Carlisle Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Carlisle, Iowa.
Carlisle, Iowa General Contractor

About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders was founded to bring integrity and honesty back to remodeling and homebuilding. We serve Carlisle and all of Warren County, from small bathroom updates to complete custom home builds. As a growing community with strong schools and trail access, Carlisle deserves contractors who deliver quality work and honest service.
Our Mission
Provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. Carlisle 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 Warren County and beyond.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling in Carlisle
New home construction in Carlisle, IA. This growing community of over 4,400 residents straddles Warren and Polk counties, located southeast of Des Moines. Founded in 1851 by Jeremiah “Uncle Jerry” Church and David Moore, Carlisle officially became a city in May 1870 and grew significantly when a railroad was built through in 1871. The Summerset Trail has its northern terminus in Carlisle. We build custom homes designed for Iowa’s climate with proper foundations, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes.


Complete home remodeling in Carlisle, IA. The city’s housing stock ranges from historic homes dating to the late 1800s to newer developments. Located between the North and Middle Rivers near their confluences with the Des Moines River, Carlisle offers a mix of established neighborhoods and new construction. Whether you’re restoring a historic home or modernizing a mid-century property, we understand the unique challenges of each era.
We design and build kitchens in Carlisle, 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. Carlisle’s proximity to Des Moines provides access to suppliers for competitive material pricing.


We remodel basements in Carlisle, IA to transform underutilized space into functional living areas. Warren County is in EPA Radon Zone 1, with predicted indoor screening levels above 4 pCi/L. Before any basement project, we recommend radon testing. Mitigation systems can be integrated into remodeling projects efficiently.
We remodel bathrooms in Carlisle, IA to improve function, style, and efficiency. From simple updates like new vanities and fixtures to complete gut renovations with custom tile and walk-in showers, we handle projects of all sizes. Many older Carlisle homes have original bathrooms ready for modern upgrades.


We build home additions in Carlisle, IA for growing families who love their location but need more space. Adding square footage often costs less than buying new while keeping you in the neighborhood and school district you prefer. Carlisle Community School District serves the area. We handle all aspects from design through permitting and construction.
We finish basements in Carlisle, 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 Carlisle, IA. With the Summerset Trail terminus and scenic river access, Carlisle residents value outdoor living spaces. We design and build decks using materials rated for Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles and humid summers.
Building in Carlisle and Northern Warren County
Carlisle has about 4,400 residents and sits at the north end of Warren County. Close enough to the metro that many households commute and far enough that lots are still generous.
That combination shapes the work. Carlisle buyers frequently want the space a metro lot cannot give them, which means additions, detached shop and garage space. Outdoor living rather than tight interior reconfiguration.
The town sits near the confluence of the Des Moines and North rivers. River proximity puts drainage, water table, and floodplain status into the conversation on some lots. We check flood mapping before we design anything below grade, because it changes both what is allowed and what is sensible.
Iowa footings need 42 inches of depth to clear the frost line. On river-bottom soils we confirm bearing rather than assuming it.
We build across Warren County. Homeowners in Indianola, Norwalk, Des Moines, and Martensdale call us for the same work.
Planning a Carlisle addition? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will walk the lot with you.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Carlisle 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 Carlisle.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Carlisle.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Carlisle.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Carlisle, IA
How do building permits work in Carlisle?
The City of Carlisle handles building permits through City Hall.
Contact them for permit applications and requirements.
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, and most remodeling projects.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Carlisle follow?
Carlisle operates under the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
The city reviews plans, issues permits, and coordinates inspections to ensure compliance with adopted standards.
What's the housing market like in Carlisle?
Carlisle has experienced steady growth, with the population reaching over 4,400.
The median household income is approximately $98,000, with average household income exceeding $108,000.
The poverty rate is low at about 4%.
Housing is predominantly owner-occupied with a mix of historic and newer construction.
Which school district serves Carlisle?
Carlisle Community Schools operates public schools serving the area.
The district maintains an upper elementary campus in Hartford and a high school/elementary school campus in Carlisle.
How far is Carlisle from Des Moines?
Carlisle is located southeast of Des Moines, approximately 12 miles from downtown.
The commute takes about 20 minutes.
Busy Builders regularly serves Carlisle and Warren County from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Carlisle unique for homeowners?
Carlisle is where the Summerset Trail has its northern terminus, offering excellent recreational access.
The city received national attention in 1997 when the McCaughey family became the first family to have the world’s first surviving set of septuplets.
Located between the North and Middle Rivers, Carlisle offers scenic settings.
The Carlisle Area Historical Society preserves the community’s rich history dating to 1851.
- Our Articles
Home Building & Remodeling Blogs for Carlisle, IA

Kitchen Remodel Cost in Huxley: 2026 Planning Guide
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Bathroom Remodel Cost in Ogden, Iowa: 2026 Guide
Read MoreMost Ogden bathroom remodels run $10,000 to $30,000. Cost by tier, city permits, and why older homes need a bigger contingency.

Bathroom Remodel Cost in Nevada, Iowa: 2026 Guide
Read MoreMost Nevada bathroom remodels run $11,000 to $34,000. Cost by tier, the city permit process, and what to expect in older Story County homes.