Our Work in Central Iowa
- Home Addition Builder
What You Are Looking At
These are our own projects, photographed on site, not stock photography or renderings. Some are caught mid build because the framing and envelope stage is where quality is decided, and some are finished so you can see how the work lands.
Every service shown here has its own page with costs, timelines, and Iowa code details. Start with home additions, deck building, bathroom remodeling, or the full services overview.
About Us
Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed 1,285+ construction and remodeling projects across Central Iowa. We build home additions for families who need more space and want it done right the first time.
Every addition we build is designed to match the existing home’s structure, style, and systems so it feels like it was always there.
Our Mission
Honest pricing, a clear written plan, and no surprise charges on every home addition project we take on.
We tell you what the project actually requires before a single permit is filed, and we do not upsell scope the addition doesn’t need.
Our Vision
We want to be the registered general contractor that homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, and Grimes call first when the house isn’t big enough anymore.
- Frequently Asked Questions
How We Work, Shown in the Photos
Real Photos, Real Jobs
Every image here is ours. No stock libraries, no renderings dressed up as finished work.
Mid Build Matters
We publish framing and envelope stages because that is where quality is decided, not at the paint stage.
Matched to the Existing Home
Rooflines, trim, and exterior finishes get planned to blend. Good additions do not announce themselves.
Built for Iowa Weather
Footings below the 42 inch frost line, sealed envelopes, and materials chosen for freeze and thaw.
Licensed Trades on Trade Work
Plumbing, electrical, and heating handled by licensed Iowa professionals we schedule and manage.
1,285+ Projects Since 2020
Volume is not the point. Repeatable results across Central Iowa are.
- Home Additions Step By Step
Recent Projects
SECOND STORY ADDITION, HOUSE WRAP STAGE
This second story addition is caught mid build, with house wrap on and new windows set. The stage matters, because this is where an addition either matches the existing home or starts to look bolted on. Rooflines, window placement, and exterior finishes were planned to blend before framing ever started.
- Full second story over existing structure
- Windows set and envelope sealed
- Rooflines matched to the original home
FINISHED TWO STORY REAR ELEVATION
The same class of project, finished. trim, deck, and railings tie into the original house so the addition reads as part of the design. From the yard, there is no visible seam between old and new construction.
- Exterior finishes blended end to end
- Upper deck with metal railings
- Reads as original construction
DECK WITH FULL STAIR RUN
A raised deck off the back of a two story home with a long stair run down to grade. Stairs are where deck projects get complicated, because rise and run have to stay consistent and the landing has to work with the existing slope.
- Raised deck with full stair descent
- Railings at code height
- Footings below the Iowa frost line
COMPOSITE DECK, FINISHED AND FURNISHED
Composite decking with black metal balusters, built for a wooded lot. Composite costs more up front than treated lumber and gives back the weekends you would have spent sanding and sealing, which is the tradeoff most homeowners are actually deciding between.
- Composite surface, no staining or sealing
- Metal balusters under 4 inches apart
- Multi level layout on a sloped lot
BATHROOM REMODEL WITH MARBLE TILE SHOWER
A full bathroom remodel with a marble look tile shower, glass enclosure, penny tile floor in the pan, and a new vanity with a stone top. Everything behind the tile matters as much as the tile itself, which is where waterproofing does the work you never see.
- Tiled shower with glass enclosure
- Waterproofing membrane behind tile
- New vanity, stone top, and fixtures
INTERIOR REMODEL WITH CUSTOM BUILT-INS
Custom built-in cabinetry and shelving flanking a stone fireplace with a wood mantel. Built-ins are the kind of work that looks simple and is not, because everything has to sit level and plumb against walls that rarely are.
- Custom cabinetry and open shelving
- Stone surround with wood mantel
- Trim and finish work throughout
How We Document Projects
Disclaimer: Photos on this page show completed and in progress Busy Builders projects and are provided to illustrate the type and quality of work we perform. They are not a guarantee that your project will match in scope, materials, cost, or outcome. Cost figures are planning estimates that vary by scope, materials, site conditions, and current pricing. Permit requirements vary by city and jurisdiction. No specific outcomes are guaranteed. Consult a registered contractor for guidance specific to your project.
What These Projects Typically Cost
| Service | Published starting rate |
|---|---|
| Home building | From $150 per square foot |
| Home additions | From $300 per square foot |
| Kitchen remodeling | From $250 per square foot |
| Bathroom remodeling | $8,000 to $60,000 or more by scope |
| Basement finishing | $25 to $75 per square foot |
| Deck building | $15 to $80 or more per square foot by material |
Based on our published Central Iowa pricing. Your written estimate sets the final numbers.
Want Work Like This at Your House?
- Achievement
Built by Busy Builders Across Central Iowa
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Our Work
Are these your own projects?
Yes. Every photo on this page is from a Busy Builders jobsite in Central Iowa. We do not use stock photography or vendor renderings to represent our work, because you deserve to see what our crews actually build.
Why are some photos mid construction?
Because that is where the work is decided. Footings, framing, flashing, and waterproofing all get covered up later. Showing only finished rooms hides the part of the job that determines whether it lasts.
Can I see a project near me?
Often, yes. We work across the Des Moines metro and out into Boone, Dallas, Story, Warren, Marshall, and Guthrie counties. Ask when we walk your site and we will tell you what we have built nearby.
Will my project look like these?
Your project will be designed around your home, your lot, and your budget, so it will not be a copy of any photo here. What carries over is the standard of work: proper structure, matched finishes, and licensed trades.
How long do projects like these take?
It depends heavily on the service. Decks run 1 to 3 weeks, bathrooms 3 to 8 weeks, basements 6 to 12 weeks, and additions 10 to 24 weeks. Each service page carries its own honest range.
How do I get a quote for something similar?
Call 844-435-9800 or use the form on this page. We walk the site, look at the structure, and give you a written scope and estimate before you commit to anything.
