Better Builders

Clint Sanderson

2024-02

My wife & I decided to remodel our backyard for 2023. We had a small deck just big enough for our family and a quaint backyard with no patio. Our goal was to double the deck and add a large partially covered patio where we could add a hot tub, TV, and fire pit. We wanted to take a very underutilized area and create a new space our family could enjoy with friends & family too.I did some research and with some rough drawings and notes I made on my iPad, I called the top 4 builders in the metro on Monday morning. My wife & I met with Demir and Austin at Better Builders on Wednesday and we had detailed drawings and an itemized bid by Friday. Wow! Before pulling the trigger I waited to meet with the other three Inferior Builders. After weeks of waiting for consultations and designs it was clear who was earning our business.From the initial consultation, design, choosing materials, and scheduling to demolition, construction, finishing and follow through, we had open lines of communication via phone, text, email, and on site visits. Demir & Austin exude professionalism and that’s what we received start to finish. Everything was covered: engineered plans, permits, demolition, construction, electrical, stone work, irrigation & landscaping. I didn’t have to piece together the project with a handful of subcontractors and that was refreshing.We can’t thank Austin enough although I’ve tried. He served as foreman on the project and did an incredible job. Any last minute changes, concerns or complaints were met with consideration and grace. He’s a fantastic listener and problem solver. He kept us in the loop with everything going on and we can’t imagine anybody doing a better job than him. He’s well respected by his crews and it shows in their work. They’re happy, often listening to music, singing and laughing. It was refreshing to see. Thanks again Austin!!!We can’t recommend Better Builders enough. It truly was a better building experience.

Amy Singer

2023-05

We highly recommend Demir and his team of builders at Better Builders. They removed our old wood deck and replaced it with composite decking.Picking out materials was the hardest part for us but Demir answered every single one of our many questions and emails.The builders were hard working and kind. From beginning to end, Demir and his team were professional and experienced with deck building.The quote process was thorough and the showroom allowed us to visualize the materials, lighting and details up close before making a decision. One year later, Demir and his team were back in our neighborhood (installing a neighbor's deck) and they even stopped by to help us get some scratches out of our deck.We love everything about our new deck and we were very happy with the work of Demir and Better Builders.Services: Deck installation, Composite decks, Deck replacement

Chris Mayo

2023-12

We are beyond pleased with our deck and the service we received from Better Builders of Iowa! They helped us out of a poor situation with another contractor, and surpassed our expectations! All of the staff and crew were professional and answered all of our questions. The finished results are amazing! Thank you Better Builders!!

Thomas Truex

2024-01

We feel fortunate to have had Better Builders recommended to us by another builder for our screen porch. From the first meeting with Keaton in Better Builders showroom to the completion of the project, it was a very positive experience. Everything went the way we were told it would and it was finished on-time or even earlier. Anyone looking to do a deck or screen porch will have a hard time finding a more professional, customer service oriented organization than Better Builders.

Mosbach Family

2022-05

Demir and his team are absolutely amazing. They are great to work with and we'd recommend them to anyone. They do top quality work and the the best to work with from start to finish. Our deck turned out better than we could have ever imagined when we started the process!

Maren Trettin

2022-05

I cannot more highly recommend Demir and Better Builders for your home project. They started the job several weeks ahead of schedule and provided daily updates. Demir was very responsive and always responded the same day. The team was professional and took very good care of our lawn and the job site. He even identified an issue outside of the scope of their project, which he communicated and allowed us to fix before proceeding (which would have been twice as hard to fix after the fact). Great quality, timely, professional. Everything you want in a contractor. We are loving our deck!

Lyndon Crawford

2022-05

Better Builders is a first class organization. From start to finish they constantly exceeded expectations. Keaton was our project manager and he was extremely responsive and understanding as we made tweaks to our project, and Keaton provided additional ideas for us to consider. While we received cheaper estimates from other vendors none of them were nearly as thorough as Keaton and Better Builders. We agreed on our project back in April but Better Builders schedule was backed up until the end of August. It was without a doubt worth the wait. Keaton stayed in communication during the wait time and once our start date was set Better Builders and their partner form Outdoor Executive Management who completed our patio work were unreal efficient. Both crews were extremely pleasant and respectful of my family and my house. They took care to minimize the wear and tear on my yard and kept the work space as clutter free as possible at the end of every day. Both crews were consistently at our home and working no later than 8 AM. The pictures tell the story of the quality of their work and both the deck and patio were completed in a week! As I stayed, first class organization!

Joe Dickinson

2021-05

We spent a lot of time researching different deck builders throughout Des Moines. While there seemed to be plenty of great options, we ultimately felt most comfortable with Demir and the Better Builders team due to their reputation, candor, and willingness to work with us on a custom pergola. The entire process from design to completion was very smooth and the team was transparent about the project. The derecho occurred in the middle of the build, yet the team was back immediately after it passed. Our entire project only took one week despite the storm and tedious construction of our custom pergola. We are very happy with our new deck and pergola and highly recommend Better Builders due to their speed and because they'll do exactly what they say they're going to do.

Jason Shallenberger

2020-05

I started my new deck(s) project with a very well known deck builder I had met at a home show in DSM. After several design meetings and a deposit, I was still not satisfied with what I was being told. Not only was the design not what I had envisioned, it was more than double what I thought it should cost, not to mention they "franchise builder" would not break out any of the costs to show me where the totals were adding up from. So, my wife and I sought a second opinion. This is when I ran across Better Builders and met the owner, Demir. From the initial meeting Demir was up front and honest with us, steering us in the right direction for the project goals we had, even though many of the times the options he suggested were less money than what we were originally thinking. He and his team were punctual, respectful and kept the lines of communication open throughout the entire process. They are capable of virtually every concept you put in front of them and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Better Builders for your next outdoor living space project. They are great at what they do and the quality was top notch!

Andrew Colosky

2022-05

Demir and team are absolutely amazing to work with. Building in the midst of the constantly changing lumber prices probably added more excitement to the process, but Demir clearly gave us options and let us know what to expect due to price change. They removed our old deck and put a new 16x16 covered deck on for us. All of his team was courteous and did a fantastic job. Demir was available and willing to answer questions and concerns we had during the process. Overall, I'm super pleased with the team, process, communication, and end result.

L Ristvedt

2018-05

Demir and his crew just finished our new deck and it looks AMAZING!! I honestly have never worked with a contractor that is as professional and courteous as Demir. He has amazing people skills! He took the time to explain every detail and answered every questions that we had. The work was done on time as promised and his crew always picked up at the end of each day. His quality of work was top notch and at the end of the job he makes sure that the customer is absolutely happy with the results. I can't say enough good things about him and I would recommend him to anyone that is looking to have their job done right! I have attached some before and afters...Thanks Demir for all you have done!~The Ristvedts

Thomas Peterson

2024-01

Better Builders provided a high quality product and a great construction experience! Austin helped us step by step through our deck remodel. He communicated with us daily and explained the process thoroughly. Triple A

Christa L

2022-05

This company is beyond amazing! They are detailed and will think of everything before you know you need it! Demir and his whole crew were through truck, professional, hard workers and we couldn’t be happier! Thank you for making this process the easiest home project we have ever done!Attached are before and after pictures, what a difference! It’s the deck of our dreams and it turned out even better than we imagined!

Ling Wong

2023-11

We wanted to replace out wooden deck with material that would be more durable and easy to clean composite deck. We chose Better builders since they installed a large trex deck / deck cover with infrared heaters for my oldest daughter in 2021. This year they installed a trex deck for my other daughter. I was impressed with the workmanship of both builds, so we went with Better Builders. Originally i just wanted a basic build, but decided to add "lighted" posts and to finish off the build with LP siding. I'm glad I did not skimp on the build. My neighbors are impressed.Services: Deck installation, Patio decks, Composite decks

Kayla Johnson

2023-12

Can not say enough good things about Better Builders and their entire team! They have outstanding customer service and attention to detail that will not be matched by other residential contractors! They exceeded our expectations and we could not love our outdoor space more!

Neil Johnson

2023-08

We utilized Better Builders to replace our existing deck as part of a much larger backyard project. It started as just a railing replacement but after our initial assessment they had recommended (correctly as it turned out) replacement of the deck boards as well. Materials were excellent and very competitively priced based on our other estimates. The crew worked hard and were there the days they said they would be. There were even additional joists that needed replacing that they did without necessarily charging me for. They fixed a lot of previous mistakes in the original deck and the end product looks amazing. Couldn’t have been more satisfied. I would highly recommend Better Builders to anyone.Services: Composite decks, Deck replacement

Brian Donaldson

2023-05

We had a wonderful experience working with Better Builders on our deck re-build and patio enclosure project. I came to them with some basic ideas, and they turned that into a visual design that aided in material, product, and color selections throughout the process. They broke down the design phase into simple steps that simplified the decisions I needed to make along the way. Once the design was finalized, they took a methodical project management approach to execution of the work. I received regular updates on work completed, what was happening next, when to expect people at my house, etc. I never had to wonder "where are we on this project" because I was kept well-informed. Our project was led by Austin, who was phenomenal at ensuring the right contractors and materials were at our house at the right time to keep the project on schedule. He also managed all the city inspections to ensure we were compliant every step along the way. My favorite part about working with Better Builders was that they consistently did what they said they would do. I never had to make a follow-up call or track anyone down. They always showed up when they said they would and were very professional throughout the entire journey. I can't recommend them highly enough. I wish I could use them for all my house projects.Services: Deck installation, Deck remodeling, Patio decks, Composite decks, Deck design, Deck replacement, Patio enclosure construction

Rod Warren

2023-08

We have done a few projects around our home the last couple of years and no one has been more responsive, on top of things, and professional than the team at Better Builders. For our deck replacement, Keaton was our point person. He walked us through the design build last Fall and we decided to wait until this year to make a decision. Keaton was in contact early this Spring and offered timelines on when they could be on the job right upfront. He offered excellent suggestions on how to make our new deck nice and different. Once the team arrived, they did everything from building the landing to framing and building the new deck in a matter of days. Their team approach meant that the right craftsmen did the right part of the project. When we had a couple of questions, Keaton was once again quick to respond and was onsite frequently. We could not be happier with the product and it was great to be working with professionals that reached out to us before we ever reached out to them. They come with our highest recommendation.Services: Fence building, Composite decks, Deck design, Deck replacement

Terry M

2023-08

Needed to remove an old wooden deck and a dilapidated screened porch room and replace them with a new Trex deck with new supports and an attached 3-seasons room built from the bottom up. The room was attached to our 100+ year old home in the Waterbury area. Electrical work was needed to get power to the new room to the breaker box located diametrically opposite to where the room is. Better Builders did an exceptional job on the entire project, which also included removing two roofs (one over the screened porch room and the other over our bathroom and part of the kitchen) and adding one single roof. The construction crews were professional, on-time, and hard working. The electrician worked magic. The heated porcelain tile floor was laid with care and looks beautiful. The project team was very helpful when "hiccups" occurred, which was expected working on a home this old. They also used their expertise to recommend materials that would be best suited for a 3-seasons porch, and were not very restrictive on places to get floor tile. All-in-all, this was a great addition for us PLUS the cost was very close to budget (within 2%). The project manager was on site quite often and kept us informed by text, email and phone calls during the 6-weeks of planning, construction and clean-up. In two words, the work they provided was a job WELL DONE, and we would use them again.Services: Deck installation, Composite decks, Deck replacement, Patio enclosure construction

CMVJ

2022-05

In the late Spring of 2021 we contracted with Better Builders to replace our aging cedar deck with a new composite deck. Due to a health crisis, we had to indefinitely postpone the project. The team at Better Builders was very understanding and allowed us to cancel the contract with no penalty. Late January of 2022 my husband and I decided to proceed with the project. I contacted Keaton at Better Builders. He updated our contract and committed to having the deck done by mid May. They had an early opening in their schedule and started demo on our old deck February 28th. Within four days the the new composite deck was completed, the dumpster was gone, and the yard was cleaned up. The crew was on time and worked a full day. Excellent communication from Keaton and the owner. The cost was significantly less than another quote we received from a competitor. Our new deck is beautiful and low maintenance. We would not hesitate to recommend Better Builders.Services: Composite decks, Deck replacement

Gail O'Connor

2023-08

Kept us updated on everything going on as our deck was being replaced and if they ran into any issues. Very professional and the deck looks amazingService: Deck replacement

Kimberly Burrier

2023-05

Better Builders is an extremely organized and professional company that gives daily updates via email and phone/text on progress during the project and details on what to expect and how to prepare for them to be working at your house. They answered our questions right away. We even had the owner come check on the deck (halfway during project) on a Saturday, to make sure with the heavy rains we were having, that the under deck roof was leak proof— and it was! Great quality!Service: Deck remodeling

Beth N

2022-05

Demir and Better Builders did a terrific job updating our deck! Demir was responsive and thorough with any questions we had. They only used the best quality materials, so we can feel confident that our new deck will last. Everything was done in a timely manner, and we were kept updated on any changes as we went along. The whole crew was on time and respectful for the duration of the project. I highly recommend Better Builders!

Cris and Meaghan

2023-05

We’ve done several other major home projects over the last 8 years (complete kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, floors, and other deck replacements), and this was by far the best experience we’ve ever had with any project. Demir, Keaton, Jonathan, and everyone were great throughout the whole process. Everyone showed up on time every day, had great attitudes, were very professional, kept the site clean and did the work that was scheduled. We would recommend Better Builders to anyone and would hire them again without thinking twice.Services: Deck installation, Deck remodeling, Patio decks, Composite decks, Deck design, Deck replacement

Joyce Ritchie

2023-07

WOW! Better Builders did fantastic job. Very satisfied on the job. The crew was professional, very polite, and they cleaned up after themselves! Demir kept us informed of any problems and how they solved them. Would use them again!

Jason Bell

2024-01

Excellent serviceProfessional and knowledgeable staffKept job site clean at all timesStayed on scheduleProject manager and company owner were available for questions 24/7Better Builders were not satisfied with our project until we were satisfied with our final product.

Bill Tomlinson

2022-05

You have a great group of people @ better builders. We’re very pleased with how our deck project turned out, the process to get to the best solution for our situation and most importantly the quality of work to get the finished product. Every single person who worked on our project was professional and courteous. We were kept informed and would recommend BB in a second.

jim OConnor

2023-09

This company did an excellent job replacing our deck. To some it seemed too expensive but when they saw the quality of the materials used and the quality of the work performed they said it was well worth what we paid. I agree. Thank you Better Builders !!Services: Composite decks, Deck replacement

Kathy Thompson

2023-05

We had used Better Builders in the past and we were happy with their work. We decided to remodel our existing deck which doubled the deck space and involved the following changes.- Our existing deck and railing were torn out.- New beams for better support were added.- The stairs to the yard were removed and new stairs were built in a different location.- 6' painted dark aluminum deck screening was installed to allow for privacy for us and the home directly behind our property.- A stone fireplace was added as well as in ceiling electric heaters.- A TV mount was added above the fireplace.- The deck lights were replaced with brighter LED fixtures.- A security deck camera with motion lights was added.-A natural gas line was added as well as new outdoor electric outlets.- Outdoor spot lights were added to light up our backyard for dogs.All of the above was completed while we were on an extended trip to FL in the winter months. When we arrived back to our IA home we arrived to enjoy the finished product. We are 100% satisfied with the company Better Builders. We have total confidence with Demir, owner of Better Builders.Services: Deck installation, Deck remodeling, Deck railing repair, Composite decks, Deck replacement

Monica-Lee Parker

2022-05

When Better Builders started the demo on my old deck, they discovered issues that would have a serious impact on the structural integrity of my new one. Demir immediately consulted an engineer to identify a solution. And he made sure the measures that had to be taken could be done in a way that would not take away from the aesthetics of the deck. He and his crew worked long days and stayed on the job until it was done, all the while dealing with nosy neighbors and disgruntled board members. And they did it with smiles on their faces and the utmost professionalism and integrity. I highly recommend Better Builders!