The HomeShowExpo presented each summer by the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines brings together some of the best builders in the area. This group of professionals always manages to impress attendees with their craftsmanship and creativity. But this year’s Expo included some new faces, and they brought some impressive work of their own.

As Matt Thompson of Gilcrest Jewett, chairman of this year’s Expo, predicted beforehand, “The home builders in this year’s show not only delivered beautiful craftsmanship, but they continue to impress with new and upcoming trends. Each builder brings something unique to the show.”

Although trends such as glass tile, increased use of stone for interior applications, and covered outdoor living areas were evident, this group of builders also displayed their individual interpretations of today’s custom home.

Former winners Clarity Construction and Kimberley Development reinforced their reputations for excellence. Clarity, who has won Best of Show and People’s Choice multiple times, was recognized again for Curb Appeal, as well as for its fun Kid’s Room and Entertainment Room. Kimberley, one of the most decorated builders in the HomeShowExpo’s history, was honored again in areas for which the firm is consistently lauded, including Kitchen, Livability, and Craftsmanship.

Newcomers Bella Homes, Drake Homes, and Neighborhood Builders each walked away with trophies as well. In fact, Neighborhood received the coveted People’s Choice award, chosen as the favorite home by the most attendees. And Grand Homes & Renovations, in only its second HomeShowExpo entry, was awarded in four separate categories, including Livability and Craftsmanship.

But the big winner this year was another newcomer to the Expo. Timber Ridge Homes, which had never entered a home show before, has been in business for more than a decade, and that experience paid off in its initial HomeShowExpo design. Owners Tim and Heidi Stolp received first-place awards in eight of the nine categories available, plus the Best of Show top honor.

Timber Ridge Construction’s modern Mission-style ranch blended the classic wood details of Mission design with the clean lines of contemporary architecture. Timber Ridge combined those beautiful
features with some unique elements that made this a truly livable home, from a spacious multipurpose room off the back entry with pantry cupboards, laundry facilities, and a granite-topped desk to the pub-style lower-level entertaining area.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines' HomeShowExpo always offers attendees the opportunity to see the latest high-quality products, innovative materials, and creative designs. This year’s Expo introduced some exceptional builders to a wider audience and set the stage for even more fascinating shows in the future.

HomeShowExpo 2012 Award Winners

Curb Appeal
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Neighborhood Builders
3rd Place Clarity Construction

Landscaping
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Neighborhood Builders
3rd Place Drake Homes

Kitchen
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Kimberley Development
3rd Place Grand Homes & Renovations

Master Suite
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Grand Homes & Renovations
3rd Place Drake Homes

Kid’s Room
1st Place Clarity Construction
2nd Place Bella Homes
3rd Place Kimberley Development

Entertainment Room
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Clarity Construction
3rd Place Drake Homes

Livability
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Grand Homes & Renovations
3rd Place Kimberley Development

Craftsmanship
1st Place Timber Ridge Construction
2nd Place Kimberley Development
3rd Place Grand Homes & Renovations

Best of Show:
Timber Ridge Construction

People’s Choice:
Neighborhood Builders