Polk County

Home permits and project costs in Des Moines, IA

Deep frost line and derecho wind history change footing depth and roofing decisions relative to milder Midwest markets.

Verified August 2026

Local cost index

-4%

vs national average

Permit fee index

-2%

vs national baseline

Population

214,133

Homeownership

58%

Do you need a permit in Des Moines?

For most structural work, yes

Des Moines enforces local adoption of the irc; statewide code applies to state-owned buildings through Polk County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Des Moines

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$9,400 – $31,700	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$5,100 – $15,200	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,300 – $10,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,200 – $5,300	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$37,200 – $112,700	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$7,400 – $33,700	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$1,900 – $6,700	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$6,400 – $21,500	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$14,800 – $47,300	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$17,500 – $89,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$8,700 – $40,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,100 – $18,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,400 – $15,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$5,400 – $27,300	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,700 – $11,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$4,400 – $15,600	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$800 – $4,100	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,200 – $17,800	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$8,800 – $41,300	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$7,400 – $27,600	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$9,000 – $41,800	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$900 – $6,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,400 – $7,400	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$7,800 – $37,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$900 – $15,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,800 – $10,800	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$900 – $6,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$400 – $4,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$5,900 – $27,600	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,200 – $7,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,500 – $11,800	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,400 – $12,300	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,400 – $19,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,700 – $15,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,400 – $9,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,700 – $14,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$300 – $4,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$4,300 – $19,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,100 – $11,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$3,400 – $15,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$900 – $6,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,100 – $9,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$400 – $5,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$5,800 – $43,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$7,900 – $93,600	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$8,900 – $83,700	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$5,400 – $24,500	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,400 – $14,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,200 – $6,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$44,400 – $276,400	required	Cost·Permit

Des Moines permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Des Moines, Polk County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Owner-builder permits generally allowed
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Iowa Department of Public Safety before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.