West Des Moines Iowa
Construction & Remodeling
Your One Call Solution for Home Building and Remodeling in West Des Moines, Iowa
West Des Moines, Iowa General Contractor
About Us
Established in 2020, Busy Builders is Owned and Operated because of a dream. After decades in the trades, Busy Builders was started to bring integrity and honesty back to the remodeling and home building world.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to provide the most transparent and honest experience possible when it comes to any construction project, whether that is a bathroom remodel or building your new home.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple, to grow and serve all of Iowa with our dedicated service to the remodeling industry, all starting with West Des Moines and the surrounding areas.
Full-Service Construction And Remodeling in West Des Moines
New home construction in West Des Moines, IA. From design to completion, we build custom homes with craftsmanship and care. Every detail is handled with precision and attention, ensuring quality that lasts for generations while helping families create spaces they’re proud to call home.
Complete home remodeling in West Des Moines, IA. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, refreshing bathrooms, or transforming your entire home, we deliver quality upgrades with craftsmanship and care. Every detail is built to last, improving comfort, style, and long-term value for your home.
We design and build kitchens in West Des Moines, IA that balance function and style. From custom cabinets and modern layouts to the finishing touches that make it yours, every detail is built with lasting quality, turning your kitchen into the true heart of your home.
We remodel basements in West Des Moines, IA to make them more functional and inviting. From reworking layouts and adding living space to upgrading finishes and lighting, every detail is built with care and lasting quality to transform the way you use your home.
In West Des Moines, IA we transform bathrooms into spaces that are both functional and relaxing. From updated layouts and custom tile work to modern fixtures and finishes, every detail is built with lasting quality that adds comfort and value to your home.
We build home additions in West Des Moines, IA that blend seamlessly with your existing space. From extra bedrooms and expanded living areas to sunrooms and garages, our team handles every step with craftsmanship and care. Each project is built with lasting quality to add comfort .
We finish basements in West Des Moines, IA that add comfort, function, and value to your home. From open family rooms and home offices to guest suites and entertainment spaces, every project is built with lasting quality so you can enjoy a space designed to fit your lifestyle.
We build decks in West Des Moines, IA that expand your living space and bring the outdoors closer to home. From durable materials and custom designs to railings and finishes, every project is built with lasting quality for everyday use, added comfort, and long-term enjoyment.
Building in West Des Moines and the Western Suburbs
West Des Moines is the largest suburb we serve and it spans four counties, which matters more than most homeowners expect. Which county your address falls in can change how a project is reviewed, so we confirm it at the start rather than assuming.
The city covers a very wide range of housing. Valley Junction holds genuine early-century homes with the framing and wiring to match. The Country Club and Ashworth areas are mid-century, usually solid but closed off by modern standards. Everything west of Jordan Creek is newer, where the work is basements, additions, and outdoor living rather than renovation.
Those three call for different conversations. On the older homes we plan for discovery. On the newer ones we plan for permits and covenants.
Footings go at least 42 inches deep to sit under Iowa’s frost line. On the older Valley Junction foundations we verify what is there before tying new structure into it.
We build across the western suburbs. Homeowners in Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, and Norwalk call us for the same work.
Planning a West Des Moines project? Call: 844-435-9800 for a written estimate.
Permit rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the City of West Des Moines before you commit to a budget or a timeline.
What each project costs and requires in West Des Moines
Straight answers by service for West Des Moines homeowners: the starting price, what the Building Division (4200 Mills Civic Parkway, 515-222-3630, electronic submission only) needs before it issues a permit, and how the job changes between Valley Junction, the Country Club and Ashworth neighborhoods, and everything west of Jordan Creek. West Des Moines spans four counties, so we confirm the parcel’s county at the start. Busy Builders is based here, is a registered Iowa contractor (DIAL C140184) and has completed 1,285+ projects across Central Iowa since 2020; electrical, plumbing and HVAC are done by licensed subcontractors we coordinate.
Home Building in West Des Moines
A custom home in West Des Moines starts at about $150 per square foot with Busy Builders, before the lot. New lots sit west of Jordan Creek and south toward the Warren and Madison County lines, and the county on the deed changes who records what. Footings go below the 42-inch frost line, the Building Division reviews plans electronically, and a soils report is worth having on the newer plats before the foundation is designed. One of our new homes at the house-wrap stage shows the milestone we aim to reach before winter. Final costs vary by scope, materials, complexity and location within our service area.
Home Remodeling in West Des Moines
Home remodeling in West Des Moines is three different conversations. Valley Junction holds early-century homes with the framing and wiring to match, so we plan for discovery and hold a reserve. The Country Club and Ashworth areas are mid-century, usually solid but closed off, so the work is opening walls with engineered beams. West of Jordan Creek the job is basements, additions and outdoor living. A permit is required for structural changes, added floor area and relocated plumbing or wiring. Busy Builders completes more than 100 projects a year, most of them additions, full remodels and basement finishes.
Kitchen Remodeling in West Des Moines
Kitchen remodeling in West Des Moines starts at about $250 per square foot with Busy Builders, and a full kitchen runs about 6 to 12 weeks from estimate and approval through final punch. The lines homeowners underestimate most are tile, countertops, added outlets and moving or installing plumbing, which are also the changes that trigger a permit. In the older neighborhoods we regularly find mold in the wall behind the sink from years of a slowly leaking faucet, and a pre-1978 kitchen brings lead-safe demolition rules. Final costs vary by scope, materials, complexity and location within our service area.
Bathroom Remodeling in West Des Moines
Busy Builders has quoted bathrooms from about $3,000 to $5,000 for a light hall-bath facelift up to about $60,000 for a large primary bath; a typical full remodel without moving fixtures lands around $15,000 to $20,000. A permit is needed when plumbing or wiring moves; a fixture-for-fixture swap usually is not. Estimates are set up front, and the most common reason a bathroom grows is scope added after the first number: heated floors, added lighting, a frameless door. Two full bathroom remodels we completed in 2026 were reviewed by the homeowners, one a repeat customer who plans a kitchen next.
Basement Finishing in West Des Moines
Finishing a West Des Moines basement adds a legal bedroom only with an egress window of 5.7 square feet net clear opening and a sill no higher than 44 inches. Radon is very common on our basement jobs in the Des Moines area, and mitigation is part of the finish, not an add-on. In the mid-century homes our crews most often find mold, missing moisture barriers, poor insulation and old wiring once the walls open. We have redone many basements other contractors got wrong, including finished walls that collapsed because they were never fastened. Below-grade space appraises at a discount to above-grade, which matters if resale is part of the plan. Plan about $35,000 to $75,000 for a full finish.
Deck Building in West Des Moines
A deck in West Des Moines needs a permit when it is attached to the house or more than 30 inches off grade, with footings at least 42 inches deep and a ledger detail the inspector checks. Newer neighborhoods west of Jordan Creek often add covenant review on top of the city permit. Busy Builders builds composite and treated-wood decks; a composite deck we built in spring 2026 was reviewed by the homeowner, who singled out communication and the finished result. Our elevated decks are framed on treated posts, beams and joists sized for Iowa snow load. Plan about $45 to $85 per square foot depending on material and height.
Home Additions in West Des Moines
Home additions in West Des Moines start at about $300 per square foot with Busy Builders. The Building Division reviews electronically and wants a site plan with setbacks, construction drawings and the trade permits. Iowa’s 2025 ADU law also applies here: a city must allow one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot, up to 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the main home, whichever is larger, with local setbacks and height limits still in force. One of our finished two-story additions carries an upper deck and exterior finishes matched to the original house. Attached garages and storm shelters are built to the spec of the job as part of additions work. Final costs vary by scope, materials, complexity and location within our service area.
Our Building Partners.
- Achievement
Your Project, 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 Des Moines.
- Additional Story
- Tornado Shelter
- Living Room
- Bedroom
- Sunroom
- Bathroom
- Garage
- ADU
Kitchen Remodeling
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Cabinetry
- Windows
- Islands
- Lights
Home Building
Based on Average Pricing in Des Moines.
- Dream Build
- Multi-Family
- Tiny Home
- Spec Build
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Home Construction & Remodeling in West Des Moines, IA
What types of home additions are popular in West Des Moines?
Homeowners in West Des Moines often expand kitchens, add bedrooms, or create sunrooms to fit growing families.
We design additions that blend seamlessly with your existing home while increasing comfort and long-term value.
Do you design and build decks in West Des Moines, IA?
Yes. We create custom decks that enhance outdoor living in West Des Moines.
From low-maintenance composite materials to high-end wood designs, we build decks that are both stylish and durable.
Is West Des Moines a good place for new home construction?
Absolutely. West Des Moines is one of Iowa’s most desirable areas, offering both established neighborhoods and new developments.
We build custom homes that fit the community’s standards while reflecting your personal style.
Can you remodel kitchens in West Des Moines homes?
Yes. Kitchen remodels are among the top upgrades for West Des Moines homeowners.
We design open layouts, custom cabinetry, and modern finishes that balance beauty with functionality.
How long does a basement remodel typically take in West Des Moines?
Most basement remodels take between 6 to 10 weeks depending on the design and features.
We provide clear timelines and ensure every space is built with moisture protection and lasting quality.
Why choose a local contractor in West Des Moines instead of a larger company?
A local contractor understands West Des Moines building codes, neighborhoods, and market expectations.
With decades of experience in Central Iowa, we deliver reliable craftsmanship and personal service you can trust.
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