--- title: "Gary Frakes Construction — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/gary-frakes-construction-pfvwus-pf~405364383 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~405364383.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Gary Frakes Construction" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c9f3b9850953b83d_7852-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 1187, Iowa City, Iowa 52244, United States" latitude: 41.5727 longitude: -91.6619 phone: "(319) 255-2452" website: http:// rating: 5 review_count: 6 years_in_business: 25 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 23 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Gary Frakes Construction > Iowa City's Custom Build & Renovation/Remodel \| 2x Best of Houzz Original Houzz profile: [Gary Frakes Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/gary-frakes-construction-pfvwus-pf~405364383) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Iowa City, IA - **Serves:** Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Primarily Johnson and Linn Cou - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2019–2021), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - 25 years in business ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - 25 years in business - Award winning Frakes Construction is an Iowa City IA custom building firm with twenty years of experience. The business is led by Gary Frakes with Ann Knoop as its local business manager. Recognized by the Greater Iowa City Area Homebuilders Association by earning seven ‘Builder Excellence’ awards for our Parade Homes. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Renovation/Remodeling ### Areas Served - Iowa City - Coralville - North Liberty - Primarily Johnson and Linn Cou ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 5 million $200,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Gary Frakes Construction | | Address | PO Box 1187, Iowa City, Iowa 52244, United States | | Phone | (319) 255-2452 | | Website | http:// | | Years in business | 25 | | Followers on Houzz | 23 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/garyfrakesconstruction/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Gary Frakes Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/gary-frakes-construction-pfvwus-pf~405364383) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (319) 255-2452 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: C087897 - Type: Contractor Registration - Issued by: Iowa Department of inspections, appeals, and licensing - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2019–2021), for Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Mike Rosenberg, Feb. 2020** > Gary Frakes is a class act and a detail guy! Gary and his crew were top-notch, involved and committed to completely renovating our home. The attention to detail was awesome and his service after the project was great!! ### All 6 reviews **★★★★★ — Kyle, March 2025** > We had an excellent experience building our home with Gary Frakes. From the start, they worked closely with us to meet our budget while ensuring we got the home we wanted. The entire process was smooth and well-organized, with clear communication at every stage. The monthly invoices that clearly laid out where every penny was spent. > > Gary was responsive to all of our questions, helped us when we were indecisive and never pushed us towards anything we were uncomfortable with. We truly appreciate the professionalism, quality, and customer service from Gary and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to build a home. **★★★★★ — Nathan Holton, May 2020** > We've worked with Gary Frakes on two projects at our house. For the first project we remodeled two bathrooms, and for the second we added a sunroom and new patio. We had a wonderful experience working with Gary on both projects. From the design phase and through construction, Gary was always great about answering any questions we had and keeping us up to date on the status of our projects. Both turned out great and we would definitely recommend working with Gary. **★★★★★ — Melissa Whited, March 2020** > Gary did an amazing job on our house and was an absolute pleasure to work with. This was our first time building and he made it practically painless. Gary did a great job letting us know what to expect when and what was important and why. All his subs are top notch professionals. I can't recommend him enough! **★★★★★ — Paula Brandt, March 2020** > We met Gary Frakes on a Parade of Homes where he was representing one of his newly constructed houses. Based on that one experience and his reputation, we knew that Gary was the person we wanted to work with to build our retirement home--we didn't interview or consider anyone else. We had never built a house before, but--having owned and renovated several old houses ourselves--we were not without opinions. Gary did a great deal of background work with us to learn what style, materials, and spaces were important to us, what was not negotiable and what was. Gary has a great sense of humor that added to the enjoyment of collaborating with him and his team. We bounced ideas off of each other and Gary and his staff came up with practical but creative solutions that were exactly right for the problems we were trying to solve. We also appreciated the monthly billing that included the actual bills from the construction crew and subs so we were always aware of how much we were spending, and we had proof of payment. Living in a beautiful and well built home that was designed for us and our needs was a dream that Gary Frakes and his talented crew made possible for us. And it was FUN!! **★★★★★ — Alan Light, Feb. 2020** > We had Gary Frakes Construction extensively remodel our home over 9 months in 2010-2011. Gary was great to work with, his advice on design was invaluable and the skilled workers on his team gave us a beautiful "new" home. We hired GFC again last year (2019) to replace our deck. ## Selected projects - [2021 Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2021-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~6735268) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 31 - [Mid-Century Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-pj-vj~6735262) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 37 - [Traditional Detail](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-detail-pj-vj~6090664) - Location: North Liberty, IA - Photos: 19 - Description: This custom build is rich in traditional wood detail. The great room coffered ceiling is the showpiece of the home and can be more closely enjoyed from the second floor loft and balcony that leads to the family bedrooms. The master suite is located on the right wing of the main floor opposite the kitchen and dining areas. The craftsmanship in this home is another example of our fine fit and finish. - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~2821999) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 33 - Description: With the purchase of this rural Johnson County acreage, our clients asked for a beautiful but simple farmhouse design that would integrate nicely with it's surroundings and provide a comfortable welcoming home for their young family. The reclaimed wood floors, farm style kitchen and stone fireplace give the home a warm comfortable feeling. - [Transitional Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-design-pj-vj~2821986) - Location: North Liberty, Iowa - Photos: 17 - Description: Our homeowners asked for a more modern Prairie feel with contemporary interior design and detail. The exterior masonry detail, abundance of over-sized unobstructed windows and beautiful interior floors and ceiling detail combine for a stunning new design. - [Chicago Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-bungalow-pj-vj~2573963) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 30 - Description: With design elements borrowed from the Berwyn, Illinois 'bungalow belt, this design combines elements of the past with modern amenities. The original owners are design professionals and chose Frakes Construction for our versatility and attention to detail. Their unique light fixtures, furnishings and creative vision brought the home to life. - [Timeless Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/timeless-cottage-pj-vj~2573887) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 30 - Description: This Frakes Construction original cottage style design continues to generate interest. The exterior detail of stonework, arched window and door openings and the columns gives the home a special curb appeal. Interior painted trim, cherry cabinets and cherry accents in addition to a beautifully detailed staircase overlooking a floor to ceiling stone fireplace are highlighted. - [Prairie Style Whole House Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-style-whole-house-renovation-pj-vj~2574050) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 30 - Description: Homeowners loved their large wooded lot but not the tired 1980's contemporary style home. Rather than building new they asked Frakes Construction to open up the kitchen and dining areas, reconfigure the second floor plan and renovate the entire structure. 'Before and After' photos show the exterior transformation and the prairie style interior finish. - [Mid-Century Modern Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-renovation-pj-vj~2573373) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 22 - Description: Our clients purchased this classic mid-century style home with a total renovation in mind. The beamed ceilings, central stone fireplace and several unique window features drove the design of the improvements. A new front foyer was added as well as relocating several door and window locations. Track lighting accents the owners artwork without competing with the ceiling detail. - [Contemporary Renovation/Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-renovation-addition-pj-vj~2928891) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 31 - Description: Our clients bought an existing walk-out ranch style home and asked us to completely renovate the existing space while integrating two flanking walkout 'wings' seamlessly into the existing structure. The reverse 'U' shaped design is similar to many California homes with cutting edge design, comfort and privacy for owners and guests enjoying a poolside outing. - [Custom Prairie/Wright](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-prairie-wright-pj-vj~2822019) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 17 - Description: The fit and finish of this incredibly detailed home is evident in every space. The foyer design 'pulls' guests entering the home into the public space and is itself an enjoyable experience. This home is sited creatively into it's surroundings, finding abundant light with a large bank of window panels in a Wright-like cadence overlooking the view to a wooded ravine. - [Southern Colonial](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southern-colonial-pj-vj~2573944) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 24 - Description: Our clients came to us after visiting the Carolina coastal area. They wanted to bring back to Iowa City the comfortable feeling of Southern Colonial architecture while developing a fresh floor plan with design elements for a growing family. - [Craftsman with a Prairie-Style Flair](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-with-a-prairie-style-flair-pj-vj~2573998) - Location: Iowa City, IA - Photos: 17 - Description: Our clients looked to us to provide a beautifully detailed prairie-craftsman style home with incredible maple trim detail including coffered ceilings and abundant custom built-ins. [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/gary-frakes-construction-pfvwus-pf~405364383) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840762874.m3u8?s=12503c7c085f91932e7b450061a630f2723bf314&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?** Yes, we are proud to be licensed contractors, a designation that reflects our commitment to professional standards in Iowa City, IA. We also carry appropriate insurance to protect our clients and our team throughout every project, ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved. **What kind of projects you specialise in?** We specialize in creating custom homes, new home construction, and comprehensive home renovation and remodeling projects here in Iowa City, IA. With twenty years of experience, our custom building firm is dedicated to bringing unique visions to life with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. **Do you handle full home additions and major renovations?** Yes, absolutely! As a custom building firm specializing in Home Renovation/Remodeling and New Home Construction, we are fully equipped and experienced to handle full home additions and major renovations. We've been serving Iowa City, IA for twenty years, transforming homes with our expertise and dedication to quality. **Can you help with design and material selection?** Yes, as a custom building firm, we absolutely assist with design and material selection for your custom home or renovation project. Our twenty years of experience in Iowa City, IA means we can guide you through the process, helping you make informed choices that align with your vision and budget, ensuring a cohesive and beautiful outcome. **What makes your general contracting services different from others locally?** What sets Gary Frakes Construction apart is our twenty years of experience as a custom building firm in Iowa City, IA. We've been recognized by the Greater Iowa City Area Homebuilders Association with seven ‘Builder Excellence’ awards for our Parade Homes, reflecting our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Our 5-star Google rating and positive Houzz reviews also speak to our dedication to client satisfaction and superior results. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Bars](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181819670/list/bars) — 3 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88224646/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103193377/list/kitchens) — 98 ideas - [Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159666866/list/homes) — 20 ideas - [Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143340197/list/bathroom) — 6 ideas - [Lightning](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146350194/list/lightning) — 4 ideas - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160142037/list/bedrooms) — 5 ideas - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/124208988/list/fireplaces) — 38 ideas - [Stairways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159666855/list/stairways) — 3 ideas - [Dining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160142184/list/dining) — 3 ideas - [Outdoor Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132589506/list/outdoor-ideas) — 6 ideas - [Living/family Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160142072/list/living-family-rooms) — 7 ideas - [Laundry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160142162/list/laundry) — 2 ideas - [Mud rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/160142147/list/mud-rooms) — 2 ideas - [Outdoor Areas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159666805/list/outdoor-areas) — 7 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159666768/list/bathrooms) — 11 ideas - [Closets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159666873/list/closets) — 1 idea - [275th Street](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108133885/list/275th-street) — 7 ideas [See all 18 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/webuser-6747264) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*