Des Moines, IA · Polk County
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage in Des Moines, IA: Cost & Permits
What pool enclosure / screen cage actually costs in Des Moines, whether you need a permit, which inspections apply, and how long the job takes.
Verified August 2026
Typical local cost
$17,700
$8,800 – $41,300
per sq ft of enclosure
$17.50 – $39.50
Permit fee
$175 – $685
Modeled allowance
vs national
-2%
local labor & materials
Looking for pricing detail? The full pool enclosure / screen cage cost breakdown for Des Moines covers cost by size and material, the local cost model and nearby markets.
Do you need a permit for pool enclosure / screen cage in Des Moines, IA?
Yes
Yes — a permit is required for pool enclosure / screen cage in Des Moines, IA. The work must be inspected before it can be closed out, and a licensed contractor generally has to pull the permit.
Deep frost line and derecho wind history change footing depth and roofing decisions relative to milder Midwest markets.
Cost breakdown in Des Moines
| Low endSimple scope, competitive bid | $8,800 |
|---|---|
| TypicalMost homeowners land here | $17,700 |
| High endComplex access, premium materials | $41,300 |
| per sq ft of enclosure | $17.50 – $39.50 |
| Permit fee | Estimated allowance $175–$685Modeled from comparable fee schedules — not an official quoted fee. |
| Permit authority | City of Des Moines building departmentModeled estimate |
| Timeline | 1-2 weeks of work, 4-10 weeks including engineering and permitting |
Math: national baseline $9,000–$42,000 × Des Moines cost index 0.96. Permit fees use a 0.98 local multiplier. Estimates, not quotes.
What drives your price here
- Enclosure footprint and height
- Mansard versus gable roof style
- Screen type including no-see-um and pet screen
- Design wind speed for the parcel
- Existing deck footing capacity
Permit process and inspections
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Who pulls it | Licensed contractor |
| Inspections | Footing / anchor inspection, Framing inspection, Final inspection |
| Documents | Permit application, Engineered structural plans, Survey with setbacks, Wind-load calculations |
| Apply | Des Moines permit portal |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a pool cage?
Yes. Screen enclosures are engineered structures in Florida and require a building permit with signed and sealed plans plus wind-load calculations.
Pool Cage costs in nearby cities
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.
Page data quality: 100/100
- ✓ Verified permit status
- ✓ Official source linked
- ✓ Local cost range
- ✓ Inspection detail
- ✓ Unique local rule
- ✓ Local fee estimate
- ✓ Useful FAQ
- ✓ Relevant calculator
- ✓ Internal links