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TRUSTED BY AMES, IA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.3
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon14
    Verified custom home building reviews

Top-Rated Custom home builders in Ames - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for deWit Construction & Remodeling
deWit Construction & Remodeling
4.8(
26
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Our son hired this company to finish his basement a few years ago and was so pleased with their work he hired them to
demolish an existing back porch and construct a large 3-season room on the back of his house.  As he expected, the work
was done in a timely manner and the room is beautiful and very well constructed.  These guys are excellent finish carpenters.
My husband was a carpenter in his younger days and if anyone is critical of workmanship, he is the one!  He may one day
hire this company to do some work for us.  All of us would highly recommend Neil and his brother for any job you may want
done.  I'm sure our son would be very proud to show his two rooms to any of you who might be looking for a experienced and
detailed team.  Thanks guys!  Keep up your good work.

Jon, Jo Ann Cloyd of Ankeny, IA.
Scott Cloyd, Des Moines, IA.

submitted by:  Jo Ann Cloyd"
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+8

Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Addition Doctors
Addition Doctors
4.7(
22
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

"My husband and I had spent 13 years remodeling our 1873 house by ourselves. When it came time to do our dream project of adding a sunroom, finding a contractor to do the work instead of doing it ourselves was a very important decision to us. We met with several contractors and knew instantly that John and his son Nate at Addition Doctors were the people we wanted taking on this project. John and Nate were so great to work with. They were the only company we met with who gave us a computer generated model of what the project would look like so we had a very clear vision of the end product. They were the only company to quote us the project under the budget we told them we had to work with. They kept us up to date at every step of the project and there were never any surprises about cost or timing. They had great ideas for the project when we weren't exactly sure what should or could be done. We love our finished sunroom. The quality of work and service they gave was excellent. We would highly recommend Addition Doctors for anyone who is looking to have quality work done to their home."
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Need a Cabin?
Enjoy the Porch

+18

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Des Moines Area Roofing
Des Moines Area Roofing
4.8(
275
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"From the beginning to the end we had excellent customer service. Jan, office manager, kept us informed every day on the progress of the job. The owner, Tim, was very courteous, informative, and easy to work with. The last day finishing up the skylight the derecho hit and they worked quickly and safely to remove the equipment off the property. I'm sure they remember that day! The crew on the roof were excellent and they were meticulous in the final clean-up stage. We are pleased with our new skylights!"
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Recommended by99%of homeowners
Avatar for Konstruct Pros LLC
Konstruct Pros LLC
4.1(
26
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

"Mike is a very talented and responsible contractor. I sought estimates from many different contractors and Mike was by far the most courteous and responsive. He made sure he understood my interests, provided feedback, and offered suggestions. The project was completed quickly and on budget. Mike was conscientious about minimizing dust in my home which I appreciated. I will be contacting Mike for future projects. Mike and his team are honest people that you can trust in your home."
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Recommended by90%of homeowners
Carlson Built, Inc.
5.0(
2
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 20 years of industry experience. We specialize in custom home builds but also offer a wide range of expertise for a variety of other home improvement projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 20
Custom Home Builders FAQs, answered by experts

How long it takes to build a custom home or rebuild a home after a disaster varies depending on many factors, but averages between seven and 14 months. Smaller homes or homes that don’t need a re-poured foundation may take less time to build than larger homes or homes without an existing foundation. Material availability, contractor schedules, and permit and inspection timelines can all affect how long your house takes to build.

Yes, you can finance new construction, though the process often requires a different type of loan than one for an existing property. There are several financing options available:

  • Construction-to-Permanent Loan: This is a common option where a single loan covers the building costs and then converts into a traditional mortgage once construction is complete and you move in.

  • Construction Loan (Stand-Alone): This type of loan provides funding only for the duration of the construction project. Once the house is built, you will need to pay the loan in full, typically by securing a separate, standard mortgage.

  • Builder Financing: Some custom homebuilders offer their own financing options, which may only require a down payment to begin the building process.

  • Bridge Loan: This can be a useful short-term loan to fund your new construction while you are in the process of selling your old home.

  • Home Equity Options: If you are building a second home, you might be able to use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance on your current property.

It's also important to be aware that some lenders may have restrictions on financing for DIY house builds, so be sure to verify that you can secure financing before starting your project.

Modular homes are a type of prefab home. Specifically, manufacturers first build modular homes in sections and then deliver them to the job site. The modules, or sections, are usually at least 70% finished before they arrive on your property.

In comparison, prefab homes arrive in panels or segments, and workers assemble them on-site. Generally speaking, modular homes tend to be more durable, and their consistent construction standards may mean you’ll have an easier time getting conventional home loans.

To get a quote from a builder or general contractor, contact them over the phone or online and explain your project. If you already have house plans drawn up, they’ll need to review them to determine the project's scope before providing you with a quote. Ask for your quote in writing and compare quotes from several pros before choosing the best one for your needs.

Yes, you can finance cottage construction through several options. Construction loans provide funds in stages as work progresses, while home equity loans or lines of credit are available if you have existing property. Some lenders offer a combined construction and permanent mortgage. Always review loan terms and payment milestones before committing.

The Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to custom home building

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.