Maxwell, Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Maxwell, Iowa.
Maxwell, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders has completed more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa. We bring decades of combined trade experience to projects in Maxwell and throughout Story County. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand the unique characteristics of small-town Iowa communities. Whether updating an existing property or building new, 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 Maxwell
New home construction in Maxwell, IA. This Story County city of approximately 859 residents (2020 census) sits along the Heart of Iowa Trail, about 15 miles from Ames and 30-40 minutes from Des Moines. Founded when the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway arrived and incorporated in 1883, Maxwell was named for J.W. Maxwell who donated the original townsite. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems meeting current IECC requirements, and finishes suited to this small-town Story County community.
Complete home remodeling in Maxwell, IA. The city’s housing stock spans from late 1800s construction through modern homes. Older homes often feature solid construction but may have outdated electrical systems (60-100 amp panels), galvanized plumbing, and minimal insulation. With median household income around $85,789 (2023), Maxwell homeowners often invest in quality updates. We assess each home’s specific conditions before recommending renovation approaches.
Kitchen remodeling in Maxwell, IA transforms homes across this Story County community. Many older kitchens have compartmentalized layouts that don’t suit modern family living. Opening these spaces may require structural assessment for load-bearing walls. We upgrade electrical systems to current NEC standards with dedicated circuits for modern appliances. Contact Maxwell City Hall at (515) 387-8655 for permit information.
Basement remodeling in Maxwell, IA requires understanding local soil conditions and radon risks. Story County falls within EPA Radon Zone 1, with predicted indoor screening levels above 4 pCi/L. We recommend professional radon testing before any basement work. Older Maxwell homes may have stone or block foundations requiring moisture assessment. Mitigation systems installed during remodeling typically cost $800-1,500 versus significantly more for retrofits.
Bathroom remodeling in Maxwell, IA often reveals aging infrastructure in older homes. Cast iron drain lines, galvanized supply pipes, and inadequate ventilation are common in pre-1970s construction. Modern bathroom remodels require proper ventilation per IRC standards (50 CFM minimum for bathrooms under 100 square feet). We inspect existing plumbing conditions before providing estimates and coordinate all required permits through City Hall.
Home additions in Maxwell, IA require permits through Maxwell City Hall at 107 Main Street, Maxwell, IA 50161. Contact (515) 387-8655 or email cityclerk@maxwell.iowa.gov. City Clerk Wendy Crabtree can provide permit information. For properties outside city limits, Story County Planning & Development at 900 Sixth Street, Nevada handles permits. We coordinate all permits and inspections for additions throughout the Maxwell area.
Basement finishing in Maxwell, IA converts unused square footage into valuable living space. Iowa’s residential code (R319) requires an emergency escape opening in every basement bedroom. We plan for 5.7 square feet of net clear opening. The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high, with the sill no more than 44 inches above the floor. Iowa’s energy code calls for R-15 continuous or R-19 cavity insulation on basement walls. We plan moisture control and dehumidification to suit Iowa’s humid summers and cold winters.
Deck building in Maxwell, IA enhances outdoor living in this scenic Story County community. With the Heart of Iowa Trail running through town, Maxwell City Park, and access to Story County Freedom Rock, residents value outdoor living spaces. Building permits are required through City Hall. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles demand proper footing depth (42 inches minimum) and pressure-treated lumber or composite materials rated for our climate.
Building in Maxwell and Eastern Story County
Maxwell is a city of 859 people, and it runs its own permitting. Start at city hall on 515-387-8655 before you set a schedule. Story County handles the unincorporated ground outside the city limits. Which office you call depends on which side of that line your lot sits on.
Small-town Iowa lots come with small-town constraints. Older Maxwell properties often sit on narrow parcels with detached garages and shallow setbacks. That shapes what an addition can look like long before anyone talks about finishes. We measure the lot and check the setback before we sketch anything.
Every footing here has to go at least 42 inches down to clear the frost line, which is the depth where the ground stops freezing. Iowa also carries some of the highest radon readings in the country, so we test before finishing a basement rather than after.
Families here are in the Collins-Maxwell district, and school boundaries come up constantly when clients weigh adding a bedroom against moving.
We work across Story County and the north metro. Homeowners in Nevada, Ames, Bondurant, and Polk City call us for the same work.
Thinking about a build or a remodel in Maxwell? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will come look at it.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Maxwell before you commit to a budget or a timeline.
Our Building Partners.
- Achievement
Your Project, Our Passion.
Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed more than 1,285 projects across Central Iowa.
Quality Construction at the Right Price.
Additions
Busy Builders starting rate. Your written estimate sets the final price.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Busy Builders starting rate. Your written estimate sets the final price.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Backsplash
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Busy Builders starting rate. Your written estimate sets the final price.
- Custom Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Maxwell, IA
How do building permits work in Maxwell?
Maxwell City Hall handles building permits at 107 Main Street, Maxwell, IA 50161.
Contact (515) 387-8655 or email cityclerk@maxwell.iowa.gov.
City Clerk Wendy Crabtree can provide permit information.
For properties outside city limits, contact Story County Planning & Development at 900 Sixth Street, Nevada.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Maxwell follow?
Safe Building serves Maxwell and posts the city’s building and trade permit applications. Ask which IRC edition Maxwell enforces before plans are drawn. Iowa’s state electrical code is the 2023 NEC (IAC 481-404).
Plan footings at least 42 inches deep to clear the frost line.
Maxwell is an incorporated city and issues its own permits, while Story County administers unincorporated areas.
Contact City Hall for specific code questions regarding projects within Maxwell city limits.
Which school district serves Maxwell?
Maxwell is served by the Collins-Maxwell Community School District, home of the Spartans.
The district was formed on July 1, 1983, through the merger of Collins and Maxwell school districts.
With approximately 475 students and 81 staff members, the district is Maxwell’s largest employer.
Elementary (PreK-5) is located in Collins, while Middle/High School (6-12) is in Maxwell.
The district competes in the Iowa Star Conference.
What's the housing market like in Maxwell?
Maxwell is a small city with approximately 859 residents (2020 census), showing a slight population decline.
Median household income is around $85,789 (2023), above the state average.
The community offers affordable small-town living with a reasonable commute to both Ames (15 miles) and Des Moines (30-40 minutes).
How far is Maxwell from Des Moines?
Maxwell is approximately 30-40 minutes from Des Moines and 15 miles from Ames.
The Heart of Iowa Trail connects Maxwell to the broader Central Iowa trail network.
The city offers small-town living with access to Iowa State University in Ames and Des Moines metro employment.
Busy Builders serves Maxwell and Story County from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Maxwell unique for homeowners?
Maxwell sits on the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, which links Slater, Huxley, Cambridge, Maxwell and Collins in Story County.
Older homes in town often have outdated electrical panels and galvanized plumbing, so we check both before we price a remodel.
The Collins-Maxwell district keeps its middle and high school in Maxwell and its elementary school in Collins.
Founded when the railroad arrived in the 1880s, Maxwell maintains its small-town character while offering access to Ames and Des Moines metro amenities.
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