Additions and Remodels

Timeless design, durability, and smart functionality are hallmarks of the spaces we create. As highly skilled designers, builders, and remodelers, Iowa Home Crafters has a loyal following of clients who praise our approach and excellent results.

Spacious Addition Brings the Outside In

Built on a budget in 1997 for a family of four, the home needed updates. As empty-nesters, the owners wanted a sunroom to enjoy the lake view and add Craftsman charm. The new side porch entry sets the tone for interior Craftsman details.

The spacious kitchen now offers views of the west side of the property and has a new garage entry. The existing brick between the kitchen and sunroom remains to define the space. An underused formal entry and dining area were reconfigured into a large pantry and laundry, repurposing the original cherry cabinets for functionality and daylighting.

Custom cherry and reclaimed slate create a striking cabinet and countertop/backsplash combination. Salvaged redwood, new maple, and birch trim details are accented with the owner’s tile collection and natural limestone. Large windows and a new woodstove in the sunroom provide a cozy spot to enjoy the lake view, full of intimate discoveries.

Spacious Garage Addition in Johnston

A new garage and workshop were designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing home. The original single-car garage was replaced with a spacious double-car garage. A new entrance leading into a mudroom was created, connecting the original house to the addition. This space also includes a kennel for the dogs. The trim details continue through the mudroom, featuring a wainscoted wall with built-in coat pegs. On the opposite side, there’s a charming custom cabinet tucked in the corner.

Creating Light and Flow

Our clients wanted to update their mid-century home’s look and functionality. The original enclosed kitchen caused congestion at the front entry. By relocating the kitchen, we opened the floor plan, reducing congestion and allowing natural light to flood the entertaining space. The custom rift-sawn walnut pieces feature clean, contemporary lines and warm, lightly stained wood. We preserved the existing wood floors and seamlessly added new hardwood where the kitchen used to be. Our design enhances openness and flexible traffic flow, complemented by the owner’s retro furniture, which adds accent colors to the mid-century design.

Motivated by their love for found objects, the clients sourced kitchen hardware from a historic salvage warehouse, adding a meaningful touch. The bookcase hides structural posts from the old kitchen walls, draws the eye with its floor-to-ceiling height, defines two sitting areas on different levels, and offers space to display personal items that tell their family story.

A Place for Respite

This master bathroom transformed a 70’s en-suite from white and sterile to charming and soothing. Every inch feels inviting and relaxing. Simple, clean design and crafted details make impressive use of the space. An adjacent closet was utilized, and the shower and tub were consolidated, expanding the previously cramped bathroom. Wood details reinforce walnut themes throughout the house. A beloved antique chandelier now graces the bathroom with gentle, sparkling light. An additional window, clear glass, and zero-entry shower flood the room with light, creating a sense of openness. The midcentury design is reflected in the tiling and flush transitions to the drywall, creating a high-end modern aesthetic.

Showcasing a Collection

This renovation transformed a bland suburban layout to offer privacy and showcase the owner’s art and glass collections. A custom white oak front door, made from locally sourced wood that we milled and cured, sets the tone. Dyed turquoise outside and hand-carved inside, it hints at the vibrant accents within the house.

Reorganizing the kitchen increased pantry size and function, improved backyard views, and created an illusion of solitude. New windows and playful lighting enhance the client’s unique glass collection. Natural wood grounds the space, while a 150-year-old family heirloom mirror and shou sugi ban Thermory highlight the living area. The turquoise island anchors the open floor plan, blending bold and contemporary elements.

A Dream Kitchen Remodel for an Avid Baker

The homeowner desired a more open space with clean lines and plenty of organization. The cabinetry was crafted to complement a stunning quarter-sawn oak dining table owned by the homeowners, and feature a blend of traditional craftsman style with modern amenities. The design subtly incorporates curves and radii to balance the straight lines and sharp corners typical of an arts and crafts cabinet. Effective organization and storage solutions were crucial to optimizing the available space for the cabinetry.

Clean Lines Create Form and Function

The homeowner adored her cherry kitchen, which had been installed over 20 years ago. However, the years of use had taken a toll on the finish, and the cabinets needed replacement. The flooring on the entire first floor had been replaced after the cabinets were installed, so the kitchen’s footprint was fixed and couldn’t be altered. This required us to get creative with the space to maintain the client’s goal of having clear countertops. We used rift-sawn walnut and a modern door design to give this transitional kitchen a contemporary yet warm and inviting feel.

A spacious appliance garage keeps clutter off the countertops while ensuring easy access to everyday items. An electronic TV lift system (televator) hides the screen when it’s not in use. Undercabinet lighting enhances the quartzite countertops and backsplash, giving them a warm, radiant glow. Large drawers, clever organizers, and rollouts in the pantry cabinet make cooking efficient by keeping everything the homeowner needs within reach. A drop zone cabinet area connects the entryway and kitchen, while a magnetic board keeps mail and to-do lists organized.

Why Our Clients Love Us

“Your work is fantastic! The quality of the materials and work really shines.”

“We wanted to tell you how happy we are with the results. The attention to detail and the care with which it was built is a gift to us and hopefully someone else for years to come. So thank you for spending the time and energy and for caring enough to ‘do it right’! That is greatly appreciated.”

“I can’t imagine having lived through an easier remodel.”

“Thank you for your careful work and responsiveness.”

“We want to thank you once again for the wonderful work you have done for us. We absolutely love our kitchen and windows and will be glad to point any prospective customers your way.”

“Those of us who have had experience with your operation already know your values: thoroughness, commitment to quality, energy conservation and enthusiasm. I love how you all can think outside the box and produce unique homes.”

“Am I a happy camper?!? Ecstatic is closer. I have always loved your work but this is beyond perfect. Thank you so much!”

“We feel very fortunate to be living in a quality home that was built with such loving care.”

“Thanks for the excellent kitchen. We appreciate your attention to detail and quality of workmanship. You did a great job of restructuring the kitchen and installing the cabinets and appliances. They both are very efficient and accommodating.”

“Just wanted to say how much we love everything. You guys have done incredible work. Thanks also for all of the other extras that you are always willing to do. We really appreciate it!”

“We couldn’t be happier with how well things went during the project, and how they turned out when it was complete. This addition has added new life to an old house.”

"We are thrilled with the work Iowa Home Crafters did on remodeling our townhome’s small kitchen including a laundry area and abundant storage. They listened to our needs and wishes, offered creative suggestions, attended to details, were professional and respectful. It is a beautiful space to greet us each day and a joy to work in."

“For over 25 years, Iowa Home Crafters has been a trusted partner helping us bring our ideas and vision for that beautifully crafted home to fruition. Every member of their team lives their motto "a heart and hand in every home" and it shows in all stages from the visioning of the project to the final details of their exceptional craftsmanship. Their name says it all. They are not just builders of houses, they are indeed crafters of homes and we couldn't be happier with the final product.”