---
title: "Home Building In Des Moines, IA | Busy Builders"
description: "Build a custom home in Des Moines, IA starting at $150/sqft. Busy Builders handles permits, soil assessment, and construction. Call 844-435-9800."
url: "https://busybuildersiowa.com/locations/home-building-des-moines-ia/"
---

# Home Building
 Des Moines, IA

Building a new home in Des Moines means fitting one of the city’s four house types and paying a permit priced by finished square footage. The city also offers tax abatement on qualifying new homes. Here is what the Permit and Development Center requires, from submittal to inspections.

2020

Serving Central Iowa Since​

[Plan Your Des Moines Home Build](https://busybuildersiowa.com/contact-us/)

1285+

Completed Projects​

- Des Moines at a glance

## Des Moines growth and housing at a glance

Des Moines counted 214,133 people in 2020, its first census above the 1960 total. New home figures come from the city’s fee schedule and house type checklists.

### 214,133

First count above 1960

### 9 or 10 years

Abatement inside the targeted area

### 60.5%

Owner-occupied rate

### 2015 IECC

Energy code for new homes

### $1,081.50 to $1,802.50

Permit, by finished size

### 288 sq ft

Smallest required garage

### 33 psf

Ground snow load to design for

### 7,500 sq ft

Smallest House Type B lot

Sources: [U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/desmoinescityiowa/PST045224); [State Data Center of Iowa, population 1850 to 2000](https://www.iowadatacenter.org/datatables/PlacesAll/plpopulation18502000.pdf); [Des Moines construction codes](https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/construction_codes.php); [Des Moines permit fee schedule, January 2026](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/PDC%20Permit%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf); [House Type B checklist](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/Residential/House%20Type%20B%20Submittal%20Form%20&%20Review%20Checklist.pdf).

- Permits and rules

## Building new in Des Moines: permits, house types and fees

Every new home needs a permit, and the fee depends on finished floor area, not cost. Your design must match a house type allowed in your zoning district. The city reviews plans against a detailed checklist and assigns one inspector for the whole build.

### Permit fee by finished size

The January 1, 2026 schedule charges $1,081.50 for a home of 1,200 finished square feet or less. Homes from 1,201 to 2,000 square feet pay $1,390.50, and larger homes pay $1,802.50. Basement and garage areas do not count. Trade permits add $231.75 electrical, $128.75 mechanical and $206.00 plumbing.

### House types A to D

Since the December 2019 zoning update, single-household homes in neighborhood districts must match House Type A, B, C or D. Each type has its own lot, setback and design rules. Types A, B and C each require a garage of at least 288 square feet, with accessory buildings in the rear or side yard.

### Lot rules, using House Type B

House Type B, allowed in N3a and N3b, needs a lot at least 60 feet wide and 7,500 square feet in area. The house must be at least 35 feet wide and one or two stories, with one paved driveway. A front-facing garage door can take no more than 30 percent of the facade.

### What goes in the plan set

Submit the general checklist plus the House Type A, B, C or D form that matches your design and district. The forms say they are for convenience and the codified rules win. The site plan must show a public sidewalk at least 5 feet wide, and the set needs a prescriptive energy review.

### Energy code and abatement

Des Moines enforces the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. New homes can earn tax abatement: 5 or 6 years declining outside the targeted area, 9 or 10 years inside it. The longer schedules need extra wall insulation, at least R-20, or a Level 2 EV charging setup in the garage.

### Inspections, egress and fees

One inspector is assigned to each new home under the Combination Inspection program and handles every trade. Every new home needs an emergency escape opening in the basement. Impact fees and sewer or water connection fees are not listed in the city fee schedule; utility providers may charge separately.

Sources: [Des Moines permit fee schedule, January 2026](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/PDC%20Permit%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf); [House Type B checklist](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/Residential/House%20Type%20B%20Submittal%20Form%20&%20Review%20Checklist.pdf); [House Type C checklist](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/Residential/House%20Type%20C%20Submittal%20Form%20&%20Review%20Checklist.pdf); [New home and home addition submittal checklist](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/Residential/New%20Home%20and%20Home%20Addition%20Submittal%20Checklist.pdf); [Des Moines construction codes](https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/construction_codes.php); [Low-density residential tax abatement](https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/tax_abatement/low_density_residential_tax_abatement.php); [Residential Combination Inspection program](https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/residential/combination_inspection.php); [Basement egress window policy](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/cityofdesmoines/Documents/Departments/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/Residential/Residential-Basement-Egress-Window-Policy.pdf).

- Our process

## How Busy Builders builds your Des Moines new home

We start with your lot’s zoning district on Show Me My House, since it decides which house type you can build. Our plans follow the city’s submittal checklist and the matching house type form. During the build, one city inspector covers every trade, and licensed electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors we coordinate handle those systems. If you want a longer abatement schedule, we plan the R-20 walls or the Level 2 EV charging setup from day one.

Busy Builders is a registered Iowa contractor, DIAL C140184. We have completed more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa since 2020.

- Lot district and house type confirmed
- Plans built to the city checklist
- Abatement upgrades planned up front

[See Our Full Home Building Process](https://busybuildersiowa.com/home-building/)

How we build here

### House type to final inspection

- Achievement

## Trusted Home Building Contractors in Des Moines, IA

Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa. That track record reflects projects across Iowa’s capital city and the surrounding metro, and it speaks for itself.

1285+

Completed Projects​

90+

Crew and Trade Partners​

2020

Serving Central Iowa Since​

- Frequently Asked Questions

## FAQs About Home Building in Des Moines

What does it cost to build a house in Des Moines?

New homes start at about $150 per square foot. Final costs vary by scope, materials, complexity and location within our service area. The city building permit adds $1,081.50 to $1,802.50 depending on finished size, plus electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits.

Which house type can I build on my Des Moines lot?

That depends on the lot’s zoning district. Single-household homes in the N districts must be House Type A, B, C or D, and each type is allowed only in certain districts. House Type B, for example, is permitted in N3a and N3b. Look up your district on Show Me My House, then use the matching checklist.

Does Des Moines charge impact fees on a new home?

None appear in the Permit and Development Center’s fee schedule. It lists no impact fee and no sewer or water connection fee. The building permit is the flat, size-based fee, and each trade permit is separate. Check with your water and sewer providers about any hookup costs before you budget.

Can I get a tax break on a new home in Des Moines?

Yes, if the home raises assessed value at least 5 percent and has all permits. Outside the targeted area, schedules run 5 or 6 years, declining. Inside it, they run 9 or 10 years, and Riverpoint West has a 6-year schedule. The longer options need R-20 walls or a Level 2 EV charger setup.

How long does it take to build a home in Des Moines?

It depends on design, size, season and how inspections line up, so we build a schedule around your plans before you commit. Winter matters here: the city will not schedule concrete inspections when the forecast calls for under 10 F within the next 24 hours. Ask us for a schedule built around your plans and start date.

Does a new Des Moines home need a garage?

For House Types A, B and C, yes. Each requires a garage of at least 288 square feet for a single-unit house. Accessory buildings belong in the rear or side yard. On a House Type B lot, a front-facing garage door can be no more than 30 percent of the front facade width.

```

```

```

```

- Newest Blogs

## Home Building Blogs for Des Moines and Central Iowa

[Learn More About Home Building](https://busybuildersiowa.com/category/home-builder/)

[Nov 2, 2026By Blake Daniels ### Home Building Through an Iowa Winter: December to March Read More A new Central Iowa home can keep moving from December to March once the shell is closed. Here is what pauses, what keeps going under temporary heat, and which metro concrete rules shape the schedule.A new Central Iowa home can keep moving from December to March once the shell is closed. Here is what pauses, what keeps going under temporary heat, and which metro concrete rules shape the schedule.A new Central Iowa home can keep moving from December to March once the shell is closed. Here is what pauses, what keeps going under temporary heat, and which metro…](https://busybuildersiowa.com/building-a-house-through-an-iowa-winter/)[Oct 7, 2026By Blake Daniels ### Building on a Rural Lot in Dallas or Madison County: Septic, Well and County Permits Read More County permits instead of city, a septic system and a well instead of utilities. What a rural lot in Dallas or Madison County really costs to build on.County permits instead of city, a septic system and a well instead of utilities. What a rural lot in Dallas or Madison County really costs to build on.County permits instead of city, a septic system and a well instead of utilities. What a rural lot in Dallas or Madison County really costs to build on.](https://busybuildersiowa.com/building-on-a-rural-lot-dallas-madison-county/)[Sep 28, 2026By Blake Daniels ### Pouring Foundations Before the Freeze: A Fall Home Build Start in Story County Read More How late can you pour a foundation in Story County? The 42-inch frost line, cold-weather concrete costs and what a fall home build start buys you.How late can you pour a foundation in Story County? The 42-inch frost line, cold-weather concrete costs and what a fall home build start buys you.How late can you pour a foundation in Story County? The 42-inch frost line, cold-weather concrete costs and what a fall home build start buys you.](https://busybuildersiowa.com/fall-foundation-pour-frost-line-story-county-iowa/)

Tagged [Des Moines](https://busybuildersiowa.com/tag/des-moines/)

```json
{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Service","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/#service","name":"Home Building in Des Moines, IA | Busy Builders","description":" Honest pricing, a clear written plan, and no surprise charges on every home building project in Des Moines and across Central Iowa. We tell you what the project actually costs before a permit is filed. We do not pad the estimate with contingencies we pocket if the build goes smoothly. ","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/","image":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Busy-Builder-Blog-April-11.png","serviceType":"Home Building","provider":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization"},"areaServed":[{"@type":"City","name":"Des Moines"},{"@type":"State","name":"Iowa"}],"serviceArea":{"@type":"GeoCircle","geoMidpoint":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":"41.5868","longitude":"-93.6250"},"geoRadius":"48280"},"hasOfferCatalog":{"@type":"OfferCatalog","name":"Home Building Services in Des Moines, Iowa","itemListElement":[{"@type":"Offer","itemOffered":{"@type":"Service","name":"Consultation and Estimate"}},{"@type":"Offer","itemOffered":{"@type":"Service","name":"Design and Planning"}},{"@type":"Offer","itemOffered":{"@type":"Service","name":"Permitting and Inspections"}},{"@type":"Offer","itemOffered":{"@type":"Service","name":"Construction and Build-Out"}},{"@type":"Offer","itemOffered":{"@type":"Service","name":"Final Walkthrough and Completion"}}]},"offers":{"@type":"Offer","availability":"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock","areaServed":{"@type":"City","name":"Des Moines"},"priceSpecification":{"@type":"PriceSpecification","priceCurrency":"USD"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"CommunicateAction","name":"Request a Free Estimate","target":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/contact-us\/"}},{"@type":"Place","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#place","geo":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":"41.6060855","longitude":"-93.8051957"},"hasMap":"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&query=41.6060855,-93.8051957","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"111 S 49th Street","addressRegion":"IA","postalCode":"50265","addressCountry":"US","addressLocality":"West Des Moines"}},{"@type":["GeneralContractor","Organization"],"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization","name":"Busy Builders","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BusyBuilderz","https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ia\/west-des-moines\/profile\/remodel-contractors\/busy-builders-llc-0664-32137323","https:\/\/www.desmoinesregister.com\/press-release\/story\/30329\/busy-builders-expands-services-to-custom-home-building-in-central-iowa\/","https:\/\/nextdoor.com\/pages\/busy-builders-west-des-moines-ia\/","https:\/\/busybuildersllc.quora.com\/Busy-Builders-LLC-is-a-West-Des-Moines-IA-General-Contractor-company-focused-on-home-enhancement-through-remodeling-and","https:\/\/www.city-data.com\/business-entities\/IA\/BUSY-BUILDERS-LLC-644057-IA.html","https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/rated.BusyBuildersLLCHome.125418287.html","https:\/\/share.google\/CwLFRDUlwAA3jdC6I","https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/DigdFS58XfGad2h57","https:\/\/www.trustindex.io\/reviews\/busybuildersiowa.com","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q139699968"],"email":"info@busybuildersiowa.com","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"111 S 49th Street","addressRegion":"IA","postalCode":"50265","addressCountry":"US","addressLocality":"West Des Moines"},"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#logo","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/cropped-cropped-Untitled-design-57.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/cropped-cropped-Untitled-design-57.png","caption":"Busy Builders","inLanguage":"en-US","width":"512","height":"147"},"priceRange":"$$$","openingHours":["Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr,Sa,Su 08:00-18:00"],"description":"Busy Builders is a full-service home construction and remodeling contractor based in West Des Moines and serving homeowners across Central Iowa, including Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale, and surrounding communities. Founded in 2020 after decades in the trades, the company specializes in custom home building, whole-home remodeling, kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing and remodeling, home additions, and custom deck construction. Every project is managed from design through completion with a focus on transparent communication, honest pricing, detailed planning, and craftsmanship built to handle everyday life, helping families create functional, beautiful spaces that are made to last for generations. We are a registered and insured Iowa contractor; Iowa Contractor Registration #C140184.","legalName":"Busy Builders LLC","foundingDate":"2020-01-01","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","value":"90"},"location":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#place"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#logo"},"telephone":"844-435-9800"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com","name":"Busy Builders","alternateName":"Busybuildersiowa.com","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Busy-Builder-Blog-April-11.png","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Busy-Builder-Blog-April-11.png","width":"2048","height":"2048","caption":"Building a Custom Home in West Des Moines: What It Costs and Why","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":"1","item":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"2","item":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/","name":"Home Building in Des Moines, IA | Busy Builders"}}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/","name":"Home Building In Des Moines, IA | Busy Builders","datePublished":"2026-04-09T16:20:07-05:00","dateModified":"2026-10-01T15:20:16-05:00","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Busy-Builder-Blog-April-11.png"},"inLanguage":"en-US","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/locations\/home-building-des-moines-ia\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What does it cost to build a house in Des Moines?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"New homes start at about $150 per square foot. Final costs vary by scope, materials, complexity and location within our service area. The city building permit adds $1,081.50 to $1,802.50 depending on finished size, plus electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which house type can I build on my Des Moines lot?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"That depends on the lot’s zoning district. Single-household homes in the N districts must be House Type A, B, C or D, and each type is allowed only in certain districts. House Type B, for example, is permitted in N3a and N3b. Look up your district on Show Me My House, then use the matching checklist."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does Des Moines charge impact fees on a new home?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"None appear in the Permit and Development Center’s fee schedule. It lists no impact fee and no sewer or water connection fee. The building permit is the flat, size-based fee, and each trade permit is separate. Check with your water and sewer providers about any hookup costs before you budget."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I get a tax break on a new home in Des Moines?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, if the home raises assessed value at least 5 percent and has all permits. Outside the targeted area, schedules run 5 or 6 years, declining. Inside it, they run 9 or 10 years, and Riverpoint West has a 6-year schedule. The longer options need R-20 walls or a Level 2 EV charger setup."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does it take to build a home in Des Moines?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It depends on design, size, season and how inspections line up, so we build a schedule around your plans before you commit. Winter matters here: the city will not schedule concrete inspections when the forecast calls for under 10 F within the next 24 hours. Ask us for a schedule built around your plans and start date."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does a new Des Moines home need a garage?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For House Types A, B and C, yes. Each requires a garage of at least 288 square feet for a single-unit house. Accessory buildings belong in the rear or side yard. On a House Type B lot, a front-facing garage door can be no more than 30 percent of the front facade width."}}]}]}
```