Second Story Addition in Des Moines, IA — Costs $67,307 to $420,667
What does second story addition cost in Des Moines? Average $168,267, ranging $67,307–$420,667. Labor runs $25.28/hr locally — 16% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Des Moines, IA Market
-16% vs nationalLabor Rate
$25.28/hr
Material Index
84
Avg Permit Cost
$1,008
Median Home Price
$219,264
Des Moines is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a second story addition, which helps keep pricing competitive. Des Moines is well below the national average for renovation costs, making it a favorable market for homeowners considering a second story addition. At a median home price of $219,264, homeowners in Des Moines should weigh the project cost (76.7% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.
Low Estimate
$67,307
National: $80,000
Mid-Range
$168,267
National: $200,000
High End
$420,667
National: $500,000
Per Sq Ft
$252
National: $300
Second Story Addition Cost Calculator for Des Moines
Adjusted for Des Moines's labor rate ($25.28/hr) and material costs (index 84).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Des Moines
$168,267
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Des Moines market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Des Moines's average rate of $25.28/hr (16% below national avg)
Material cost index 84 (16% below national baseline of 100)
Second Story Addition vs. Home Value in Des Moines
| Metric | Des Moines | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Second Story Addition (Mid-Range) | $168,267 | $200,000 |
| Median Home Price | $219,264 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 76.7% | 57.1% |
| Estimated ROI | 60% | 60% |
| Median Household Income | $48,302 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Des Moines
- 1Local labor rates ($25.28/hr in Des Moines)
- 2Material cost index (84 vs national 100)
- 3Total square footage added
- 4Structural reinforcement of first floor
- 5Staircase addition
- 6Roof removal and replacement
Popular Upgrades
- Master suite
- Additional bedrooms
- Jack-and-Jill bathroom
Other Projects in Des Moines, IA
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$126,200
Room Addition
$75,720
Swimming Pool Installation
$54,669
Garage Addition
$46,273
Home Addition
$67,296
Inground Swimming Pool
$54,661
Attic Conversion
$46,281
Swimming Pool Construction
$42,073
Second Story Addition in Other Iowa Cities
Planning a Second Story Addition in Des Moines
Building permits are typically required for a second story addition in Des Moines. The average permit fee in this area is $1,008, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 4-8 months from start to finish.
A second story addition is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Des Moines, skilled contractors charge an average of $25.28/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
In Des Moines, where the median household income is $48,302, a $168,267 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in Iowa.
Second Story Addition — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
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