Top-rated custom home builders.

Best custom home builders near Baxter, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your custom home building project in Baxter, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

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"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+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!"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
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."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+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
Showing 1-10 of 21
Custom Home Builders FAQs, answered by experts

No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.

Above all, the downside to building a new house is a longer timeline. You need several months to finish the build, depending on the supply chain and labor availability in the meantime. Building a home compared to buying one is also more expensive, both in the building process and when it comes to mortgage rates and property taxes.

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

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.

Modular homes can be a great investment, especially for those who find the prices of stick-built real estate too high. Modular homes are usually much more affordable because they’re mass-manufactured and then assembled on-site or delivered mostly assembled. If they’re installed properly and by professionals, they can last for between 50 and 100 years, potentially making them an outstanding investment.

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.