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Build My Future celebrates five years.

When the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines took the leap to host the first Build My Future event in Des Moines in 2019, organizers hoped they’d eventually see enthusiastic statewide participation. With a modest but encouraging attendance of over 2,000 students that first year, then-volunteer Brandon Patterson soon took on a full-time role with the HBA promoting education and the skilled trades with schools and organizations across the state and, through the nonprofit Iowa Skilled Trades initiative, running the annual Build My Future event in Des Moines.

This past month, the fifth-annual Build My Future event took place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, breaking attendance records and surpassing expectations.

“We had over 7,000 students come through this year representing over 160 school programs across the state,” Patterson says. “And the event has done so well, we have two more in other areas of the state, that are run by local HBA groups there so we can reach groups that can’t make it to Des Moines.”

What started out in the Varied Industries Building that first year has expanded to include outdoor displays and hands-on activities as well as additional buildings at the Fairgrounds.

Patterson says, “The law enforcement exhibits have been some of the most popular, and the number of vendors in those fields continues to grow. So this year we had a stand-alone law enforcement area in its own building.”

Exhibitors included the Iowa Department of Public Services. Agencies represented fields from community police departments to criminal investigation and corrections.

“Health care is another one of the industries that keeps getting bigger, so we hope to have a separate facility for that industry next year. Agriculture is also popular, and we’re considering a stand-alone facility for ag exhibitors, too,” Patterson says.

During the first few years, organizers spent a good portion of their effort recruiting schools to attend. Patterson says creating awareness of the event and its benefits was the biggest challenge in those days. “Attendance hovered between 2,000 to 3,000 for the first few years. But as more schools got involved and more events were held around the state, educators have really gotten behind it.”

Even the last-minute switch to a virtual event in 2020 didn’t dampen enthusiasm. Nearly 3,000 students participated the following year. With the dramatic growth in attendance the past two years, Patterson says organizers are better able to focus on engaging with the business community and finding ways to make the event meet their needs as well.

“There’s always the logistics of making sure we have parking and t-shirts and volunteers to serve that many attendees, plus organizing the registration and safety training,” he says. “But technology has made it possible to do so much more than we were able to the first year.”

In addition to more and more virtual exhibits with simulators offering hands-on experiences for students, the Build My Future event provides technology for companies to follow up, recruit, and track attendees with a simple QR code.

“Some companies just want to get their name out there to have a chance to meet with educators and potential employees, but others are actively recruiting. The tracking capabilities are really helpful for them,” says Patterson.

Brittnie Van Houten of Van Wall Industries says her company continues to participate because organizers and attendees both make it a successful event. “We first had a booth in 2022, and every year we build relationships and find new hires as a result. There isn’t another event where we can interact with so many students interested in the trades. It’s the one event that touches so many schools, students, educators, and industries.”

The Rasmussen Group’s Courtney Maxwell says, “As the parent company of 11 operating companies, we use our indoor booth to provide information about all the companies under our umbrella, and our outdoor exhibit showcases equipment from the different companies we have.”

Rasmussen Group typically brings a dump truck, a ready-mix truck, asphalt equipment, a crane, a semi tractor-trailer, and a forklift, allowing students to climb into each one and even operate some of the equipment.

“We believe it’s important to showcase the trades and what we do,” Maxwell says. “Build My Future allows us to get in front of students and show them the opportunities available. And the hands-on experiences are important to truly paint the picture of what’s done in the construction industry.”

One of this year’s Rasmussen Group employee volunteers is a former Build My Future attendee. “We crossed paths with him at a previous event and hired him, and this year he was able to attend as an exhibitor,” Maxwell says.

Successes like that led organizers to create a Signing Day event, modeled after those celebrating college athletic commitments. Patterson says that’s always a highlight each year.

“It’s always fun to celebrate the students who are committing to a career in the trades and to recognize them and the companies who are committing to training them.”

Van Houten says, “We had 10 employees volunteer to man our booth this year, which is the most we’ve ever brought, and every one of them was busy. We never have trouble getting volunteers. They all feel like it’s important not just for Van Wall but for the industry. And it’s such a great opportunity to share who we are as a company.”

Like those of other exhibitors, Van Wall’s booth gets more hands-on each year. “We like to find ways to draw people to the booth, so we always have some sort of game or contest to win prizes,” he says. “While they’re here, our volunteers get a chance to engage with them and help them learn a little more about our company.”

Exhibitors always include employers in the skilled trades, and apprenticeship programs successfully recruit new members every year.

Patterson says one of his favorite aspects of the event is seeing students discover a path they never knew existed. “A lot of times students come in thinking they want one thing. Then while they’re here, they learn about a completely different field they didn’t know anything about, and it opens up a whole new career for them.”

Patterson can relate to that. His enthusiasm for the skilled trades and his success with the first Build My Future events turned into a full-time career. Finding that right path is what Build My Future is all about.

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Gen Xers increase activity while narrowly exceeding Baby Boomers in median spend.

Renovation spend has surged in the last three years, as median spend* increased 60% from $15,000 in 2020 to $24,000 in 2023, according to Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design, including project management software for industry professionals. The 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study of more than 30,000 U.S. respondents found that the top 90th percentile of spend also rose 77% to $150,000, from $85,000 in 2020. Plus, over half of renovating homeowners (51%) spent $25,000 or more on renovations in 2023, up from 37% in 2020. While renovation activity remains strong with 56% of homeowners having taken on a renovation project in 2023, this is down 2 percentage points from last year.

Gen Xers** spent the most on renovation projects for the second consecutive year, with their median spend at $25,000, compared with Baby Boomers at $24,000. The top 10% of spenders in these groups allocated substantial budgets, with Gen Xers at $180,000 and Baby Boomers at $131,000. While Gen X leads in spend, Baby Boomers continue to drive renovation activity (56%). Gen Xers follow at 32%, up 5 percentage points from last year. While activity among renovating Millenials is far below Gen Xers’ (9%), their median spend is just $5,000 less ($20,000).

“Despite prevailing economic headwinds, such as high interest rates and persistent inflation, investment in home renovations continued in 2023. The increase in spend and shift to larger-budget projects is likely driven by rising product and labor costs. Generation X stands out in particular, leading in renovation expenditures for the second consecutive year,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “Looking ahead, with over half of homeowners planning renovations, it’s evident the need to update limited and aging housing continues to fuel strong demand for home improvements.”

Along with this substantial investment, nearly all renovating homeowners enlisted the help of a home professional in 2023 (91%), with specialty service providers such as electricians, plumbers and painters, hired most frequently (47%). Homeowners are also taking the time to both plan and save for their projects. Renovation planning is typically double the time the actual construction takes. Plus, “finally having the financial means” is the project catalyst for more than a third of renovating homeowners.

Considering that motivation, it’s no surprise that cash from savings continues to be the most common form of funding for renovation projects (83%). Credit card usage followed at a distance (37%), but jumped 9 percentage points in 2023 (28% in 2022). For larger projects with spend between $50,000 and $200,000, for which homeowners gravitate toward diversified funding sources, secured home loans and cash from home sales (23% and 21%, respectively) were nearly as commonly used as credit cards (32%).

Multi-Room Remodels

Homeowners consistently undertake multiple renovation projects simultaneously. Homeowners on average target nearly three interior room upgrades and two or more outdoor projects during their renovations.

Kitchens and Bathrooms Lead in Projects

Kitchens continue to lead as the most commonly renovated interior room (29%), closely followed by guest bathrooms and primary bathrooms (27% and 25%, respectively). Living room projects are also popular among more than one in five homeowners (21%). Following last year’s significant jump in median spend for kitchen and primary bath projects, these renovations saw increases of 20% and 11%, reaching $24,000 for kitchens and $15,000 for primary bathrooms in 2023.

Budgets Set, Yet Exceeded

Homeowners are increasingly setting renovation budgets prior to beginning work on their home (76%, compared with 73% in 2021). However, while a third of homeowners stayed within their budget (34%), nearly 2 in 5 exceeded their budget in 2023 (39%). The main reasons for going over budget included unforeseen costs for products and services, increased project complexity, and choosing more expensive products and materials.

Outdoor Projects Back in the Spotlight

Following a brief drop, outdoor project activity rose 2 percentage points in 2023 (53%, compared with 51% in 2022). Outdoor lighting is the most commonly updated outdoor system (22%). Security systems follow (18%, up 2 percentage points from last year), as homeowners install cameras and sensors around their properties.

Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing an all-in-one software solution for industry professionals and tools for homeowners to update their homes from start to finish. Using Houzz, people can find ideas and inspiration, hire professionals and shop for products.

The annual U.S. Houzz & Home Study is the largest survey of residential remodeling, building and decorating activity published. The 2024 study includes more than 30,000 respondents in the U.S. alone, providing insights into the home improvement activity of the millions of users of the Houzz site and mobile apps.

The 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home survey was sent to registered users of Houzz and fielded between January and February 2024. The full report is available here.

* Median spend is the midpoint level, meaning half of renovating homeowners on Houzz spent more and half spent less.

** Generational categories follow Pew Research Center’s age ranges: Gen Zers (18-26), Millennials (27-42), Gen Xers (43-58), Baby Boomers (59-77) and Seniors (78+).

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Builder Developer Luncheon offers reasons to celebrate.

Early last month, Peoples Company hosted its much anticipated 17th Annual Builder Developer Luncheon in West Des Moines.

The event was well attended, as always, and packed with valuable information for anyone involved in home construction or land development in central Iowa.

This year, Peoples brought in four speakers, whose topics ranged from a broad overview of the housing market to a detailed look at the metro from Peoples Company’s Kalen Ludwig.

As the view narrows from the national to the local, the positive signs increase, which Ludwig likened to a party on the horizon. If she’s right, the party is confirmed. The question is how and when to join in.

The Big Idea

CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp opened the presentations with a look at the national economy and housing market.

“We have a strong labor market right now, which is fueling wage growth, and that’s a good thing,” she said. “But that has also kept home prices high. That, along with persistent inflation, is keeping the market stagnant right now at all levels.”

Hepp said most economists expect the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates again by midyear to encourage more activity, but the upcoming elections could affect how much movement actually occurs.

“Mortgage rates could potentially decline to below 6% by the end of the year, which would bring us back to 2008 range,” she said. “Supposedly 5% is the rate that unlocks the market to really get things moving again, and we aren’t likely to see that this year.”

According to Hepp’s statistics, nearly 90% of homeowners currently have a mortgage rate at or below 5%, which is holding many potential buyers from pursuing a move. “When it’s cheaper to stay and keep their current mortgage, homeowners are not inclined to enter the market,” she said.

Add to that a trend in single-family home sales to investors, and the low supply becomes even more significant and the rise in prices more likely.

“Iowa’s home prices remain moderate, compared to many other areas of the country,” Hepp said, “and price increases should slow down through 2024.”

Some of the factors driving those price increases on top of land and material costs include migration from more expensive markets, desire for amenity-rich communities, and increased buyer equity.

The big idea, in looking at the 2024 forecast, comes down to pace. “Home prices will continue to increase, but at a slower pace. Interest rates may drop a bit more, but gradually. And we may see more buyers cautiously enter the market as those other factors come into play,” Hepp said.

The Guest List

Every party is as good as its guest list, and the Builder Developer lunch featured two A-list guests from central Iowa. Adam Farver, Pella Corporation Chairman of the Board, offered “A View of the Housing Industry through a Pella Window,” and Greater Des Moines Partnership President & CEO Tiffany Tauscheck gave the audience a glimpse of the many exciting projects in the works around the metro area.

Echoing Hepp’s overview, Farver said, “The economy and the housing market is very cyclical, so we have been here before. What we’re facing today isn’t all that different from what we’ve faced in the past.”

As a company nearing its 100th year in business, Pella Corporation has made it a priority to adapt, and that century of experience sets a valuable example for others in the housing industry. In navigating the current economy, Pella continues to focus on meeting the needs of its employees, honoring the goals of its shareholders, and leading the industry in product quality and innovation.

“We want homeowners to seek out Pella products,” Farver said. “Because of that, our products are available through more channels, from direct sales to big box stores, professional dealers to large builders. We are the only window manufacturer that is available in every zip code in the U.S.”

The company continues to monitor the economy and its effects on the housing market, including rising prices for glass and other commodities. But Pella Corporation is also staying ahead of trends that will affect both demand and design in the future.

“Home design is changing, with homeowners wanting more flexibility of space within the home and bigger views,” said Farver. “Both of those demand innovation in window design. And the increased demand for lower price points, build-to-rent properties, and tiny homes requires a range of product options to fit those markets.”

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, like Pella Corporation, prioritizes the needs of the people it serves. Tauscheck said listening to its thousands of regional members has led to a renewed strategy for the organization.

“Our five-year strategy includes economic development, talent development, and positioning Des Moines for the future, among other things,” she said. “For 2024 specifically, we are working on career fairs, a national marketing campaign to draw talented workers to the area, and a number of placemaking projects that will enhance the quality of life for residents.”

Tauscheck said younger individuals who relocate to Iowa do so for the quality of life and the career opportunities, but an increasing number of retirees are moving to Iowa communities in order to be near families and grandchildren.

“The Capitol Crossroads roadmap focused on housing and education during its first few years, and we continue to prioritize projects that create that sense of place and the connection to the outdoors,” she said. “We’re also looking at the great opportunity communities have to attract baby boomers, to create amenities that enhance their quality of life in addition to their proximity to family.”

She said Iowa continues to lead third-party rankings of livable communities. The Greater Des Moines Partnership exists to make sure the region remains not just a good place to work, but a great place to make a life.

As Farver said, “The work we do is important. Shelter is one of the most basic needs of every human being. Building shelter—being part of that process—is a noble endeavor.”

The Detail

Peoples Company’s Kalen Ludwig concluded the presentations with a look at local statistics.

As she said, “Maximizing opportunity is what it’s all about,” whether it’s a party or a business plan. And the 2024 housing market shows early signs of ending the year on a celebratory note. “Timing is everything,” Ludwig said.

The first quarter of 2024 showed slight improvement over 2023, but with inventory still well below desired levels. “A six-month inventory is considered ideal for a strong market,” Ludwig said, “and the metro has been below a three-month supply since 2016. Total units sold in 2023 was the lowest we’ve seen in a decade, although new construction sales actually exceeded the 10-year average.”

Echoing Hepp’s analysis, Ludwig said that sale prices seem to be stabilizing, which is an encouraging sign. “The average resident can’t afford the average-priced new home right now,” she said. “The cost of the average home has nearly doubled in just two years, pricing many potential buyers out of the market.”

Ludwig also noted a correlation between interest rates and the size of new homes, with square footage decreasing as rates rose. “Buyers are ready, but affordability is holding them back,” said Ludwig. “As an industry, we must look at stabilizing affordability with price adjustments, construction of smaller homes, and reduction of local regulations.”

Across the metro, many of the same communities topped the list of statistics, with a few surprises in the mix.

“The number of building permits pulled dropped just over 10% in 2023, and we anticipate developers to remain cautious this year,” said Ludwig. “Keeping an eye on the supply is crucial as we lean into the future because there’s still a housing shortage. The historically low interest rates of a few years ago have slowed resales, giving new construction a crucial role in the market for the foreseeable future.”

As each of the 17th annual Builder Developer Luncheon speakers said, despite a rough close to 2023 and some cautionary indicators, the 2024 building season looks bright.

“Spring traditionally means party time for those of us who are builders and developers,” Ludwig said. “Who will jump right in, and who will wait and take a more cautious approach?”

There’s excitement in the air, even with some lingering uncertainty. And the party invitations are out if you’re ready when the doors open.

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Zillow data identifies six emerging home trends, and three features heading out of style.

Get ready, #hometok. Zillow is unveiling its data-driven predictions for the features and design elements poised to transform homes and dominate social media feeds in 2024. From the raw appeal of brutalist design (concrete floors, anyone?) to the delicate artistry of Murano glass chandeliers, these emerging home trends highlight new post-pandemic pastimes and a nostalgia for the design of decades past.

To discern these trends, Zillow looked at nearly 300 home features and design styles mentioned in for-sale listing descriptions, then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than a year ago.

“When certain keywords appear in a rising share of listings, it’s a signal that today’s home buyers may be gravitating toward those features,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “Real estate agents are uniquely attuned to subtle changes in what buyers want, and they often get a first look at the latest and greatest features going into newly built homes. Savvy listing agents will highlight those trending, in-demand features when marketing a home for sale.”

It is important to note that while the share of listings mentioning a particular trend may be growing, the absolute percentage of listings that mention these features remains very low. That’s why Zillow included expert analysis along with changes in listing keyword frequency to identify the six home trends poised to make waves in the new year, and three trends heading out of style.

Trends to watch in 2024

Brutalism

Characterized by raw, exposed materials, this mid-20th-century design style is primed to continue its controversial comeback in 2024. Zillow has seen a 452% increase in the share of for-sale listings mentioning brutalist design.

Brutalist-inspired features, such as blackened steel casement windows, raw concrete floors and jagged patinated bronze light fixtures, read as modern, functional and sustainable. This style’s stripped-back interiors act as a blank canvas, making them appealing to minimalists or to creative homeowners who want to furnish them according to their personal style. Those who aren’t quite ready to embrace this stark style can bring in accessories such as wrought iron candleholders and tarnished brass trays to give their home a subtle edge.

Sensory gardens or pathways

Sensory gardens have been surging in popularity on Zillow, with homeowners and home buyers prioritizing functional and beautiful outdoor space as a way to reconnect with nature. Listings mentioning sensory gardens or pathways are up 314% compared to last year.

Sensory gardens are designed to engage all five senses and are believed to have therapeutic benefits. They incorporate a variety of plants, textures, colors, scents, sounds and edible elements, such as herbs or produce.

Cold plunge pools

Move over, hot tubs. Cold plunge pools are the hottest wellness trend of 2024, touted by influencers as a way to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. The share of listings on Zillow that feature an at-home cold plunge pool is up 130% compared to last year.

Once an invigorating amenity reserved for spas and luxury listings, DIY-friendly cold plunge tubs are making this wellness practice accessible to almost anyone looking for a quick endorphin boost and adrenaline rush.

Pickleball courts

Game on! This fast-paced paddle sport is becoming a sought-after amenity in backyards and neighborhoods. In New York City, Zillow® brand StreetEasy is seeing a 100% increase in the share of for-sale listings highlighting a home’s proximity to public or private pickleball courts. Nationwide, pickleball mentions are up 64% on Zillow compared to last year.

“Pickleball courts have become a great selling feature because they appeal to athletes of all ages,” said Joy Kim Metalios, a Zillow Premier Agent partner in Fairfield County, Connecticut. “I’ve seen homeowners converting their driveways into courts by using portable nets. Players with ultra-luxury homes are painting new pickleball lines on their sport courts or tennis courts. Since pickleball is such a social sport, an at-home court has become the latest entertaining feature, like an outdoor kitchen or a pizza oven.”

Murano glass chandeliers

Classic Murano glass chandeliers are the ultimate bespoke light fixture. These handcrafted pieces of art from the island of Murano in Italy are reemerging as a designer favorite, channeling the glamor of decades past. These intricate, quirky and often colorful fixtures are now being featured 58% more often in listings on Zillow.

Murals

Homeowners and home buyers are saying goodbye to bland in favor of personality-packed homes. Eclectic, maximalist interiors are increasingly featuring statement-making murals that dial up the drama in a living room, dining room or bedroom. Murals are showing up 18% more often in for-sale homes on Zillow, and they’re more accessible than ever. Wallpaper murals are now readily available and depict all types of scenes, from large-scale landscapes to modern botanicals.

Trends heading out in 2024

The ‘cloffice’

The pandemic sparked many trends — some lasting (more athleisure, please!) and others short-lived (bye-bye, bread baking). The “cloffice” appears to be among the latter. This office space created out of a closet was a trend that grew out of necessity as remote workers living in tight quarters became desperate for a quiet place to take Zoom meetings.

While some talented do-it-yourselfers were able to create beautiful, well-designed workspaces, others discovered that spending their workday in a closet was less than inspiring. Combined with the return-to-office movement, the cloffice is now appearing in 54% fewer Zillow listings. Zoom rooms are also down, by 41%, and office sheds are highlighted 31% less frequently in listing descriptions.

Shou sugi ban

Shou sugi ban is a traditional Japanese wood preservation technique that involves charring the wood’s surface to create a blackened, weathered finish. This type of burnt-wood cladding became a mainstay of modern farmhouse design, creating a visually striking contrast against white shiplap siding.

But like shiplap, barn doors and other farmhouse fads, shou sugi ban planks may be heading out to pasture, too. There are 69% fewer for-sale listings featuring this design element on Zillow compared to last year.

Tuscan kitchen

Wanderlust and pop culture sensations (ahem, “The White Lotus”) sparked a wave of destination design during the pandemic. Spaces inspired by past or aspirational travels began trending as homeowners were hunkered down at home. Now that homeowners can set off on global adventures again, they may no longer be seeking Mediterranean villa vibes at home. Mentions of Tuscan kitchens are down 45% from a year ago, while all things Parisian are down 26%.

Zillow Group, Inc. is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, great partners, and easier buying, selling, financing and renting experiences.

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Updates to the permitting and inspection process for new homes/ residential projects.

The City of Des Moines thanks local home builders and developers for choosing to build a project in the city. Your work is providing homes for generations in our community, and it is greatly appreciated.

The City of Des Moines has recently implemented many changes that affect the home building process when it comes to permitting and inspections.

NEW PERMITTING SOFTWARE

  • The City of Des Moines Permitting software has changed. We recently replaced our 20 year old permitting software with a new product called Energov. Energov allows for online permitting and drawing submittals. Even inspections can be requested through our Customer Self Service (CSS) portal on our website: here and here.
  • City of Des Moines staff are happy to assist you and your staff to learn our new permitting system and we can come to your place of business to demonstrate how it operates. Please feel free to talk with Brian Bishop at bdbishop@dmgov.org to schedule a time.
  • The new permitting systems allows builders to track permits, track the results of all inspections, request inspections, and receive the certificate of occupancy electronically as soon as it is issued.

RESIDENTIAL COMBINATION INSPECTIONS

  • The City of Des Moines has recently added combination inspections to all new homes. Builders can now request all inspections for new home projects.
  • In early 2021, the City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center embarked on a new initiative by launching a residential combination inspection program. Previously, when a new home was constructed in Des Moines, an inspection was required from each individual construction trade inspector. This required four different inspectors to approve rough-in inspections before drywall installation or final inspections before issuing a certificate of occupancy.

    In April 2022, the Permit and Development Center began a pilot program with a small group of residential contractors to test out combination inspections. It has worked very well. The program assigns one inspector to each new home and that inspector is responsible for all of the trade inspections, much like neighboring communities that perform residential inspections. The City continues to employ inspectors who are masters in each trade, and they are called upon when an expert insight on certain trade installations is needed.

  • This new program required extensive training and additional inspection certifications for the 14 inspectors that are part of the program. These fourteen inspectors and the four senior inspectors have been training and collaborating on the inspection requirements for all aspects of residential building construction.
  • We have recently added new inspection staff, so you may have new faces coming to your jobsites. To locate your inspector please check Show Me My House.
  • This service is available now and will be utilized for all single-family home construction projects within the City of Des Moines. Builders can schedule directly with their inspector for all residential building inspections. Inspector contact information is available on the Permit and Development Center web page.

PERMIT/DEVELOPMENT CENTER WEBSITE

  • The Permit and Development Center website offers a wealth of information for everything regarding permits, inspections, code handouts, etc.
  • The website is http://dsm.city/pdc.
  • Please use our website to find the most up to date information regarding our permitting process.

REQUEST TO HOME BUILDERS

  • By adding combination inspections for residential projects, we ask that home builders serve as the main point of contact for scheduling inspections for projects. Please make sure that all trade work (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) has been completed prior to scheduling rough-in inspections.
  • Rough plumbing inspections are allowed to be completed prior to the electrical, mechanical, and framing in order to test the plumbing system.
  • These inspections can scheduled by the plumbing contractor or the builder, but the plumber must be present to conduct the testing.
  • Exceptions can be allowed due to circumstances for weather, product availability, etc., but please check with your inspector before requesting a rough-in inspection that doesn’t have all trade work completed. We ask that all scheduling for inspections be completed by the builder, except those noted above. Inspections scheduling through the Customer Self Service portal is the preferred way of scheduling inspections.

Hopefully these changes to our processes aid in better serving the home builders building in the City of Des Moines. Please feel free to contact Brian Bishop, Deputy Building Official, Development Services, City of Des Moines at 515-283-4958 with any questions or concerns.

Learn More. Please feel free to contact Brian Bishop, Deputy Building Official, Development Services, City of Des Moines at 515-283-4958 with any questions or concerns.

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