CHOOSING A REMODELER: VET BEFORE YOU BET

So, you’re not exactly besties with any local contractors, and you’ve heard your fair share of remodeling horror stories. You’ve done the initial legwork: googling late into the night, scrolling social media, attending local home shows, and chatting with neighbors who recently went through a renovation.

Now, you have a short list of businesses that seem to do the kind of work you need. But how do you know you can actually trust them with your home, your family, and your hard-earned money?

While there’s no magic guarantee, there are highly effective ways to background-check a company—and the people running it—before you invite them through your front door. Here is how we suggest Des Moines area homeowners complete their due diligence.

1. Verify State Contractor Registration

In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) maintains a public database of all registered contractors. Click here to easily search their online portal to verify if a business is registered.

Why does this matter? Registration is simple and costs only $50 a year. If a contractor isn't willing to play by the state’s basic rules, what other rules are they willing to break? While some fly-by-night operations claim they "didn't know" about the registry, many intentionally try to fly under the radar to avoid carrying required insurance or paying state taxes. You play by the rules—your remodeler should too.

Check the Workers' Comp Box: The state registry shows if a contractor has claimed an exemption from worker’s compensation insurance. If they are exempt, ensure that anyone physically stepping onto your property carries their own valid policy. Otherwise, liability for injuries could fall on you.

2. Dig into Iowa Courts Online

Want to see what kind of legal mischief a company or its owners have been up to? You can use Iowa Courts Online to research public legal records for any business or individual. This tool allows you to see if they have pending lawsuits, past judgments for failing to pay suppliers, or a history of filing liens against their own clients.

3. Check the Better Business Bureau (the BBB)

The BBB remains a reliable baseline for spotting structural business issues. Check your potential contractor’s profile to view their official letter grade, see how many years they’ve been operating under that business name, and read through any logged consumer complaints to see how (and if) the company resolved them.

4. Audit Their Portfolios and Social Media

You can get an authentic feel for a remodeler’s daily work quality and style by looking past their website. Check their active social media channels to see "behind-the-scenes" project progress. Don't forget to check Houzz, a platform completely dedicated to the home improvement and design industry, where you can view verified project portfolios.

5. Cross-Reference Search Engines

Googling a company is standard, but don't just look at their primary website. Google the names of the owners and project managers as well. When you do look at their website, check the footer or contact page: do they list a legitimate, physical office address and a local phone number? If a company only lists a generic contact form and a hidden address, consider it a red flag.

6. Demand Project-Specific References

We are always surprised by how few homeowners ask us for references! Ask your potential remodeler for at least three references from clients who had projects similar to yours.

• Kitchens and bathrooms are highly technical, mechanical spaces. If you're updating a kitchen, you need kitchen references—not a deck reference.
• Home additions require structural design mastery. You probably don't want a contractor whose core business is roofing and siding tackling a ground-up addition, even if those trades are technically part of the job.

7. Look for Local and National Affiliations

Reputable contractors invest in their industry. Check the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines to see if the remodeler is an active member. On a national level, look for memberships or specialized professional designations from elite trade organizations, such as:

• The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
• The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)

Your Home, Your Peace of Mind

When it comes to your property, your budget, and the safety of your family, you can never be too careful. Do your research up front, and never hesitate to ask who will be managing your project and which subcontractors will be entering your home.

Our golden rule at Red House Remodeling is simple: If we wouldn't let them in our own homes, we won't send them to yours.

Ready to partner with a team you can verify and trust? Click here to schedule a consultation with Red House Remodeling, and feel free to check our record on the platforms listed above!

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