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True Custom Homes, Not Cookie-Cutter

Best Custom Home Builder in Bondurant, Iowa

143%

Population Growth Since 2010

$124K

Median Household Income

9,393

Population

74%

Families with Kids Under 18

95%

High School Graduation Rate

15 min

To Downtown Des Moines

BONDURANT NEIGHBORHOODS

Why Build a Custom Home in Bondurant, IA?

Bondurant isn’t just growing, it’s thriving with purpose. With a 143% population increase since 2010 and a median household income of $124,187, this dynamic community attracts professionals and families seeking quality of life, educational excellence, and smart value. The numbers tell a compelling story: 74% of families have children under 18, homeownership stands at 88.1%, and 63.3% of housing was built after 2000.

Small-Town Feel, Big-City Access

Just 15 miles northeast of Des Moines via Highway 65, Bondurant delivers the rare combination of small-town community atmosphere with quick urban access. Your morning commute averages 15-20 minutes to downtown, yet you return to tree-lined streets and genuine community.

True Value Proposition

Bondurant offers exceptional value—larger lots, lower lot costs, and more home for your dollar compared to Ankeny, Waukee, or West Des Moines, while enjoying comparable schools, amenities, and commute times.

Exceptional Bondurant-Farrar Schools

The Bondurant-Farrar School District serves families with a 95% graduation rate and strong academics (76% reading, 68% math proficiency). With 2,767 students across five schools, Bondurant-Farrar maintains personal touch—students aren’t lost in overcrowded classrooms.

One of Iowa's Fastest-Growing

Bondurant’s 143% growth since 2010 reflects families choosing this community for affordability relative to western suburbs, excellent schools, modern infrastructure, and authentic character. Build where proven appreciation potential exists.

WHY CHOOSE HAPPE HOMES

Why Choose Custom Over Production Homes in Bondurant?

The Honest Truth About Production vs. Custom Homes

While other production builders dominate Bondurant’s new construction market, savvy homebuyers recognize fundamental differences between production and truly custom homes. Here’s what matters:

Design Freedom

Production Builders:

Choose from 5-10 standardized floor plans with minor modifications

Happe Homes Custom:

✓ Design from the ground up OR extensively customize any plan to match your exact needs

Personalization

Production Builders:

Same finishes as neighbors; limited upgrade packages

Happe Homes Custom:

✓ Select every element, creating a home that reflects YOUR taste, not corporate purchasing

Service Model

Production Builders:

Sales reps; managers juggling 20+ homes

Happe Homes Custom:

✓ Select every element, creating a home that reflects YOUR taste, not corporate purchasing

Quality Focus

Production Builders:

Standardized construction prioritizing speed and efficiency

Happe Homes Custom:

✓ Meticulous attention to detail; superior materials; craftsmanship over speed

Building Location

Production Builders:

Only in their specific developments

Happe Homes Custom:

✓ Build on ANY Bondurant lot, existing developments, private land, acreage, anywhere

Long-Term Support

Production Builders:

Warranty departments and call centers after closing

Happe Homes Custom:

Direct access to the team that built your home, accessible, responsive, invested

The Price Difference?

Often less than you’d expect. Many Bondurant buyers discover that true custom building costs only 10-15% more than fully-upgraded production homes while delivering infinitely more value in personalization, quality, and long-term satisfaction. You’re building a home for decades, shouldn’t it be exactly what you want?

WHY CHOOSE HAPPE HOMES

Our Custom Home Building Services in Bondurant

Lot Selection Assistance

Build on Your Lot Anywhere in Bondurant

Own a lot in Harvest Meadows, Quail Run, or another neighborhood? Planning to purchase land outside existing developments? We specialize in building on YOUR lot, regardless of location. Unlike builders tied to specific subdivisions, we work throughout Bondurant.

Happe Homes Personalized Service

Truly Custom Design—Not Production Templates

Unlike production builders offering 5-10 floor plans with minor variations, Happe Homes LLP designs homes specifically for how YOUR family lives. We don't hand you a catalog, we collaborate to create a home as unique as your family, from layout and flow to architectural details and custom features.

cost

Personal Service from Start to Finish

You're not account #2473. You're a valued client working with a dedicated team that knows your name, understands your vision, and is personally invested in your satisfaction. We limit our annual builds to ensure every client receives the attention their custom home deserves.

school

Transparent Pricing in Every Phase

At Happe Homes LLP, we believe in complete transparency. You'll receive detailed, itemized proposals outlining every cost from foundation to finishes. No hidden fees, no surprise expenses, no corporate markups—just honest, straightforward pricing.

Bondurant Neighborhoods & Building Opportunities

Harvest Meadows

Bondurant’s newest major development features single-family homes and townhomes with access to parks, trails, and schools. While production builders dominate this community, we work with families seeking alternatives to production homes, offering truly custom designs that stand apart.

 

Quail Run

Located in southern Bondurant, Quail Run offers proximity to Anderson Elementary, Morris Elementary, and Bondurant-Farrar Middle School, all within one mile. This established neighborhood provides opportunities for custom home construction with convenient access to schools and parks.

Prairie Point View

For families seeking ranch-style or two-story homes, Prairie Point View in northern Bondurant offers diverse lot options. Custom homes benefit from newer infrastructure while maintaining Bondurant’s small-town character and convenient Highway 65 access.

Established Bondurant Neighborhoods

Older Bondurant neighborhoods occasionally offer teardown opportunities or vacant lots where custom homes can be built. These locations provide mature trees, established communities, and often larger lot sizes than new developments.

 

Acreage & Estate Properties

For families seeking more space, Bondurant’s outskirts offer acreage properties ranging

Chevalia Trace & Chevalia Pointe

These interconnected neighborhoods in northeast Grimes offer wooded lots, rolling terrain, and a more natural setting while maintaining full access to city services. Custom homes here can take advantage of unique topography for walkout designs and homes that integrate beautifully with the landscape.

BONDURANT'S LOCALLY BASED HOME BUILDER

Why Choose Happe Homes LLP as Your Bondurant Builder?

We're Not Production Builders

We don’t build 300 homes annually from standardized templates. We build a limited number of custom homes each year, ensuring every project receives complete attention and meticulous craftsmanship. Your home won’t look like your neighbor’s.

Regional Expertise

Based in the Des Moines metro with extensive Central Iowa experience, we bring comprehensive knowledge of Bondurant’s development requirements, building conditions, and neighborhood characteristics.

Award-Winning Craftsmanship

Since our founding, Happe Homes has built a reputation for excellence. Every home showcases meticulous detail, superior materials, and construction quality designed to last generations.

Comprehensive Warranty & Support

Your investment in a custom home deserves long-term protection. Every Happe Homes build includes comprehensive warranty coverage for structural elements, mechanical systems, and workmanship. More importantly, we stand behind our work and remain accessible long after closing. We’re building relationships, not just homes.

The Happe Homes Building Process in Bondurant

1. Initial Consultation & Vision Discovery

We begin by listening. Tell us about your family’s lifestyle, must-have features, and budget parameters. If you own a Bondurant lot, we’ll evaluate its characteristics. If you’re searching, we’ll share insights about various neighborhoods.

2.Collaborative Design Development

Working with our design team, we create detailed plans tailored to your family’s specific needs. We start with your lifestyle and design a home around it—not hand you a catalog of pre-designed options.

3. Detailed Budgeting & Transparent Pricing

Before breaking ground, you’ll receive a comprehensive, itemized proposal outlining every cost. We discuss material options at various price points, helping you make informed decisions about where to invest.

4. City Permitting & Site Preparation

We handle all interactions with Bondurant’s building department, managing permits, inspections, and compliance. We coordinate utility connections, site preparation, grading, and engineering.

5. Expert Construction with Regular Communication

We provide regular updates with photos, welcome scheduled site visits, maintain organized job sites, and coordinate skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work.

6. Pre-Move-In Walkthrough & Final Details

We conduct an exhaustive walkthrough together, ensuring every element meets both our standards and yours. We address any final items immediately before you receive keys.

What Clive's Homeowners Say

Reviews from families who chose our home builders for their Bondurant custom home.

Kelsey Lo
Happe Homeowner
We had such a great experience working with Happe Homes and Gladiator Homes. Getting to pick finishes and flooring from a carefully curated list made building a house easy. They kept us informed of progress and updated us on time lines. Our build got started earlier than anticipated and our closing was three weeks earlier too which was a huge blessing to us! The support from the team did not stop at closing and the warranty team is very responsive. In this current climate of builders closing their doors and leaving clients without finished projects I am so glad we could trust the Gladiator Team to complete our home! Services Floor fitting, Design, Deck construction, Interior decorating, Project management, Predesigned floor plans for homes, Interior finishing, Exterior painting, Home building, Interior design, Drywall installation, Plumbing fixture installation, Flooring
Sabrina Fest
Happe Homeowner
We bought a Happe Home that was already finished and have been very happy with it so far! Our superintendent Jared and his team were really great during the walk throughs and Happe made sure all of the little details were perfect. The quality of everything has been great! We had an issue with our sod washing away on our steep hill and Happe made the situation right. I would recommend Happe Homes!
Katerina Suther
Happe Homeowner
Happe Homes built our three bedroom, two bathroom ranch with an unfinished basement. From the beginning to the end, my husband and I could not have been more impressed. Our initial consultation gave us all the confidence we needed to take the next steps in building our home. The team at Happe Homes is competent and friendly. We were most impressed with their level of craftsmanship in every stage of the built. (See pictures.) Working with Happe Homes was an overall great and fun experience. After hearing horror stories from friends and family about other builders, we found much relief in our decision to work with Happe Homes. 10/10 would recommend.
Emily Miller
Happe Homeowner
Thanks to everyone at happe homes for building our dream home! you guys were a dream to work with! sierra, erin and rylan - y’all rock!! Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Home building The team at Happe Homes is competent and friendly. We were most impressed with their level of craftsmanship in every stage of the built. (See pictures.) Working with Happe Homes was an overall great and fun experience. After hearing horror stories from friends and family about other builders, we found much relief in our decision to work with Happe Homes. 10/10 would recommend.
Cory Mac
Happe Homeowner
We recently purchased a Happe Homes ranch plan. We did not build with them as it was completed prior. From the initial showing through closing all of our interactions with Happe have been excellent very easy to work with. The craftsmanship and materials used are very good, way above average for a spec home.
Ryan Gaffney
Happe Homeowner
We are very pleased with our home and so glad we went with Happe! The whole team was very helpful throughout the entire process. We started with one of their floorplans but made changes. Chris and Bill were very accommodating and worked with my wife and I to come up with a great plan that fits our needs. To pick out the finishes, Erin was really fun to work with. There are a lot of decisions that need to me made and she walked us through everything without being pushy. During the build, we had a great experience with our project manager, Troy. The whole team has been responsive and helpful since before we bought our house and after. We feel so strongly about Happe Homes, that my parents are also having a house built by them. Highly recommend! Positive Quality, Professionalism Services Consultation, Design, Flooring, Garage design and building, General repairs & maintenance, Drywall installation, Fan installation, Floor fitting, Tile work installation, Plumbing fixture installation, Landscaping, Interior decorating, Exterior painting, Project management, Waterproofing
Megan Cousins
Happe Homeowner
We have been in our Happe home for 60+ days and are extremely satisfied with their product. The quality is second to none! We built from scratch by picking one of their floor plans and modifying to our needs. The staff walked us through the process step by step and it never felt too overwhelming. They gave us all the information needed to make the right decisions for us. Erin was amazing to work with and helped us make our design vision come to life. Chris, although dually representing us and Happe, was always fair and informative. He always put our questions first and we trusted his expertise. Happe has been extremely responsive in the few, small hiccups we’ve had since moving in and got them fixed right away. We can’t say enough good things about this builder. If you’re thinking of building, we HIGHLY recommend this amazing builder. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Nicole Utter
Happe Homeowner
My husband and I have just moved into our beautiful new home and we absolutely love it! We expected the building process to be a little overwhelming, but every person at Happe Homes made sure we had a wonderful experience. Whenever we had questions or concerns, we were answered quickly and always in a helpful and pleasant manner. We had fun customizing our home without feeling overwhelmed and always feeling heard in what we wanted. The work itself is impeccable! As someone who is a bit of a perfectionist, I am beyond thrilled with how everything has turned out! I am so grateful that we chose to work with Happe Homes and they have given us this beautiful new home that we get to grow our family in.
Todd Schumer
Happe Homeowner
Happe Homes built our house and we could not be more with the end result of our home. Day 1 Jake Happe and Bill Junod met us on the lot and described the vision and the process of building a home. When the owner takes the time to meet with you personally you know he is vested in the quality and commitment of his company. With help from Erin and Sierra to fine tune the touches of the house and the guidance and transparency they offer during the building process was great. Then to add the site superintendent Rylan who was spot on when it came to running the project and humored every comment and question we had and resolved issue we identified in a rapid manner. We couldn't ask for a better experience. THANK YOU.
Emily Hansen
Happe Homeowner
We loved working with Happe Homes on our custom home build in Van Meter! It is beautiful and the process was as seamless as a new home build could be. We appreciated our customer service representative, Sierra, and our site superintendent, Stephen. They were there to answer any questions along the way. I would highly recommend Happe to anyone looking to build!
Christie Davis
Happe Homeowner
Bought a new Happe Home spec in Waukee and have loved our experience! Found our home close to them putting finishing touches. Luckily pretty much all the finishes are things I would have selected. We’ve been in our home for 5 months now and had little to no issues. All minor things that come with any new home purchase. Their warranty team is super responsive. Advantages using HH - one year home builder warranty, free moving up to 8 hrs, friendly owners/employees, quality products and tasteful finishes.
Jared
Happe Homeowner
Theyre building in our neighborhood and they actually helped fix an issue created by our builder. They communicated with us better than our builder ever did. I would recommend using them if you're looking for a new build.
Justin Lima
Happe Homeowner
Literally no way this isn’t 5 star review from every one else. I’m so happy to be in a Happe home. Pun intended. But they really are amazing. So happy I have this home. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Tori Newman
Happe Homeowner
We were thinking of moving and building. We reached out to Happe Homes and they answered all of our questions promptly! We changed our minds due to family obligations. Highly recommend! Positive Responsiveness, Professionalism Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
E. Lynn Design
Happe Homeowner
Best people and best builder! Positive Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Beth Anne Mowrey
Happe Homeowner
So friendly and professional. Will definitely refer them to all my friends and family for their home needs.
Steve Austin
Happe Homeowner
Everything was as expected and even better. I couldn’t ask for any more. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Deck construction, Interior design, Landscaping
Quinn Stewart
Happe Homeowner
Worked with Happe on a charity event, they were extremely helpful and super supportive of our organization. They build beautiful quality homes! Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Country home building, Home addition construction, Home building, Drywall installation, Interior decorating, Exterior painting
Tim von Arb
Happe Homeowner
A great company. Happe really stands by there work. Through the build process the are knowledgeable an detail oriented. There warranty is top notch and everyone goes above and beyond. I can’t say enough good things about my expense with Happe Homes. Positive Quality, Professionalism Services Custom home design, Design
Rachel Rush
Happe Homeowner
Excellent customer service. Not to mention they build absolutely BEAUTIFUL homes! I hope I can work with them in the future when it is time for my dream home! Positive Quality, Professionalism
Lindsay & Andrew Becker
Happe Homeowner
We just moved into our "Happe Home" and couldn't be more excited about our house! We are so thankful to everyone at Happe Homes for making our house exactly how we wanted it. Making selections for the home is always challenging but it definitely helped being able to visualize our options in Happe's showroom. Once construction started, everything was so easy. Kevin was great at communicating with us, making sure everything was completed to the best standard and hit our closing date with no issues! We will definitely recommend Happe Homes to our friends and family.
Abbie Carter
Happe Homeowner
The whole staff at Happe has been wonderful to work with from start to finish! Definitely recommending Happe to all my friends and family!
Lori Shebetka
Happe Homeowner
This company is building my sons home, they are doing a wonderful job! They have been so helpful working with them and getting them through the building process. Highly recommend!! Can’t wait to see the finished project!
Amanda Fontana
Happe Homeowner
We have lived in our Happe Home for 3 years now, and still love it! Great process, wonderful variety of selections, and quality materials. Couldn’t be happier. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Home building
Autumn Klunder
Happe Homeowner
We built a home with Happe Homes and couldn’t be happier!! They were professional, took pride in their work and great follow through!! We love our home!!!
Sara
Happe Homeowner
My son's town home is beautiful. Happe Homes worked hard to get it finished in time for him to move in before starting his new job transfer in Des Moines. He has enjoyed the home now for 3 years.
Andrea Marks
Happe Homeowner
This company is great!! Makes beautiful homes and has some of the best people working for them!!! Positive Quality, Professionalism, Value
Megan & Theron Vanderflute
Happe Homeowner
We recently moved into our "Happe Home," which we purchased during the framing stage. From the moment we signed the purchase agreement, representatives from Happe went out of their way to help us make our selections. They respond promptly and professionally to all emails, phone calls, and texts--our realtor mentioned several times that he has never worked with such a responsive builder. Kevin and Robert, the site coordinators, were in frequent communication to find out how we wanted things, often sending pictures of progress that was being made. We had a problem with a water line soon after closing, and Happe was very quick to fix the situation. Through all of our interactions with Happe Homes, it has been clear that having great customer service is one of their top priorities.
Frank DePhillips
Happe Homeowner
This was my first build with Happe Homes and it went great! Everyone involved was excellent to deal with and my clients are extremely happy with their new home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Building in Bondurant

Everything you need to know about building a custom home in Bondurant, Iowa.

Typical construction timelines range from 7-12 months depending on home size, design complexity, weather, and material availability. Bondurant’s responsive city officials and efficient permitting often accelerate timelines compared to larger cities. We provide detailed schedules during planning and keep you updated throughout construction. Most families begin design conversations 4-6 months before their desired construction start date.

Yes! Bondurant has grown 143% since 2010 and continues expanding at 4-5% annually. This sustained growth, combined with excellent schools and strong median incomes, creates favorable conditions for home value appreciation.

Choose custom building if you want homes designed specifically for your family’s lifestyle, complete control over finishes and features, superior construction quality, personal service throughout the process, and the satisfaction of living in a truly unique home. Custom building typically costs only 10-15% more than fully-upgraded production homes.

Not at all! Many clients come to us before purchasing land. We can help you evaluate lots, identify suitable properties throughout Bondurant, understand school boundaries and neighborhood characteristics, and guide you through land acquisition.

Bondurant offers exceptional value relative to western suburbs (more home for less money), authentic small-town atmosphere while growing rapidly, less traffic than Ankeny or Waukee, newer infrastructure, larger lot options at better prices, and responsive city government that’s builder-friendly.


Bondurant-Farrar ranks #13 among 19 Des Moines area school districts, offering solid academics with 76% reading proficiency and 68% math proficiency. The district maintains a personal touch with 2,767 students across five schools—students aren’t lost in massive systems. The 95% graduation rate exceeds state averages, and the district continues investing in facilities (new elementary opening 2027). While not rated as highly as districts like Waukee or Johnston, Bondurant-Farrar delivers excellent education at a fraction of the housing cost difference.


Bondurant-Farrar ranks #13 among 19 Des Moines area school districts, offering solid academics with 76% reading proficiency and 68% math proficiency. The district maintains a personal touch with 2,767 students across five schools—students aren’t lost in massive systems. The 95% graduation rate exceeds state averages, and the district continues investing in facilities (new elementary opening 2027). While not rated as highly as districts like Waukee or Johnston, Bondurant-Farrar delivers excellent education at a fraction of the housing cost difference.

Yes! We happily collaborate with outside architects and designers to bring their plans to life. We can also provide complete design-build services if you prefer a streamlined approach with a single point of contact. Some clients arrive with complete plans; others start with sketches on napkins. We adapt to your needs and preferences.

As involved as you want! Some clients visit sites weekly and attend every selection appointment. Others prefer periodic updates and trust us to manage details. We adapt our communication style to match your preferences. Regular updates include photos, milestone schedules, and opportunities to make decisions. You’re always welcome to schedule site visits, we enjoy showing clients their homes taking shape and explaining construction processes.

Every Happe Homes custom build includes comprehensive warranty coverage for structural elements, mechanical systems, and workmanship. We’ll detail all warranty provisions before you sign a contract. More importantly, we remain accessible and responsive long after closing, you’re not directed to distant warranty departments or third-party administrators. When you have questions or needs, you reach the same team that built your home.

Building Our Bondurant Portfolio

As Happe Homes builds projects in Bondurant, authentic client testimonials will be featured here, showcasing real families’ experiences building custom homes in this growing community. We’re excited to bring truly custom home building to Bondurant families seeking alternatives to production builders.

Explore Your Custom Home Options in Bondurant

Ready to join Iowa’s fastest-growing community and build the custom home you’ve always envisioned? Happe Homes LLP combines regional expertise, superior craftsmanship, and personalized service to create homes that exceed expectations.

Floor Plans

View our collection of customizable floor plans designed for Bondurant families and lots.

Available Homes

See move-in ready and under-construction custom homes in the Des Moines area.

Design Your Dream

Start your custom home journey with a free design consultation.

Start Building Your Custom Home in Bondurant Today

Ready to break free from cookie-cutter production homes and build something truly yours? Happe Homes LLP combines regional expertise, superior craftsmanship, and personalized service to create custom homes that exceed expectations in Bondurant’s growing community.

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