Primary Bathroom Remodel Central Iowa
- Central Iowa General Contractor
What Is a Primary Bathroom Remodel?
A primary bathroom remodel rebuilds the bathroom attached to your main bedroom. That usually means a double vanity, a larger tiled shower, better lighting, and often a freestanding tub. Layouts change more often here than in a guest bath, which is what separates this from a cosmetic refresh.
It fits homeowners tired of sharing one sink, fighting a cramped shower, or living with a layout from 1994. See our full bathroom remodeling service, and read our breakdown of primary suite bathroom cost and ROI in Des Moines.
About Us
Busy Builders is a registered Iowa general contractor serving Central Iowa since 2020. We have completed 1,285+ construction and remodeling projects in that time.
We plan and manage home building, remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions and decks, and we bring in licensed electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians when a project needs them.
Our Mission
Honest pricing, a clear written plan, and no surprise charges on every project we take on.
We tell you what the project actually requires before a permit is filed, and we do not upsell scope you do not need.
Our Vision
We want to be the registered general contractor Central Iowa homeowners call first, from Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston and Grimes to the towns around them.
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- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Remodel the Primary Bathroom?
Two Sinks, Zero Negotiation
A double vanity ends the morning traffic jam. It is the single most requested change we make in a primary bath.
A Shower Built for Adults
Bigger footprint, better head, real tile, and a bench. Most 1990s primary showers were sized like an afterthought.
Storage That Actually Works
Drawers instead of one deep cabinet, outlets inside the vanity, and a linen tower. Small changes you feel daily.
Fix the Layout, Not Just the Finishes
Cosmetic refreshes leave the same bad layout. Moving a wall or a door is often what makes the room finally work.
Honest Resale Math
In NAR's 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, Realtors estimate a bathroom renovation recovers about 50 percent of its cost at resale. Results vary by house and market.
One Crew, Licensed Trades
Design, demo, tile, and finishes by one team, with licensed Iowa plumbers and electricians for the trade work.
- Primary Bathroom Remodel Step By Step
How We Remodel Your Primary Bathroom
ASSESSMENT & PLANNING
We walk the space with you, look at what is behind the walls, and find out where the plumbing and framing will let the layout go. Moving a toilet is a different project than moving a vanity. You get a written scope and a real budget before design goes deep.
- Plumbing walls and framing checked
- Layout options priced honestly
- Written scope, budget, and timeline
DESIGN & SELECTIONS
Double vanity or a long single. Freestanding tub or a bigger shower instead. Tile, lighting, heated floor or not. We make the tradeoffs visible so the budget lands where you actually care, not on things you will never notice.
- Layout drawn and approved
- Tile, vanity, and fixture selections
- Budget aligned to priorities
DEMO & WATER DAMAGE REPAIR
Old bathrooms hide old leaks. Once tile and the vanity come out, we check the subfloor and framing and repair rot or mold where we find it. This is the step that protects everything installed on top of it.
- Full demo and haul away
- Subfloor and rot repaired
- Mold addressed properly
Read enough? Let's get your free quote.
Tell us about the project and someone from our team reaches out within 24 hours. Prefer to talk it through? Call 844-435-9800.
PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL ROUGH-IN
A licensed Iowa plumber relocates supply and drain lines for the new layout. Electrical adds circuits, brings all outlets to GFCI protection, wires lighting, and sets the exhaust fan to vent outdoors. Inspections pass before walls close.
- Licensed plumber moves the lines
- GFCI on every bathroom outlet
- Fan vented outdoors to code
WATERPROOFING & TILE
Membrane goes behind every wet wall, because tile and grout are not waterproof. Then floor tile, shower tile, and any heated floor system go in. This is the longest step on most primary baths, and rushing it is how showers fail.
- Waterproof membrane behind tile
- Floor, shower, and accent tile
- Heated floor if selected
VANITY, FIXTURES & WALKTHROUGH
Vanity, counters, mirrors, glass, and hardware go in, then paint and trim finish it. We test every fixture and walk the room with you before handoff. Written warranty on workmanship (details provided in your contract).
- Vanity, counters, and glass set
- Every fixture tested
- Final walkthrough together
Permits and Iowa Code for Primary Bathrooms
Disclaimer: This page is for general information and is not project-specific advice. Cost figures are planning estimates that vary by scope, materials, site conditions, and current pricing. Permit requirements vary by city and jurisdiction; verify current requirements with your local building authority before starting any project. Resale and ROI figures are illustrative, vary by market and project quality, and are not financial advice. Structural changes require evaluation by a qualified professional. No specific outcomes are guaranteed. Consult a registered contractor for guidance specific to your project.
What Does a Primary Bathroom Remodel Cost in Central Iowa?
| Bathroom project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Primary suite bathroom remodel | $30,000 to $60,000 or more |
| Full guest or secondary bathroom | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Half bath or cosmetic refresh | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| Keep the tub, add a separate shower | $11,000 to $23,000 or more |
| Typical timeline, full remodel | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Planning contingency | 10 to 15 percent of budget |
Based on our published Central Iowa pricing. Your written estimate sets the final numbers.
Ready to Redo the Primary Bath?
Weighing options? Compare aging in place bathrooms and walk-in shower conversions.
- Achievement
Trusted Primary Bathroom Contractors in Central Iowa
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- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Primary Bathroom Remodels in Central Iowa
How much does a primary bathroom remodel cost in Central Iowa?
Most run $30,000 to $60,000 or more depending on size, whether the layout moves, and finish level. A guest bath is $15,000 to $30,000 by comparison. Add a 10 to 15 percent contingency. Your written estimate sets the real number.
How long does a primary bathroom remodel take?
Full remodels with custom tile and plumbing moves run 6 to 8 weeks. Simpler updates land at 2 to 3 weeks. Tile, glass, and vanity lead times can stretch the schedule, so we order early.
Is it worth moving the plumbing?
Sometimes. Moving a vanity is inexpensive. Moving a toilet or shower drain means opening the floor and costs real money. We price both layouts so you can decide with numbers instead of guesses.
Should we keep the tub in the primary bath?
It depends on whether another tub exists in the house. If this is the only one, keeping a tub protects your buyer pool. If you have one elsewhere, trading it for a bigger shower is usually the better daily choice.
Do I need a permit for a primary bathroom remodel in Iowa?
Yes, when plumbing moves or circuits are added, which covers most primary bath projects. Plumbing must be done by a licensed Iowa plumber. We pull the permit through your city building department and manage inspections.
Can you do the work while we still live here?
Yes. Most families stay in the home and use another bathroom during the project. We contain dust, protect flooring on the path in and out, and clean the work area daily.
- Building and Remodeling Guides
