Trex Deck with Pool Area

Composite decking has become very popular over the past 10 years.  Many people are using the product over cedar and treated decking, but it comes with a price.  Composite decking is sometime 3 times the price of its counterparts.  The advantages are that is durable and lasts much longer than cedar or treated wood, it also requires less up keep.  Some disadvantages are that it sometimes will fade in the sunlight, and it is reported as being slippery when wet.

On this particular project, the homeowner wanted to build the deck around an above ground pool.  We had to grade the area for the pool and backfill with sand under the pool.  Once the pool was in place we laid out all the support posts and beam structures.  The railing system on this deck was very expensive with over 150 lineal feet of railing.  The glass block insert in the deck was to cast light in the walkout area below the deck.  Enjoy the pictures!

West Des Moines Privacy Fence

This backyard was a complete renovation.  The homeowner wanted a cedar privacy fence, playground with sand, and a composite deck with above ground pool.  The fence was over 200′ long with 2 gates.  City codes allow fences to be no taller than 6′ in height, so keep that in mind when planning your fence design.  There are numerous ways to build a privacy fence, the more decorative, obviously the more costs involved.  This particular fence is a little cleaner looking than your typical dog ear fence, it is capped with a cedar 2×6 to top it off with a sharper look.

If you are in need of a privacy fence, we would be glad to come out and measure your space and give you a free quote, please do not hesitate to call.

Kitchen Remodel Des Moines

This kitchen needed a lot of TLC!  We turned the pantry into a half bath, moved the laundry out out of the kitchen and into the bedroom areas.  Removed all the exising cabinets, and repaired all the drywall.  In this particular kitchen, we just used stock maple cabinets from Lowes, laminate countertops, and lower end appliances.  We finished the flooring off with laminate wood.  Click on the pictures below to view the project.

Stamped Patio with Firepit Area

Stamped concrete can be found on projects dating back to the 1950′s.  Installation techniques and materials improved throughout the 1960′s and 1970′s.  By the 1980′s manufactures had developed proven materials and installation techniques.  Concrete contractors were becoming skilled at installing a variety of patterns and colors.  Stamped concrete has been recognized in the building industry as a favorable surfacing material for a variety of applications.  Today, many homeowners are using the application for patios and even driveways.  The cost is more than triple the price of regular concrete, ranging from $10-$12 per square foot.

Installation of stamed patios can be tricky, so it is recommended that you hire professional contractor to do the work.  The color is usually applied to the concrete in the cement truck, then it is poured in the formed area and finished smooth just as you would finish a regular concrete slab.  Once the area is finished and starts to harden, you begin to apply a compliment color of powdered release to the slab. The release gives the concrete a “marbled” look, which offsets the color of the concrete.  As the release is applied, you can now begin stamping the concrete.
There are many different styles and patterns of stamps available.  Most stamps are made of a rigid rubber material and are numerically or alphabetically numbered.  When you begin stamping, make sure all the stamps are correctly laid out in the desired pattern.  Typically, 3 to 4 people need to be present while stamping – one laying the stamps, one handing the correct stamps to the stamper, and one tamping the stamps.  As you are stamping, the release needs to be applied ahead of the stamper.
Once the patio is stamped, wait 24 hours and power wash all excess release off the slab.  The release should adhere in the low lying stamped areas.

After the excess release has been removed, wait 3 days and apply the sealer.  The sealer gives the slab a wet look and protects the color from fading.  Apply the sealer with a paint roller, usually 2 coats are needed, with 24 hours between coats.  For the best results, the second coat of sealer needs to be applied in the opposite direction of the first coat.  Once the second coat cures, you are free to enjoy your new stamped patio area.

As you can see, there are many steps involved in stapming a concrete slab, hence the additional costs.  The stamped patio we installed in the pictures below, the homeowner wanted a firepit area.  This application allows the homeowner to get full use of their stamped patio area.

Fire Restoration

This home was severely damaged in a fire started by the furnace. It was beyond repair, so we had to entirely demolish the home down to the foundation and rebuild it. Removing a 2,400 square foot home is quite the project and requires taking safety seriously. Once we had the house removed and cleaned up, we started the re-build. The homeowner had the opportunity to change the layout of the home, so the new house has an entirely different layout. We vaulted the living area and opened up the floor plan to create a more contemporary living environment. The master bedroom has 16′ ceilings, large walk-in closet, and a private walk-out patio. Stay tuned for a video tour of the home, which will be posted soon.

Des Moines Kitchen Remodel

When remodeling a kitchen you should always look at all the possiblities when designing your kitchen space.  In this particular kitchen, we wanted a more open feel into the living room.  With all the newer homes having a more open floor plan, these homeowners wanted to stay in their home but have the feel of a newer style floorplan.  In this Des Moines kitchen remodel, we removed an 18′ load bearing wall and installed a LVL header to support the roof.  We removed all the drywall,  updated the electrical and installed can lighting.  Something that I like to recommend to the homeower is to build a pantry closet rather than purchasing a very expensive pantry cabinet from the manufacturer.  You can see in this kitchen, we were able to chose a pantry door that is very similar in style to the cabinets and match the stain perfectly – at half the cost of a cabinet and twice the space.  We finished the floor off with 3/4 ” oak throughout the main level and wrapped the island with wainscotting to match the cabinets.

Bathroom Remodel

This was a bathroom where the client needed some more space.  So we installed a bay window that doubles as a powder area with seating.  We also used some closet space in an adjoining room to get more space for the walk-in shower.  We added a heated tile floor system that adds extra comfort to the bath area.  There are many decisions that need to be made when remodeling your bathroom, these are just a few things to think about when remodeling your bath area.  Check out the bathroom on the Ask Adam Episode, your source for all your Des Moines remodeling needs.

Craftsman Bungelow Remodel in Drake Neighborhood

This house had major termite damage and needed completely gutted.  We vaulted the ceiling inside and replaced over 75% of the floor joists.  We re-designed the entire floor plan of the interior and installed all new HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.  The exterior is finished off with all new Jeld-wen Double Hung Windows and Hardiplank siding.

Kitchen Remodel Tips

There are many decisions to make when remodeling your kitchen area

• What color and species of wood for the cabinets
• What countertops do you chose – granite, solid surface, laminate, concrete, tile
• Floor coverings – wood, tile, laminate, vinyl
• Lighting – under cabinet, recessed, surface mount, fans
• Appliances
• Wall color

When facing these decisions, it is best to have an outside opinion for the popular trends.  The contractor installing the cabinets should be educated on the different trends going on in the building industry and should be able to lead you in the right direction.  Also think about how often you will use the space and what necessities you will need to make your kitchen function to your particular needs.  There are many different styles and brands of cabinets to chose from.   A particular cabinet that I tend to favor is Kraftmaid.  They have great customer service and there is a design center at your local Lowes.

Below are some kitchen project that we have completed, both with Kraftmaid cabinets.  For more information on Kitchen Remodels, stay tuned for our Ask Adam home improvement videos.  Click on the link below

Kitchen Remodel