---
title: "Blog - Busy Builders"
description: "Looking for insight on the current market? Have questions about home building, additions, or basement remodeling? Check out our blog!"
url: "https://busybuildersiowa.com/blog/"
---

- Busy Builders Blog

# Construction and Remodeling Blog

Real answers for Central Iowa homeowners. Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed 1,285+ projects across Central Iowa, and this blog shares what those jobs teach: costs, permits, timelines, codes, and the mistakes worth avoiding. Every guide is written for Iowa conditions, from the 42 inch frost line to statewide radon levels.

1285+

Completed Projects

Since 2020

Serving Central Iowa

280+

Guides Written for Iowa Homes

### [Bathroom Remodel Timelines in Urbandale: Why a Two-Week Estimate Becomes Four](https://busybuildersiowa.com/bathroom-remodel-timelines-urbandale/)

Oct 14, 2026

Two to three weeks on site inside a five to eight week window. Here is what stretches an Urbandale bathroom remodel and how to

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/bathroom-remodel-timelines-urbandale/)

### [Remodeling an Already-Finished Basement: What Is Worth Redoing](https://busybuildersiowa.com/remodeling-an-already-finished-basement/)

Oct 12, 2026

A badly finished basement is a different project from a bare one. What is behind the walls, what to keep, and when to strip

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/remodeling-an-already-finished-basement/)

[![Two-story home addition by Busy Builders with exterior finishes matched to the original house](https://busybuildersiowa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_2553-e1784603315103-768x374.jpeg)](https://busybuildersiowa.com/adu-vs-basement-suite-aging-parents-west-des-moines/)

### [ADU vs Basement Suite for Aging Parents in West Des Moines](https://busybuildersiowa.com/adu-vs-basement-suite-aging-parents-west-des-moines/)

Oct 9, 2026

An ADU or a basement suite for a parent moving in? Iowa SF 592, costs, appraisal treatment and step-free access compared for West Des

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/adu-vs-basement-suite-aging-parents-west-des-moines/)

### [Building on a Rural Lot in Dallas or Madison County: Septic, Well and County Permits](https://busybuildersiowa.com/building-on-a-rural-lot-dallas-madison-county/)

Oct 7, 2026

County permits instead of city, a septic system and a well instead of utilities. What a rural lot in Dallas or Madison County really

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/building-on-a-rural-lot-dallas-madison-county/)

### [Kitchen Remodel Permits in Johnston, Clive and Waukee: When You Need One](https://busybuildersiowa.com/kitchen-remodel-permits-johnston-clive-waukee/)

Oct 5, 2026

Moving plumbing, adding circuits or opening a wall means a permit. Here is what Johnston, Clive and Waukee each require for a kitchen remodel.

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/kitchen-remodel-permits-johnston-clive-waukee/)

### [Deck Permits in Waukee, Johnston and Clive: What Each City Requires](https://busybuildersiowa.com/deck-permits-waukee-johnston-clive/)

Oct 2, 2026

Every deck in the western suburbs needs a permit. Here is what Waukee, Johnston and Clive each ask for, how long review takes, and

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/deck-permits-waukee-johnston-clive/)

### [Can You Finish a Basement in an Iowa Winter? What Actually Changes](https://busybuildersiowa.com/finish-a-basement-in-an-iowa-winter/)

Sep 30, 2026

Winter is one of the best times to finish a basement in Central Iowa. What changes: the egress window, deliveries, moisture, radon and the

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/finish-a-basement-in-an-iowa-winter/)

### [Basement Addition vs Second-Story Addition in Ankeny: Which Way to Grow](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-addition-vs-second-story-addition-ankeny/)

Sep 29, 2026

Basement addition or second-story addition in Ankeny: cost, permits, appraisal value and disruption compared for ranch and split-level homes.

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-addition-vs-second-story-addition-ankeny/)

[![Two-story home addition by Busy Builders with exterior finishes matched to the original house](https://busybuildersiowa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_2553-e1784603315103-768x374.jpeg)](https://busybuildersiowa.com/fall-foundation-pour-frost-line-story-county-iowa/)

### [Pouring Foundations Before the Freeze: A Fall Home Build Start in Story County](https://busybuildersiowa.com/fall-foundation-pour-frost-line-story-county-iowa/)

Sep 28, 2026

How late can you pour a foundation in Story County? The 42-inch frost line, cold-weather concrete costs and what a fall home build start

[Read More](https://busybuildersiowa.com/fall-foundation-pour-frost-line-story-county-iowa/)

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