ADU & In-Law Suite Additions Central Iowa
- Home Addition Builder
What Is an ADU or In-Law Suite?
An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a self contained living space on your property with its own kitchen, bath, and entrance. An in-law suite is the family version, attached to the house or built as its own small structure. Iowa law SF 592 requires cities to allow ADUs on single family lots, which opened this option up across the metro in 2025.
Families use them for aging parents, adult kids saving for a house, or rental income. See every home addition type we build, or ask about a basement remodeling version if your lower level is the better fit. We also broke down what Iowa’s new ADU laws changed in a separate guide.
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
Why Add an ADU or In-Law Suite?
Family Close, Privacy Intact
A parent or adult kid gets their own kitchen, bath, and front door. Everyone stays close without living on top of each other.
Iowa Law Now Backs You
SF 592 requires cities to allow ADUs on single family lots. What was a zoning fight in 2024 is a permit process now.
Rental Income Potential
A self contained unit can earn rent when family is not using it, subject to your city's rules.
Aging in Place, Done Right
Single level living, wide doorways, and a full bath let parents stay near family instead of moving away.
Adds a Whole Dwelling
This is not a spare room. It is a second living unit on land you already own.
One Crew Start to Finish
Feasibility, permits, structure, kitchen, and bath handled by one team, with licensed trade pros for mechanicals.
- Home Additions Step By Step
How We Build Your ADU or In-Law Suite
FEASIBILITY & SF 592 RULES
Every city applies Iowa’s ADU law a little differently, so we start by checking your city’s size, parking, and design rules against your lot. Then we talk through attached versus detached versus a basement suite. You get a straight answer on what your property allows before design money is spent.
- City ADU rules checked
- Attached, detached, or basement compared
- Written scope and budget
DESIGN & PERMITS
We design a suite that lives like a real home, with its own kitchen, bath, and entrance, then handle the permit through your city. ADU reviews can carry extra steps, and we track every one. You will know the timeline before work is scheduled.
- Full living design, not a spare room
- City permit handled for you
- Clear timeline before build
FOUNDATION & SHELL
Footings go below the Iowa frost line and the shell goes up, framed and sheathed. For detached ADUs this is a full small building. For attached suites, the tie-in to your home gets sealed and flashed with extra care.
- Footings below the frost line
- Shell framed and sheathed
- Inspections passed along the way
FRAMING & ENVELOPE
Roof, windows, doors, and insulation bring the suite to a sealed, efficient envelope that meets the Iowa energy code. Exterior finishes are matched to your home so the property reads as one design, not a main house with a shed.
- Roof and windows installed
- Envelope insulated to code
- Exterior matched to your home
KITCHEN, BATH & MECHANICALS
This is what makes it a dwelling and not a bonus room. Plumbing, electrical, and heating are run by licensed trade professionals, then the kitchen and bath are built out. Bedrooms get code compliant egress windows.
- Kitchen and full bath built
- Licensed trade pros for mechanicals
- Egress windows in bedrooms
FINISHES & FINAL WALKTHROUGH
Flooring, paint, trim, and fixtures finish the suite into a place someone is proud to live. We walk every room together before handoff. Written warranty on workmanship (details provided in your contract).
- Flooring, paint, and trim
- Fixtures set and tested
- Final walkthrough together
Permits, SF 592, and Iowa Code for ADUs
Disclaimer: This page is for general information and is not project-specific advice. Cost figures are planning estimates that vary by scope, materials, site conditions, and current pricing. Permit and ADU requirements vary by city and jurisdiction, and local rules layer on top of state law; verify current requirements with your local building authority before starting any project. Structural changes require evaluation by a qualified professional. No specific outcomes are guaranteed. Consult a registered contractor for guidance specific to your project.
What Does an ADU or In-Law Suite Cost in Central Iowa?
| Project piece | Typical range |
|---|---|
| In-law suite or ADU addition | $75,000 to $175,000 |
| Addition construction baseline | From $300 per square foot |
| Added bathroom within the suite | $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Typical build timeline | 14 to 20 weeks |
| Planning contingency | 10 to 15 percent of budget |
Based on our published Central Iowa pricing. Your written estimate sets the final numbers.
Ready to Plan Your ADU or In-Law Suite?
Still weighing options? Compare bump out additions and second story additions.
- Achievement
Trusted ADU and In-Law Suite Contractors in Central Iowa
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About ADUs and In-Law Suites in Central Iowa
How much does an ADU or in-law suite cost in Central Iowa?
Most projects run $75,000 to $175,000 depending on size, whether it is attached or detached, and finish level. Add a 10 to 15 percent contingency. Your written estimate sets the real number for your property.
Are ADUs legal in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa law SF 592 took effect July 1, 2025 and requires cities to allow at least one ADU on single family lots. Each city still sets its own size, parking, and design rules, so we check your city’s specifics first.
How long does an ADU or in-law suite take to build?
Most builds run 14 to 20 weeks from permit approval. Detached units and full kitchens sit at the longer end. Weather and city review timelines matter too. We set the schedule with you and update you weekly.
Does an in-law suite need its own kitchen and entrance?
To count as a true ADU, yes, it needs its own kitchen, bath, and entrance. A simpler in-law suite without a full kitchen costs less but is not a separate dwelling. We help you decide which one fits your family.
Can we rent out an ADU in Central Iowa?
Often, yes, but rental rules vary by city, and some regulate short term rentals differently than long term. We build the unit; your city sets the rental rules. Check with your city before counting on rental income.
Is a basement in-law suite cheaper than building new?
Usually, yes. Finishing your existing basement into a suite avoids foundation and shell costs. It trades away the separate entrance grade access an addition can offer. We price both paths so you can compare real numbers.
