Nevada, Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Nevada, Iowa.
Nevada, 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 Nevada and throughout Story County. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand local building codes, permit processes, and the specific characteristics of county seat communities. 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 Nevada
New home construction in Nevada, IA (pronounced nuh-VAY-duh). As the county seat of Story County, Nevada has approximately 6,925 residents (2020 census) and serves as the second-largest city in the county. Platted in 1853 along the banks of West Indian Creek, the town was named by settler Mr. Thrift after his daughter Sierra Nevada. Located just 4 miles east of I-35 on Highway 30, Nevada offers small-town charm with easy access to Ames and Des Moines. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes suited to this historic county seat community.
Complete home remodeling in Nevada, IA. As Story County’s seat since 1853, Nevada features diverse housing from historic homes near downtown to modern developments. The city’s growth has been steady rather than explosive, meaning housing stock spans multiple eras. Whether you’re updating a turn-of-the-century home near the courthouse square or modernizing a mid-century ranch, we understand each era’s construction methods and can transform your home while respecting its structure.
Kitchen remodeling in Nevada, IA addresses both infrastructure and design needs. Many older Nevada kitchens have compartmentalized layouts that don’t suit modern family living. We assess structural requirements before opening walls, upgrade electrical systems to current NEC standards with dedicated circuits, and ensure plumbing meets 2021 UPC requirements. Nevada’s Main Street Iowa designation reflects community investment in preserving and updating the city’s character.
Basement remodeling in Nevada, IA requires understanding local 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. Mitigation systems installed during remodeling typically cost $800-1,500 versus significantly more for retrofits. Older Nevada homes may have stone or block foundations requiring moisture assessment before finishing.
Bathroom remodeling in Nevada, 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 the city’s Planning & Zoning Department.
Home additions in Nevada, IA require permits through the City of Nevada Planning & Zoning Department at City Hall, 1209 6th Street. Contact (515) 382-5466 for permit information. Nevada uses Cloudpermit for online permit processing. Inspections are scheduled first-come, first-served with 24-hour advance notice required. We coordinate all permits and inspections for additions, ensuring compliance with current building codes and zoning requirements.
Basement finishing in Nevada, IA converts unused square footage into valuable 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 (R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity for basement walls per Iowa code), vapor barriers, and dehumidification are essential given Iowa’s humidity and temperature extremes.
Deck building in Nevada, IA enhances outdoor living in this Story County community. With beautiful parks and the character of a historic county seat, Nevada homeowners value quality outdoor 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 Nevada and Story County
Nevada is the Story County seat with about 6,925 residents, sitting where Highway 30 meets Highway 35 east of Ames. City permits go through Nevada city hall at 515-382-5466. Call before you set a start date.
Nevada gets overlooked because Ames is next door, but it is a genuinely different market. Lots are larger, the housing is older on average. Buyers here are frequently people who wanted Story County schools and space without an Ames price. That mix pushes our work toward additions and whole-house updates rather than the rental-conversion pressure you see closer to campus.
County-seat towns also carry a courthouse-square housing belt, and Nevada’s is no exception. Those homes hide the usual pre-1970s issues: cast iron waste, galvanized supply, and panels that need attention before a kitchen opens up.
Footings go at least 42 inches down to sit under Iowa’s frost line.
We build across Story County. Homeowners in Ames, Maxwell, Marshalltown, and Colfax call us for the same work.
Planning a Nevada project? Call: 844-435-9800 for a written estimate.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Nevada 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 Nevada.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Nevada.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Nevada.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Nevada, IA
How do building permits work in Nevada?
The City of Nevada Planning & Zoning Department handles permits at City Hall, 1209 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201.
Contact (515) 382-5466 for information.
Nevada uses Cloudpermit for online permit processing at us.cloudpermit.com.
Permits are required for structural alterations, additions, electrical work, and plumbing.
Inspections require a 24-hour advance notice and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Nevada follow?
Nevada operates under Iowa State building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Iowa’s frost line depth of 42 inches applies to all foundation work.
The Planning & Zoning Department reviews plans, issues permits, and coordinates inspections to ensure compliance.
Which school district serves Nevada?
Nevada Community School District serves the city, operating three schools: an elementary school, a middle school, and Nevada High School (home of the Cubs).
The district serves approximately 1,570 students, with about 20% of students identifying as minorities.
The district was formed in 1958 through the consolidation with Shipley.
The schools are entirely within Story County, serving Nevada and the surrounding rural area.
What's the housing market like in Nevada?
Nevada has approximately 6,925 residents with steady, modest growth (4% since 2000).
The median home value is approximately $200,000, with median household income around $75,000 and average household income over $108,000.
As a county seat with diverse employment and proximity to Ames, Nevada, it offers stable housing values.
About 70% of homes are owner-occupied.
How far is Nevada from Des Moines?
Nevada is approximately 35 miles north of Des Moines (about 40 minutes) and just 4 miles east of I-35 on Highway 30.
Ames is approximately 8 miles west.
The city’s location offers easy access to both Story County’s university community and the Des Moines metro.
Busy Builders serves Nevada from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Nevada unique for homeowners?
Nevada is the county seat of Story County, named after Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story.
The city became a designated Main Street Iowa community in 2019, reflecting a commitment to downtown revitalization and historic preservation.
First settled in 1853, Nevada’s name is pronounced nuh-VAY-duh (different from the state).
The Story County Courthouse and downtown square anchor the community’s historic character while new development continues on the city’s edges.
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