Ogden Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Ogden, Iowa.
Ogden, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders was founded to bring integrity and honesty back to remodeling and homebuilding. We serve Ogden and all of Boone County, from small bathroom updates to complete custom home builds. As a town with deep roots in America’s railroad and highway history, Ogden deserves contractors who respect that heritage while bringing homes into the modern era.
Our Mission
Provide the most transparent and honest experience possible for any construction project. Ogden homeowners deserve contractors who show up when promised, communicate clearly, and deliver quality work at fair prices.
Our Vision
To serve all of Central Iowa with dedicated construction services, from West Des Moines through Boone County and beyond.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling in Ogden
New home construction in Ogden, IA. This historic railroad town of 2,000 residents sits along US Highway 30, the original Lincoln Highway route. Located 25 miles from Ames and 45 miles from Des Moines, Ogden offers small-town living with easy access to metro amenities. We build custom homes designed for Iowa’s climate with proper foundations, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes that complement this community’s heritage.
Complete home remodeling in Ogden, IA. Platted by railroad magnate John Insley Blair in 1866, Ogden has housing stock ranging from late 1800s homes built during the railroad boom to mid-century properties and newer construction. Whether you’re updating a turn-of-the-century home on Walnut Street or modernizing a 1970s ranch, we understand the unique challenges of each era.
We design and build kitchens in Ogden, IA that balance function and style. Older homes often have smaller, compartmentalized kitchens that benefit from modern open-concept layouts. We customize solutions for your space, from cabinet refacing to complete renovations. Ogden’s location on US-30 provides easy access to suppliers in Boone (8 miles) and Ames for competitive material pricing.
We remodel basements in Ogden, IA to maximize your living space. Boone County has elevated radon levels (often exceeding 4 pCi/L), so proper testing and mitigation should be part of any basement project. We assess existing conditions, address radon and moisture concerns, and transform underused basement space into functional living areas.
In Ogden, IA we transform bathrooms into functional, comfortable spaces. Older homes often have original bathrooms with dated fixtures, inadequate ventilation, and outdated plumbing. We handle complete renovations that bring bathrooms up to modern standards while working within the constraints of existing framing and plumbing runs.
We build home additions in Ogden, IA that blend with your existing structure. The City of Ogden handles building permits through City Hall at 513 West Walnut Street (515-275-2917). We manage the permit process, ensure compliance with city zoning, and build additions that match your home’s architecture while meeting current energy codes.
We finish basements in Ogden, IA that add valuable living space. Given Boone County’s high radon potential, we recommend testing and mitigation as part of any finishing project. We install proper vapor barriers, insulation, and ventilation to create comfortable, healthy living spaces that effectively expand your home’s usable square footage.
We build decks in Ogden, IA designed for Iowa’s weather extremes. Whether you want outdoor space for family gatherings or a deck to enjoy after a day at nearby Seven Oaks Recreation, we construct outdoor living spaces built to last. From composite decking that handles freeze-thaw cycles to traditional wood with proper sealing, we build for Central Iowa’s climate.
Building in Ogden and Western Boone County
Ogden has about 2,000 residents and sits on Highway 30 west of Boone. The city issues its own permits. Call 515-275-2917 to confirm what your project needs.
Highway 30 is the practical advantage here. It gives us a straight run for material delivery and it keeps crew travel predictable, which is not true of every town this size. That shows up as fewer mobilization costs on larger jobs.
Ogden’s housing is mostly early and mid-century on generous lots. Generous lots matter more than people expect, because they usually mean an addition can go out rather than up. Building out avoids reworking a roof structure and is almost always the cheaper path.
What we check first on the older stock is the electrical service and the foundation. Both decide whether a kitchen or basement project is straightforward or structural.
Footings go at least 42 inches down to sit beneath the frost line, and Boone County‘s radon readings mean we test before finishing below grade.
We work across Boone County. Homeowners in Boone, Boxholm, Madrid, and Pilot Mound call us for the same work.
Adding on in Ogden? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will price it properly.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Ogden 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 Ogden.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Ogden.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Ogden.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Ogden, IA
How do building permits work in Ogden?
The City of Ogden handles building permits through City Hall at 513 West Walnut Street (515-275-2917).
Permit applications must be approved by the Building Inspector and City Clerk before work begins.
Permits are required for most construction projects including additions, structural changes, and significant remodeling.
We handle all permit applications and coordinate inspections for our clients.
What's the housing market like in Ogden?
Ogden has approximately 900 housing units with median home values around $130,000-$150,000.
About 88% are single-family detached homes, and most residents own rather than rent.
The town’s location on US-30 and proximity to Ames and Des Moines make it attractive for families seeking affordable small-town living. Remodeling projects typically see good returns in this market.
Do older Ogden homes have specific challenges?
Yes.
Ogden’s railroad heritage means many homes date to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Common issues include outdated electrical systems, older plumbing (galvanized pipes), original single-pane windows, and foundations that may need attention.
German immigrant families who settled here built many of these homes (about 59% of residents have German ancestry), often with solid construction but dated systems that need updating.
Is radon a concern in Ogden basements?
Yes.
Boone County has elevated radon levels, with many areas exceeding 4 pCi/L (the EPA action level).
Before finishing any basement, we recommend professional radon testing.
If levels are high, we can install mitigation systems as part of your project.
a This protects your family’s health and is required disclosure when selling.
What recreational amenities are near Ogden?
Ogden has excellent recreational access.
Don Williams Recreational Area offers a lake, campgrounds, golf, and disc golf.
Seven Oaks Recreation provides skiing in winter and hiking/canoeing in other seasons.
The Kate Shelley High Bridge and Battin Heritage Park are nearby.
These amenities make Ogden attractive to families and boost property values for homeowners considering renovations.
How far do you travel for projects in Ogden?
Busy Builders is based in West Des Moines and regularly serves all of Boone County, including Ogden.
At roughly 45 miles from our office via US-30, Ogden is well within our service area.
We also serve nearby Boone (8 miles east), Grand Junction, and other communities along the US-30 corridor.
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