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
Feb 16, 2026

Central Iowa homeowners face a tough choice in 2026: finish your basement now or hold off for potentially better conditions? This guide breaks down

Feb 12, 2026

You want to finish your basement, but you are not sure which direction to go. A home gym would save money on memberships. A

Feb 10, 2026

Your basement layout holds serious potential. But before you start planning that guest bedroom or home theater, you need to understand what Iowa building

Feb 6, 2026

Finishing your basement is one of the smartest ways to add living space to your Central Iowa home. But rushing into the project without

Feb 4, 2026
A basement bathroom in Central Iowa runs about $12,000 to $50,000+ in 2026, and the rough-in and sewer line decide most of it. Here
Feb 2, 2026
Basement finishing in Des Moines runs about $30 to $70 per square foot in 2026. See planning costs for 500, 800 and 1,000 square
Jan 29, 2026
A $500,000 budget still builds a new home in Central Iowa. Here is how big, by lot price and by county, using 2025 Census
Jan 27, 2026

If you’re planning to build a custom home in West Des Moines, you’ve probably seen wildly different cost estimates. Some sources say $150 per

Jan 23, 2026

Building a custom home in Central Iowa means making one big choice early: ranch or two-story? This guide breaks down the real differences in