Homeowners in Des Moines tend to value straightforward craftsmanship, honest pricing, and crews who respect the house as much as the people who live in it. That is the bar Primetime Remodels sets for every project, whether it is a tight galley kitchen in Beaverdale or a full main-floor rework in a West Des Moines split-level. The company’s reputation was shaped on job sites where the tape measure, not marketing, tells the truth. What follows is a clear picture of the remodeler services Primetime delivers, the process they use to keep projects on time and on budget, and the judgment calls that separate a polished result from a patchwork fix.
What makes a remodeler worth hiring in Des Moines
Remodeling in central Iowa carries a few unique constraints. Winters test material choices, basements vary from bone-dry to springtime sponge, and older neighborhoods are full of mid-century framing quirks that punish sloppy layout work. A remodeler company has to navigate local permitting, handle mechanicals with care during deep freezes, and sequence trades so an unexpected storm does not stall the entire schedule. Primetime Remodels built its service model around those realities. They measure twice before demo, plan deliveries around weather risk, and pair each client with a point person who knows when to push and when to pause.
The first signal you have the right team is how they talk about constraints. Ask about a bathroom with exterior wall plumbing, and you should hear a plan for insulation and freeze protection, not vague assurances. Bring up a kitchen that needs a beam to open a load-bearing wall, and you want a structural strategy paired with cabinetry lead times. Primetime’s staff address those specifics early. It is not flash, it is fluency.
Kitchen remodeling that respects workflow and longevity
A kitchen renovation can easily become a fashion chase. The better approach is to secure the bones, settle the workflow, then dress the space with finishes that will survive kids, pets, and holiday potlucks. Primetime Remodels tends to start with circulation. They lay out the working triangle with a modern twist: the sink, cooktop, and fridge still matter, but so do prep surfaces, trash pull-outs, and the spot where a family member will inevitably drop a backpack.
Cabinetry selection leans on construction details, not just door style. Plywood boxes with pocket-screwed face frames and soft-close hardware handle Des Moines humidity swings better than particleboard. The splurge that consistently pays off is drawer storage. A 36-inch drawer base does more work than two 18-inch doors with shelves. For countertops, quartz is the default for its stain resistance and chill tolerance during winter window condensation. Remodeler near me If a client loves real stone, Primetime will specify a honed finish on marble or a dense granite, then set expectations: patina is part of the deal.
Plumbing and electrical upgrades are where hidden value hides. Many older kitchens have a single small-appliance circuit and a hodgepodge of GFCI outlets. Primetime rewires to current code, separates circuits for microwave, dishwasher, and disposal, and adds task lighting with dimmers. The lighting package transforms how the room feels on a January morning when the sun barely shows. Under-cabinet LEDs with proper color temperature make a mid-range backsplash look high-end.
One note from the field: opening a wall for an island rarely busts the budget, but moving a main stack or HVAC trunk can. Primetime’s designers flag these constraints in planning meetings, show the cost difference for reroutes, and sometimes propose a peninsula layout that preserves flow without hitting structural nerves.
Bathroom upgrades that balance comfort with maintenance
Bathrooms in older Des Moines homes often tell their age through small footprints, odd soffits, and tile that has outlived its grout. Primetime Remodels approaches these spaces like a well-fitted cabin on a boat. Every inch matters. The number one rule is to build water management into the structure. Curbless showers look simple, yet they demand careful subfloor work, a reliable linear drain, and a waterproofing membrane that ties into the drain body correctly. Primetime uses systems with integrated seams to reduce failure points, then flood tests before tile.
Ventilation is not an afterthought. A quiet, properly ducted fan sized to the room keeps paint intact and mold at bay during freeze-thaw cycles. On fixtures, they steer clients toward pressure-balanced or thermostatic valves, especially when the shower shares a wall with an exterior. Heat is another comfort lever. A small radiant mat under porcelain tile turns winter mornings pleasant without a large utility penalty. If a client is weighing heated floors against a niche or glass upgrade, the crew will often recommend heat first. It pays off every day.
Material choices favor durable grout and tile that suits cleaning habits. Epoxy grout costs more but cuts maintenance. Larger-format tiles minimize grout lines, though they demand flat substrates. For compact rooms, Primetime frequently reclaims space by replacing a swing door with a pocket door and choosing a wall-hung vanity to expose more floor. These are small moves with a big effect.
Basement finishing that feels like true living space
A finished basement should not feel like second-class square footage. Moisture management makes or breaks that goal. Before framing, Primetime measures humidity, checks for efflorescence, and reviews grading lines outside. If water intrusion issues exist, they recommend fixes up front, even if that means delaying finish work to install drain tile or improve gutters. It is cheaper than tearing out a wet theater room later.
On framing, they favor treated bottom plates and a small gap between stud and foundation to allow insulation and airflow. Closed-cell spray foam against concrete walls works well in Iowa, but it must be applied to the correct thickness to avoid condensation points. For floors, luxury vinyl plank with an integrated underlayment gets the nod for its resilience. Carpet works in bedrooms if the slab is stable and the client understands the maintenance tradeoff.
Basement bathrooms require vigilance with ejector pumps and venting. Primetime builds clean-out access into the plan and coordinates with plumbers who know how to size and route vents through tricky framing. For media rooms, they lay out dedicated circuits and prewire surround sound before drywall. If a client is on the fence about adding a kitchenette, the team will sketch two layouts with utility routes and show how the choice affects ceiling height. That level of planning prevents awkward soffits later.
Exterior updates that hold up to Midwest weather
Exterior work in Des Moines lives and dies on preparation. Primetime Remodels does not paint over chalking siding and call it good. They test moisture content, address flashing, then apply coatings within the manufacturer’s conditions. For siding replacement, fiber cement is a favorite for durability, while insulated vinyl can be a smart pick on certain budgets. Installation quality decides whether either material performs. Correct nailing, gap spacing, and flashing at transitions protect the envelope. On windows, the crew insists on proper sill pans and back dams. A beautiful window with sloppy integration is a leak waiting for a February ice storm.
Decks and porches need structural respect. Local code dictates post depth and beam spans, but the practical difference comes from hardware choice and water shedding details. Primetime uses corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing tape at ledger boards, then pitches decking to shed water. If composite boards are specified, they account for thermal expansion across seasons. Railings and stairs see the most wear, so they spec solid blocking and reinforcement where hands and feet land thousands of times.
Roofing is usually straightforward until it is not. Valleys, chimneys, and skylights demand a patient installer. Primetime prefers ice and water shield beyond the minimum in north-facing areas and pairs it with proper ventilation to avoid ice dams. When clients ask about metal versus asphalt, the team explains lifespan ranges and how hail risk plays into the choice. Asphalt still dominates for cost-effectiveness, but the right metal system with concealed fasteners can make sense on certain roof geometries.
Whole-home remodels and additions with clear sequencing
A whole-home remodel is less about picking finishes and more about orchestrating work so the house stays stable and the timeline holds. Sequencing is the art. Primetime Remodels builds a critical path that respects long-lead items like custom cabinets and windows. They order early, lock framing dates after structural approvals, and hold drywall until inspections clear and mechanicals are pressure-tested.
On additions, the team collaborates with structural engineers to set footing sizes and tie-ins that match Des Moines soil conditions. Frost depth footings, shear considerations at the connection point, and roofline integration all require careful detailing. If the addition includes a new primary suite, they look at plumbing stacks and HVAC loads to decide between extending the current system or installing a dedicated mini-split. Sometimes the cleanest solution is a new air handler to avoid overtaxing an older furnace during a cold snap.
One practical habit that saves money is mockups. Before committing to a full tile layout or stair railing style, Primetime builds a small section to test reveals and proportions. The small upfront cost prevents expensive second thoughts after installation.
The process: from estimate to final walk-through
Clients often judge a remodeler by the first site visit. Primetime’s estimator brings a laser measure, moisture meter, and a frank attitude. They ask about budget ranges and tolerance for disruption, then explain where the numbers tend to move. A kitchen with stock cabinets can land in the mid-five figures, while custom builds with appliance packages and reconfigured walls head into the sixes. Bathrooms range widely depending on fixtures and tile complexity, with labor representing a predictable base and finishes adding variability. Basement conversions are driven by moisture mitigation and bathroom decisions.
Design development runs on measured drawings and a scope document. Primetime captures every assumption that affects cost, from vent hood CFM and make-up air to trim profiles. Change orders happen, but surprises shrink when the scope is tight. Construction starts with protection: floor coverings, dust walls, and HVAC returns sealed where appropriate. Trades are scheduled to minimize overlap, and daily cleanup keeps morale high for both crews and homeowners.
Communication cadence matters. Primetime sets weekly check-ins, and for larger jobs, they maintain a shared timeline that shows milestones. When supply chain hiccups occur, they present options: swap to an available finish, resequence work, or wait. The choice belongs to the client, but the implications are clear. At the end, the punch list is not a formality. The crew walks the space with blue tape, hits the fixes, and schedules a 30-day and 11-month follow-up for settling or seasonal adjustments.
Quality control, inspections, and warranty thinking
Inspections are checkpoints, not hurdles. Primetime prefers to exceed minimums where the data supports it. For example, they recommend dedicated arc-fault protection in sleeping areas even in older homes where grandfathering might allow less. They pressure-test plumbing before close-in and thermal-scan exterior walls after insulation, a step that catches voids while fixes are still easy. On tile, they check substrate flatness with a long level so large-format tiles lay without lippage.
Warranty policies mean little unless a company sticks around and answers the phone. Primetime stands behind materials as specified and labor for a defined term, then they go a bit further with education. They provide maintenance checklists and explain finish expectations. Natural wood will move, caulk joints will shrink, grout will need sealing if it is not epoxy. When clients understand these realities, warranty calls drop, and satisfaction rises.
Budget guidance and where the money matters
Where to save and where to spend depends on how you use the house. After seeing hundreds of projects, a pattern emerges. Spend on structure, mechanicals, and surfaces you touch daily. Save on easily swapped items like cabinet hardware or light fixtures that are accessible and not integral to the envelope.
Here is a plain rule of thumb most clients appreciate:
- Put the biggest dollars into layout changes that improve daily function, then invest in durable surfaces and reliable mechanical systems. Save on decorative layers that are easy to refresh later.
That single list covers the priority stack without oversimplifying it. Primetime will often present two or three budget scenarios during design, each with a clear narrative. One might focus on layout and mid-range finishes, another on premium materials with minimal structural changes, and a third that phases work to match cash flow. Phasing can be smart for basements and exteriors, less so for kitchens where repeated disruption is costly.
Timelines, permits, and living through a remodel
Timelines hinge on lead times and inspections. Kitchens often run 6 to 10 weeks once cabinets are on site. Bathrooms run 3 to 6 weeks depending on complexity and tile labor. Basements can take 8 to 12 weeks, especially with bathrooms and egress windows. Whole-home projects and additions run longer, most often in the 3 to 6 month span, plus design and permit time up front. Winter does not stop interior work, but it can slow exterior tie-ins. Primetime sequences work to avoid opening the envelope during a cold snap.
Living through a remodel is easier with a plan. The team helps set up a temporary kitchen, isolates dust, and schedules loud work during predictable windows. Pets and kids get special consideration with safe zones and clear boundaries. When a family decides to move out for a period, Primetime can compress schedules by opening more fronts at once. It costs more but reduces the total disruption.
Permits in Des Moines are straightforward when drawings are clear. Primetime handles submittals and coordinates inspections. Unpermitted work is a false economy. It bites during resale and can void insurance. The company’s stance is consistent: pull the permit, pass the inspection, sleep well.
Real-world examples from the field
A Beaverdale bungalow received a kitchen rework where the client asked for an island in a 10 by 12 space. Rather than force a cramped island, Primetime proposed a peninsula with a waterfall edge and stool seating on the dining side. They shifted the range to an interior wall for proper venting and installed a 36-inch drawer base for pots. The family gained better prep space and full-depth pantry pull-outs without elbow wars.
In a Windsor Heights basement, a media room had chronic mustiness after summer storms. The team found downspouts dumping water near the foundation and a hairline crack weeping during heavy rain. They extended downspouts, cut a relief channel to the sump, and installed a vapor barrier behind new framing with closed-cell foam at critical points. The mustiness vanished, and the entertainment system went in with confidence.
For a Polk County farmhouse bath, the owner wanted a claw-foot tub and curbless shower in a small footprint. Primetime recessed the subfloor to accommodate the slope, used a compact linear drain, and built a glass panel that swings to create drying space. They added a radiant mat and a heated towel bar. The room feels like a retreat, and the waterproofing details are buried beneath tile where they belong.
Trade-offs and edge cases worth considering
Not every trend survives real use. Open shelves look great in photos but require daily discipline to avoid clutter. Primetime might suggest a single accent shelf and keep the rest behind doors. Matte black fixtures are popular, yet hard water spots show. Clients who dislike frequent wipe-downs often shift to brushed nickel or stainless. Natural wood vanity tops warm a space, but they need sealing vigilance. Composite or quartz alternatives deliver a similar look with less maintenance.
In older homes, asbestos and lead paint are always possibilities. A responsible remodeler tests and abates properly. It adds cost, but it keeps families and crews safe. Primetime builds those contingencies into schedules, not as scare tactics, but as mature planning. Similarly, supply chain variables still pop up. If a specific tile is central to the design, the company orders early and secures overage for future repairs.
Why Primetime Remodels earns repeat calls
Trust in remodeling is cumulative. It grows when estimates match invoices, when the crew shows up clean and on time, when the project manager returns calls, and when the punch list is treated seriously. It also grows when a remodeler says no. Primetime has turned down projects that compromise safety or require shortcuts to hit an artificial deadline. That discipline keeps crews sharp and clients protected.
Beyond craft, the company’s local grounding matters. They know the neighborhoods, the soil types, the quirks of tri-levels built in the 70s, and the way winter light pours into a south-facing kitchen at 4 p.m. in January. That knowledge shows up in small decisions that add up to a home that works.
Getting started
If you are searching for a Remodeler near me and want a Remodeler Des Moines homeowners recommend, start with a conversation. Bring rough dimensions, photos, and a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Expect questions about lifestyle and budget comfort. A good Remodeler company will help you sharpen the scope, not inflate it. Primetime Remodels has built its Remodeler services around clear planning, tight execution, and a warranty that means something.
Contact Us
Primetime Remodels
Address: 6663 NW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50313, United States
Phone: (515) 402-1699
Primetime Remodels approaches every project with a simple test. Would we be proud to live with this result for the next ten years? The answer guides the budget conversations, the layout decisions, and the way the last bead of caulk is struck. If that is the level of care you want in your home, the next step is straightforward: reach out, share your goals, and see a plan that respects them.