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 more than 22,000 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. Altoona is winding down its tax abatement program after a 2026 state law change. Confirm whether your project still qualifies before you count on it. 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 Project, Our Passion.
Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa.
Quality Construction at the Right Price.
Additions
Busy Builders starting rate. Your written estimate sets the final price.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Busy Builders starting rate. Your written estimate sets the final price.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Backsplash
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Busy Builders starting rate. Your written estimate sets the final price.
- Custom 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 is phasing out its tax abatement program, so confirm eligibility with City Hall before you budget around it.
Which school district serves Altoona?
Southeast Polk Community School District serves Altoona. The city’s own website sends residents to the district for school information.
Attendance areas can change as a district grows, so confirm the schools for your address with the district before you plan around them.
That question matters when you weigh an addition against a move. If a bedroom or a finished basement keeps your family in place, we can price that option. We also walk you through the city permit steps.
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?
Growth. The city’s recent special census counted 22,436 residents, up 2,871 since the 2020 Census.
Much of Altoona went up in recent decades, so the work here is rarely a rescue job. It is finishing a basement the builder left bare, adding a bedroom, or replacing a deck framed to the minimum.
Newer subdivisions bring their own limits, like truss roofs and tight setbacks. We check the plat before we price an addition.
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