How it works

From backyard to built — without the guesswork.

Most people stall on an ADU because they don't know where to start, what it'll cost, or whether it's even allowed. We take that off your plate — and put the numbers in writing before you commit.

The process

Four steps, no cost to start.

1

Tell us about your property

Share your lot and what you're after — rental, family, or a getaway. Two minutes, free, no obligation.

2

Get your numbers in writing

We check zoning and feasibility for your lot, then send a written estimate: what you can build, what it costs, and what it can return.

3

Design & permits

We turn the plan into permit-ready drawings and handle the Des Moines approvals — so you never have to navigate city hall.

4

Build & move in

Vetted Iowa builders construct your ADU, and we stay involved through the final walkthrough. Then it's ready to rent or move in.

End to end

One team, start to finish.

You're not left to coordinate a designer, a permit office, and a builder yourself. We handle the whole chain:

Feasibility & zoning check
Confirm what your specific lot allows.
Written return estimate
Real cost and rent numbers, on paper.
Design & plans
Choose a base plan or design custom.
Permitting
We file and manage city approvals.
Construction
Vetted Iowa builders do the work.
Final walkthrough
We see it through to rent- or move-in ready.

Why Iowa Tiny Houses

Local builders. Real experience. Honest numbers.

20+ yrs

of Iowa homebuilding behind every project.

Local

Iowa-based — we know Des Moines-metro codes and lots.

End to end

Design, permitting, and construction — one team.

In writing

A real return estimate before you commit — no guesswork.

Roughly how long

What to expect on timing.

Feasibility & written estimatea few days
Design & permitting~4–10 weeks
Construction~8–16 weeks

Timelines vary with build type, city review, and season. Conversions move faster; new detached builds take longer.

Ready to see your numbers?

Run your lot through the calculator, or tell us about the property and we'll send a written estimate and get you started.

Cost, return, and timeline figures are planning estimates that vary by property, city review, and market conditions — not guarantees. ADU rules differ by lot; we confirm the specifics for your property during feasibility. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.