A practical guide to evaluating home addition contractors in Des Moines, Ankeny, and West Des Moines—what to look for, what to ask, and how to set your project up for success.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize contractors with home additions experience—not just new builds or interior remodels.
  • Verify permitting, zoning, and structural tie-in know-how for additions in Des Moines and surrounding cities.
  • Use a clear process: site assessment → scope → selections → schedule → build—with written change-order and communication plans.
  • Look for craftsmanship that blends the home addition seamlessly with your existing architecture and trim details.

Adding space to your home is a big investment—and it demands a contractor who understands how to marry new structure with the house you already love. The right home addition contractors will guide you through zoning, permits, design, and tie-ins (foundation, roof, and utilities) while keeping your project on schedule and aligned with your budget and goals.

Below is a checklist to help you choose the best partner for a home addition in Des Moines, Ankeny, or West Des Moines, IAWest Des Moines.

1) Choose an addition-specific experience (not just “general contractor”)

Home additions aren’t the same as interior remodels or from-scratch builds. You’ll want proof of:

  • Structural tie-ins (rooflines, floor elevations, and foundation transitions)
  • Weatherproofing where old meets new (flashing, siding, insulation)
  • Mechanical integration (HVAC load, plumbing runs, electrical circuits)
  • Trim/millwork matching so your home addition looks original to the house

Ask to see before-and-after photos of additions similar to yours: ranch home additions, second-story additions, or bathroom/bedroom bump-outs.

2) Confirm permitting, zoning, and HOA familiarity

In Central Iowa, setback requirements, lot coverage, easements, and HOA rules vary by city and neighborhood. Your contractor should:

  • Pull applicable permits and manage inspections
  • Map property lines and setbacks before design finalization
  • Advise on height restrictions, drainage, and egress requirements

Seasoned home addition contractors in Des Moines will flag these issues early so you’re never surprised mid-build.

3) Insist on a transparent, written process

Clarity prevents headaches. Your contractor should provide:

  • A defined scope with drawings or a written description of the addition (dimensions, structural notes, windows/doors)
  • A selections list (siding, roofing, windows, insulation, interior finishes) with timelines for final choices
  • A construction schedule with milestones (demo, framing, rough-ins, inspections, insulation/drywall, trim/paint)
  • A change-order policy for additions and surprises (how it’s priced, approved, and scheduled)
  • A cleanup and protection plan for occupied homes

4) Evaluate communication and jobsite standards

Your home will remain lived-in during much of the build. Ask:

  • Who is on site daily? Who is your day-to-day contact?
  • How often will you get written updates (weekly, milestone-based)?
  • How will they protect indoor spaces (zip walls, floor protection, exterior barriers)?
  • What hours will crews work? What’s the plan for weather delays?

5) Look for craftsmanship that blends old and new

A great home addition feels like it was always there. That means:

  • Matching exterior materials (roof pitch, shingles, siding profiles, window styles)
  • Aligning interior finishes (casing profiles, baseboards, crown, door styles)
  • Thoughtful transitions (floor heights, stair solutions, HVAC registers, lighting)

If your home has distinctive details, you’ll benefit from a team with strong custom carpentry capabilities to recreate or complement existing profiles.

6) Ask the five essential questions

  1. What similar home additions have you completed locally in the last 12–18 months?
  2. How do you handle permitting, inspections, and engineering sign-offs?
  3. What’s included (and not included) in this estimate?
  4. How will you manage unexpected findings (rot, hidden utilities, soil conditions)?
  5. What warranty do you offer on structure and workmanship?

At Reese Builders, we plan, design, and build home additions that respect your home’s character—guided by clear communication, thoughtful detailing, and a clean jobsite from start to finish.

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The right home addition contractor will do more than build extra square footage—they’ll design an addition that looks and lives like it was always part of your home. Focus on addition-specific experience, clear process and communication, and craftsmanship that blends old with new. That’s how you get extra space that truly adds value.

Planning a home addition in Des Moines, Ankeny, or West Des Moines?
Contact Reese Builders for a no-pressure consultation. We’ll review your lot, discuss goals, and map a plan that fits your home and your budget.

FAQs

Do I need architectural drawings before talking to contractors?
No. We can start with goals and measurements, then develop drawings and scope together—or collaborate with your architect if you already have plans.

How long does a typical home addition take?
Most additions take 2–4 months after design, engineering (if needed), and selections—timelines vary by scope and season.

Will the new space match my existing home?
Yes. We align exterior materials, roof pitch, and interior trim so your addition feels original to the home.

Do you handle permits and inspections?
Absolutely. We manage permitting, inspections, and code compliance as part of our end-to-end process.

Which areas do you serve?
We work across Central Iowa: Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale, Ames, Huxley, Waukee and nearby communities.