Default business cover photo

Iowa Home Consulting

About us

We are NOT your typical contractor! We specialize in everything from house painting to junk hauling. Check out our website to learn more!

Business highlights

Emergency services offered
17 years of experience

Services we offer

Carpentry, Disposal Services, Drywall, Exterior Painting, Handyman Services., Hauling, Home Cleanouts, Home Sale Preparation, Interior Painting

Amenities

Emergency Services

Yes

Free Estimates

Yes

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.824 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
92%
4
0%
3
4%
2
4%
1
0%
Showing 1-24 of 24 reviews
Virginia B.
Apr 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Excellent!

Eugenio A.
Aug 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$16,000
IHC was described to us as a "one-stop shop" for everything. Over time we learned that was true! We started with just floor finishing and staining while moving into a recently purchased home (a ~100 yr old home, so plenty of work needed), Slowly over time we continually added things, and Matthew made it work. They knew about our move-in date and made sure the floors were done and ready for us to move in (which just added to the excitement for us, it was great job). So I'd have to say they were very flexible, even though I know they have a full schedule. We did have an issue with one window, and they were over soon to address it. Some tiles in the kitchen seem to need some extra support and they will be addressing it soon too. So good responsiveness even after the work is done. Strongly recommend!

Edwina A.
May 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown

Michelle F.
Nov 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250
Matthew is always great to work with.  He helped us do some repairs when selling our house and after we moved into our new house.  Great to work with.

Dora C.
Nov 2015
2.0
$2,500

I previously had used IHC for interior painting and floor refurbishing. Communication issues (emails not returned for two weeks at a time) started right off the bat, but I was told by the owner it was due to a very busy season which made me feel more confident this wasn?t the norm. Still the jobs completed with only minor quality issues and delays. Next project was a simple sliding door installation where an existing exterior window originated. The installation of the door not only took days, but weeks. The trim cracked within a day of installation. The installation of the door impacted my recently refurbished hardwood floors. The siding was very rough cut and in some areas over two inches overcut. The contractor left siding scraps in the front and backyard. Simple things were disappointing even such as my broom has gone missing. During installation the individual installing the door showed up at my house around 8:00pm without any notice to ?finish?. After they finished we contacted IHC due to all the quality issues we found. Matt responded somewhat defensive, but sent out the siding contractor to fix the issues on the siding along with the individual that installed the door.

Soon after the rework was completed it was a heavy rain weekend, water was flooding in from the header above the new sliding glass door.  Water pooled on the new flooring, paint and cabinets. Thank God I was home and dry  the space as often as possible to prevent long term damage. We contacted IHC immediately and they came to look at the door a couple days later. IHC believed it to be the roof which was installed in 2012. I contacted the roofing company, they came to the house and fixed the areas which they believed to have been letting the water in (which was all under warranty and no charge to me). A month later we received an email from IHC asking who would be reimbursing for their services to troubleshoot the leak; including cleaning my gutters (can you believe they would do this without authorization and then ask who would be paying for it?).

Needless to say the simple sliding door installation ended up starting in the spring of 2015 and completing in fall 2015. No leaks in the past month?

Before the leak had appeared I received the final bill for the door installation it was outrageous in my opinion. Originally when provided a quote from IHC they stated it included the purchase of the door (door cost estimated $800). Although when I received the invoice it still included the door purchase (that I purchased myself to avoid the markup) and was more than the original quote.

I?ve since then had other contractors complete my remaining window installations and installed a bay window, etc. Every job has been fully completed within a couple hours. Not only completed within a couple hours, but professional and responsive with questions or concerns. I never would have imagined this simple sliding door installation would have created so many headaches.

All I am looking for from IHC is for them to humble themselves enough to recognize the work they provided wasn?t quality. So far, when we contact IHC and challenged the erroneous amount they said it was due to their high emphasis on quality and safety?


Response from Iowa Home Consulting
"Thank you again for working with us [Removed Member Name]. We do apologize for any misunderstandings or miscommunications in the process of completing your project. As you know we have worked very hard to ensure that any concerns you raised were immediately addressed. It is important to us that you and all Angie's List members know that we go above and beyond to make sure our clients are satisfied. I did want to note that much of your review pertains to a roof leak that was unrelated to our project but we did need to address as it damaged the work we had completed (it seems there are even pictures of the leak which again are unrelated to our work). We were a bit concerned that your review might lead Angie's List members to think we had something to do with this roof leak. You had noted the extended period of time to complete the work but again this included the repairs as a result of the roof leak which occurred months after the work was completed. Also important to note was that we would NEVER complete any work for someone without them being aware of it and expect to charge them (a reference to the gutter cleaning that we provided for no charge and did not and would never ask you to pay for it). We had actually inquired about the roofing contractor who was at fault reimbursing us for the repairs to the door trim and surrounding area especially considering we completed this for you as an emergency request on a Saturday and Sunday. We do feel our pricing is fair and competitive and must assume that your confusion on the pricing came from another estimate you received for the project (you mentioned you were quoted $800 for a door but this was not by us). We would not make any assumptions about including door pricing in our estimate unless you had made a selection of a door and we do not mark up any materials used in any of our projects. Again, it is of the utmost importance that you and all clients are satisfied with the work performed. If you do have any other concerns feel free to contact us directly by phone or email and as you know we will work diligently to make sure you are happy. Thank you again! Matthew"

Jennifer F.
Nov 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Went very well.

Chance M.
Sep 2015
3.0
$487
We went with this provider to power-wash and stain our deck and unfortunately, would not recommend or use them again. In a nutshell, while it looks okay in the end (they didn't power-wash or stain a footer that is able to be seen) and the cost was reasonable, the process was onerous and untimely. Completion of the project was 6 weeks after the provider originally estimated the project would take place. And, though, the provider kept stating delays were due to weather and projects ahead of us in-line, it seems highly suspicious given the significant delay. It felt like we had to continually email them in order for any work to be done. Additionally, the provider initially stated the project length of time would be over the course of a few days from start to finish, but our deck was out of commission for a good portion of the summer since the communication on when/if any work was getting done was poor causing the chairs, table and grill we like to use often to be stacked elsewhere awaiting work to be finished.
Response from Iowa Home Consulting
"Thank you very much for working with us on your deck power washing and staining. We certainly do apologize for any delays this summer - as we mentioned in the process we have worked through a very wet season. All of our (an most any other Iowa contractor's) exterior projects have been delayed due to our working at the mercy of Mother Nature. We always shoot to complete any projects as efficiently as possible while balancing what is necessary to ensure we are producing a quality product you will be happy with. We do apologize for the couple of week delay between power washing and stain application but this has not been unusual this Summer as we worked around the forecast. After power washing, your deck was usable and we are always happy to move items from the deck as needed for your convenience. Upon starting the staining, we made sure the flooring was the first priority (in the event rain prevented the deck from being completed seamlessly, which it did) so the deck could be used as normal as soon as possible with placement of furniture, etc. Also, thanks for letting us know about the item you indicated was missed (footer per the review). As always, if there are any such concerns in the future please don't hesitate to let us know about this as we may not necessarily see your review immediately to know of and address any issues. Thank you again for working with us!"

Wiedenhoeft G.
Jun 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
.

Dora C.
May 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
.

Mike B.
Apr 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$850
unknown

Sarah B.
Mar 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$550
I had a hard time finding a company that was willing to come in and do the repair. When our home was built the door had been installed incorrectly and allowed water to leak in under the threshhold.  The wood underneath our flooring was rotted, damaged and warped. We weren't sure how extensive the damage was since the problem was underneath our flooring and water had damaged the cabinet next to the door. 
When finding someone to do the repair, I called many places requesting estimates. I heard back from three companies. Of those three companies, two came out to do estimates. Iowa Home Consulting was the only company to give me a prompt and quality estimate. The other contractor that came out to look at the problem gave me the run around when I still hadn't heard from him two weeks later. He told me my estimate would be coming. It never came. 
Overall, I was happy with the repair and Matt was very easy to work with. We had a few communication glitches while using email, but these things happen and he was always very accommodating when I would call on the phone. Once the project got started, email communication was excellent and I was pleased. During the project, Matt and his crew worked well and seemed happy to answer any questions I had along the way. They kept the area clean and finished the main parts of the job promptly. We had to wait on parts for some interior parts of the job, but that did not bother me and I didn't see it as a negative, but just a fact of doing a project such as this. I liked that Matt cared to find the right parts that would work with what we already had rather than just finding an inferior substitute that didn't match our current interior. 
After the project, Matt was happy to answer questions I had and my invoice was sent promptly. The charges were reasonable and I felt happy with the project.
The only thing that I didn't realize until months later was that some of the insulation had to be removed from the damaged area in the basement (I assume that it was damaged and also had to be removed so they could get at the area being repaired) but it did not get replaced and we didn't discuss it. It isn't a big deal, especially since there were a lot of little parts to this project and we are only talking about two small chunks of insulation, but it would have been good to know that I needed to replace the insulation. I probably should have inspected the area from the basement at the conclusion of the project, but didn't think to do so until months later. 
I would definitely use Iowa Home Consulting again. I felt like they cared that I was happy with outcome of my project. I appreciated their communication and the quality of their work.
 Additionally, on a somewhat unrelated note, one time while I was driving through town, I saw that someone's car had stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection. I saw the Iowa Home Consulting crew helping the person with the stalled car by helping them push their car to a safer place. It made me feel good to know that they would stop to help when they could have just driven around them.

J K.
Dec 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
Iowa Home Consulting did a great job painting the exterior of our home.  We received three bids on the project, and theirs came in lowest.  We've also worked with them on numerous other projects, so the choice was clear.  They did a great job throughout, from replacing rotten trim pieces to preparing the surfaces for paint to applying the paint.  They were open to minor changes and suggestions from me during the job.  The job took a little longer than planned due to very cold temperatures, but when the temperatures were good for painting they arrived early and stayed late to get the job done.
In sum, it was a great experience, and we are really happy with how the project turned out.  The house looks great.  We will hire them again, and in fact we already have done so.

Dee M.
Oct 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$320
unknown

Diane H.
Aug 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown

Christian B.
Jun 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown

Jay H.
May 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
Very professional from the start.  Polite and well mannered staff.  Reasonable rates and very willing to work within a budget.

Drake P.
May 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000

They are prompt. They got the job done. When my husband inspected the work we did have them re-due a few things.

Response from Iowa Home Consulting
"Thank you very much for your review of our services and thank you again for working with us. Since quality is of the utmost importance to us, I did want to make a quick note to clarify the couple of items we addressed were due to having all of the work arranged by phone. When the homeowners examined the completed work they contacted me to expand upon and clarify what had been requested - we were able to address these concerns within 1 hour of being contacted outside of business hours on the weekend. Thank you again!"

J K.
Oct 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,150
Matthew and his team did a fantastic job at all stages of the project.  Once they started the project, the deck was completed quickly.  The workers were friendly, and they did a good job cleaning up after completion.  They uncovered a few unexpected problems: a little bit of rotting wood that was revealed after removing the old deck, and potential water problems associated with poor downspout placement when the old deck was put in.  In both cases they came up with good solutions.  The deck itself looks great, and we have already hired Iowa Home Consulting for additional projects.

Kan W.
Oct 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
Matthew the owner and manager and his team did a wonderful job. They were on time, very careful and neat. They were also very friendly. They treated everything with great care. They were efficient and waste no time and material.

Donna M.
May 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,000
My experience with them was wonderful. They are the best. They were very good at communicating and they always cleaned up. They are very professional. It was a little high priced.

Lyn F.
May 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
The owner, Matthew, is a very nice person who is prompt with his estimates and prompt with his service.  A very good company to work with.  We will definitely use Iowa Consulting again.
Response from Iowa Home Consulting
"(deleted member name), Thank you very much for the opportunity to work with you, it was certainly a pleasure. We look forward to working with you in the future! Thanks again, Matthew & Team"

Rebecca L.
Apr 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$600
Every time he gave us an estimate in a timely manner and was always on time and professional. He does a great job of making sure the area is clean after he is finished.  I am confident there is nothing he and his team cannot do. I would highly recommend Iowa Home Consulting to anyone in the Ames area.  
Response from Iowa Home Consulting
"[member name removed], It was great working with you on your projects and we certainly appreciate your review! Thanks again! Matthew & Team"

Donna M.
Mar 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
His estimate was prompt and he was better at responding to my questions
then all the others who bid on the job.   I choose Matthew because of
this, even though he doesn't list flooring on his list of specialties.  
I am so glad I did.   The job was a lot more challenging then
predicted, but Matthew solved every problem that came up.   The finished
product was better than expected.   I have already hired Matthew and
Iowa Home Consulting for another project.  I couldn't be more pleased.

Edwina A.
Jan 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
Matthew Bradner of Iowa Home Consulting is very professional, personable, timely and I really appreciated his neatness.  There were several small projects that he completed over several days.  He always kept in touch with me by email or texting with scheduling each project as weather allowed.  He was patient with me as I took time to pick out the door that had to be ordered but fit us in his schedule when the door arrived.  He saved us money by reusing some wood where practical in rebuilding the deck stairs.  I plan on using him again this next summer for another project.  They came in, got the jobs done, cleaned up each day- It could not have been any easier at a very fair price.

Licensing

State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.

FAQ

Iowa Home Consulting is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.

Iowa Home Consulting accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard

Yes, Iowa Home Consulting offers free project estimates.

No, Iowa Home Consulting does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, Iowa Home Consulting does not offer a senior discount.

Yes, Iowa Home Consulting offers emergency services.

No, Iowa Home Consulting does not offer warranties.