Home repair in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines homes at a glance

Median year built

1961

Built before 1960

49%

Built since 2000

17%

Owner-occupied

60%

Median home value

$194,700

Main heat

Gas, 64%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates

What Des Moines’s housing means for repairs

Des Moines has one of the older housing stocks among Midwest cities its size. The city's median year built is 1961, and about 49% of homes predate 1960. About 62% are single-family detached and 60% are owner-occupied, with a median value of $194,700, which keeps repairs more practical than full remodels for many owners.

Foursquares, bungalows and Victorian houses in Sherman Hill, Drake and Highland Park sit on basements of stone, brick or block. Many still have original chimneys, cast iron drains, two-prong outlets and wood porches. Because 64% of homes burn gas for heat, basement furnaces, water heaters and floor drains are central to most repairs.

Weather that wears on Des Moines homes

Des Moines has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Freeze-thaw cycles crack concrete steps, porches, chimneys and foundation walls. Snow and ice load gutters and push meltwater toward basements.

Warm months bring hail, straight-line wind and tornado watches. The August 2020 derecho damaged trees, roofs and siding across central Iowa. Heavy rain raises water tables and the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, and the 1993 and 2008 floods remain a reminder for low-lying areas. Basement seepage, sump pump failures and floor drain backups are common after big storms.

Common repairs in Des Moines

• Basement water and floor drain backups

  Heavy rain overloads old sewer lines and pushes water into basements.

• Old wiring and outlet upgrades

  Two-prong outlets and undersized panels are common in pre-1960 homes.

• Porch and column repair

  Wood porches on old foursquares rot at the base and settle.

• Exterior paint and trim

  Freeze-thaw and humidity peel paint and rot trim on older houses.

• Chimney and masonry repair

  Older chimneys crack and lose mortar after decades of winters.

What these repairs cost

The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.

Fix guides for Des Moines homeowners

• Sewage backs up into the basement floor drain

  Older Des Moines neighborhoods have aging sewer laterals that back up into basements during heavy rain.

• Outlet is dead or the breaker trips when you plug in an appliance

  Des Moines homes built before 1960 often run modern loads on circuits that were not designed for them.

• Porch support column is crumbling at the base

  Wood and masonry porch columns on Des Moines foursquares break down at the base after many winters.

• Painted wood is rotten and crumbles when you press it

  Painted wood siding and trim on older Des Moines houses rot where paint has failed.

Seasonal checklist

Fall

Clean gutters and extend downspouts well away from the foundation.

Winter

Watch for ice dams and check the basement after thaws for seepage.

Spring

Test your sump pump and backflow valve before storm season.

Summer

Paint porch floors and steps with a porch-rated coating while the wood is dry.

Common questions

Why does my Des Moines floor drain back up during storms?

Heavy rain can overload the city sewer or your own lateral line, pushing water back through the lowest opening in the house. Roots and cracked clay pipe make it worse. A camera inspection and a backwater valve are common fixes.

Is it worth repairing the old porch on my Des Moines house?

Usually, yes. Original porches add character and value, and replacing rotted columns, floor boards or steps is often far less than rebuilding. Fixing the rot early stops it from spreading to the framing.

Do I need to update wiring in my 1940s Des Moines home?

If you have two-prong outlets, a fuse box or frequently tripping breakers, an electrician should inspect it. Many older homes need added circuits and grounding for modern appliances. Upgrades can be done room by room.

Neighborhoods served

• Sherman Hill
• Beaverdale
• Drake
• East Village
• Highland Park
• Waterbury