Kitchen Remodeling and Cabinets in Des Moines
Updated
In Des Moines, construction permits go through the City's Permit and Development Center, which takes applications, payments, and inspection requests online [1]. Before a kitchen remodel, check what your scope needs. If work that requires a permit starts before you get one, the City can double the regular permit fees [2].
Des Moines permit notes for kitchens
- Minor drywall repair is exempt. The City's minor repair policy treats patching holes and replacing a 64 square foot area of damaged drywall as exempt [3].
- Stripping walls needs a permit. The same policy says removing and replacing finishes on an entire wall or ceiling, or removing all interior finishes, does require a permit [3].
- Exempt work still has to meet code. The City says items exempt from permit must still meet current code requirements [3].
- Starting early costs more. Except in emergencies, fees for permit-required work started without a permit may be doubled. There is an exception for work started on a weekend or holiday when the permit is secured the next working day and no plan review is needed [2].
- Cabinets and countertops: the City documents we read do not say whether replacing cabinets or countertops alone needs a permit. Ask the Permit and Development Center before you start.
What a kitchen costs
We did not find a published survey of Des Moines kitchen prices. Angi's 2026 national average is $26,996, and its Midwest range is $10,300 to $34,300 [4]. See the kitchen remodel cost guide and cabinet cost guide.
FAQ
Does a kitchen remodel in Des Moines need a permit?
Often, yes. The City's policy says removing and replacing finishes on an entire wall or ceiling needs a permit [3], and starting permit-required work early can double the fee [2]. For cabinet-only or countertop-only jobs, ask the Permit and Development Center, since the documents we read don't cover them.
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Sources
- City of Des Moines, "Permit and Development Center," no date shown. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/permit_development_center/
- City of Des Moines, Ordinance No. 16,224, Sec. 26-139, passed February 20, 2023. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://councildocs.dmgov.org/ordinances/16,224.pdf
- City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center, "Permit exemption policy for minor maintenance and repair," effective July 1, 2023. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://cms2.revize.com/revize/desmoines/document_center/Development%20Services/Permit%20Development%20Center/Permit%20&%20Development%20Center/Minor%20Repair-%20Permit%20Exemption%20Policy%207-1-23.pdf
- Angi, "How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]," updated September 4, 2026. Fetched 2026-11-12. https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-kitchen-remodel-cost.htm