Celebrating 40 Years of Guiding, Inspiring, and Delivering Quality That Lasts
May is Home Improvement Month, and what better time to tackle those projects you’ve been putting off?
At Hometown Restyling, we’ve been Eastern Iowa’s trusted, full-service residential remodeler since 1986. And this year, we’re celebrating a milestone: 40 years of helping homeowners just like you transform their spaces.
To honor that journey, we’ve pulled together 40 home improvement projects that can elevate your home’s comfort, beauty, and value. One for every year we’ve been proud to call Eastern Iowa home.
Windows That Work Harder for Your Home
New windows are one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. These home improvement projects improve energy efficiency, boost curb appeal, reduce noise, and increase comfort year-round.
1. Replace drafty single-pane windows with energy-efficient vinyl windows
Single-pane windows are among the top sources of heat loss in older Iowa homes. Updated vinyl replacement windows with multi-pane glass and Low-E coatings can dramatically cut energy costs.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I could tell an immediate difference in the sound leakage vs. the old 1962 windows. Also, they were installed prior to the smoke from the Canadian wildfires, so that was a plus. A job well done.”
Brian W., Iowa City, IA
2. Upgrade to triple-pane glass for superior insulation
If your home sits near a busy road or you want maximum thermal performance, triple-pane windows deliver elite sound and temperature control.
3. Add a picture window to brighten a living room
A large, fixed picture window floods interior spaces with natural light, making rooms feel larger and more inviting.
4. Replace a builder-grade bedroom window with a casement style
Casement windows crank open fully for maximum ventilation and seal tightly when closed. This home improvement project is ideal for Iowa’s variable weather and seasons.
5. Install bay or bow windows for added dimension
Bay and bow windows add architectural interest to the exterior while creating a cozy interior nook. They’re perfect for a reading corner, plants, or extra seating.
6. Swap an outdated kitchen window over the sink
Upgrade the most-used window in your home. A new, properly sealed kitchen window prevents moisture damage and makes time at the sink more pleasant.
7. Add a garden/plant window in a sunlit space
Plant windows project outward to create a mini greenhouse effect. They’re great for herbs, succulents, or flowers even through an Iowa winter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The windows are awesome and the installers were very, very good and knowledgeable of how to install windows.”
Carroll K., Marion, IA
Bathroom Home Improvement Projects Worth Waking Up To
A bathroom remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Whether you’re updating a powder room or transforming a master bath, Hometown Restyling guides you through the home improvement project from design through installation.
8. Convert a tub to a walk-in shower
A tub-to-shower conversion opens up the space and makes daily routines more accessible, especially valuable for aging in place.
9. Install a custom tile shower surround
Replace dated surround panels with beautiful custom tile that reflects your personal style and holds up to moisture for decades.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our installers were outstanding! Zach and Noah very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. Our salesman Jim Mann was very helpful at explaining our options for our bathroom. Made our decisions so much easier. He was great!”
Jim S.
10. Add a double vanity to a master bath
Eliminating the morning sink battle is a priceless home improvement project. A double vanity adds storage and function while giving the bathroom a high-end, hotel-worthy feel.
11. Upgrade to a curbless/no-barrier shower
A barrier-free shower is a universal design win. It’s easy to clean and delivers a sleek, aesthetic that works in any style of home.
12. Replace an old toilet with a water-efficient model
A low-flow toilet can save thousands of gallons of water per year. Pair it with a comfort-height design for added accessibility.
13. Remodel a basement bathroom from scratch
Finishing an unfinished basement bathroom is a home improvement project that adds significant livable square footage. Not to mention it’s great for families with guests, teenagers, or multi-generational living.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had an unfinished space in our basement finished into a new bathroom by Hometown Restyling. Their team was extremely helpful from Quinn on the Sales side, Josh on the project management side, and Zach and Jeremey on the installation side. Everyone involved communicated well, kept to an efficient timeline, and we are very happy with the end product.”
Kristen
Kitchen Transformations That Add Value and Joy
Your kitchen is the heart of the home. From minor refreshes to full remodels, Hometown Restyling’s design team helps you create a space that works as beautifully as it looks.
14. Create a dedicated coffee corner for your morning ritual
Free up counter clutter and carve out a built-in coffee station with open shelving, a small cabinet, and an outlet, so your morning routine has a home of its own.
15. Install a kitchen island with seating
An island adds prep space, storage, and a natural gathering spot. It’s one of the most-requested kitchen home improvement projects for good reason.
16. Upgrade to quartz or granite countertops
Swapping laminate counters for stone surfaces is a home improvement project that instantly elevates your kitchen’s appearance and delivers a durable, low-maintenance work surface.
17. Add under-cabinet lighting
Under-cabinet LED lighting improves task visibility, creates ambiance, and makes your countertops and backsplash really shine.
18. Open up the kitchen to an adjoining room
Removing a non-load-bearing wall between a kitchen and dining or living room creates an open-concept flow that makes entertaining easier and spaces feel more expansive.
19. Add a pantry to reclaim your cabinets
If your baking supplies are competing with everyday dishes for cabinet space, a dedicated pantry is the answer. Whether it’s a pull-out pantry cabinet, a converted closet, or a built-in floor-to-ceiling design, the right pantry home improvement project puts everything in its place.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I am so pleased with my Hometown Restyling remodel. I had a complete kitchen installed in our basement and I cannot believe how much room I have and the cupboard space. Everyone was great to work with and I have to give a big shout out to Rachael for the design.”
Cindy S.
New Doors That Make a Lasting First Impression
Your front door is the handshake of your home. An updated door adds security, curb appeal, and energy efficiency all at once.
20. Replace your front entry door with a new steel or fiberglass model
Steel and fiberglass entry doors offer superior insulation, security, and durability compared to aging wood doors, and are available in dozens of beautiful styles and finishes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had our home’s front door and side glass windows replaced. We are very happy with the results. It looks great, very professional from start to finish.”
Robert H.
21. Add a storm door for extra protection
A storm door adds a layer of defense against Iowa’s winters while letting you enjoy fresh air through a screen during spring and fall.
22. Upgrade a dated sliding patio door
Old sliding glass doors are often drafty and hard to operate. A new patio door improves ease of use, energy efficiency, and the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
23. Install French doors leading to an outdoor living space
French doors create a dramatic, welcoming transition from your home to a backyard deck, pergola, or patio.
Sunrooms That Bring Eastern Iowa’s Best Seasons Inside
A sunroom is one of the most transformative home improvement projects you can take on. You’re extending your living space and your enjoyment of Eastern Iowa’s beautiful seasons.
24. Convert an existing deck into a three-season sunroom
Transform underutilized deck space into a fully enclosed three-season room. Bring the outdoors in for months more of the year.
25. Add an all-season sunroom with climate control
For year-round enjoyment, an all-season sunroom with proper insulation and HVAC access becomes a true extra room. It makes a great home office, reading nook, breakfast room, or whatever you need.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had our sunroom installed by Hometown Restyling and are very pleased with the results. The team was professional, courteous, and kept us updated throughout the process. The craftsmanship and quality of the sunroom exceeded our expectations—it feels like a seamless extension of our home. Highly recommend their services!”
Marie H.
26. Install a screened-in porch addition
A screened porch gives you fresh air and outdoor ambiance without the bugs. They are one of Iowa’s summer essentials and one of the most cost-effective ways to add livable space.
Pergolas & Outdoor Living Spaces Made for Making Memories
Outdoor living spaces extend your home’s function into the fresh air. Hometown Restyling builds custom pergolas and patio covers that become the backdrop for summer memories.
27. Install a freestanding pergola over a patio
A pergola defines outdoor space, provides partial shade, and creates a beautiful structure for climbing plants, string lights, or retractable shade sails.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The pergola looks great and it was not an easy retrofit to our older home.”
Dale L., Atkins, IA
28. Add a pergola with louvered roof panels
Louvered pergola systems let you dial in exactly the right amount of sun and shade. Some models handle light rain, extending your outdoor season significantly.
29. Create a dedicated outdoor dining area with a patio cover
A well-placed patio cover makes al fresco meals comfortable even on hot Iowa afternoons and extends your entertaining season considerably.
30. Build a fire pit seating area
A fire pit surrounded by defined seating is a home improvement project that becomes a natural gathering spot from spring right through fall.
Deck Replacements Built to Last
A quality deck adds outdoor living space and real estate value. Whether you need a full replacement or a well-planned new build, Hometown Restyling’s crews handle every detail of these home improvement projects.
31. Replace aging wood decking with low-maintenance composite
Composite decking won’t rot, splinter, or require annual staining. It holds up beautifully to Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles and looks great for years with minimal upkeep.
32. Add a second-level deck to a walkout basement home
A multi-level deck with stairs creates distinct zones for dining, lounging, and grilling. It maximizes every square foot of your outdoor space.
33. Install new deck railings for safety and style
Updating worn railings with cable, aluminum, or composite options immediately modernizes a deck’s appearance while meeting current safety codes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The deck stairs came out great adding safety and structure to our deck.”
Dan K.
34. Build a wraparound deck that connects to multiple rooms
A wraparound deck adds tremendous curb appeal and creates multiple access points from your home.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow just WOW ! I can’t believe how amazing my deck looks!!! The guys were very nice, always making sure to shut the gate so my dogs wouldn’t get out. It only took them 2 and a half days. My only wish was that we had done it sooner.”
Jen L.
Small Home Improvement Projects With a Big Impact
Not every home improvement project requires a full remodel. Sometimes it’s the smaller home improvement projects that make the biggest difference in how your home looks, feels, and functions day to day. Here are six high-impact improvements that are easy to overlook, but hard to ignore once they’re done.
35. Repair or replace damaged interior trim and baseboards
Cracked, scuffed, or outdated trim makes even a clean room look worn. Fresh trim and baseboards are a low-cost, high-impact update.
36. Patch drywall and refresh interior walls
A professional drywall touch-up and fresh coat of paint can make any room feel brand new again.
37. Caulk and seal windows, doors, and exterior trim
Properly sealing around windows and doors reduces drafts, moisture intrusion, and energy loss.
38. Update light fixtures and ceiling fans
Swapping dated fixtures for updated styles is one of the fastest ways to refresh the feel of any room in your home.
39. Replace interior door hardware throughout the home
Swapping out mismatched handles and hinges for a cohesive finish makes the whole home feel more polished and intentional.
40. Install a smart home upgrade
A programmable thermostat can meaningfully cut heating and cooling costs, and a smart doorbell camera adds both security and convenience.
Celebrate 40 Years With Us—And You Could Win $15,000
This year marks Hometown Restyling’s 40th anniversary, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by giving back to the Eastern Iowa homeowners who’ve trusted us since 1986.
To mark four decades of guiding, inspiring, and delivering quality that lasts, we’re running two Home Makeover Sweepstakes in 2026, each awarding $15,000 to a winner. That’s $30,000 in total prizes across the year. Winners can apply their prize toward any dream home improvement project with Hometown Restyling.
➡ Enter the Hometown Restyling Home Makeover Sweepstakes
Whether it’s a bathroom remodel you’ve been dreaming of, a new deck for the backyard, or a sunroom that turns Iowa spring into something magical, this could be your year. Forty years of quality. One big celebration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.