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
Mar 6, 2026

Planning multiple home updates raises a big question: should you tackle everything at once or spread projects over several years? This guide compares whole

Mar 5, 2026

Choosing composite decking for your Des Moines home is the easy part. Choosing between Trex, TimberTech, and Azek is where it gets confusing. This

Mar 4, 2026

Central Iowa homeowners often dream of outdoor living space but worry a quality deck is out of reach on a tight budget. With national

Mar 3, 2026
A whole home remodel in Des Moines is priced room by room. Here are our kitchen, bath and addition starting points, the city’s 2026
Mar 2, 2026
Planning a 2027 deck in the Des Moines metro? As of October 2026, treated wood runs about $30 to $50 per square foot installed
Feb 26, 2026

You finished your basement two years ago. It looked perfect in the photos. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: you barely use it. The rec

Feb 24, 2026

You’re building a custom home in Central Iowa. Your builder hands you the options sheet, and there it is: finish the basement now for

Feb 20, 2026

Central Iowa homeowners often face a tough choice when they have remodeling dollars to spend. Should you finish that unfinished basement or update your

Feb 18, 2026

You finished your basement. It looks beautiful. Luxury vinyl flooring, recessed lights, fresh paint everywhere. You spent $40,000 making it perfect. So when the