Kitchen Renovation

Your Guide to
Kitchen Renovation
in Des Moines

What  You Should Know Before They Begin a Kitchen Renovation

If you’ve lived in your home for 15, 20, even 30 years, chances are your kitchen tells the story.

Maybe the layout worked fine when the kids were little, but now it feels tight. Or maybe you remodeled one part of the house and now the kitchen suddenly looks tired in comparison.

We talk with homeowners across Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, and West Des Moines who aren’t looking for trendy. They’re looking for something that works better and feels like them.

A kitchen renovation isn’t just about new cabinets. It’s about how your home functions for the next stage of life.

This guide walks through how to think about a kitchen renovation in Des Moines — realistically, thoughtfully, and without unnecessary stress.

Why Homeowners Renovate Their Kitchens

Most kitchen remodels don’t start with “We want quartz.”

They start with something practical:

  • The fridge blocks traffic flow.

  • The pantry doesn’t hold enough.

  • The island is too small.

  • The space feels dark.

  • Or… you remodeled the basement and now the kitchen feels 20 years older.

We see three common life stages in Central Iowa homes:

1. Growing families

More storage. Better flow. Durable finishes.

2. Empty nesters staying put

Updating outdated finishes. Improving lighting. Making the space easier to live in long-term.

3. Long-term homeowners ready to invest

They aren’t moving. They want it done well — and done once.

Every renovation starts with a different reason. The key is understanding why before jumping into selections.

If you’re still sorting through your reasoning, this may help: Kitchen Remodel Thought Process for Homeowners

Major vs. Minor Kitchen Renovations

Not every project requires tearing everything down to studs.

Sometimes homeowners start by asking:

“Can we just replace the doors?”

“Can we keep the cabinets and update countertops?”

“Do we have to move plumbing to improve the layout?”

There’s a big difference between cosmetic updates and structural changes.

Minor Renovations Might Include:

  • Finish & fixture updates

  • Cosmetic

  • Refresh

  • Update

  • Surface improvements

  • Layout-preserving

  • Finish-focused

  • Low structural impact

  • Faster turnaround

Major Renovations Might Include:

  • Layout & construction changes

  • Transformational 
    Structural

  • Reconfiguration

  • Full redesign

  • Layout-changing

  • System upgrades

  • Custom build

  • Whole-space overhaul

Neither approach is automatically right or wrong. The right answer depends on:

  • How long you plan to stay

  • Whether the layout truly works

  • What condition your existing cabinets are in

  • Budget and disruption tolerance

For a deeper breakdown, see: Major vs. Minor Kitchen Renovations

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

A kitchen renovation disrupts your home. There’s no way around that.

Which makes who you hire matter just as much as what you choose.

Before committing, homeowners should understand:

  • Who manages the project daily?

  • How is communication handled?

  • What happens if something unexpected comes up?

  • How are change orders documented?

  • What does the cleanup process look like?

  • How are subcontractors vetted?

Trust is often built long before demolition begins.

If you’re comparing contractors, this guide is worth reading:

What Questions You Should Ask Before Your Kitchen Remodel

Designing a Kitchen That Fits Your Life Stage

One of the biggest mistakes in kitchen remodeling is designing for inspiration photos instead of daily habits.

We encourage homeowners to think about:

  • Where groceries land when you walk in

  • How often you cook

  • Whether multiple people use the kitchen at once

  • Entertaining vs. quiet evenings

  • Long-term accessibility

Sometimes that means:

  • A larger pantry wall instead of open shelving

  • A wider aisle for better traffic flow

  • Drawers instead of lower cabinets

  • Layered lighting instead of a single overhead fixture

Good design feels obvious once it’s done — but it’s intentional underneath.

Kitchen Renovation in Des Moines

Homes in Central Iowa often share similarities:

  • Ranch layouts with kitchens centered in the home

  • Split-levels with tight transitions

  • Early 2000s oak cabinetry

  • Closed-off dining rooms

  • Popcorn ceilings or heavy trim

Renovating well means understanding how these homes were originally built — and how to improve them without overcomplicating the structure.

It also means being realistic about what can and can’t be changed without major reconstruction.

Thoughtful remodeling respects the home’s bones while improving how it functions.

Knowing When to Renovate

Some homeowners are ready.

Others are still weighing the disruption.

You don’t have to rush the decision. In fact, the best kitchen renovations usually come from homeowners who’ve thought about it for a while.

If you’re early in the process, start with:

  • Clarifying your motivation

  • Understanding scope differences

  • Learning what impacts timeline and cost

  • Asking better questions

Then move forward when it feels steady — not urgent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Renovation in Des Moines

1. How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Des Moines?

Kitchen renovation costs in Des Moines vary depending on scope, materials, and structural changes. 

Minor changes can range from $15K – $75K

*This depends on size of your kitchen, how many cabinets, countertop sq ft, and selections chosen. 

Major changes can range from $75K – $200K+

*This depends on size of your kitchen, structural changes made, level of cabinets chosen, countertop sq ft, with fixtures and selections chosen.

Most full kitchen remodels in Central Iowa take several weeks of active construction after design and materials are finalized. Cabinet lead times and structural changes can extend the overall project timeline.

Permits are typically required if your project involves electrical, plumbing, or structural changes. A professional kitchen remodeling contractor will manage this process and ensure inspections are completed properly.

Yes, most homeowners in Des Moines remain in their homes during construction. However, you should expect temporary disruption to your kitchen and daily routines. Proper planning can help reduce inconvenience.

For many long-term homeowners, updating a kitchen improves daily comfort and functionality. A thoughtful renovation can support aging in place and long-term enjoyment.

A kitchen renovation often refers to surface-level updates such as cabinets, countertops, and lighting. A remodel typically involves structural changes, layout adjustments, or relocating plumbing and electrical systems.

Start Your
Kitchen Remodel

Contact Us Today to Get Your Free Estimate

If you’ve lived in your home for 15, 20, even 30 years, chances are your kitchen tells the story.

Maybe the layout worked fine when the kids were little, but now it feels tight. Or maybe you remodeled one part of the house and now the kitchen suddenly looks tired in comparison.

GET STARTED