Ames Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Ames, Iowa.
Ames, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders was founded to bring integrity and honesty back to remodeling and homebuilding. We serve Ames and all of Story County, from small bathroom updates to complete custom home builds. As home to Iowa State University and a vibrant community of families and professionals, Ames deserves contractors who deliver quality work and honest service.
Our Mission
Provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. Ames 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 Story County and beyond.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling in AMES
New home construction in Ames, IA. As home to Iowa State University and Iowa’s ninth-largest city with over 66,000 residents, Ames offers diverse neighborhoods from historic areas near campus to newer developments throughout Story County. Founded in 1864 and named for railroad financier Oakes Ames, the city sits approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines. We build custom homes designed for Iowa’s climate with proper foundations, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes.
Complete home remodeling in Ames, IA. The city’s housing stock ranges from historic homes near the Iowa State campus to mid-century neighborhoods and modern developments. Campustown features high-density student housing while established neighborhoods like Somerset and Northridge offer family homes. Whether you’re updating a 1920s bungalow or modernizing a 1980s split-level, we understand the unique challenges of each era.
We design and build kitchens in Ames, IA that balance function and style. Older homes often have smaller, compartmentalized kitchens that benefit from modern open-concept layouts. We customize solutions for your space, from cabinet refacing to complete renovations. Ames offers good access to suppliers and the Des Moines metro for competitive material pricing.
We remodel basements in Ames, IA to transform underutilized space into functional living areas. Story County is in EPA Radon Zone 1, with predicted indoor screening levels above 4 pCi/L. Iowa has the highest percentage of homes above EPA action levels in the nation. Before any basement project, we recommend radon testing. Mitigation systems can be integrated into remodeling projects efficiently.
We remodel bathrooms in Ames, IA to improve function, style, and efficiency. From simple updates to complete gut renovations with custom tile and walk-in showers, we handle projects of all sizes. Many older Ames homes have original bathrooms with dated fixtures, inadequate ventilation, and outdated plumbing ready for modern upgrades.
We build home additions in Ames, IA for growing families who love their location but need more space. Adding square footage to your existing home often costs less than buying new while keeping you in the neighborhood and school district you prefer. Ames Community School District serves the city. We handle all aspects from design through permitting and construction.
We finish basements in Ames, 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 Ames, IA. With beautiful parks, the central campus lawn, and active outdoor culture, Ames residents value outdoor living spaces. We design and build decks using materials rated for Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles and humid summers.
Building in Ames and Story County
Ames publishes exactly which codes it enforces, which makes planning here more predictable than in most Iowa towns. The city has adopted the 2015 International Residential Code and the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code. It also enforces the 2021 International Mechanical Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code. Ames then amends those for local frost, snow, and wind loads. The Inspections Division is at 515 Clark Avenue. Call 515-239-5101.
Those local amendments matter. A detail that passes in a neighboring county can get flagged in Ames, so we price plan review as real work rather than a formality.
The housing splits sharply. Near campus you find pre-war homes carved up over decades, often with additions stacked on additions and framing nobody documented. West and north of town the stock is newer and the work shifts to basements, additions, and kitchens. We quote those two situations differently because they are not the same job.
We serve Story County and north. Homeowners in Nevada, Maxwell, Boone, and Ogden call us for the same work.
Planning a project in Ames? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will walk the site with you.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Ames 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 Ames.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Ames.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Ames.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Ames, IA
How do home building permits work in Ames?
The City of Ames Inspections Division, part of the Fire Department, handles building permits.
Contact them at Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Ave, phone (515) 239-5160.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, and all permitted work must be inspected for code compliance.
What building codes does Ames follow?
Ames operates under the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and related energy and accessibility codes.
The Inspections Division administers these codes, reviews construction plans, issues permits, and coordinates inspections.
Contractor registration is required for trade work.
What's the housing market like in Ames?
Ames has a unique housing market influenced by Iowa State University’s 30,000+ students.
The median household income is approximately $69,000, though this figure is affected by the large student population.
Housing ranges from Campustown apartments to single-family homes in established neighborhoods.
The city has steady construction activity with both rental and owner-occupied housing.
Which school district serves Ames?
Ames Community School District serves the city.
Ames is also home to Iowa State University (established 1858), the nation’s first designated land-grant university.
Additional educational institutions include Des Moines Area Community College and several private schools.
How far is Ames from Des Moines?
Ames is approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines via I-35, about a 35-40 minute drive.
The city is also 17 miles from Boone.
Busy Builders regularly serves Ames and Story County from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Ames unique for homeowners?
Ames is home to Iowa State University, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, and major USDA facilities, including the National Animal Disease Center.
The city hosts the Iowa Department of Transportation headquarters.
Thomas Gaines named the Iowa State campus one of the 25 most beautiful in the country.
The geographical center of Iowa lies 5 miles northeast of Ames.
- Our Articles
