Clive Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Clive, Iowa.
Clive, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders has served more than 1,285 Central Iowa homeowners. We bring decades of combined trade experience to every project in Clive and surrounding communities. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand local building codes, permit processes, and the specific challenges of construction in our climate. From bathroom updates to custom home builds, we deliver quality work with transparent communication.
Our Mission
Provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. We provide detailed written estimates, explain the permit process upfront, and maintain clear communication throughout your project.
Our Vision
To serve all of Central Iowa with dedicated construction services, building lasting relationships through quality workmanship and integrity.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling in Clive
New home construction in Clive, IA. This suburb of over 19,500 residents spans both Dallas and Polk counties at the intersection of I-35 and I-80. Incorporated on October 9, 1956, Clive has grown from 752 residents in 1960 to nearly 19,000 today. Building in Clive requires understanding the city’s 2021 IRC adoption, local stormwater management requirements, and coordination with either Dallas or Polk County depending on your lot location. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems meeting current IECC requirements, and finishes that withstand our humidity swings.
Complete home remodeling in Clive, IA. Known as “Distinct By Nature,” Clive features housing from every decade since the 1950s. Homes built in the 1960s-70s often have smaller kitchens, single-pane windows, and outdated electrical panels. 1980s-90s homes frequently need HVAC updates and bathroom modernization. We assess each home’s specific era and construction type before recommending solutions. Clive requires permits for any work that adds floor area, living space, or modifies load-bearing walls.
Kitchen remodeling in Clive, IA requires understanding both design and local requirements. Electrical work must meet the 2020 NEC (per Iowa state adoption), and plumbing follows the 2021 UPC. Many Clive kitchens from the 1970s-80s have inadequate electrical circuits for modern appliances. We typically find 60-100 amp panels that need upgrading and lack dedicated circuits for refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves. Our kitchen remodels address these infrastructure issues alongside cosmetic updates.
Basement remodeling in Clive, IA starts with moisture assessment. Both Dallas and Polk counties fall within EPA Radon Zone 1, meaning predicted indoor radon levels exceed 4 pCi/L. The City of Clive specifically recommends battery backup sump pumps for all basements. Before finishing any Clive basement, we recommend professional radon testing. If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, mitigation systems can be installed during the remodel for $800-1,500 rather than retrofitting later.
Bathroom remodeling in Clive, IA often reveals outdated plumbing and ventilation. Homes built before 1990 frequently have galvanized drain lines that corrode internally, reducing flow. We inspect existing plumbing conditions before providing estimates. Modern bathroom remodels in Iowa must include adequate ventilation (50 CFM minimum for bathrooms under 100 sq ft per IRC) to prevent moisture damage in our humid climate.
Home additions in Clive, IA require permits from the Community Development Department at 1900 NW 114th Street. The city requires detailed plans, site plans showing setbacks from property lines, and a Manual J&D analysis for HVAC sizing. If your addition modifies exterior walls with openings over 6 feet, structural engineering is required. Additions in Clive must also comply with the Post-Construction Stormwater Management Ordinance. We handle all permit coordination and inspections.
Basement finishing in Clive, IA transforms unused square footage into living space. Per IRC requirements, any basement bedroom must have an egress window with minimum 5.7 square feet of opening, 24-inch minimum width, and maximum 44-inch sill height. Clive inspectors verify egress compliance. We install proper vapor barriers, insulation meeting R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity minimums for basement walls, and ensure adequate HVAC for conditioned space.
Deck building in Clive, IA requires permits for structures over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade. The city follows the 2021 IRC for deck construction, including ledger board attachment, footing depth (42 inches minimum for frost), and railing requirements (36-inch minimum height, 4-inch maximum baluster spacing). With the 11.3-mile Greenbelt Trail nearby, many Clive homeowners invest in quality outdoor living spaces.
Building in Clive and the West Metro
Clive is a city of roughly 19,500 that stretches a long way east to west. The two ends are not the same place to build. Call the city at 515-223-6221 to confirm permit requirements before you set a start date.
The eastern end near 86th Street holds mid-century homes on mature lots. Those come with full-height basements, real trees to protect during excavation, and kitchens that were never meant to be open. The western end toward Waukee is newer, and there the work is basements, decks, and adding the room the original plan left out.
Clive also runs along the Walnut Creek greenbelt. Lots backing that corridor bring drainage and easement questions that need answering before an addition is drawn, not after it is priced.
Iowa footings go 42 inches down at minimum so they sit below the frost line. On a sloped greenbelt lot we confirm bearing rather than assume it.
We build across the west metro. Homeowners in Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, and Johnston call us for the same work.
Planning a Clive remodel? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will walk it with you.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Clive before you commit to a budget or a timeline.
Our Building Partners.
- Achievement
Your Project, 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 Clive.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Clive.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Clive.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Clive, IA
How do building permits work in Clive?
The City of Clive Community Development Department issues permits through its online portal at cityofclive.com.
Contact them at (515) 223-6221 or visit City Hall at 1900 NW 114th Street.
Residential projects require building permits plus separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Trade contractors must be licensed through the Iowa Division of Labor Services. Inspections require a 24-hour notice and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Permits expire if work isn’t started within 90 days or is abandoned for 60 days.
What building codes does Clive follow?
Clive has adopted the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Fire Code, 2020 National Electric Code (per Iowa state requirements), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
The Construction Services Division at (515) 223-6221 enforces all codes through plan review and field inspections.
What's the housing market like in Clive?
Clive’s median home value is approximately $328,500, and the median household income is around $90,000.
About 75% of homes are owner-occupied, with single-family detached homes comprising 65% of the housing stock.
The city has grown from 752 residents in 1960 to over 19,000 today, with projections suggesting it will reach 25,000+ by 2030.
This growth drives steady demand for both new construction and remodeling of existing homes.
Which school district serves Clive?
Clive is served by two school districts, divided at 142nd Street.
East of 142nd Street (Polk County): West Des Moines Community School District, (515) 633-5000, including Clive Learning Academy.
West of 142nd Street (Dallas County): Waukee Community School District, (515) 987-4534.
Verify your address with the appropriate district before purchasing or building.
How far is Clive from Des Moines?
Clive sits at the intersection of I-35, I-80, and I-235, approximately 10 miles west of downtown Des Moines (15-minute drive).
The city borders Urbandale to the north, West Des Moines to the south, and Waukee to the west.
DART bus routes 3, 52, 72, 74, 92, and 93 serve Clive.
Busy Builders is based in West Des Moines, adjacent to Clive.
What makes Clive unique for homeowners?
Clive’s signature feature is the 11.3-mile Greenbelt Trail along Walnut Creek, connecting to the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the Central Iowa trail network.
The city maintains extensive parks, including Campbell Recreation Area and the Clive Aquatic Center.
The annual Clive Festival (celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025) and “Art Along the Trail” sculpture exhibit reflect substantial community investment.
The Greenbelt Landing project adds 14.89 acres of wetlands, boardwalks, and community space, scheduled for completion in fall 2025.
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