Basement Finishing
Central Iowa
Turn your unfinished basement into space your family actually uses. We handle framing, electrical, plumbing, and everything in between so you get a finished basement built right the first time.
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Jobs Completed
Full-Service Basement Finishing
Framing
Framing is where your basement layout takes shape. We build walls to create bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, and storage rooms. Every wall is framed to meet local building codes in Des Moines and surrounding cities.
Good framing sets the foundation for everything else, from drywall to electrical. This step defines how your finished basement will look and feel.
Basement insulation keeps your lower level warm in winter and cool in summer.
We use materials designed for below-grade spaces and Central Iowa’s climate. Proper insulation also reduces noise between floors and helps control moisture.
Without it, your finished basement will feel cold and damp. Quality insulation makes the space comfortable all year long.
Insulation
Drywall & Ceilings
Drywall gives your basement smooth, finished walls that look like the rest of your home.
We hang, tape, and finish drywall to create a clean surface ready for paint.
Ceilings can be drywall or drop-style panels depending on your needs. Drop ceilings make it easier to access plumbing and wiring later. Either option transforms raw concrete into real living space.
Basement floors need materials that can handle moisture and temperature changes.
We install carpet, luxury vinyl plank, and tile designed for use below grade. Each option is durable enough for high-traffic areas like family rooms and play spaces.
Proper subfloor prep keeps your floors flat and prevents moisture damage. The right flooring adds comfort and style to your finished basement.
Flooring Installation
Lighting
Good lighting makes a basement feel open and inviting instead of dark and cramped. We design lighting plans based on how you will use each area.
Recessed lights work well for general lighting. Accent lights and fixtures add style to entertainment spaces and bars.
Proper lighting placement removes shadows and makes your basement feel like part of your home.
Every finished basement needs outlets, switches, and wiring installed safely and to code.
We add circuits for entertainment systems, home offices, and appliances. Electrical panels may need upgrades to handle the added load.
All work is completed by licensed electricians and inspected before we close up walls. Safe electrical work protects your family and your investment.
Electrical
Plumbing
Adding plumbing opens up what your basement can become. We install rough-ins and fixtures for full bathrooms, half baths, wet bars, and laundry areas.
Basement plumbing requires careful planning because drains often need ejector pumps. Every installation meets local plumbing codes.
A bathroom or wet bar adds daily convenience and increases your home’s value.
Your existing heating and cooling system may need help reaching your finished basement. We extend ductwork and add vents so the space stays comfortable.
Proper HVAC sizing prevents hot and cold spots. Good ventilation also keeps air fresh and reduces humidity.
Iowa basements can get stuffy without proper airflow, so this step matters.
HVAC & Ventilation
Windows & Egress
Basement bedrooms require egress windows that meet safety codes. These windows are large enough for emergency escape and rescue.
We install new egress windows or enlarge existing ones to meet local requirements.
Bigger windows also bring in natural light and fresh air. This upgrade makes your basement safer and more enjoyable to use.
Iowa gets plenty of rain, and Central Iowa soil holds water. We install vapor barriers, drainage systems, and sump pumps where needed.
Moisture protection keeps your basement dry and prevents mold and mildew. Learn more about radon and air quality in Iowa basements before you finish your lower level.
Protecting against moisture is one of the most important steps in any basement project.
Moisture Protection
Custom Features
Custom features make your basement fit your lifestyle.
We build home theaters, wet bars, built-in shelving, and entertainment walls. Play areas, home gyms, and craft rooms are popular with Central Iowa families.
If you already have a finished basement that needs updates, check out our basement remodeling services.
Paint brings your finished basement together. We use quality paints and proper techniques for smooth, lasting results.
Light colors help brighten spaces with limited natural light. The right paint also resists moisture better than standard interior paints.
A professional paint job makes your basement look polished and complete.
Painting
Finishes
Finishes are the final details that complete your basement.
We install doors, trim, and hardware to match your home’s style. Flooring transitions, baseboards, and fixtures are all placed with care.
These small details make a big difference in how the space looks and feels. Quality finishes show that your basement was built right.
Our Dream Building Partners.
- About Us
Full Service General Contractor
About Us
Since 2020, we have finished basements for over 1,000 Central Iowa homeowners. Our team started Busy Builders to bring honesty and quality back to the trades. We treat every basement like it is our own home.
Our Mission
We give you a clear plan, honest pricing, and quality work on every basement project. No surprises. No cutting corners. Just a finished space your family will use for years.
Our Vision
We serve Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and communities across Central Iowa. Our goal is to be the contractor you trust and recommend to your neighbors.
- Basement Finishing
Why Finish Your Basement?
Your basement already has a foundation, walls, and a roof over it. Finishing this space costs far less than building an addition or buying a bigger home. Most Central Iowa basements add 500 to 1,500 square feet of new living area. That is enough room for a bedroom, bathroom, and family room without changing your address or taking on a larger mortgage.
Unfinished basements lose heat in winter and let humidity build up in summer. Proper insulation and climate control make your whole house more comfortable. A finished basement with good insulation can lower your heating and cooling bills. You will also notice fewer drafts on your main floor once the basement is sealed and conditioned.
Most homeowners only use their basement for storage or laundry. That leaves hundreds of square feet sitting empty. Finishing your basement turns wasted space into rooms your family actually uses every day. Home offices, play areas, gyms, and guest rooms all fit comfortably below grade.
A finished basement increases your home's appeal to future buyers. While finished basement space is valued differently than above-grade square footage in appraisals, buyers still see it as a major upgrade. Quality finishes, proper permits, and code-compliant work make the biggest difference when it comes time to sell.
Every family uses their home differently. Some need a quiet office for remote work. Others want a place for kids to play or teens to hang out. A finished basement gives you room to add exactly what your family needs without giving up space on your main floor. We design layouts around how you actually live.
- Achievement
Your Dream, Our Passion.
Since 2020, over 1,000 Central Iowa homeowners have trusted us to build and remodel their dreams, and it shows.
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Skilled Workers
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Quality Construction at the Right Price.
Additions
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
Starting From
$
300
Per sqft.
Features
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
Starting From
$
250
Per sqft.
Features
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
Starting From
$
150
per sqft.
Features
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS About Basement Finishing Central Iowa
Most basement finishing projects take 6 to 10 weeks from start to finish. The exact timeline depends on the size of your basement and what features you want.
Adding a bathroom or wet bar takes longer than a simple family room. We give you a clear schedule before work begins so you know what to expect.
Weather and permit timelines in Des Moines, Ankeny, or your city can also affect the schedule.
Most cities in Central Iowa require permits for basement finishing.
Permits ensure that electrical, plumbing, and framing work meet local building codes. Skipping permits can cause problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.
We handle the permit process for you and schedule all required inspections.
Basement finishing in Central Iowa typically costs between $25 and $75 per square foot.
A basic finish with carpet and drywall costs less than a project with a bathroom, wet bar, or custom features.
The final price depends on your basement size, layout, and material choices. We provide detailed estimates before any work starts so there are no surprises.
We start every project by checking for water issues and fixing them first.
Vapor barriers, sump pumps, and drainage systems keep your basement dry. Iowa soil holds a lot of water, so moisture protection is not optional here. We also choose flooring and materials designed for below-grade use.
These steps protect your investment for years to come.
A finished basement adds usable space that buyers find attractive.
Keep in mind that appraisers value below-grade space differently from above-grade rooms. Read about the real impact of basement finishing on home value before you start planning.
Quality work, proper permits, and good finishes make the biggest difference when it comes time to sell.
It depends on your goals and budget.
Basement finishing typically costs less per square foot than home additions because the foundation and roof already exist. However, above-grade space is valued higher in appraisals.
We put together a guide on basement finishing vs. home additions to help you decide which option fits your situation.
- Our Articles
Basement Finishing Blogs for Central Iowa
Basement Finishing Costs in Des Moines for 2026: From Simple Family Room to Full Suite
You searched for basement finishing costs and found numbers all over the map. One site says $10,000. Another says $80,000. A third claims you could spend $150,000 or more....
Finished Basement vs. Home Addition in Des Moines Metro: Which Is the Best Investment for 2026?
Deciding between finishing your basement and building a home addition is one of the biggest choices Central Iowa homeowners face. Both options add livable space, but costs, timelines, and...
The Real Impact of Basement Finishing: Benefits & Challenges Most People Miss
Basement finishing can transform unused space into valuable living area, but the industry’s “70% ROI” headlines hide important truths. Fannie Mae doesn’t count below-grade square footage in mortgage appraisals....