I had a tree fall and destroy my deck so I requested quotes.Don was the first to contact me we set…read moreup a time for him to stop by and take a look. From the first day I met Don I knew he was the man for the job. What a great guy and and a great helper. Very fare price and very high quality work he remembered exactly what I wanted and kept me very well informed. I will use Hammer & Fork for all my home projects from this point forward and would recommend him to anyone who needs work done. Thank you Don I really appreciate your time and the quality work everyone who has seen my Deck has lived it Thanks again

What a great company and owner. Don was straight forward on ALL his bid's and was very fair and…read moreresponsible through both projects. His work was TOP quality and always neat and clean at the end of the day. I would highly recommend Hammer And A Fork for any project you might have. He was always there from start to finish, what a great thing that we still have companies around that make it about the customer and not the dollar. THANKS Don We will see you on our next project. Greg and Kristi Irving Stuart, Iowa.

After my initial phone conversation with Aaron, it became clear he would reach out to me or swing…read moreby to check on things. The crew worked consistently, diligently, and methodically with great attention to detail all the way through. We had a big project, and Aaron and his crew took the worry out the entire process, from idea to 3D plans to scheduling cement work, all the material deliveries, construction, to ultimately final inspection. They were also respectful of all the properties surrounding us. Phenomenal attention to detail in the initial plans that was also demonstrated throughout construction. They really took care of us through the whole process.

From the owner: Deck & Drive Solutions is a family-owned custom deck builder serving the Des Moines metro. We…read moredesign and build premium outdoor living spaces using TimberTech and Trex composite decking, including new custom decks, deck replacement and resurfacing, multi-level and pool decks, covered decks and porches, screen rooms, pergolas, privacy walls, railings, lighting, underdeck systems and other upgrades. Homeowners work directly with Aaron through planning, material selection and construction. We provide an initial 3D deck design at no charge, financing options for qualified customers through Wisetack in Jobber, and professional installation backed by applicable manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Serving Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Grimes, Polk City and nearby communities. Contact us for a free project estimate.

Needed help mounting a large tv and they got it done right quick! Couldn't ask for better service.read more

Tony is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. He cleaned up after he finished the job. I had an…read moreissue with one of the repairs he made and he promptly returned and fixed the issue the next day. I will definitely hire him again.

back in 2024 we needed minor repairs on our roof in order to sell our home. service was timely,…read morereasonable cost, and inspection approved work. will reach out for next home project

This fall, we contracted with AJ Constuction to replace our deck with a composite material deck…read more The project went well until it came time to wrap up the project, and unfinished items. Our two biggest complaints were 1) the contractor has refused to turn over any materials purchase receipts so we have record of the purchase for warranty purposes, and 2) We have an issue with one of the steps that has a saw cut in it that needs to be replaced. The contractor will not return text messages or calls. Before I would make a final payment to this contractor, I would make sure everything is totally complete, and you have all the paperwork to support the project. Our mistake was to give him a check late in the day of his final day on site, without having the ability to take a good long look at everything in the light of day. At that time he also promised to deliver the necessary paperwork, and to drop off leftover materials for use to make minor changes ourselves. Do not make a final payment to this person, until everything is complete. Dan Wickett

Josh did a great job at a great price. He listened to my requirements and went above expectations…read moreto complete the work in the specified time frame. I definitely recommend him for your home improvement projects.

From the owner: Better Built Home Solutions is the premier choice for exterior renovations in Des Moines, Iowa…read more Specializing in deck and fence installations, our team of skilled carpenters is dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on understanding your unique vision and offering expert advice to bring your outdoor living space to life. With a keen attention to detail and a commitment to quality, we ensure every project is completed to the highest standard. Trust Better Built Home Solutions for reliable, top-quality exterior renovations that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Requested a quote on a new front entry door and storm door. We really liked Mike when he came to do…read morethe estimate and got on the schedule as soon as possible. Tim came out and handled the mess that was our front door with ease. We will have Tim back to do more work in the future. Very impressed and grateful for his time. Oh let me not forget the girls that keep things going Bridget and Kaci they keep the guys scheduled and return calls right away.

Shawn was great! He arrived on time, and we did a walk through of the job before he started. He…read morecompleted the job on time and did excellent work! Highly recommend!

Fence Installation was quick, great quality and inexpensive. After they came out to measure the…read moreyard, we agreed on the quote and a couple days later my entire fence was done. Best price in all of Des Moines Metro. They are also a local company and I would recommend them to anyone.

Needed fence repair, Marty viewed and quoted the project within 48 hours and was able to schedule…read morethe job the same week. The project was completed the same day and with quality materials and craftsmanship. The price was fair, only accepts cash or checks.

Had a new bathroom installed in our basement and the brand new sewer kept backing up. The…read morecontractor said that it couldn't have been from his work and refused to do anything about it. Called Schaal and they came out right away with a camera. Turns out the contractor dropped the flange knockout plug into the sewer line.

Schaal installed a new furnace, AC and water heater in the spring of 2021. We also enrolled in the…read moremaintenance program and still have that. Every year the AC fails to work until someone comes out to look at it. We try to book the free AC service from the maintenance program for late April/early May to have it ready for summer but they constantly call to push those appointments due to "high demand for service calls" and frequently don't get that free visit until we call because the AC is working, usually on the hottest day of the year to that point. This year is no different and we have not had AC since Friday July 17th. Called to set up an appointment and the earliest I was told was available is Monday (July 20) afternoon. I asked about priority scheduling with the maintenance program and they said they would put us on an emergency services waitlist. It is now Sunday afternoon and when I called to check they said nobody will be coming before tomorrow with our scheduled appointment. I cannot believe there are that many other priority customers that with all their technicians they cannot get someone out to my house within 3 days. I can only assume it is because the terms of the program also mean I don't have to pay overtime/weekend rates so they are prioritizing higher revenue customers. If I were a potential customer looking to replace an HVAC system I would not go with Schaal again. If I were a potential customer needing service I would not call Schaal either; look for a better locally owned company (Schall was bought out by private equity a few years ago). I'm giving 2 stars as the installation and service in 2021 and 2022 was as expected but fell off quickly after ownership changed in 2022.