Our Services
In Central Iowa
Your home should work for the way you actually live, not the way it was built 20 or 40 years ago.
Whether you need a kitchen that fits your family, a finished basement with real livable space, a new deck, an addition, or a custom home from the ground up, Busy Builders handles the full project from start to finish.
We serve Central Iowa with honest pricing, a clear written plan, and a registered general contractor on site from permit to final walkthrough.
- Achievement
Your Full-Service Construction and Remodeling Team in Central Iowa
Since 2020, over 1,000 Central Iowa homeowners have trusted us to build and remodel their dreams, and it shows.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions Central Iowa Homeowners Ask About Most
What should I look for when hiring a construction or remodeling contractor in Central Iowa?
Start by confirming the contractor holds active registration with Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). Iowa requires contractor registration, not licensing, for general contractors earning $2,000 or more per year. You can verify any contractor’s status at dial.iowa.gov.
Beyond registration, ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
Request at least three references from projects similar to yours, and ask those homeowners specifically about communication, timeline accuracy, and how the contractor handled unexpected problems.
A trustworthy contractor will also pull all required permits on your behalf and schedule third-party inspections rather than asking you to handle that process.
In Central Iowa, third-party inspections are commonly handled through Veenstra & Kimm, and most cities require separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work.
Be cautious with any contractor who asks for more than 10 to 15 percent of the project cost upfront before materials are ordered.
How much does it cost to remodel or build a home in the Des Moines metro area?
Costs vary significantly based on project type, square footage, material selections, and site conditions. Custom home builds in Central Iowa typically start around $150 per square foot for a standard spec build and can reach $250 or more per square foot for fully custom designs with high-end finishes.
Kitchen remodels generally start at $250 per square foot, with most mid-range projects in the Des Moines metro falling between $25,000 and $65,000, depending on whether you’re moving plumbing or gas lines, replacing cabinetry, or updating countertops and fixtures.
Bathroom remodels range from $12,000 to $35,000, with plumbing relocations and tile work driving the biggest cost differences. Basement finishing runs $25 to $75 per square foot, and home additions start near $300 per square foot.
We recommend budgeting an extra 10 to 15 percent for unknowns behind walls, especially in homes built before 1990.
Central Iowa’s clay soil conditions can also affect foundation work and drainage, which occasionally adds cost that doesn’t show up in initial estimates.
We provide detailed, written estimates before any work begins so you see exactly where every dollar goes.
How long do remodeling and construction projects typically take in Iowa?
Timelines depend on project scope, permit approval speed, and Iowa’s seasonal conditions.
Bathroom remodels typically run 3 to 6 weeks. Kitchen remodels take 6 to 12 weeks, with the longer end applying to projects that involve structural changes, custom cabinetry, or permit-dependent work like moving gas lines.
Basement finishing takes 8 to 14 weeks depending on layout complexity and whether you’re adding a bathroom, which requires plumbing rough-in and separate inspections.
Custom home builds require 8 to 14 months from groundbreaking to move-in. Iowa weather plays a real role in scheduling. Concrete and foundation work slows or stops when ground temperatures drop below freezing, and Iowa’s frost line sits at least 42 inches deep, which means foundation footings require deeper excavation than many other states.
We plan around these seasonal realities and build buffer into every project schedule. Before starting, we create a detailed timeline with milestone dates and provide regular updates throughout the project so you always know where things stand.
Do I need permits for remodeling or construction in Central Iowa, and who handles them?
Yes, most remodeling and construction projects in Central Iowa require permits. Any work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or changes to your home’s footprint will need permits from your local city building department.
Even basement finishing projects typically require building, electrical, and plumbing permits, depending on the scope.
Permit requirements and fees vary by city. Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Waukee each have their own building departments with different fee structures and inspection timelines.
Smaller communities in our service area sometimes fall under county jurisdiction for zoning review.
We handle the full permit process on every project, from application through final inspection, so you don’t have to navigate multiple city departments on your own. Skipping permits creates serious problems down the road. Unpermitted work can surface during a home sale, void your homeowner’s insurance coverage, and result in fines or required teardowns.
A registered contractor should always pull permits as part of the project, and you should be cautious of any contractor who suggests otherwise.
Which home remodeling project adds the most value in Central Iowa?
Kitchen remodels and basement finishing consistently deliver the strongest returns for Central Iowa homeowners, though the “best” project depends on your home’s current condition and your neighborhood.
A mid-range kitchen remodel typically recovers 50 to 75 percent of its cost at resale according to national cost-versus-value data, and kitchens are consistently the first space buyers evaluate.
Basement finishing is especially valuable in Iowa because nearly every home in the Des Moines metro has a full basement, yet a large percentage remain unfinished. Finishing that space adds usable square footage at a lower cost per square foot than building an addition. Keep in mind that finished basement space doesn’t count toward gross living area on a standard appraisal, but appraisers typically credit it at 60 to 75 percent of above-grade value.
Bathroom remodels and home additions also add strong value, particularly in neighborhoods where your home is smaller or less updated than comparable properties.
The smartest approach is to match your project to what your specific neighborhood demands rather than chasing national averages.
How do I get started with Busy Builders, and what happens during a consultation?
Call us at 844-435-9800 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.
During that first meeting, we walk through your goals, assess your existing space, and talk honestly about what’s realistic for your budget and timeline.
We’ll point out things you might not have considered, like whether your electrical panel can handle a kitchen remodel without an upgrade, or whether your basement shows signs of moisture issues that need to be addressed before finishing.
Sometimes a remodel accomplishes what you thought required an addition, and sometimes building new makes more financial sense than extensive renovations.
After the consultation, we put together a detailed written estimate that breaks down every cost category, from materials and labor to permits and inspections. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for before any work begins. There’s no pressure and no obligation.
We’ve worked with over 1,000 Central Iowa homeowners since 2020, and the process always starts with an honest conversation about what makes sense for your specific situation.
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