Colfax Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Colfax, Iowa.
Colfax, 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 projects in Colfax and throughout Jasper County. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand local building requirements, historic home challenges, and the specific construction considerations of 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 permit requirements 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 Colfax
New home construction in Colfax, IA. Known as “The Spring City,” this community of approximately 2,270 residents sits in Jasper County, 24 miles east of Des Moines along I-80. Founded in 1866 and named after Vice President Schuyler Colfax, the city once drew thousands for its mineral springs and coal mining industries. Today, Colfax offers small-town Iowa living with easy metro access. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems, and finishes that withstand Central Iowa’s climate extremes.
Complete home remodeling in Colfax, IA. The city’s housing stock reflects its rich history, with homes ranging from late 1800s Victorian-era structures to mid-century and modern builds. Many homes in the historic downtown area (listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Spring City Commercial Historic District) require contractors experienced with older construction methods. Whether updating a turn-of-century home’s plumbing and electrical or modernizing a 1970s ranch, we assess each structure’s unique characteristics before recommending solutions.
Kitchen remodeling in Colfax, IA addresses both cosmetic updates and infrastructure needs. Older homes often have 60-100 amp electrical panels that need upgrading for modern appliances. Kitchens from the 1950s-70s typically lack dedicated circuits for refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves now required by code. We bring older electrical systems up to current NEC standards while creating functional, modern kitchens suited to Iowa family life.
Basement remodeling in Colfax, IA requires understanding local moisture conditions and radon risks. Jasper County falls within EPA Radon Zone 1, with predicted indoor screening levels above 4 pCi/L. We recommend professional radon testing before any basement finishing project. Older Colfax homes may have stone or block foundations that require waterproofing assessment. Mitigation systems installed during remodeling typically cost $800-1,500 versus more for retrofits.a
Bathroom remodeling in Colfax, IA often uncovers galvanized drain lines, cast iron stacks, and inadequate ventilation in older homes. We inspect existing plumbing conditions before providing estimates. Modern bathroom remodels must include adequate ventilation per IRC requirements (50 CFM minimum for bathrooms under 100 sq ft) to prevent moisture damage. Many historic Colfax homes have only one bathroom, making additions or second-floor bathroom installations popular projects.
Home additions in Colfax, IA require permits through City Hall at 20 W Howard Street. The city follows standard building codes for residential construction. Additions must account for setback requirements and integrate properly with existing structures. Many Colfax families choose additions to gain space while preserving their small-town lifestyle and Colfax-Mingo school district enrollment. We coordinate all permits, engineering requirements, and inspections.
Basement finishing in Colfax, IA converts unused square footage into living space. Per IRC requirements, basement bedrooms must have egress windows with minimum 5.7 square feet of opening, 24-inch minimum width, and maximum 44-inch sill height. Proper insulation, vapor barriers, and dehumidification are essential in Iowa’s humid climate. We ensure finished basements meet all code requirements while maximizing your home’s functional space.
Deck building in Colfax, IA enhances outdoor living in this scenic community near 480-acre Quarry Springs Park. Decks require permits for structures over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles demand proper footing depth (42 inches minimum) and pressure-treated lumber or composite materials rated for our climate. We design decks to complement your home’s architecture and meet all structural requirements.
Building in Colfax and Jasper County
Colfax has about 2,270 residents and sits just off I-80 in Jasper County. City hall handles permits at 515-674-4096.
Colfax was a mineral springs resort town, and that history left it with a housing stock unusual for its size. There are larger and more ornate homes here than a town of 2,270 would normally have, built when visitors came for the springs. Those houses are worth restoring and they are not simple. Tall ceilings, original millwork, and a century of layered systems all factor into any remodel.
We treat those as discovery projects. A firm number comes after we open a small area, not before.
I-80 access is the practical upside. Material delivery and crew travel are straightforward, which keeps costs closer to metro rates than the distance suggests.
Iowa footings need 42 inches of depth to clear the frost line, and on a century foundation we verify what is under the house first.
We build across Jasper County and west. Homeowners in Newton, Altoona, Bondurant, and Pleasant Hill call us for the same work.
Restoring an older Colfax home? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will check what is behind the plaster.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Colfax 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 Colfax.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Colfax.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Colfax.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Colfax, IA
How do building permits work in Colfax?
The City of Colfax handles permits through City Hall at 20 W Howard Street.
Contact (515) 674-4096 during business hours Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Building permit applications (including separate forms for non-plumbing/electrical work, trade permits, excavation permits, and floodplain permits) are available on the city website at colfaxia.gov.
The City Administrator is Wade R. Wagoner, AICP, LEED GA.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Colfax follow?
Colfax follows standard Iowa building codes, including the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC).
Electrical work must meet state-adopted NEC requirements, and plumbing follows the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Properties in the Spring City Commercial Historic District may have additional considerations for exterior work.
Contact City Hall for specific code questions.
What's the housing market like in Colfax?
Colfax offers affordable small-town living with a median household income of around $83,000 and median home values below Des Moines metro averages.
The city’s population has remained stable at around 2,200-2,300 residents.
Historic homes near downtown and newer construction on the outskirts provide diverse housing options.
Colfax is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area, offering easy commuting via I-80.
Which school district serves Colfax?
Colfax is served by the Colfax-Mingo Community School District, formed when the Colfax Tigers and Mingo Mohawks consolidated on July 1, 1985.
The district serves Colfax, Mingo, Ira, Valeria, and the portion of Mitchellville in Jasper County.
Both schools (elementary and junior/senior high) are located in Colfax at 204 N League Road.
The district enrolls approximately 715 students with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
How far is Colfax from Des Moines?
Colfax is approximately 24 miles east of Des Moines, accessible via I-80 (Exit 155).
The drive to downtown Des Moines takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
Newton, the Jasper County seat, is about 12 miles east.
Busy Builders serves Colfax from our West Des Moines base, typically within 35 minutes.
What makes Colfax unique for homeowners?
Colfax earned its nickname “The Spring City” after mineral springs were discovered in 1875.
At its peak, nine hotels offered mineral baths and four bottling companies shipped water nationwide.
The city also had major coal mining operations from 1881-1930s.
Today, the downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Spring City Commercial Historic District.
Notable residents include James Norman Hall, co-author of “Mutiny on the Bounty,” and James B. Weaver, 1892 presidential candidate.
The Carnegie Library (built 1912-1913) remains in use, and the 480-acre Quarry Springs Park offers recreation.
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