Perry, Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Perry, Iowa.
Perry, 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 Perry and throughout Dallas County. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand local building codes, permit processes, and the specific characteristics of historic railroad 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 Perry
New home construction in Perry, IA. Located in Dallas County along the North Raccoon River, Perry has approximately 7,836 residents (2020 census) and serves as a historic railroad town approximately 25 miles northwest of Des Moines. Laid out in 1869, Perry became a major railroad junction where the Milwaukee Road was the main employer for over a century. Today Perry is home to the historic Hotel Pattee (built 1913) and the Forest Park Museum. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes suited to this working-class community with rich heritage.
Complete home remodeling in Perry, IA. Perry’s railroad heritage means housing stock ranges from turn-of-the-century Victorian homes built during the railroad boom to mid-century ranch homes and newer construction. The Milwaukee Road brought immigrants from around the world, creating a diverse architectural legacy. Whether you’re updating a historic home near downtown or modernizing a 1970s ranch, we understand each era’s construction methods and can transform your home while respecting its character.
Kitchen remodeling in Perry, IA addresses both infrastructure and design needs. Many older Perry 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 the state plumbing code. Perry’s affordable housing market means kitchen investments can significantly increase home value and quality of life.
Basement remodeling in Perry, IA requires understanding local conditions and radon risks. Dallas 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 Perry homes built near the North Raccoon River may require additional moisture assessment before finishing.
Bathroom remodeling in Perry, 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 Perry, IA require permits through City Hall at 1102 Willis Avenue, Suite 300. Contact (515) 465-2481 for permit information. Building permits are required for new structures including garages, accessory buildings, sheds, patios, decks, fences, signs, pools, and driveways. Permits are also required for renovations, additions, and alterations. Plans must be submitted and reviewed prior to permit issuance. We coordinate all permits and inspections for additions.
Basement finishing in Perry, 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 humidity and temperature extremes.
Deck building in Perry, IA enhances outdoor living in this Dallas County community. Perry sits on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and homeowners here 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 Perry and Northern Dallas County
Perry has about 7,836 residents and sits along the North Raccoon River, roughly 25 miles northwest of Des Moines on Highway 141. It is a historic railroad town, and that history is visible in the housing. The city handles its own permits at 515-465-2481.
Railroad-era homes were built well, but they were built for a different way of living. Small compartmentalized rooms, single bathrooms, and kitchens tucked at the back are common. Opening those up is common work in Perry, and it is usually structural rather than cosmetic. We check what is load-bearing before anyone picks a countertop.
River-adjacent parcels need drainage and footing depth reviewed. Footings go at least 42 inches deep here, far enough to sit beneath the line where Iowa soil freezes.
Perry also has newer housing on the edges of town where the work shifts to basements, decks, and additions rather than renovation.
Perry families are in the Perry district.
We build across Dallas County and north. Homeowners in Dallas Center, Adel, Granger, and Madrid call us for the same work.
Opening up an older Perry home? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will check what is holding it up first.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Perry 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 Perry, IA
How do building permits work in Perry?
Perry handles permits through City Hall at 1102 Willis Avenue, Suite 300, Perry, IA 50220.
Contact (515) 465-2481 or the Housing & Development Manager at the same number.
Building permits are required for new structures (garages, sheds, decks, fences, pools, driveways) and for renovations, additions, and alterations.
Demolition permits are required for the removal of structures.
Plans must be submitted and reviewed before the permit is issued.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Perry follow?
Ask the city which IBC and IRC editions Perry enforces before plans are drawn. Iowa’s state electrical code is the 2023 NEC, and the state plumbing code is the 2024 UPC.
Plan footings at least 42 inches deep to clear the frost line.
The city’s Planning & Zoning department reviews plans to ensure compliance with all applicable codes.
Which school district serves Perry?
Perry Community School District (Blue Jays) serves the city and the surrounding area, including Bouton and Dawson.
The district provides education from pre-K through 12th grade.
Perry is known for strong community support of its schools and athletic programs.
The district serves students across a large portion of northern Dallas County.
What's the housing market like in Perry?
Perry has approximately 7,836 residents with affordable housing compared to the Des Moines suburbs.
Median home prices are significantly lower than in metro suburbs.
The historic Hotel Pattee represents the city’s commitment to preserving its railroad heritage while supporting revitalization.
How far is Perry from Des Moines?
Perry is approximately 25 miles (30-35 minutes) northwest of Des Moines via Highway 141.
The city is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The Perry Municipal Airport (KPRO) is located on the edge of town.
Busy Builders serves Perry from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Perry unique for homeowners?
Perry’s railroad heritage defines its character.
The Milwaukee Road was the main employer for over a century, bringing immigrants from around the world.
That history shows in the housing. Railroad-era homes near downtown often have small rooms, single bathrooms and kitchens at the back.
Opening them up is usually structural work, so we check what is load-bearing first.
Perry sits on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and newer homes on the edges of town lean toward basements, decks and additions.
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