What does basement finishing cost in Des Moines?
Des Moines's permit fees are flat and low, so nearly all of the cost is construction.1 With a median home value of $194,700, the lowest of our five metros, it pays to scope carefully.2
National range
$30–$50 per sq ft
HomeGuide's national range for a basement finish, $15,000 to $75,000 in total.3
A worked example
At $30 to $50 per square foot, an 800-square-foot finish is $24,000 to $40,000, or roughly 12.3% to 20.5% of the city's median home value (our arithmetic).32
City permit fees
- Renovation permit: $150.1
- Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits for alterations: $75 each.1
- All four together: $375 (our arithmetic, Feb. 1, 2025 schedule).1
The bedroom decision
In Des Moines, a basement finish without a bedroom doesn't require an egress window; one with a bedroom does.4 HomeGuide's national average for an installed egress window is $6,000 to $8,000, so the bedroom decision can swing a budget by thousands.5
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| Item | National range |
|---|---|
| Framing | $18–$24 per linear ft |
| Basement insulation | $1–$3 per sq ft of surface |
| Drywall | $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft |
| Flooring | $4–$15 per sq ft |
| Lighting (basement total) | $100–$650 |
| Basement drainage system | $1,000–$4,000 |
Source: HomeGuide (national).3
Budget tips
- Fix water problems first. Waterproofing runs $6,000 to $18,000 nationally, and it's much cheaper before the walls are finished.3
- Check the ceiling. Basements with ceilings under 6'8" may be treated as unable to be finished under the city's egress policy.4
- Get the egress window on the first bid, not as a change order.
Common questions
How much does it cost to finish a basement in Des Moines?
No local survey exists. HomeGuide's national range is $30 to $50 per square foot, about $24,000 to $40,000 for 800 square feet.
What are Des Moines's basement permit fees?
On the Feb. 2025 schedule: $150 for a renovation permit and $75 each for electrical, mechanical and plumbing alteration permits.
Can I avoid the cost of an egress window?
If you don't add a bedroom, Des Moines's policy doesn't require one for a basement finish.
Should I waterproof before finishing?
If there's any water history, yes. HomeGuide's national range for waterproofing is $6,000 to $18,000, and it's simpler before walls go up.
General information summarized from the public sources listed below. It isn't professional, engineering or legal advice. Codes and programs change; confirm current requirements with your local building department or utility before you start.
Sources
- City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center, "Permit Fees – New Fees 2-1-25" (PDF)
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25035 (median year built), B25034 (year built), B25003 (tenure), B25077 (median value)
- HomeGuide, "Cost to Finish a Basement" (national figures, Feb. 6, 2026)
- City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center, "Basement Egress Window/Emergency Escape Opening Policy" (updated May 22, 2014, PDF)
- HomeGuide, "Egress Window Installation Cost" (national figures, Oct. 22, 2025)