Get matched with top architects in Van Meter, IA

Q: How do I choose the right contractor for my cottage build?

• <div><p>Start by researching local contractors with experience in cottage construction. Ask for references, check licensing and insurance, and review completed projects. Compare multiple bids, making sure each includes the same scope of work. A good contractor will communicate clearly, provide a detailed contract, and ensure all work meets code and safety standards.</p></div>

Q: Who do I hire for drawing up blueprints?

• <div><p>You have three options in terms of professionals who can draw up blueprints: a draftsperson, an architect, or a structural engineer. A draftsperson can sometimes draw up plans for new construction, but they more often work from approved plans for alterations or to provide 3D drawings. Architects are usually the best option for standard residential construction projects. Structural engineers might be necessary for custom home builds or for alterations that could affect your home&rsquo;s structural integrity. Draftsmen cost the least of the three, followed by architects and then structural engineers. </p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a cottage and a Craftsman house?

• <div><p>While Craftsman-style houses are bungalows, cottages typically aren&rsquo;t, though they can be. But they also differ in other stylistic aspects. For instance, cottages usually have simpler designs and painted woodwork.</p></div>

Q: Where can you find Federal architecture?

• <div><p>Federal architecture is most common in urban areas throughout the New England states, including the older parts of New York, Pennsylvania (namely, Boston and Philadelphia), Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The style also dominated in parts of Georgia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, so many historical homes in the area embody this home design. Salem, MA, has two historic districts that predominantly feature this architectural style: Chestnut Street District and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.</p></div>

Q: What's the best way to start designing a house?

• <div><p>The best way to start designing a house is to know what you want before designing. Making a list of your biggest priorities in a home will help. Designing a house without an idea of what you need or want in a home will lead to many trials and errors that could make it harder to figure out what you need in your design.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Architectural Service pros in Van Meter, IA

*The Angi rating for Architectural Service companies in Van Meter, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Architectural Service companies in Van Meter, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

Last update on March 24, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Certa Pros did a great job with my interior painting. I would recommend this company.
CertaPro Painters
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Reviewed in October 2025
Abraham was very prompt visiting my home to bid on my insulation project after I called him. Once I accepted his proposal, the crew was able to begin work very quickly. The three workers were very friendly upon arriving. They were hard workers both days that they were completing the project....
INSULATE IOWA LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
I couldn’t be happier with my experience! From start to finish, working with Art House was an absolute pleasure. They were down to earth, fun to work with, and made the whole process feel easy and stress-free. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship are absolutely stunning — our space turned...
Art House Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2025
I couldn’t be happier with the work Gabriel did on my massage room! I asked for bold black walls, and they came out absolutely stunning—smooth, even, and with such a professional finish. The space feels both cozy and luxurious now, exactly the atmosphere I was hoping for. From start to finish,...
Blauth Painting LLC
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Reviewed in February 2025
This company is excellent. Very positive experience. The quality is excellent. Working very fast and accurate. They finished 920 sq foot for me. I can recommend them for anyone. You will not regret if you hired them.
Golden Oak Hardwood Floors LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Drew was efficient and conscientious. He did a great job of remodeling two bathrooms, making one a walk-in shower. He also painted both bathrooms and was very neat. He is honest and fair. I would recommend him to anyone for any kind of remodel work.
St Paul Handyman
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Reviewed in October 2024
Wes Clark painting and design did a great job with my basement finish! Very helpful advice and great work Completion on time and super easy to work with! If uou need any painting and remodel help this is a great place to contact for your project.
CLARK PAINTING + DESIGN
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Reviewed in July 2024
We were very impressed with this company. Their work was excellent. Very hard workers, polite, great communication, completed project in a timely manner and respected the property against damage from equipment. Highly recommend Iron - X Landscaping!
Iron-X Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Did a great job start to finish From design person to the installer. The walk in shower they looks great!!!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2023
Kyle is the real deal on everything architecture. Great customer service and unbelievable turn around times. He even came to work on my project on a Sunday evening since I needed the plan asap. Look no further for your architect needs.
Desert Son Drafting
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Find Architects in Van Meter

Creative Concepts Architecture, PLC

4.7(

)

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"He was very helpful and answered my questions. Gave me suggestions on what to do. I may not need an architect , but have his phone number. I believe his rate was average"

Response time1 day

Response rate94%

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"To be honest Im dealing with a complicated district and I was kind of frustrated that my project was handed off to a new person but Raegan Hammon was the most patient, kind, professional and efficient Architect I have ever had the pleasure 🙏 of doing business with. Thank you for placing my project in her very capable hands. Forever grateful Leilee Keppard [*** Link removed ***]"

+23

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

70 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Periphery Design, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"Dave designed an addition for our home. The design is very cohesive and in harmony with the existing homeâ s architecture. His ideas, professionalism, and attention to detail are excellent, we look forward to the finished product."

Response time11 hrs

Response rate92%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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deWit Construction & Remodeling

4.8(

)

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Good. Really wonderful and we love it. They were very friendly, courteous and they did the work fine, and they were all kind."

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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Des Moines Area Roofing

4.8(

275

)

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Des Moines Area Roofing was professional, trustworthy, and demonstrated excellent attention to detail from initial contact to job completion. Cleanup was so thorough that the next day you wouldn't even know that such a major project had taken place. It has been 2 weeks since the new roofs and we haven't seen even one stray nail left behind (and they did a complete tear down to both buildings, right down to the wood). An excellent company with which to do business. I offer my highest possible recommendation."

Recommended by99%of homeowners

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Our relationship with Tim was an exceptional one. We live in a house he designed, can not find any problems with it, he did a great job. The plans exceeded our expectations."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Laugerman Architects, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 30 years of experience in the architecture industry, we are the experts you need to take care of your home or business. We handle everything from churches to schools to houses. We will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give Laugerman Architects, Inc. a call today, we look forward to working with you!

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Justin Frank Handyman Construction

New to Angi

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

We specialize in interior and exterior painting services, cabinet painting, staining, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

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Architects questions, answered by experts

Start by researching local contractors with experience in cottage construction. Ask for references, check licensing and insurance, and review completed projects. Compare multiple bids, making sure each includes the same scope of work. A good contractor will communicate clearly, provide a detailed contract, and ensure all work meets code and safety standards.

You have three options in terms of professionals who can draw up blueprints: a draftsperson, an architect, or a structural engineer. A draftsperson can sometimes draw up plans for new construction, but they more often work from approved plans for alterations or to provide 3D drawings. Architects are usually the best option for standard residential construction projects. Structural engineers might be necessary for custom home builds or for alterations that could affect your home’s structural integrity. Draftsmen cost the least of the three, followed by architects and then structural engineers.

While Craftsman-style houses are bungalows, cottages typically aren’t, though they can be. But they also differ in other stylistic aspects. For instance, cottages usually have simpler designs and painted woodwork.

Federal architecture is most common in urban areas throughout the New England states, including the older parts of New York, Pennsylvania (namely, Boston and Philadelphia), Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The style also dominated in parts of Georgia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, so many historical homes in the area embody this home design. Salem, MA, has two historic districts that predominantly feature this architectural style: Chestnut Street District and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

The best way to start designing a house is to know what you want before designing. Making a list of your biggest priorities in a home will help. Designing a house without an idea of what you need or want in a home will lead to many trials and errors that could make it harder to figure out what you need in your design.

The Van Meter, IA homeowners’ guide to architectural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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