Waukee Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in Waukee, Iowa.
Waukee, 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 Waukee and throughout Dallas County. As Iowa-registered contractors, we understand local building codes, permit processes, and the specific characteristics of rapidly growing 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 Waukee
New home construction in Waukee, IA. Located in Dallas County, Waukee has approximately 23,940 residents (2020 census) with a 2024 special census showing 31,823 residents, making it the fastest-growing city in Iowa. Laid out in 1869 and incorporated December 23, 1878, Waukee is thought to be named after The Milwaukee Road Railroad. The city has grown from 5,126 residents in 2000 to over 34,000 today, a growth rate exceeding 466%. In 2017, Apple Inc. chose Waukee for a $1.38 billion data center campus. We build custom homes with foundations designed for Iowa’s 42-inch frost line, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes suited to this rapidly expanding community.
Complete home remodeling in Waukee, IA. Waukee’s explosive growth means most housing stock is relatively new, with 67.4% of homes built after 2000. However, the original town center features older homes requiring different renovation approaches. Whether you’re updating one of Waukee’s few remaining historic homes near downtown or customizing a newer construction home in the expanding western developments, we understand each era’s construction methods and can transform your home.
Kitchen remodeling in Waukee, IA addresses both builder-grade upgrades and custom designs. Many newer Waukee homes have open floor plans but use standard builder finishes that homeowners want to upgrade. We assess structural requirements, upgrade electrical systems to current NEC standards with dedicated circuits, and ensure plumbing meets 2021 UPC requirements. Waukee’s high median household income ($106,728) supports quality kitchen investments with excellent return on investment.
Basement remodeling in Waukee, 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. New construction in Waukee typically includes radon-ready systems, but older homes require assessment.
Bathroom remodeling in Waukee, IA often involves upgrading builder-grade finishes in newer homes. Modern bathroom remodels require proper ventilation per IRC standards (50 CFM minimum for bathrooms under 100 square feet). Waukee’s newer infrastructure generally means less hidden problems than older communities, but we inspect existing plumbing conditions before providing estimates and coordinate all required permits through the Community Development Department.
Home additions in Waukee, IA require permits through the Community Development Department at 204 W. Hickman Road (behind City Hall). Contact (515) 978-9533 for permit information. Waukee has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and Iowa has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, and 2024 International Mechanical Code. Permit applications may be submitted online. We coordinate all permits and inspections for additions, ensuring compliance with current building codes.
Basement finishing in Waukee, 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 Waukee, IA enhances outdoor living in Iowa’s fastest-growing city. With continuous residential development and family-focused neighborhoods, Waukee homeowners value quality outdoor spaces. No permit is required for residential re-roofing, but ice barrier underlayment is required by local amendment. Building permits are required for decks through the Community Development Department. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles demand proper footing depth (42 inches minimum).
Building in Waukee and Western Dallas County
Waukee has passed 23,940 residents and has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the state for years. City permitting runs through 515-978-7900.
Waukee’s growth curve is the whole story for a builder. Most of the housing went up inside the last twenty-five years, so the work here is expansion and completion rather than restoration. Basements left as bare block, decks framed to the minimum, and plans that skipped the fourth bedroom make up the bulk of it.
Two things slow Waukee projects if you do not plan for them. Plan review on a city growing this fast carries a real queue, and newer subdivisions carry active covenants that govern exterior changes. We handle both before we draw rather than after.
Waukee also has a small original core near the trail where the housing is genuinely old. Those are different jobs and we price them differently.
Footings go 42 inches down at minimum to clear Iowa’s frost line.
We build across Dallas County. Homeowners in Clive, West Des Moines, Adel, and Dallas Center call us for the same work.
Expanding a Waukee home? Call: 844-435-9800 for a written estimate.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Waukee 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 Waukee.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Waukee.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Waukee.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in Waukee, IA
How do building permits work in Waukee?
The Community Development Department handles permits at 204 W. Hickman Road (behind City Hall).
Contact (515) 978-9533 for information.
City Hall general information is (515) 978-7900.
Permit applications may be submitted online.
Waukee has adopted the 2018 International Building Code; Iowa has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, and 2024 International Mechanical Code.
Deposits and fees may be paid online by cash, check, or credit/debit card.
We coordinate all permits and inspections for our clients.
What building codes does Waukee follow?
Waukee operates under the 2018 International Building Code and Iowa State codes including the 2023 National Electrical Code, 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, and 2024 International Mechanical Code.
Iowa’s frost line depth of 42 inches applies to all foundation work.
Local amendments include underlayment requirements for ice barrier roofing.
PEXa pipe standards were updated in March 2023.
Which school district serves Waukee?
Waukee Community School District (Warriors) serves approximately 14,000 students from Waukee, plus portions of Clive, Urbandale, and West Des Moines.
It’s the third-largest and one of the fastest-growing districts in Iowa, with 18 schools, including two high schools (Waukee High School and Waukee Northwest High School, which opened in 2021).
A third high school is planned for the 2030s or 40s.
The district adopted a Spartan-style Warrior mascot in 2016.
What's the housing market like in Waukee?
Waukee is Iowa’s fastest-growing city, with the 2024 special census showing a population of 31,823.
The population has grown 466.9% since 2000.
The median household income is $106,728 with a median resident age of 32.1 years.
About 74% of homes are owner-occupied.
In 2020, a record 1,489 building permits were issued, valued at $245.7 million.
The city projects 35,000 residents by 2030 and potentially 50,000 by 2040.
How far is Waukee from Des Moines?
Waukee is immediately west of Des Moines, approximately 15-20 minutes from downtown.
The city borders West Des Moines and Clive.
While HIRTA provides demand-response transit, Waukee is currently the largest Iowa city without fixed-route public transit.
DART Route 92 express service serves nearby Clive.
Busy Builders serves Waukee from our West Des Moines base.
What makes Waukee unique for homeowners?
Waukee is Iowa’s fastest-growing city, located in Dallas County (Iowa’s fastest-growing county with 50%+ growth 2010-2020).
Apple Inc. chose Waukee for a $1.38 billion data center campus in 2017.
The city offers excellent schools, new infrastructure, and family-focused development.
Notable residents include Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison.
The median age of 32.1 and strong household income reflect the young, professional demographic attracted to Waukee’s growth opportunities.
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