Altoona Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Altoona, Iowa.
Altoona, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders was founded to bring integrity and honesty back to remodeling and homebuilding. We serve Altoona and all of Polk County, from small bathroom updates to complete custom home builds. As one of Iowa’s fastest-growing communities, Altoona deserves contractors who deliver quality work and honest service.
Our Mission
Provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. Altoona homeowners deserve contractors who show up when promised, communicate clearly, and deliver quality work at fair prices.
Our Vision
To serve all of Central Iowa with dedicated construction services, from West Des Moines through Polk County and beyond.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling in Altoona
New home construction in Altoona, IA. This fast-growing city of over 23,000 residents sits east of Des Moines along I-80, home to Adventureland amusement park and Prairie Meadows casino. Founded in 1868 and named from the Latin word “altus” meaning “high” (the highest point on the Des Moines Valley Railroad between Des Moines and Keokuk), Altoona has grown over 107% since 2000. We build custom homes designed for Iowa’s climate with proper foundations, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes.
Complete home remodeling in Altoona, IA. With 43% of housing built after 2000 and only 3% built before 1940, Altoona’s housing stock is relatively newer. However, rapid growth means many homes from the 1990s and 2000s are now ready for updates. Whether you’re modernizing a starter home or renovating to accommodate a growing family, we understand each era’s construction methods and can transform your home while respecting its structure.
We design and build kitchens in Altoona, IA that balance function and style. Many Altoona homes feature builder-grade finishes that homeowners want to upgrade. We customize solutions for your space, from cabinet refacing to complete renovations. Altoona’s location provides easy access to Des Moines metro suppliers for competitive material pricing.
We remodel basements in Altoona, IA to transform underutilized space into functional living areas. Polk County is in EPA Radon Zone 1, with predicted indoor screening levels above 4 pCi/L. Before any basement project, we recommend radon testing. Mitigation systems can be integrated into remodeling projects efficiently, protecting your family while adding valuable living space.
We remodel bathrooms in Altoona, IA to improve function, style, and efficiency. From simple updates like new vanities and fixtures to complete gut renovations with custom tile and walk-in showers, we handle projects of all sizes. Many Altoona homes have multiple bathrooms that benefit from coordinated updates.
We build home additions in Altoona, IA for growing families who love their location but need more space. The city offers a five-year residential tax abatement program to encourage residential development, which can apply to additions. Altoona is served by the Southeast Polk Community School District. We handle all aspects from design through permitting and construction.
We finish basements in Altoona, IA to maximize your living space. Whether you want a family room, home office, guest suite, or entertainment space, we handle framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, and all finishing touches. Proper moisture control and ventilation are essential in Iowa basements.
We build custom decks in Altoona, IA. With attractions like Adventureland nearby and the Outlets of Des Moines, Altoona residents value outdoor living spaces for family gatherings. We design and build decks using materials rated for Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles and humid summers.
Building in Altoona and the East Metro
Altoona handles permits through its Community Development department at 900 Venbury Drive, Suite A. Applications run through the city’s online portal, and inspections are scheduled at 515-957-5128. The main office line is 515-967-5136.
Most of Altoona went up on former farmland in the last thirty years, and that changes what homeowners here actually need. We are rarely rescuing a century-old house. We are finishing the basement a builder left bare. We are adding a fourth bedroom to a three-bedroom plan. We are replacing decks framed to the minimum when the subdivision was new.
Newer construction has its own traps. Truss roofs limit where you can open a ceiling. Zero-lot-line and small-lot subdivisions near the I-80 corridor put setbacks in play the moment you add square footage. We check the plat before we price an addition, not after.
We build across the east metro. Homeowners in Bondurant, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, and Des Moines call us for the same work.
Planning a project in Altoona? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will walk the site with you.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Altoona before you commit to a budget or a timeline.
Our Building Partners.
- Achievement
Your Dream, Our Passion.
Since 2020, more than 1,285 Central Iowa homeowners have trusted us with their projects, and it shows.
Quality Construction at the Right Price.
Additions
Based on Average Pricing in Altoona.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Altoona.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Altoona.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Altoona, IA
How do building permits work in Altoona?
The City of Altoona Building Department handles permits online through their Citizenserve portal.
Contact them at (515) 957-5128 or email building@altoona-iowa.com.
Inspection requests received between 8:00 and 11:00 am are scheduled for the following business day.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Altoona follow?
Altoona operates under the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
As of March 2025, the city adopted the 2024 UPC for plumbing and as of July 2025, the 2023 NEC for electrical.
The Building Department reviews plans, issues permits, and inspects all construction and remodeling work.
What's the housing market like in Altoona?
Altoona is one of Iowa’s fastest-growing cities, with population increasing over 107% since 2000.
The median home value is approximately $281,000 with median household income around $87,000.
New construction continues with significant building permit activity monthly.
The city offers a five-year residential tax abatement program.
Which school district serves Altoona?
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.
How far is altoona from des moines
Altoona is located immediately east of Des Moines, accessible via I-80.
The city is approximately 10 miles from downtown Des Moines, about a 15-minute drive. Busy Builders regularly serves Altoona from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Altoona unique for homeowners?
Altoona is home to Adventureland amusement park and Prairie Meadows, Iowa’s only horse racing track and largest gaming casino.
The city’s slogan is “Where the Prairie Meets the Park.”\
A Facebook data center opened in 2013, and the Outlets of Des Moines opened in 2017.
The city has a rich coal mining history dating to the early 1900s.
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