Des Moines Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Des Moines, Iowa.
Des Moines, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders has served more than 1,285 Central Iowa homeowners. We bring decades of combined trade experience to projects throughout Des Moines’ 46 neighborhoods, from the Victorian homes of Sherman Hill to the mid-century ranches of Beaverdale. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand the unique challenges of working in the state capital, including historic district requirements, diverse housing ages, and the city’s comprehensive permitting process.
Our Mission
Provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. We provide detailed written estimates, explain permit requirements upfront, and maintain clear communication throughout your project.
Our Vision
To serve all of Central Iowa with dedicated construction services, building lasting relationships through quality workmanship and integrity.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling Des Moines
New home construction in Des Moines, IA. As Iowa’s capital and largest city, Des Moines has a population of 214,133 (2020 census) spread across 46 distinct neighborhoods. Fort Des Moines was established in 1843 at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, incorporated in 1851, and shortened to “Des Moines” in 1857. The city serves as the Polk County seat with portions extending into Warren County. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems meeting current IECC requirements, and finishes suited to Central Iowa’s climate extremes.
Complete home remodeling in Des Moines, IA. The city’s 46 neighborhoods contain housing from every era of Des Moines’ 180-year history. Sherman Hill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, features Victorian-era homes from the 1880s requiring specialized restoration knowledge. Beaverdale’s 1920s-40s Tudor Revival homes have distinctive brick and stucco exteriors. Drake neighborhood homes reflect the university’s early 20th-century influence. Each era presents specific challenges: knob-and-tube wiring in pre-1940s homes, galvanized plumbing in mid-century construction, and inadequate insulation in homes built before modern energy codes.
Kitchen remodeling in Des Moines, IA addresses the diverse housing stock across the city’s neighborhoods. Victorian homes in Sherman Hill often have small, compartmentalized kitchens designed for servants rather than modern family use. Opening these layouts requires structural assessment for load-bearing walls common in balloon-frame construction. Post-war homes in South of Grand and Ingersoll Park typically have 60-100 amp electrical service inadequate for modern appliances. We upgrade electrical systems to current NEC standards while creating functional, modern kitchens.
Basement remodeling in Des Moines, IA requires understanding the varied foundation types across the city’s neighborhoods. Older neighborhoods like Sherman Hill, River Bend, and Capitol East often have stone or brick foundations susceptible to moisture infiltration. Polk County falls within EPA Radon Zone 1, with predicted indoor levels above 4 pCi/L. We recommend professional radon testing before any basement finishing project. Mitigation systems installed during remodeling typically cost $800-1,500 and are far easier to incorporate during construction than as retrofits.
Bathroom remodeling in Des Moines, IA often reveals aging infrastructure in the city’s older homes. Victorian and early 20th-century homes frequently have cast iron drain lines, galvanized supply pipes, and inadequate ventilation. Modern bathroom remodels require proper ventilation per IRC standards (50 CFM minimum for bathrooms under 100 square feet) to prevent moisture damage. Many historic Des Moines homes have only one bathroom, making second-floor additions or basement bathroom installations popular projects to accommodate modern family needs.
Home additions in Des Moines, IA require permits through the Permit and Development Center at the Armory Building, 602 Robert D. Ray Drive. Contact (515) 283-4200 or permits@dmgov.org for residential building permits. Des Moines follows Municipal Code Chapters 134 and 135 for construction and zoning requirements. Additions in historic districts like Sherman Hill require additional review through the Historic Preservation Commission. We coordinate all permits, engineering requirements, and inspections for additions throughout Des Moines’ 46 neighborhoods.
Basement finishing in Des Moines, IA converts unused square footage into valuable living space. Per IRC requirements, basement bedrooms must have egress windows with minimum 5.7 square feet of opening, 24-inch minimum width, and maximum 44-inch sill height from the finished floor. Des Moines’ high water table in neighborhoods near the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers requires careful waterproofing assessment. Proper insulation, vapor barriers, and dehumidification are essential given Iowa’s humid summers and cold winters.
Deck building in Des Moines, IA enhances outdoor living in the city’s established neighborhoods. Des Moines maintains over 4,000 acres of parkland and 100+ miles of trails, reflecting residents’ appreciation for outdoor spaces. Decks require permits for structures over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles demand proper footing depth (42 inches minimum) and pressure-treated lumber or composite materials rated for our climate. We design decks that complement your home’s architecture while meeting all structural and safety requirements.
Building in Des Moines and Across Polk County
Des Moines is the largest city we serve and the one with the widest range of housing. Permits go through the city’s Permit and Development Center. Call 515-283-4200 to confirm what your project needs.
The range is the point. A Beaverdale bungalow, a Sherman Hill Victorian, a mid-century ranch on the south side. A new build on the northwest edge are four genuinely different jobs. The first three usually involve knob-and-tube, cast-iron waste lines, or framing that predates modern spans. We open a small area first when a client wants a firm number instead of a range.
Older Des Moines neighborhoods also come with historic overlays and narrow lots. Both change what an addition can look like, and both are cheaper to discover during design than during framing.
Footings still need 42 inches of depth to clear Iowa’s frost line. On a century-old foundation we verify what is actually under the house before tying anything new into it.
We build across Polk County. Homeowners in West Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, and Johnston call us for the same work.
Remodeling an older Des Moines home? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will open a small area before quoting.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Des Moines 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 Des Moines.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Des Moines, IA
How do building permits work in Des Moines?
The City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center handles all construction permits.
Located at the Armory Building, 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Contact (515) 283-4200 or permits@dmgov.org.
The city offers an online Customer Self Service (CSS) portal at css.dmgov.org for permit applications, payments, and inspection requests.
Des Moines follows Municipal Code Chapters 134 (construction) and 135 (zoning) for building requirements.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What if my home is in a historic district?
Des Moines has 30+ historic districts, including Sherman Hill (listed on the National Register since 1979), River Bend, and Owl’s Head.
Work in local historic districts requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission before permit approval.
Exterior modifications visible from the public right-of-way typically require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Contact the Planning & Urban Design division at (515) 283-4192 or planning@dmgov.org for questions about historic districts.
We have experience navigating historic preservation requirements while achieving your remodeling goals.
Which school district serves Des Moines?
Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is Iowa’s largest school district, serving over 30,000 students in 60+ schools.
The district operates five comprehensive high schools:
East (Iowa’s largest high school), Hoover, Lincoln, North, and Roosevelt.
Central Campus offers career and technical education programs that draw students from across the region.
Central Academy provides one of Iowa’s top Advanced Placement programs.
DMPS was the first Iowa district to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme (2008).
Portions of Des Moines are also served by suburban districts, including Pleasant Hill and Windsor Heights.
What's the housing market like in Des Moines?
Des Moines offers diverse housing across 46 neighborhoods.
Median household income is approximately $64,000, with median home values around $194,000, well below coastal markets.
The city contains housing from every era: 1880s Victorian mansions in Sherman Hill, 1920s-40s Tudor Revival homes in Beaverdale, mid-century ranches in South Park, and new construction in developing areas.
Polk County’s median home value is approximately $285,000 (2024).
The Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area includes six counties with an estimated 750,000 residents.
How far is Des Moines from other Central Iowa cities?
Des Moines is the hub of Central Iowa.
West Des Moines borders immediately to the west (5-10 minutes).
Urbandale and Clive are northwest (10-15 minutes).
Ankeny is directly north (15-20 minutes).
Altoona and Pleasant Hill are east (10-15 minutes).
Waukee and Grimes are west/northwest (15-20 minutes).
Ames is approximately 35 miles north (35-40 minutes via I-35).
Busy Builders serves all Des Moines neighborhoods from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Des Moines unique for construction projects?
As Iowa’s capital, Des Moines offers unique construction opportunities and challenges.
The city has 46 distinct neighborhoods with housing spanning 180 years.
Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub (Principal Financial, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield), supporting a strong economy.
The city maintains 4,000+ acres of parkland and 100+ miles of trails.
Historic preservation is important, with Sherman Hill being one of Iowa’s first local historic districts (1982).
The diverse housing stock, from Victorian mansions to new construction, requires contractors experienced with a range of building eras and techniques.
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