An unfinished basement is wasted space. With the right planning and design, it can become one of the most useful and comfortable areas in your home. From cozy family rooms and guest suites to home offices, gyms, and entertainment spaces, a finished basement adds valuable square footage while improving daily life.
At Elk River Contracting LLC, we help homeowners across Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding metro turn their basements into functional extensions of their homes. Our process covers everything from moisture control and insulation to flooring, lighting, and custom layouts. The result is a basement that feels just as inviting as your main living spaces.
Whether you’re planning a full remodel, an addition, or a custom build, our team is here to help. Let’s talk through your goals, explore options, and start shaping a construction or remodeling plan that fits your vision, timeline, and budget.
Every family uses their basement differently. That is why we design spaces that reflect your needs and lifestyle.
Create a comfortable gathering space for movie nights, game days, or casual time together.
Add a private bedroom and bath so family and friends have a welcoming place to stay.
Working from home is easier with a dedicated office that keeps you focused and organized.
Basements are perfect for home theaters, wet bars, or gaming rooms designed for hosting.
Skip the drive to the gym with a basement workout space tailored to your goals.
Give loved ones independence and privacy with a basement suite that includes a bedroom, bath, and living area.
We integrate storage to keep your basement clutter-free while maximizing square footage.
A finished basement is about more than drywall and flooring. We plan for comfort, safety, and long-term durability.
By addressing these details early, we ensure your basement feels comfortable year-round and meets building codes.
Our process keeps you informed while making the transformation as smooth as possible.
Start by filling out our Contact Form and we’ll reach out by email to ask for photos of your space and any inspiration you’ve gathered. From there, we’ll set up a call with Cole, our owner, to talk through your goals and make sure we’re the right fit for your project.
Cole and Emma, our designer, will come to your home to see everything in person. We’ll walk through your space together, talk through your vision, take detailed measurements, and start outlining the scope of your project so everyone’s on the same page.
From there, you’ll come into our office to review your detailed estimate with Cole. We’ll go over the proposed scope together, answer your questions, and start exploring materials and selections so you can picture how the finished space will look and feel.
You’ll work closely with Emma, our Design Manager, to finalize every detail. From showroom visits to material selections, we’ll guide you through each decision so your choices feel confident, cohesive, and aligned with your space and your lifestyle.
Once we’ve finalized your plans and selections, our Project Manager will build your construction schedule and begin the construction process for your project. We handle every single detail and keep you updated along the way so everything stays on track.
Basements require attention to detail, and that is where Elk River stands out. We understand how to prevent moisture issues, maximize ceiling height, and design layouts that feel natural. Homeowners across Ankeny, Urbandale, and the Des Moines metro trust us because we communicate clearly, respect their homes, and deliver spaces that look great and function well.
You are more than your project. We take the time to understand your story, goals, and vision—so the end result reflects who you are, not just what you hired us to build.
We’re remodeling your home—not your entire life schedule. That means being thoughtful, respectful, and client-centered from demo day to final walkthrough.
We finish what we start—with excellence. When challenges pop up, we don’t cut corners or call it quits. We push through with integrity, craftsmanship, and pride in the final result.
Most projects take four to eight weeks once construction begins. The timeline depends on the scope of work.
Costs vary depending on square footage, finishes, and features. We provide a clear estimate after the walkthrough.
Yes. We coordinate finishes and layouts so your basement feels like a natural extension of your home.
Yes. We ensure all bedrooms have proper egress and that your basement meets safety standards.
Yes. We use proper insulation, flooring, and HVAC planning to make sure the space is comfortable year-round.
Yes. We design and build bathrooms in basements, including plumbing and ventilation.
Elk River Contracting LLC proudly serves homeowners throughout Central Iowa. Our remodeling projects can be found in communities across the Des Moines metro, including:
If you do not see your town listed, reach out. We often take on projects beyond these areas.
