Completed basement finishing project in Des Moines, IA by Lil' Brother Construction

Transform Your Basement Into a Space Your Family Will Actually Use

If your basement feels cold, outdated, or wasted, we can help.

At Lil’ Brother Construction, we design and build finished basements for Des Moines-area homes—whether you want a cozy family room, guest suite, gym, office, or entertainment space.

We handle everything: design, permits, materials, and build-out. You get a smooth process, clear pricing, and durable, code-compliant results.

Great for homeowners who want to solve:

  • Cold, dark, or outdated basements

  • Moisture or layout challenges

  • Not enough room for family, guests, or hobbies

Every project includes:

  • Free 5-hour design consultation

  • Flexible financing options

  • Itemized pricing—no hidden fees

  • Full permit & code compliance

  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Ready to upgrade your basement? Schedule your free consultation today.

Our Basement Finishing and Remodeling Services

At Lil’ Brother Construction, we handle every phase of your basement finishing project in Des Moines—from layout design to final touches—so you get a warm, comfortable, code-compliant space that truly fits your home.

  • Comprehensive Design & Upfront Estimates:

    Start with a free estimate and up to 5 hours of design consultation. We’ll review layout options, materials, lighting, and cost considerations so you understand your choices before any work begins.

  • Custom Cabinets & Smart Storage:

    Enhance your finished basement with Amish-built cabinets, built-ins, and storage solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Perfect for rec rooms, offices, hobby spaces, or guest suites.

  • Add Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Functional Spaces:

    Need a guest suite, laundry area, playroom, or home office? We design and build fully integrated spaces—including egress-compliant bedrooms—while handling Des Moines and Polk County permits for you.

  • Durable Fixtures & High-Quality Finishes:

    Choose from moisture-resistant flooring, modern lighting, and durable finishes selected for Iowa basements. We help you balance comfort, style, and budget without sacrificing quality.

  • Designed for the Way You Live:

    Turn your lower level into a space that works for your family—whether that’s an entertainment room, home gym, office, workshop, or multi-use area. We tailor the layout to your lifestyle and future needs.

  • Streamlined Process & Full Satisfaction Guarantee:

    Our in-house team manages design, scheduling, permitting, and construction—keeping you updated at every stage. With itemized pricing and our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can expect clear communication and results that last.

A spacious basement remodel with luxury flooring, recessed lighting, and open layout by Lil' Brother Construction in Des Moines
A stylish basement renovation featuring a lounge area, bar, and modern design by Lil' Brother Construction in Des Moines
A beautifully finished basement with modern flooring and a cozy seating area, completed by Lil' Brother Construction in Des Moines
A newly renovated basement in Des Moines by Lil' Brother Construction, showcasing drywall installation and recessed lighting
A beautifully finished basement in Des Moines by Lil' Brother Construction, featuring stylish seating, modern flooring, and recessed lighting
Professionally finished basement in Des Moines by Lil' Brother Construction, featuring a custom fireplace and modern flooring

Why Choose Us for Your Basement Finishing in Des Moines

The consistent quality of our service and our people is what builds trust and that doesn’t change based on whether it is a kitchen or bath or handyman services.

Timely and Efficient

We ensure that every basement project stays on schedule, minimizing disruption to your daily life. Enjoy your newly transformed space promptly and with minimal hassle.

Personalized Basement Layouts

Our renovation services are customized to match your unique requirements and tastes, crafting a basement that seamlessly integrates with your home’s aesthetics and boosts its usability.

Top-Quality Craftsmanship

We use high-quality materials and skilled techniques to finish basements that are both beautiful and durable. Our commitment to excellence guarantees that your new space will stand the test of time.

Outstanding Customer Support

We provide clear communication and proactive support throughout the project, ensuring your expectations are met and exceeded at every stage.

Our Basement Finishing Process

We’ve refined our process over the years to make your basement finishing experience clear, organized, and completely transparent.

Here’s how we guide your project from start to finish:

  • Consultation & Understanding Your Vision

    We start by learning what you want from the space and exploring layout possibilities together. Your project also includes up to five hours of complimentary design time to help shape the overall direction before any decisions are made.

  • Detailed Design & Itemized Estimate

    Next, our team prepares a precise, fully itemized estimate—no hidden fees, no sales pressure. You’ll be able to review every detail, including materials and layout options, so you can make confident decisions about your project.

  • Clear Project Documentation

    If you decide to adjust the plan along the way, any changes are documented and approved by you first. This keeps the entire project transparent and prevents unexpected costs.

  • Work Completed by Our In-House Team

    All construction is performed by our dedicated in-house crew. We don’t outsource the work, which means you get consistent craftsmanship and a smooth, dependable experience throughout the entire project.

  • Transparent Invoicing & No Markups

    You’ll receive detailed invoices that include all material receipts—with no added markups. Every cost is clearly presented so you know exactly where your budget is going.

  • Final Review & Our Work Guarantee

    Once the project wraps up, we ensure everything has been completed to our standards and yours. If anything was missed, our comprehensive guarantee ensures it will be taken care of.

Want a closer look at how we manage projects from start to finish?

Learn more about our Full Process here →

Basement Finishing FAQs

Find quick answers to common questions about basement finishing in Des Moines — including timelines, living arrangements, pricing, materials, and financing options.

Most basement finishing projects take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on:

• your basement’s size
• design complexity
• whether you’re adding a bathroom, bedroom, wet bar, or other features

During your free 5-hour design consultation, we review the layout, materials, and project scope to give you a clear idea of how long your specific project will take.
You’ll know the expected timeline before work begins — no vague deadlines or surprises.

Yes. Most homeowners stay comfortably in their homes during construction.

Our crew maintains:

• clean, defined work zones
• dust control
• daily cleanup
• respectful noise and workspace management

You can continue your normal routine upstairs while we finish your basement efficiently and safely.

Every project starts with a free estimate and up to five hours of design consultation.

This includes:

• reviewing your space
• discussing layout ideas
• exploring materials and finishes
• identifying features that match your goals and budget

You’ll receive an itemized project quote and a clear plan before any work begins.

Pricing depends on several factors, including:

• square footage & ceiling height
• chosen finishes (flooring, lighting, cabinetry, etc.)
• additions like a bathroom, egress window, or wet bar
• moisture-related or structural improvements

After your in-home consultation, you’ll receive a transparent written quote with no hidden fees or unclear ranges.

Yes. We offer 0% interest financing for up to 18 months on qualifying basement projects.

During your consultation, we’ll review available terms and help you choose the plan that fits your budget and timeline.

No. Many homeowners begin with only a few ideas.

During the design consultation, we help shape your vision into a detailed, practical plan — recommending smart layouts, materials, and features to make the most of your space.

Yes. Every basement finishing project is assigned a dedicated project manager who oversees scheduling, materials, communication, and daily coordination.

You’ll always know who to contact and what stage your project is in.

If anything unexpected comes up — such as moisture concerns, structural findings, or material delays — we communicate with you immediately.

No changes are made without your approval, and every solution is explained clearly.

Our goal is to keep your project aligned with your approved scope and expectations.

We use high-quality, moisture-resistant materials designed for long-term performance in Iowa basements, including:

• custom cabinetry
• basement-appropriate insulation
• durable flooring (LVP, carpet, or tile)
• energy-efficient lighting

Every material is selected for durability, comfort, and visual appeal.

All work is completed by our in-house team to maintain consistent craftsmanship.

Once your basement is complete, we walk through the space with you to confirm that every detail aligns with your expectations.

If anything was missed, our satisfaction guarantee ensures it’s corrected.

Ready to upgrade your basement in Des Moines? Reach out today to schedule your free quote and design consultation.

Planning a Full Home Renovation?

A finished basement is just one piece of a modern home. If you’re planning updates elsewhere, Lil’ Brother Construction offers full-service remodeling to unify your space.

Kitchen Remodeling
Maximize flow and style with custom Amish cabinetry, modern lighting, and smart layouts designed for daily use.

Bathroom Remodeling
Upgrade your bathroom with modern fixtures, efficient layouts, and durable tilework that blends comfort and value.

Handyman Services
For small repairs or finishing touches, our handyman team handles drywall, decks, lighting, and flooring with professional care.

Exterior Construction
Add curb appeal and outdoor comfort with deck builds, siding repair, and weather-ready upgrades.

Led by Jean M. Jones

Jean M. Jones is the founder of Lil’ Brother Construction, a woman-owned remodeling firm known for custom basement transformations across Des Moines. Since 2008, Jean has taken a hands-on role in each project, ensuring every finished basement is functional, comfortable, and built to last.

With over 15 years of experience in structural remodeling and interior renovations, Jean brings deep knowledge of local building codes, moisture control, and space planning. Lil’ Brother Construction is a proud member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the Better Business Bureau, and the Iowa chapter of NAWBO.

If you’re seeking a trusted basement finishing expert in Des Moines, Jean and her team bring technical precision and a warm, collaborative approach to every lower-level remodel they complete.

Ready To Get Started On Your Project?

Kickstart your project with a free quote from Lil Brother Construction. Give us a call or fill out the simple online form to get in touch.

Amy Groh Kuhlers

Toby, Jaime, Jeremy, Melvin and Steve did an amazing job turning our empty space of a basement into a wonderful asset for our house! The addition of a conforming bedroom and full bath will make the house so much more liveable! The team was courteous, professional and super friendly, not to mention talented. So happy we chose Li’l Brother for our construction needs!!

Amy Groh Kuhlers , (Des Moines)
Kimberly Carter

Second time using Lil’ Brother Construction. I was satisfied with their work and will use again.

Kimberly Carter , (Des Moines)
Rebecca Smith (Rebecca Sweeney)

Lil’ Brother arrived on time, were polite and clean, and came in under their bid. We had them look at 2 different possible projects for us, one which they tackled, and one which they were honest and advised us they couldn’t do. I appreciate it when a person/company knows their expertise and limits and doesn’t tackle a project just to make money. I was very pleased all the way around. Great job guys, we will definitely use you again!

Rebecca Smith (Rebecca Sweeney), (Des Moines)
David Nagel

We love Lil Brother Construction. They have worked on several projects for us we couldn’t be more pleased. Very prompt and always clean up after themselves. We’ve recommended them several times to friends and neighbors.

David Nagel , (Waukee, Iowa)
Darlene Hyslope

I had Lil Brother Const do a porcelain tile floor for me a little more than one week ago. Shawn and Jeremy did the work and it was wonderful!!!! They were on time, very professional and they KNEW what they were doing answered all my questions I had about the project …… I would recommend Lil’ Brother Const to all my friends and family I do trust them. Next year I will have another project for them as well!!! Thank you Lil Brother Const. for being such a friendly and honest business !!!!

Darlene Hyslope , (Des Moines)
Kelcey Krings

Great people! They’ll make ya happy with whatever they do for ya!

Kelcey Krings , (Polk City, Iowa)
Kristen Boldt

Jean and Steve truly live and work by their motto. The integrity of their people and the quality of their service is beyond compare. They are exactly the kind of people you want working in your home.

Kristen Boldt , (Des Moines)
Jaime Crawley

Lil Brother Construction has the best Tech’s in Des Moines!! I really like Shawn! Highly recommend this company for ANY of your home improvements!

Jaime Crawley , (Anita, Iowa)
Chris Morrill

Steve and Jean at little Brothers Construction are great to work with. I have been working with them and sending people to them for many years now and everyone who has them out to get some work done is happy with the result. They are an honest company who legitimately cares about the people they’re working for. If you’re looking for an ethical company that will get the job done and not disappear halfway through then Lil’ Brother Construction is who you’re looking for.

Chris Morrill , (Des Moines)
Barbara Welch

Very good to work with. all the workers were nice and polite. Pleased with the end results. very transparent and show all receipts. went the extra mile.

Barbara Welch , (Des Moines)