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We are thrilled to announce that Serenity Homes has been selected to participate in the 2026 HomeShowExpo! As one of the most anticipated home events in Central Iowa, the HomeShowExpo provides visitors the opportunity to tour some of the area's most beautifully crafted homes, discover the latest design trends, and experience exceptional craftsmanship firsthand. This year's Serenity Homes home is a stunning blend of timeless elegance and sophisticated design. Inspired by the c

Serenity Homes recently had the privilege of welcoming juniors and seniors from the Construction and Architecture classes at Norwalk High School for a tour of our 2026 Home Show house. It was a great opportunity to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the custom home building process and share real-world insight into the industry they are studying. From foundation work to final design selections, students were able to see firsthand how many moving pieces come together to

Building a custom home is one of the largest investments most families will ever make. At Serenity Homes, we use a cost-plus pricing model, which offers greater transparency and flexibility than a traditional fixed-price contract. Unlike fixed-price contracts, there is no hidden cushion built in for unknowns, inflated allowances, or projected price increases that may never happen. Instead, you are paying actual market costs as they occur. Here's how it works: The actual costs

One of the most important decisions homeowners make early in the process is choosing the right builder — and the structure of the team behind them can make a significant difference in the experience. Working with a small builder–designer team offers a unique advantage that larger building companies often cannot replicate. Instead of being handed off between departments or layers of management, homeowners work directly with the people who are designing and building their home.

Thank You for Trusting Us. Thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your life—building your home. It truly means the world to us. We love what we do, and even more, we love the people we get to meet along the way. Working with such wonderful clients and turning your visions into reality is what makes this work so rewarding. We’re incredibly grateful to be part of your journey and wish you a many years of joy, and memories in your new homes. Click on a photo to

We are excited to announce that we have been chosen as one the DSM Magazine Home Award Finalists! It is a true honor to be recognized among some of the best home builders and designers in the metro. We are so grateful to have family, friends, and past clients championing our small business. View all finalists. Serenity Homes has been selected for two categories: Interiors: Focus Space Interiors: Small Kitchen & Dining

When planning a custom home, most people focus on layout, finishes, and style. But one crucial element often overlooked is how healthy the home will be to live in. Just because a home is energy-efficient or “green” doesn’t mean it’s healthy for the people living inside it. In fact, some features used to meet LEED certification standards—which prioritize environmental sustainability—can introduce materials that may not be ideal for human health. So what exactly makes a home he

Creating a rounded hood in plaster—like the one featured in this kitchen—is a true testament to craftsmanship. Unlike drywall or other...

Once a popular choice for its simplicity, durability, and aesthetic charm, the A-frame cabin has fallen out of favor in mainstream...

Building a custom home is one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime. While it's easy to get caught up in the...

At Serenity Homes, we take pride in crafting beautifully designed homes that offer both thoughtful function and timeless style. Our two...

We are thrilled to share some exciting news—our work has been recognized in this year’s DSM Magazine's Home Awards! We were honored to be finalists in multiple categories, and we took home wins in two of them: 🏆 Winner: Decor - Living Room Modern Staging: Green Door Home Staging, Photos: Golden Photos 🏆 Winner: Decor - Utility Staging: Serenity Homes, Photos: Golden Photos We were also proud finalists in: ⭐ Kitchen & Bath: Small Traditional Kitchen Staging: Green Door Hom

Building a home from the ground up is a complex, multi-layered project that goes far beyond simply putting up walls and a roof. It involves a vast array of skills, from structural engineering and design to intricate project management and an understanding of various trades. The best home builders are those who not only understand each of these aspects individually, but also know how they fit together to create a safe, durable, and beautiful home. While many builders have expe

Thank You for Trusting Us. We are deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us to build your homes. It’s an honor to help transform...

We are excited to announce that we have been chosen as one the DSM Magazine Home Award Finalists! It is a true honor to be recognized...

Building a new home is an exciting journey, but hiring the right builder can be one of the most critical decisions you'll make along the...

Article from Welcome Home Magazine Des Moines Designing and Building Homes With the Utmost Care. There’s a reason why people want to build. The desire to have a space that reflects their specific wants, needs, and for it to truly feel like home. The attention to craftsmanship and design is essential to achieving the difference between a house and a home. That’s the difference homeowners experience with Serenity Homes. Serenity Homes is owned and operated by Ryan and Holly Bau

We are excited to announce that we won an award in the Des Moines Radio Group's People's Choice 'Best Builder' category again this year!...

Are you considering the prospect of building a new home? Contrary to common belief, constructing a house from scratch can often be...

Nationally and locally, the market is seeing a shortage of available homes for purchase. New construction may offer a solution to those...