Central Iowa's General Contractor
Busy Builders delivers honest home building and remodeling across Central Iowa. From custom new construction to kitchen, bathroom, basement, and deck projects, one registered contractor handles it all with a written plan and no surprise charges.
- About Us
Integrity and honesty in every project.
About Us
Busy Builders was founded in 2020 by trade professionals with decades of hands-on construction experience. They saw too many homeowners hit with vague estimates, surprise charges, and contractors who disappeared mid-project. So they built something different: a full-service general contractor rooted in transparency, clear communication, and craftsmanship that holds up over time.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. Whether you are finishing your basement or building a custom home from the ground up, you get a written plan, a clear estimate, and a registered contractor on site the entire time.
Our Values
Busy Builders holds active registration with Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), verifiable at dial.iowa.gov. Our electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians hold separate state licenses. We serve homeowners across a roughly 50-mile radius from our West Des Moines headquarters, covering communities from Ankeny and Grimes to Marshalltown and beyond.
- Achievement
Results built on trust and transparency.
Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa. Every project starts the same way: a free estimate, a written plan, and a registered general contractor on site from day one.
Honest Pricing for Every Project
Additions
Based on average pricing across Central Iowa. Costs vary by scope, materials, and complexity.
300
Features
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on average pricing across Central Iowa. Costs vary by scope, materials, and complexity.
250
Features
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on average pricing across Central Iowa. Costs vary by scope, materials, and complexity.
150
Features
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- All Construction Services
What Services Does Busy Builders Offer?
Custom Home Building
Busy Builders builds custom homes, spec homes, tiny homes, and multi-family residential projects across Central Iowa. Every build starts with a site assessment that covers grade changes, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and proximity to existing structures.
Iowa’s clay soil affects footing design from the start, and our team accounts for that before a single plan is drawn. We discuss layout options, material choices, and your budget early so you have a complete picture before signing anything.
Permit requirements differ by city. Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, and other Central Iowa cities each have their own submission process and review timelines. We confirm those requirements up front and factor them into your project schedule. You receive a written design, written cost estimate, and written timeline before work begins.
- Full site assessment covering grade, drainage, soil, and foundation proximity
- Layout and material options presented with Iowa climate performance context
- City-specific permit requirements confirmed before any work is quoted
Home Remodeling
Most structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work in Iowa requires a building permit. Skipping permits creates problems at resale, with insurance, and with lenders.
The Iowa Building Code is administered through DIAL, and each city has its own submission and review process. We pull all required permits, submit structural drawings where needed, and schedule every inspection as part of your project scope.
Permit processing times vary by city across Central Iowa, and we build those timelines into your schedule from day one. Our team handles the paperwork so you do not have to track it down yourself. For more context on what whole-home remodeling actually costs in this market, read our 2026 Des Moines remodeling cost guide.
- Permit application filed for your city as part of the project scope
- Structural drawings submitted where required by local building departments
- All inspections scheduled and coordinated, homeowner doesn't have to manage a thing
Home Additions
Busy Builders builds additions that match your existing structure and hold up through decades of Iowa freeze-thaw cycles. We build room additions, second-story additions, ADUs (accessory dwelling units), sunrooms, four-season porches, garage additions, primary suite additions, and kitchen expansions across Central Iowa.
Iowa’s 42 to 48 inch frost line is non-negotiable. Footings set above it will heave during freeze-thaw cycles and damage the entire structure within a few winters. We stake the layout, mark all footing locations, and call 811 to locate underground utilities before any digging begins. Footing holes are inspected by the city before concrete is poured in jurisdictions that require it.
Additions start from $300 per sqft. Costs vary by addition type, size, and how the new space integrates with your existing home.
- Layout staked and footing locations confirmed before excavation
- Footings dug below Iowa's 42 to 48 inch frost line on every project
- 811 utility locate completed before any digging begins, per Iowa law
Bathroom Remodeling
Busy Builders remodels bathrooms of every size, from half-bath updates to full primary suite renovations. Every project includes proper waterproofing behind the tile, not just grout. We handle custom showers, soaking tubs, glass enclosures, vanities, countertops, heated flooring, and exhaust ventilation that vents outdoors as required by Iowa code.
GFCI outlets are required within 6 feet of any water source, and our licensed electricians handle every circuit to code. Half-bath remodels typically run $6,500 to $16,000. Full bathroom remodels run $12,700 to $18,000. Primary suite renovations often range from $22,500 to $35,000 or more. Costs vary by scope, tile work, and plumbing complexity.
Homeowners in Ankeny and Waukee see strong returns on primary suite updates. We give you a written plan and written estimate before any work begins, with no surprise charges along the way.
- Tube-form concrete footings poured and cured before posts are set
- Post bases installed in hardware, no direct wood-to-concrete burial
- Posts cut to level for a flat beam seat across all footing locations
Kitchen Remodeling
A kitchen remodel with Busy Builders covers everything from cabinetry and countertops to plumbing moves, layout changes, and electrical upgrades. We handle wall removal, new islands, range hoods, under-cabinet lighting, and custom features like built-in coffee stations and wine storage.
Iowa’s humidity calls for moisture-resistant finishes and durable materials throughout. Cabinet selection also matters right now. A 25% tariff on imported cabinets is currently in effect, with a planned increase to 50% delayed until January 2027. Planning your kitchen project now locks in current cabinet pricing before that change takes effect.
All framing, plumbing, and electrical work is permitted and inspected. We use galvanized and stainless hardware throughout because standard fasteners corrode quickly in Iowa’s outdoor and high-humidity conditions. Kitchen remodeling starts from $250 per sqft, with mid-range projects typically running $50,000 to $75,000. Costs vary by scope, materials, and layout complexity.
- Ledger installation with proper flashing to prevent water intrusion into the home
- Pressure-treated beams and joists sized for span and load per Iowa building code
- Galvanized or stainless steel hardware on every joist hanger and connection point
Basement Remodeling
Basement remodeling is for homeowners whose lower level is already finished but no longer works. Maybe the layout is wrong, the finishes are outdated, or water got behind the walls and was never addressed properly. This is different from basement finishing, which converts unfinished space for the first time.
Before we write a single scope item, we assess moisture, radon levels, ceiling height, structural walls, egress status, and the condition of existing electrical and plumbing systems. Demo often reveals what prior contractors concealed. Basements finished before 2000 commonly have fiberglass insulation against foundation walls, which traps moisture and causes long-term problems.
Mid-range basement remodels with layout changes and updated systems typically run $45,000 to $70,000. Full rebuilds with wet bars, home theater setups, and luxury finishes often range from $70,000 to $190,000+. Always budget a 15 to 20 percent contingency for what demo reveals below the surface. Costs vary by scope and moisture history.
- Board spacing set for drainage and seasonal movement in Iowa's climate
- Hidden fastener systems available for a clean finish on composite decks
- Manufacturer specs followed on all composite products for warranty compliance
Basement Finishing
Basement finishing converts raw, unfinished space into livable square footage. Busy Builders has finished basements for Central Iowa homeowners since 2020, and every project starts the same way: a radon test and moisture assessment before framing begins.
Iowa is the only state where every county sits in EPA Radon Zone 1. According to Iowa HHS, 71.6% of Iowa homes test above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. We never frame a single wall before that test is done. Insulation goes against foundation walls using closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam board, never fiberglass batt, which traps moisture in Iowa’s clay-heavy soil environment.
Any bedroom below grade requires an egress window with a minimum 5.7 square feet net clear opening per IRC Section R310. Ceiling height must reach at least 7 feet for habitable space. A basic 800 square foot family room typically runs $28,000 to $36,000. A full suite with a bedroom and bathroom often runs $50,000 to $175,000+, depending on finish level. Costs vary by size, rough-ins, and finish level. Read our overview of the real impact of basement finishing before you decide.
- Railing height and baluster spacing built to Iowa code on every project
- Stair stringers cut to code-compliant riser and tread dimensions
- Railing posts through-bolted to the frame for long-term stability
Deck Building
Busy Builders designs and builds outdoor decks that hold up through Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles, clay soil movement, and extreme seasonal temperature swings. Every footing is set below Iowa’s 42 to 48 inch frost line, no exceptions. Posts are never set directly in concrete, which traps moisture and causes rot. Post bases are embedded in footings or attached with load-rated hardware.
Lighting and electrical rough-in happens after framing so wiring runs cleanly through the structure. Post-cap lights, recessed step lights, and outdoor GFCI outlets are the most common additions on Central Iowa decks. Custom features like pergolas, built-in benches, outdoor kitchens, and fire pit areas are built at this stage. All electrical work is completed by licensed electricians and inspected to code.
Basic pressure-treated wood decks start around $15 to $35 per sqft. Mid-range composite decks with railings and stairs run $30 to $60 per sqft. High-end composite or PVC builds with pergolas and custom features run $50 to $100 or more per sqft. Costs vary by materials, size, and features. For a deeper look at material options, read our guide to wood vs. composite decking in Iowa’s climate.
- Post cap lights, step lights, and GFCI outlets installed and inspected
- Pergolas, built-in seating, and outdoor kitchen features built to spec
- Licensed electrician on all wiring, permitted and inspected before project close
- Frequently Asked Questions
Construction and Remodeling FAQs in Central Iowa
What services do you offer in Central Iowa?
Busy Builders is a full-service general contractor serving Central Iowa since 2020. We provide new home construction, full home remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, basement remodeling, deck building, and custom home additions. Our team has completed 1,285+ projects across Central Iowa with a 99% satisfaction rate.
Do you only take on large projects?
Busy Builders handles projects of all sizes. Whether you need a single bathroom refreshed or a full custom home built from the ground up, our team has the experience, the registered contractor status, and the 90+ skilled workers to deliver. Every project starts with a free written estimate and a clear plan before work begins. Call 844-435-9800 to talk through your project.
How long does a typical project take?
Timelines vary by project type and scope. Bathroom remodels typically take 3 to 8 weeks. Kitchen remodels usually run 6 to 10 weeks. Basement finishing often takes 8 to 14 weeks. Home additions generally run 3 to 6 months. Custom home builds typically take 8 to 12 months from permit to final walkthrough.
Permit processing times in Central Iowa vary by city and affect every timeline. We build permit timelines into your schedule from the start so nothing catches you off guard. You receive a written schedule before work begins.
Do you provide design and planning services?
It depends on the condition of the boxes and how much of the layout you want to change. If the cabinet boxes are solid, the doors close correctly, and the layout works for your household, refacing or repainting is a cost-effective way to update the look without the expense of full replacement.
If the boxes are damaged, the layout needs to change, or the existing cabinets do not reach the ceiling and you want a cleaner built-in look, full replacement delivers a better long-term result. Keep in mind that a 25% tariff on imported cabinets is currently in effect, with a planned increase to 50% delayed until January 2027. Planning sooner can lock in current pricing.
We assess cabinet condition during the planning phase and give you a straight answer on which direction makes financial sense for your specific kitchen. No upsell, no pressure.
What areas in central iowa do you serve?
Busy Builders serves a wide range of Central Iowa communities, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes, Norwalk, Ames, Altoona, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Colfax, Newton, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, Waukee, and surrounding areas. If your city is not listed, call 844-435-9800. We serve approximately a 50-mile radius from West Des Moines and may be able to help.
Do you offer free estimates for your services?
Yes. Busy Builders provides free, detailed written estimates so you know exactly what to expect before your project begins. You also receive a written plan and a written timeline. There are no surprise charges. Call 844-435-9800 or visit our contact page to schedule your free estimate today.
- Our Blog
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