Contractors in
Ames, IA
Local contractors serving Ames, IA. Compare listings, check local housing and licensing information, and request quotes with escrow payment protection.
Categories in Ames
Homes and trades in Ames
Housing in Ames
- Ames has about 28,041 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1992, 20 years newer than the Iowa median of 1972.
- 40% of homes were built before 1980 and 19% before 1960; 20% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $277,400.
- 42% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 58% are rented.
- 38% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (63% of homes), followed by electricity (33%).
- The median home has 4.9 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,023 a month.
- Ames's housing is newer than most of the country; the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 33% above the Iowa median of $208,000.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (58%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Ames, IA).
| Trade | Listed in Ames | Median hourly wage (metro) | Employed (metro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaners | 19 | $15.78 | 260 |
| Landscapers | 9 | $21.43 | 390 |
| Plumbers | 8 | $30.68 | 160 |
| Home Builders | 5 | $46.50 | 120 |
| Carpenters | 4 | $26.75 | 210 |
| Painters | 1 | $21.53 | 70 |
| HVAC | 1 | $29.05 | 190 |
| Handymen | 1 | $26.33 | 670 |
| Electricians | — | $30.44 | 210 |
Wages and employment: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Ames, IAmetro area. Workers' wages, not contractor prices.
Climate in Ames
- The average temperature in Ames is 48°F; summer afternoons average 82°F and winter nights 14°F.
- It gets about 35 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 147 nights a year at or below freezing and about 10 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 6,831 heating degree days a year against 752 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Ames Municipal Airport station USW00094989 (5.7 km from the city centre).
Top Contractors in Ames
Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
All contractors in Ames
48 listed
- Clouser Plumbing
- Worlds Tallest Concrete Gnome
- Riker Drywall & Construction
- The Painters Ames Painting Company
- Gateway Plumbing
- Watson Plumbing
- Total Insulation Mechanical
- Speck Plumbing
- Conleys Plumbing & Heating
- Akd Plumbing & Boilers
- Roto-Rooter
- Ames Concrete Contractors
- Draintech Plumbing Drain Cleaning Hydro Jetting
- Iowa State Ready Mix Concrete
- Central Landscape
- Ames Concrete Contractors
- Lakeside Contractors
- Dans Custom Landscapes
- Master Grass Landscape & Lawn Care
- Handeland Concrete And Stone
- Nai Electrical Contractors
- Neppl Landscape Architecture & Planning
- Jm Lawn & Landscape
- Best 15 Handyman Services
- Draintech Plumbing Drain Cleaning Hydro Jetting
- Steamway Craftsmen Cleaning Services
- Heavens Best Carpet Cleaning Ames Ia
- Magic Matts Cleaning
- Mop N Rag
- Qualityone Commercial Cleaning
- Structured Cleaning
- It Takes Two Cleaning Services
- Servpro
- Kelly Cleaning Services
- Phclean
- Supreme Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Jackson Cleaning Service
- Mayfair Cleaners
- Mayfair Cleaners
- Pressure Point Cleaners
- Pressure Point Cleaners
- Grand Cleaners
- Pressure Point Cleaners
- Dans Custom Landscapes
- Neppl Landscape Architecture & Planning
- Master Grass Landscape & Lawn Care
- Jm Lawn & Landscape
- General Counsel Division
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Hiring guides for Ames homeowners
Cost data, licensing rules and scam checks before you hire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How old are homes in Ames?
The typical (median) home was built in 1992, 20 years newer than the Iowa median of 1972. 40% of homes were built before 1980 and 19% before 1960; 20% were built in 2010 or later. The median value of an owner-occupied home is $277,400. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How many contractors are listed in Ames on Ratedeed?
48 contractor listings are in Ames, IA. The trades with the most listings are cleaners (19), landscapers (9), plumbers (8).
What do tradespeople earn in the Ames area?
In the Ames, IA metro area in May 2025, median hourly wages were $46.50 for construction managers, $26.75 for carpenters, $15.78 for maids and housekeeping cleaners, $30.44 for electricians. These are workers' wages, not contractor prices, which also cover insurance, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What is the climate like in Ames for home projects?
The average temperature in Ames is 48°F; summer afternoons average 82°F and winter nights 14°F. It gets about 35 inches of precipitation a year. There are about 147 nights a year at or below freezing and about 10 days at 90°F or hotter. It is a heating-dominated climate: about 6,831 heating degree days a year against 752 cooling degree days. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
What does a kitchen remodel cost in Ames, IA?
Kitchen remodels in Ames typically range from $20,000 to $65,000. Ames's median home value is $277,400. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing for your specific project scope.
Do I need a permit for renovations in Ames?
Most renovations in Ames require permits for structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Contact the local building department for specific requirements. Your contractor should manage the permit process.
How long does a renovation take in Ames?
In Ames, a bathroom remodel typically takes 3-6 weeks and a kitchen renovation takes 6-10 weeks. Full home renovations in Ames can take 4-10 months. Permit processing adds 2-6 weeks to your timeline. Busy contractors often book 2-6 months in advance during peak season (spring through fall), so plan accordingly.
What types of contractors are most in demand in Ames?
Local contractors serving Ames, IA. Compare listings, check local housing and licensing information, and request quotes with escrow payment protection. In-demand trades include general contractors for renovations, kitchen and bathroom specialists, and roofers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.
What should I know before hiring a contractor in Ames?
Before hiring a Ames contractor, verify their Iowa state license and confirm adequate insurance coverage (at least $1 million in general liability recommended). Always get at least three quotes, check customer reviews, and ensure everything is documented in a written contract before work begins. On Ratedeed, homeowners can review license details and request direct estimates from local contractors.
Finding the Best Contractors in Ames, IA
Local contractors serving Ames, IA. Compare listings, check local housing and licensing information, and request quotes with escrow payment protection. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, upgrading your electrical system, or landscaping your backyard, finding a qualified contractor in Ames is the most important step in ensuring a successful project outcome. The Ames housing market, with a median home value of $277,400 and a population of 67,669, supports a robust community of contractors across all trades.
🛡️ What to Look for in Ames Contractors
When hiring a contractor in Ames, always verify their IA state license, check that they carry adequate insurance coverage, and read reviews from other Ames homeowners. A good contractor will provide a detailed written estimate, clear timeline, and references from recent projects in the Ames area. Pay attention to whether the contractor has experience working in your specific neighborhood — Ames's building codes and permit requirements can vary by area, and a contractor who knows the local inspectors and processes can save you weeks of delays.
💵 Ames Contractor Pricing
Contractor rates in Ames typically fall within the IA average of $40–$90/hr, but prices can vary based on the specific trade, project complexity, and contractor experience level. With a median home value of $277,400, homeowners in Ames can expect renovation budgets to range from a few thousand dollars for small repairs to over $100,000 for major renovations.
How Ratedeed Helps Ames Homeowners
Ratedeed makes it easy to find and compare local contractors in Ames. You can browse contractor profiles, read reviews from Ames homeowners, compare typical project pricing, and request quotes — all in one place. Whether you are in downtown or the surrounding area, our platform connects you with contractors who serve your neighborhood.
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