked with their schedule. 

Whole Home Kitchen Remodel BeforeWhole Home Kitchen Remodel AfterThe above before & after shows an incredible transformation. From closed off hallway to a glorious kitchen. After the bathroom was removed we had to modify the roof structure to allow the existing vaulted ceiling to continue naturally. Two new beams were added to match the others and was given a coat of paint. Rustic hickory cabinets and granite countertops provide ample storage and working space. The new vent hood has become a favorite feature of this kitchen along with the recessed and under cabinet lighting. The new pantry cabinet on the right provided some much needed food storage.

Whole Home Remodel with Bathroom RenovationThe addition of a private master bath was a much anticipated feature. No more navigating the halls in the middle of the night. As seen in the above photo, the new vanities are nestled perfectly between the walls and the new linen closet. We utilized a whisper quiet adjustable CFM exhaust fan with humidity sensor and night light feature. 

 One challenge we had on this project was with moving the stairs. One of the homes sump pumps was in the landing area and hindering our required clearances. The photo below shows our creative solution to this issue. We made the final step a landing that covered the pump. The piping was routed into the walls and an access door was built into the floor. A simple recessed ring allows it to be lifted up for servicing. A vent in the riser of the landing and one in the wall ensures plenty of airflow to prevent condensation issues. 

 Whole Home Remodel with Stairway Trap DoorThe Hallway was a closed off and dark space. The slide below shows the transformation. The doorway was removed to widen the hallway fully. At the midway point was a bulkhead/beam from a previous addition to the home. We removed the bulkhead and moved the beam into the attic space to enable an unobstructed view. All new doors and trim was installed making future updates in the remaining rooms easy. New recessed lights brighten up the space and now can be controlled by each room.

Whole Home Remodel Hallway Before

We are glad that we were able to make Gary and Melodie’s dream of their Des Moines bordering Norwalk home a reality. They are pleased they chose Compassion Builders as their renovation and remodeling partner.

Let Compassion Builders become your Home Remodeling & Renovation Contractor!


Bathroom Remodeling

Master Bath Remodeler

Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Half Bath

Remodeling your bathroom is one of the smartest home remodeling projects you can choose to have completed. When executed well, a combination of form, functionality and aesthetics can recoup you around 60% of your investment in resale value! Whether you have a simple powder room or a master en suite, functionality should be at the heart of your bathroom remodel. 

In the photo on top, this farmhouse half bath was given dark hardwood floors to match the rest of the house. The vanity provides plenty of storage and the white top with white trim helps to give the room a large and bright feel. The bronze hardware gives a visual pop making this bathroom pleasant on the eyes. 

New Bath Remodel Jack & Jill

 The above photo shows a great Jack and Jill bathroom. This style of bathroom is great for multiple kids sharing 2 bedrooms. This particular design gives each bedroom a private toilet and sink while having a shared tub/shower and linen closet. The grouted LVT floor gives a great tile look and should hold up to the use that the children will give it. 

The photo that follows shows an incredible master bathroom shower we built.  This client wasn’t happy with the amount of space their corner shower provided. This couple wanted to be able to shower together comfortably. After reviewing the space, we developed a plan to eliminate the linen closet since the amount of vanity they had combined with a sizable walk in closet would provide the amount of storage they needed. 

Master Bath Remodeler

After removing the closet, the front wall was extended and gracefully curved as to not hinder the walkway into the bathroom. The area where the closet originally was, became the entrance to the shower and eliminated the need for a shower door or curtain. Duel shower valves where installed at the entrance allowing independent control over temperature. Mosaic tile was used to allow us to follow the curves of the walls and slope of the floor. This shower boasts plenty of storage for one niche as two windows high on the wall. This is one shower you may not want to leave. 

When your ready to update your bathroom to the space of your dreams let Compassion Builders be your contractor of choice! 

Deck Construction

Our deck project in Clive, Iowa.

Decks are where it all started for us almost 16 years ago. We had a passion for carpentry and creating unique pieces for clients that were built to last. We still have that same passion that we put into all your living spaces in and around your home.

A deck is an outdoor living space often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. Wood or timber “decking” can be used in a number of ways: as part of garden landscaping, to extend living areas of houses, and as an alternative to stone based features such as patios. Decks are typically made from treated lumber which is lowest in cost, cedar which is higher in cost than treated, composite which is the most expensive option other than exotic hardwoods but also is the longest lasting.

Whichever option you choose Compassion Builders can build you the deck of your dreams.

The above photo shows a deck we designed and constructed in Clive, Iowa. This client enjoyed entertaining but lacked the space for it. This deck created two main spaces for enjoyment. The main area is large enough for a table and chairs as well as the added bench provides additional seating as well as a boundary for safety. The area to the left of the photo was added to be more intimate setting. The floor steps down to provide a space separation as well as to keep the height low enough that railings were not needed. The beautiful cedar and copper pergola adorns this lower level creating a perfect space for a romantic dinner.

Trex Composite decking was selected for the floor and we decided to add visual distinction between the horizontal and vertical surfaces by using cedar for railings and skirtings. The floorboards run from the house out to mimic the old porch floors as well as to keep the floor seamless. Hidden fasteners were incorporated keeping the floor looking smooth. This was an excellent project that mixed form, function, and beauty that will last.

The photo above is for a Gazebo and Deck addition for a client in West Des Moines. Her husband was suffering from the effects of aging and she wanted a comfortable space she could get him to safely where he could be outside to enjoy the birds he loved. The lower deck was in poor shape and held an old hot tub which they couldn’t use.

We decided to remove the lower deck and completely replace it with a new ground level deck to match their upper deck. This enabled safe access from the downstairs of the home with only 1 small step. The Gazebo was added to the corner and raised one step up. We screened in the gazebo as well as under the floorboards to keep the insects out. A ceiling fan was added to provide additional comfort on those warm summer days. Lighting and a power outlet enables night time entertaining and relaxing music. We cleaned and stained the existing and new deck and gazebo surfaces to unify the colors and add to its serviceable life.

The photo above shows a deck we replaced for a client in Clive. They contacted us about some rotten boards they needed replaced. After a thorough inspection, the amount of boards they needed replaced wasn’t worth the cost of the repair as well as what was the structure like underneath it all. They had issues for years with board rotting out since the area stayed wet due to all the shading from trees. After discussing their options, they elected to do a full resurface with the understanding that if the framing was bad we would replace it.

Upon demolition of the old deck surface we discovered the majority of the floor joist were indeed rotting on the top as well as undersized and over spanned. We had the home owner come out to see the damage first hand.

So, after we obtained the proper permit we began the total deck replacement. Once all the framing was removed we discovered that part of the floor structure of their house was rotted due to improper flashing. This is an unfortunate common occurrence from decks that were installed over the siding and lack flashing to prevent water from sitting between the deck and the house. We removed the damaged siding and replaced the damaged rim joist, installed a proper vapor barrier and reframed the deck. The entire deck frame top was flashed with a peel and stick flashing to prevent future rot. Trex Transend decking was selected for its beauty and water resistance and installed with hidden fasteners. We lowered the elevation of the deck slightly to allow for proper flashing to the house and we added the white PVC trim piece to replace the rotten siding.

This Client was left with a beautiful, low maintenance deck that should outlast them.

The photo above shows a deck repair and resurface project we completed for a client in Urbandale. They contacted us about replacing the hand rails and a few floor boards. Upon inspection we discovered a major safety issue with how the stairs where attached and constructed. It didn’t meet code for when it had been constructed and was at risk of complete detachment. They decided to have us fix it all.

We reframed the stairs and added the proper support they needed and resurfaced the deck with cedar. We utilized our basic railing style which is strong, rot resistant and easy to sweep debris off your deck. They chose a black aluminum baluster which accents the stain nicely. Now they have a safe, code compliant and beautiful deck to enjoy.

To learn more about our previous work and to check out what our customers have to say visit our testimonials page.

If you’re ready to speak with one of our team members, contact Compassion Builders for us to become your preferred Deck Builder today!

Johnathan at Compassion Builders did an excellent job with our deck. Made suggestions, worked through problems and basically did an excellent job!!

~David D. Diehl

Military & Veteran Discounts

If you are a veteran or in active military service, Compassion Builders wishes to thank you for your service! As a way of showing our gratitude for your service we offer you the following discounts. 

 Basement Finishing 

Have Compassion Builders design and build your finished basement and receive a discount of $3 dollars per square foot of finished basement living area constructed up to 1500 square feet. That’s up to a $4,500 dollar maximum discount value. 

Decks/Gazebos  

Have Compassion Builders design and build your new deck and receive the design for Free!  

Additional terms apply for these deep discounts, but we prefer to review them for interested parties.  

Basement Remodeling

Basement remodeling is a great way to take your outdated or poorly designed finished basement and turn it into a space that meets your needs and maximizes its functionality. Compassion Builders can turn that unsightly basement into an aesthetically pleasing space that you will be proud to show off for years to come. 

In the top photo, this client was in desperate need of space for her in-home daycare. The space had previously been finished by the seller. Unfortunately, it was poorly laid out with improper and unsafe electrical work. It had a bedroom which was illegal and unsafe due to the lack of an egress window. We all agreed that starting fresh was the best plan for this basement remodel. 

Compassion Builders can turn that unsightly basement into an aesthetically pleasing space that you will be proud to show off for years to come. 

We faced a few challenges in this basement. One of which was the existing stairway. The way it had been constructed left for a minimal landing which was difficult to navigate. Once we add code required handrail moving belongings in and out would become a major issue. It also had a window that was poorly positioned and would require replacing to tempered glass to meet current building codes. 

We decided to eliminate the window and reframe the staircase. This provided over a foot of additional landing area. The railing was crafted so they could easily remove and reinstall to assist with moving furniture in and out of the space. We adhered 1inch foam and drywall to the walls of the stair case to assist with maximizing the landing area. The space under the stairs was turned into a reading nook for the kids with a toy box under the bench. The added egress window on the opposite end of the room allows plenty of natural light in. The Lotus Led recessed lights kept the room bright and the ceiling clearance high. 

The next photo is of a basement remodeling bedroom where we encountered another challenge. The mechanical ductwork and main support beam took up 4 feet of the room. Relocation wasn’t an option.  

We solved these problems by placing the closet underneath the ductwork maximizing the closet space as well as maintaining a larger space with its full ceiling height. The duct work was refabricated to reduce its height over the entryway. We made the door swing out in this circumstance to allow it to remain a full height door which fits better with the adjoining room. The added egress window allows for natural lighting as well as a safe and legal bedroom. 

Contact Compassion Builders for us to become your preferred Basement Remodeling and finishing Contractor today! 

They saved me from my basement nightmare. So glad to have a new basement.

~Lj Kearn

Basement Finishing

The great thing about basement finishing is that you can almost double your livable space at a fraction of the cost compared to adding an addition. According to the Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange basement remodel in the Des Moines area costs $69,480 while adding $47,238 to the resale value and recouping 68% of the cost.

Compassion Builders works with you to design your basement in a manner that provides what you need from the space and maximizes its functionality with aesthetically pleasing details.

In the top photo, this client wanted an entertaining space divided into three areas (bar, game room and home theatre). There is a beautiful maple bar that this client wanted incorporated into their space. The challenge was where they wanted it located. The mechanical ductwork was going to interfere with their seating headroom and inhibit the viewing of the screen.

We were able to place it in the middle of the longest portion of the basement solving both issues as well as increasing the size of the gaming area. A bulkhead was created to take up the small space above the shelving to provide a finished look. We were able to recess the refrigerator so the front didn’t intrude into the walkway. Room definition was added by the short walls at the four corners of the space as well as minimally lowering the ceiling allowing us to create the tray ceiling that follows the perimeter and outlines the bar.


Our customer in the above video was perfect to work with since Compassion Builders knew they could appreciate our similar values

This basement remodeling distinction was created by changing the surface texture on the ceiling to smooth on the lower portion and keeping the knockdown on the recessed portion as well as adding the wainscoting made entirely from drywall for a completely seamless look. Lighting was achieved by using 4 inch 4100K LED recessed lighting divided into two dimmable switches. One for the perimeter and one for the three over the bar. Dimmable LED lighting was also added to the display shelving by adding a recessed unit on each side and a LED tape behind the face frame in the center.

The next photo is for a basement finishing with a home theatre where we encountered another challenge. On the left corner is the sump pump that they didn’t want to relocate. The plan was to create a closet to cover it, however , he size of screen they wanted was forcing the screen and projector off center and would obstruct the viewing.

We solved this problem by creating a box around it with a lift off top. This allowed the screen to be centered, access to service the pump as well as a place to set their surround speakers. We balanced this on the opposite side next to their equipment tower which allowed a place to hide the subwoofer. We accented and defined this space with drywall wainscoting around the screen as well as medallions around the dimmable 6 inch 4100K recessed lights. The steel support posts were relocated to allow an equal spacing and was covered by oak mitered columns so that it resembles a solid timber.

Contact Compassion Builders for us to become your preferred Basement Finishing and Remodeling Contractor today.

Dedicated to quality, provides great design ideas and does not cut corners. If you want it done right, this is your company.

~Allen Dahl

Renovations

We understand that home renovations can be more stress full on you and your family, and even your neighbors especially if your living in the home during the renovation. It’s can be a disruption from your normal way of life.

We aim to minimize your your stress as much as possible during your renovation. From having all your selections be for we begin, utilizing dust collection where ever possible, notifying your neighbors of things that might disturb them to ensuring your quiet family evenings together. We do everything possible to make the remodeling process an enjoyable experience for you and your family.

Kitchen Renovations

Kitchens can now be made the focal point of the home, bringing the family together at dinner time, or to allow room to entertain close to the action at family functions or dinner parties. Our proven process, full-service remodeling approach makes kitchen remodeling easy.

Bathroom Renovations

Your vision with regard to the final bathroom construction is of paramount importance to us. We genuinely want everything to be perfect for you and your family. We will make sure that every detail is per the exact specifications that are discussed with you.

Custom Renovations

If you’d like to add beauty to your home, office, retail space, or restaurant, we’d love to provide you with the highest quality cabinets, furniture, and interior woodwork. We can create one-of-a-kind custom woodworking for all of your favorite spaces.

Exterior Renovations

Save energy and add value to your property with the expert installation of decks, siding, windows and doors. By using the products from the top manufactures, we ensure our work meets or exceeds our clients expectations.

Compassion Builders was great to work with! They were very detailed from the very beginning. They had all the specifics typed in an agreement and the scope of work was clearly defined. They were were reliable and showed up to the project on the agreed time and best of all their work was meticulous and they left the garage cleaner than when they arrived. Highly recommend!

~Emily Kaldenberg

Jonathan Kaiser helped us with our main bedroom remodeling. The house was built in 1941. He gutted & replaced ceiling, walls, and windows. Jonathan did the dry wall mudding so we could paint. He installed the baseboard, crown molding, and window trim. The end result? This is the best room in our home.

~James B. Jones

Johnathan just renovated our front entry and 2-story staircase. From the estimating process, to the completed project – he was great to work with. I’ve never met a contractor who is as detail-oriented and communicates as well as he does. He’s a great planner – very through – and his work speaks for itself. I would highly recommend him if you’re looking for an excellent contractor.

~Levi Nichols

Jonathan and his crew recently completed some remodeling at my house and installed some new doors. From the initial consultation, installation and finalization; I was kept informed of the job status. Everything was completed in a timely and professional manner at a very fair price. I would highly recommend Compassion Builders to everyone.

~Todd Wheeler

Love this guy and his talent! Did fantastic work. Once he started on remodeling my whole house he stayed til done before moving on to next client.

~Robyn Richter