Reconstruction in Des Moines, Iowa
Cleanup is half of a restoration job. The other half is putting the house back together. 911 Restoration of Des Moines rebuilds after water, fire, mold, sewage, and storm damage in Des Moines, South Des Moines, East Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle, and Indianola, with the same team that handled the emergency, so nothing is lost between the cleanup and the repair.
Quick answer: 911 Restoration of Des Moines provides reconstruction across the Des Moines area: drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, trim, painting, and structural repairs after a covered loss, completed by our own crews with Direct Insurance Coordination. Emergency response is 24/7 with a typical 45-minute arrival. Call (515) 999-7310.
What Reconstruction Involves in Des Moines Homes
Basement rebuilds after floods and backups
Creek flooding and sewer backups can leave basements with ruined drywall, insulation, and carpet. The Iowa Department of Public Health says porous items such as drywall and carpeting should be removed and replaced, and that cleaning does no good until the water problem is solved. We rebuild only after the structure is dry, often with moisture-tolerant materials at the bottom of the walls.
Rebuilding after repeat flooding
Fourmile Creek reached its second-highest crest on record in July 2026, and the City of Des Moines reported around 1,900 reports of homes impacted or damaged in the June 30, 2018 flash flooding. For homes that have flooded before, we discuss options such as a backflow preventer, a sump pump that discharges outside, and materials that stand up to moisture.
Permits and local building departments
Repairs are permitted and inspected through the building department of the city where the property sits. We handle the paperwork and schedule inspections so the work closes out properly.
How We Handle Reconstruction in Des Moines
- We start from the documented scope written during cleanup, so the rebuild matches what was removed.
- We confirm with you and your adjuster which items are being replaced and which finishes you want.
- We pull permits where required and order materials.
- We rebuild framing, drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, and trim, then paint and finish.
- We walk the job with you, fix punch-list items, and close out permits and documentation.
For the national overview of this service, see Reconstruction.
When You Need Reconstruction, and What To Do First
- Drywall, insulation, or flooring was removed during water or mold cleanup
- Fire damaged framing, roofing, or kitchens
- A finished basement was gutted after a sewer backup or flood
- Cabinets or trim swelled and separated after a leak
- Ceilings were opened to dry or to trace a roof leak
- Storm damage opened walls, roofs, or windows
Keep copies of the cleanup scope, photos, and moisture readings, since they define what needs to be rebuilt. Talk to your adjuster about finishes and upgrades before work starts, and call (515) 999-7310 to schedule the rebuild with the same team that did the cleanup.
What Affects the Scope and Timeline
The scope follows the loss. A basement after a water loss may need only drywall, insulation, trim, and flooring. A fire loss may need framing, roofing, electrical work by licensed trades, kitchens, and full finishes. We write the reconstruction scope from the documented demolition so nothing is missed.
Small rebuilds can take one to two weeks. Larger fire and structural repairs take longer, depending on permits, inspections, and material lead times. We give you a schedule and update it as the work moves forward.
Where a basement has flooded more than once, we can discuss materials that tolerate water better, such as moisture-resistant board and flooring at the bottom of the walls, so that the next storm costs less. Those choices are yours to make with your adjuster, since upgrades beyond like-kind replacement are usually the owner's cost.
What We Rebuild
- Drywall, plaster repairs, and insulation
- Flooring, including hardwood, tile, carpet, and luxury vinyl
- Kitchens and bathroom cabinets
- Trim, doors, and baseboards
- Framing and subfloors
- Painting and finishes
- Finished basements
- Roof and exterior repairs after storms
Insurance and Documentation for Reconstruction
We provide Direct Insurance Coordination on reconstruction, working from the same documentation your adjuster approved during cleanup. Upgrades beyond like-kind replacement are usually the owner's cost, and coverage limits depend on your policy, so confirm them with your carrier before finishes are ordered.
Why Property Owners Choose 911 Restoration for Reconstruction
24/7 Response, 45-Minute Typical Arrival
We answer every call at any hour, and our typical arrival is 45 minutes, so damage gets attention while it can still be contained.
IICRC-Certified Technicians
Trained crews with moisture meters, thermal imaging, and the containment and disinfection equipment each job requires.
Direct Insurance Coordination, No Subcontractors
One local team documents the loss, works with your adjuster, and handles the work from emergency response through reconstruction.
We provide this service in Des Moines, South Des Moines, East Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle, Indianola, Clive, Johnston, Windsor Heights, Waukee, and Norwalk.
Frequently Asked Reconstruction Questions in Des Moines
Why use the same company for cleanup and reconstruction?
Do you pull permits?
Does insurance pay to rebuild a basement after sewer backup or flooding?
Can I upgrade finishes or add flood protection during the rebuild?
How long does reconstruction take?
Related Services from 911 Restoration of Des Moines
This page is part of 911 Restoration of Des Moines. If your loss involves more than one problem, we also provide Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, and Storm Damage Restoration, all handled by the same local team.
Contact 911 Restoration of Des Moines About Reconstruction
From emergency to finished room, one team. Call us to plan the rebuild.