Looking for an experienced ADU builder Ames homeowners can trust? Tiny Homes of Iowa designs and builds custom accessory dwelling units across Story County, handling the design, permitting, financing guidance, and construction so you don’t have to lift a hammer or chase a single form.
Ames is a one-of-a-kind market. With Iowa State University at its heart, rental demand stays strong year after year, which makes a well-built ADU one of the smartest property investments you can make here.
What Is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit is a fully independent living space on the same lot as your existing house. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and entrance. Sometimes people call them backyard cottages, granny flats, or guest houses. Our floor plans run from a cozy 475 sq ft Studio+ up to an 816 sq ft two-bedroom, so there is room for nearly any goal and any yard.
Browse the layouts on our floor plans page to picture what could fit behind your home.
Why Build an ADU in Ames?
As an ADU builder Ames families rely on, we hear the same goals again and again, and they fit this city perfectly:
- Student and faculty rental income. Neighborhoods near campus, Campustown, and Old Town see steady demand from graduate students, visiting faculty, and young professionals who want quality housing close to Iowa State University.
- Housing aging parents. An ADU lets loved ones live close with privacy and dignity, just steps from the main house.
- Adding property value. A permanent, professionally built unit can raise the long-term worth of your Story County property.
- Flexible space. Use it as a home office now and rent it later, or the other way around.
The walkable, established streets around Iowa State, from Old Town’s tree-lined blocks to the busier corridors near Campustown, are exactly the kind of places renters want to be. That demand is what makes a well-placed ADU in Ames pay off.
The SF-592 By-Right Law
Here is the news that makes this easier than ever. Iowa’s SF-592 law now allows ADUs by right in every city and county in the state, including Ames. That means you no longer need special approval just to be allowed to build one. You still have to follow local setback requirements, but the days of fighting for permission are over.
For background on how ADUs work as a housing tool, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a helpful overview.
As your ADU builder Ames homeowners turn to, we read the local setback and zoning details for your specific lot so nothing surprises you later.
Permit Timeline and Cost in Ames
Iowa permitting is faster and friendlier than most people expect. An ADU building permit typically takes about 3 days to 2 weeks to be issued. Costs usually run from a few hundred dollars up to a couple thousand, depending on the city. We manage this process for you, so you are not waiting on hold or guessing about paperwork.
Curious about the full investment? Our pricing page walks through what shapes the cost, and our financing page explains the options that can make it affordable.
Why Work With Tiny Homes of Iowa
We are Iowa’s leading custom ADU company, and we serve the entire state from our base near Des Moines. When you hire us as your ADU builder Ames project deserves, you get one team that handles everything: design, permits, financing guidance, and construction. No juggling multiple contractors, no stress.
Ready to talk it through? Schedule a free call and we will answer your questions, look at your lot, and map out next steps with no pressure.
Local FAQs
Can I rent my ADU to Iowa State students?
Yes. Long-term rentals to students, faculty, and professionals are a popular use in Ames, especially near Campustown and Old Town. We will help you understand any local rental rules that apply to your property.
How big can my ADU be?
Our plans range from a 475 sq ft Studio+ to an 816 sq ft two-bedroom. The right size depends on your goals, your lot, and the setback requirements for your neighborhood near Iowa State University.
How soon can we start?
Because SF-592 makes ADUs allowed by right and permits move quickly in Iowa, many projects begin within weeks of finalizing a design. The best first step is to book your free consultation so we can get started on yours.
Service areas we cover
We build ADUs across Iowa. See all of our service areas. Nearby communities: Ankeny, Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale.