Urbandale Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Urbandale, Iowa.
Urbandale, 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 Urbandale and throughout the Des Moines metro. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand local building codes, permit processes, and the specific characteristics of suburban 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 Urbandale
New home construction in Urbandale, IA. Located in Polk and Dallas counties, Urbandale has approximately 45,580 residents (2020 census) and is the 12th largest city in Iowa. Incorporated on April 16, 1917, Urbandale began as a streetcar suburb of Des Moines with four coal mines. The city grew rapidly after World War II, from 1,777 residents in 1950 to nearly 48,000 today. Located at the intersection of Interstates 35 and 80, the “Urban Loop” business corridor has made Urbandale a commercial hub. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes suited to this thriving suburban community.
Complete home remodeling in Urbandale, IA. Urbandale’s rapid growth from the 1960s-1990s means housing stock varies widely by era. The coal mines closed by the late 1940s and streetcar service ended in 1951, but the city continued its residential expansion. Whether you’re updating a 1960s split-level, modernizing a 1980s colonial, or refreshing a newer construction home, we understand each era’s construction methods and can transform your home while respecting its structure.
Kitchen remodeling in Urbandale, IA addresses both infrastructure and design needs. Many mid-century Urbandale 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. Urbandale’s growth and high median household income ($107,000+) support quality kitchen investments with strong return on investment.
Basement remodeling in Urbandale, IA requires understanding local conditions and radon risks. Polk 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. Urbandale’s diverse soil conditions vary by neighborhood and require proper moisture assessment before finishing.
Bathroom remodeling in Urbandale, IA often reveals aging infrastructure in 1960s-1980s homes. Cast iron drain lines, galvanized supply pipes, and inadequate ventilation are common in pre-1990 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 Community Development Department.
Home additions in Urbandale, IA require permits through the Department of Community Development at 3600 86th Street. Contact (515) 278-3930 for permit information. Urbandale uses Citizenserve for online permit applications at citizenserve.com. Site plans must be approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council prior to construction for most projects. We coordinate all permits and inspections for additions, ensuring compliance with current building codes and zoning requirements.
Basement finishing in Urbandale, 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 Urbandale, IA enhances outdoor living in this Des Moines suburb. With over 850 acres of parks and 33 miles of trails connecting to the metro trail system, Urbandale homeowners value quality outdoor spaces. Living History Farms, where Pope John Paul II spoke to 350,000 people in 1979, reflects the community’s connection to outdoor heritage. Building permits are required through the Community Development Department. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles demand proper footing depth (42 inches minimum).
Building in Urbandale and the West Metro
Urbandale is a city of about 45,580 and it runs a full building department. Call 515-278-3930 to confirm what your project needs. On a city this size, plan review is a real step with a real queue. We build it into the schedule rather than treating it as a formality.
Urbandale is unusual because it spans several decades of construction at once. There are post-war ranches on the east side, 1970s and 1980s splits through the middle, and newer builds toward the Waukee line. Those are three different jobs. A ranch usually needs load-bearing work to open a kitchen. A split-level fights you on stair placement for a basement finish. A newer home is mostly finishes and layout.
We tell clients which of those three they own before we price anything, because it drives the number more than material selections do.
Urbandale families are in the Urbandale district, and school boundaries come up often when weighing an addition against a move.
We build across the west metro. Homeowners in Clive, Johnston, West Des Moines, and Grimes call us for the same work.
Ready to start in Urbandale? Call: 844-435-9800 and we will tell you which of those three houses you own.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Urbandale before you commit to a budget or a timeline.
Our Building Partners.
- Achievement
Your Dream, 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 Urbandale.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Urbandale.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Urbandale.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Urbandale, IA
How do building permits work in Urbandale?
The Department of Community Development handles permits at 3600 86th Street.
Contact (515) 278-3930 for information.
Urbandale uses Citizenserve for online permit applications and inspection scheduling.
Architectural and structural engineering certifications are required for most nonresidential construction.
A site plan must be approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council prior to most new construction.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Urbandale follow?
Urbandale 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.
Staff assistance is encouraged for complex projects, and pre-application conferences are available for large projects.
Which school districts serve Urbandale?
Multiple districts serve Urbandale: Urbandale Community School District (J-Hawks, serving 4,000+ students with 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and Urbandale High School), Dallas Center-Grimes, Des Moines, Johnston, Waukee, and West Des Moines.
Urbandale CSD is entirely in Polk County and offers a traditional calendar plus a year-round option at Karen Acres Elementary.
What's the housing market like in Urbandale?
Urbandale has approximately 45,580 residents with steady growth (15.5% since 2010).
The median household income exceeds $107,000, among the highest in Iowa.
The median home value is approximately $348,000, and the per capita income is around $53,600.
About 70% of homes are owner-occupied.
The city spans Polk and Dallas counties, with western Urbandale experiencing recent growth.
How far is Urbandale from downtown Des Moines?
Urbandale is immediately northwest of Des Moines, with downtown Des Moines approximately 10-15 minutes east, depending on location.
The city sits at the intersection of Interstates 35 and 80 along the Urban Loop business corridor.
DART bus service connects Urbandale to the metro.
Busy Builders serves Urbandale from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Urbandale unique for homeowners?
Urbandale offers suburban convenience with urban access.
The city features over 850 acres of parks and 33 miles of trails connecting to the regional trail network.
Living History Farms is a major attraction.
The Multi-State Lottery Association (Powerball headquarters) is based here.
Notable residents include former NFL player Eddie Berlin and Slipknot bassist Paul Gray.
The city’s high median income supports quality housing investments with strong return on value.
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