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

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

Serving Baxter, 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 Des Moines Area Roofing
Des Moines Area Roofing
4.8(
275
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Baxter, 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 American Home Shield – Home Warranty
American Home Shield – Home Warranty
3.5(
5,689
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Baxter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"It's a $75 service fee every time they send somebody out. It's cheap, you know it's insurance. They're excellent. I have no problems. I've been with them for years. They're fair. They give you a warranty on the repairs that are made. They're always responsive, I've never had any issues with their punctuality. The only problem I have with them is the wait time. The wait time to get to a human is sometimes extended to 20 or 30 minutes sometimes. They got prompts; you can do everything online, but sometimes you need to talk to a customer service representative about something. It takes so long, you'll get to them and once you get to them they're always responsive it just takes them a long time. I renew every year; it's a one-year renewable."
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+2

Recommended by65%of homeowners
Carlson Built, Inc.
5.0(
2
)
Find a Custom Home Builder

Serving Baxter, 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
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Custom Home Builders FAQs, answered by experts

It pays to hire a project manager or general contractor when you have a large-scale project that will take over a week to complete, especially when it involves structural changes and multiple subcontractors. This includes hiring a general contractor to build a house, add an extension, or manage other projects that need a building permit.

Start by researching local contractors with experience in cottage construction. Ask for references, check licensing and insurance, and review completed projects. Compare multiple bids, making sure each includes the same scope of work. A good contractor will communicate clearly, provide a detailed contract, and ensure all work meets code and safety standards.

A construction manager is particularly useful in the case of a large-scale build with custom design elements, so it’s usually worth it to hire one. They can help manage your budget, maintain quality control, oversee timelines, and navigate unexpected hurdles. While construction managers are pricey, they can actually save money in the long run by identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring the project stays within budget.

The average cost to build a modular home is around $270,000, and most modular homes total between $180,000 and $360,000. Of course, this price varies significantly by location, and the price tends to follow the cost of living in the area. There are quite a few other factors at play that can affect your pricing, including the following:

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

  • Site preparation, including land clearing and leveling

  • Type of foundation

  • Utility connections

  • Cost of building permits

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.

The Baxter, IA homeowners’ guide to custom home building

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