---
title: "Screened Porch Costs In West Des Moines, Clive, And Johnston"
description: "A screened porch turns an unused patch of backyard into a comfortable, bug-free room for most of the Iowa year. What it costs depends on size, ..."
url: "https://busybuildersiowa.com/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston/"
---

Busy

Builders

# Screened Porch Costs in West Des Moines, Clive, and Johnston

- [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)
- [July 8, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/2026/07/08/)
- 11:08 am

A screened porch turns an unused patch of backyard into a comfortable, bug-free room for most of the Iowa year. What it costs depends on size, framing, and the permit fees your suburb charges. Here is what to budget and what to expect in West [Des Moines](https://busybuildersiowa.com/des-moines/), [Clive](https://busybuildersiowa.com/clive/), and [Johnston](https://busybuildersiowa.com/johnston/).

**TLDR:** A screened porch in West Des Moines, Clive, or Johnston typically runs **$9,000 to $24,000** depending on size, materials, and city permit fees. Each suburb runs its own permit process and timeline, so the same porch can move at different speeds across the metro. This guide breaks down what to budget in each city, including how lot grade and screen choice change your final number.

A screened porch is the fix most Central Iowa homeowners reach for first, because it adds real living space without the cost of a fully conditioned room. The price range is wide, though, and the city you build in changes both your timeline and your fee.

## What a Screened Porch Costs in the Des Moines Metro in 2026

Most metro screened porches fall between $9,000 and $24,000. The biggest driver is whether you build on an existing structure or start from bare ground. Screening an existing deck lands near the bottom; new footings, framing, and a roof push toward the top.

Porch size Square footage Typical installed cost

10×12 120 sq ft $9,000 to $14,000

12×16 192 sq ft $13,000 to $19,000

16×20 320 sq ft $18,000 to $24,000

Beyond size, three things drive the variation: lot grade, whether an existing deck can carry the structure, and screen type.

## West Des Moines: Permit Process and Costs

West Des Moines reviews permits through its Community Development Department. An attached porch counts as a structural addition, so the city wants a site plan showing the structure, its distance from your property lines, and how it ties to the house. Setbacks depend on your zoning district, so confirm yours before finalizing the footprint. Fees scale with the value of the work. Iowa requires all construction contractors to be [registered with DIAL](https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/contractors), and a registered contractor handles the permit and inspections for you. See our [West Des Moines home additions page](https://busybuildersiowa.com/locations/home-additions-west-des-moines-ia/) for more.

## Clive: What the City Requires

Clive handles permits through its Building Department. As in West Des Moines, an attached porch triggers a permit with a site plan and setback review. Because many [Clive](https://busybuildersiowa.com/locations/home-additions-clive-ia/) neighborhoods sit on established lots with mature trees and defined drainage, the city watches how a new structure affects grading and where rainwater sheds. Clive’s fees also scale with the value of the work, so get the current figure when you apply. Before signing with anyone, you can [verify a contractor’s registration](https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/records) through the state.

## Johnston: Costs and Permit Requirements

Johnston reviews construction through its [Community Development Department](https://busybuildersiowa.com/locations/home-additions-johnston-ia/). The process mirrors the other cities: application, site plan, setback check, fee payment, then inspections. Johnston has seen steady growth, so its review is well practiced on porches. Timelines from a complete application to an issued permit run a few weeks normally, though that stretches in the busy spring and summer season. Because Johnston’s housing stock skews newer, many homes already have decks that can serve as the base, pulling a project toward the lower end of the range.

## What Drives Price Differences Across Suburbs

The city affects your fee and timeline, but materials and lot conditions are the bigger levers. Aluminum framing is light, rot-proof, and low maintenance; wood framing costs less up front but needs sealing to survive Iowa’s freeze-thaw swings.

Material choice Relative cost What you gain

Polyester screen Lowest Standard insect protection

Fiberglass screen Low to mid Better durability

Aluminum frame Mid Low maintenance, rot-proof

Pet-resistant mesh Higher Stands up to claws

Lot grade is the lever homeowners forget. A flat yard sets footings quickly; a sloped lot may need a stepped foundation or added drainage. Iowa adopted the 2024 International Residential Code, and under [Iowa Administrative Code 481-301.8](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/chapter/481.301.pdf) a footing-supported porch needs footings set at least 42 inches deep, deeper than in warmer states.

## Size-to-Cost Reference

This table ties common sizes to the use each supports.

Size Realistic use Typical cost

10×12 Two chairs and a small table $9,000 to $14,000

12×16 Seating plus a dining set $13,000 to $19,000

16×20 Full outdoor living and dining $18,000 to $24,000

Most metro backyards comfortably hold a 12×16 porch, which is why that size is the sweet spot for most projects.

## Illustrative Scenarios

These are illustrative planning examples, not quotes for past projects, and your cost will depend on your lot and bids.

**Illustrative scenario, budget porch in Clive:** A 120 square foot enclosure over an existing reinforced patio, aluminum framing, polyester screen. Estimated around $10,500, completed in two to three weeks after the permit issues.

**Illustrative scenario, mid-range porch in West Des Moines:** A 200 square foot framed porch on fresh footings, fiberglass screen, sealed wood framing, a gable roof. Estimated around $17,000, completed in four to six weeks.

**Illustrative scenario, premium porch in Johnston:** A 256 square foot porch, aluminum framing, pet-resistant mesh, a vaulted roof with a fan rough-in, on a sloped lot needing a stepped foundation. Estimated around $23,500, completed in six to eight weeks.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much does a screened porch cost in West Des Moines?** A screened porch in West Des Moines typically runs $9,000 to $24,000, with most projects between $13,000 and $19,000 for a mid-size porch. Your number depends on size, foundation, materials, and the permit fee. Collect at least three written quotes from registered contractors so you can compare line items.

**Q: Do I need a permit for a screened porch in Clive?** Yes. An attached porch is a structural addition in Clive and requires a permit with a site plan and setback review. Cosmetic work does not trigger a permit, but adding a structure does. A registered contractor pulls the permit and schedules inspections.

**Q: How long does it take to build a screened porch in Johnston?** Most take two to eight weeks of construction once the permit issues, depending on whether the crew screens an existing structure or builds new footings. The permit itself takes a few weeks and can stretch in the busy season. Building on an existing deck is the fastest path.

**Q: What size screened porch fits a typical Central Iowa backyard?** A 12×16 porch, about 192 square feet, fits most metro backyards and holds seating plus a small dining set. Smaller lots suit a 10×12, larger yards a 16×20. Confirm your setbacks first, since the required distance from property lines can limit your size.

## Key Takeaways

**Budget:** Plan for $9,000 to $24,000 across all three cities.

- Most projects land between $13,000 and $19,000 for a mid-size porch.
- Building on an existing deck pushes cost down; new footings push it up.

**Permits:** All three cities treat an attached porch as a structural addition.

- West Des Moines and Johnston review through Community Development; Clive through its Building Department.
- Fees scale with the value of the work, so confirm the current figure when you apply.

**What drives your number:** Materials and lot conditions matter more than the suburb.

- Framing and screen type both move the price.
- Lot grade and Iowa’s at-least-42-inch frost line drive foundation cost.

Ready to price a screened porch for your home? Busy Builders is a registered Iowa contractor serving Central Iowa since 2020, with more than 1,285 completed projects and a 99% satisfaction rate. We handle the permit, the setbacks, and the inspections. Call: [844-435-9800](tel:844-435-9800) or visit [https://busybuildersiowa.com/](https://busybuildersiowa.com/) for a free consultation. Every project includes a written warranty on workmanship, with details provided in your contract.

*Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional construction, legal, or financial advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and fees vary by city and change over time, and the figures here are planning estimates only. Actual costs vary based on your lot, materials, site conditions, and current market pricing. Always confirm current permit requirements and fees with your local building department, and obtain at least three written quotes from contractors registered with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing before making decisions. Verify any contractor’s registration status before signing a contract. Busy Builders makes no guarantee regarding outcomes, timelines, or costs for any individual project.*

Busy Builders | Full-Service Construction and Remodeling | Serving Central Iowa Since 2020

**Related service:** [home additions in Central Iowa](https://busybuildersiowa.com/home-additions/).

[PrevPreviousScreened Porch vs. 3-Season vs. 4-Season Room in Iowa: Costs, Permits, and What Actually Gets Used](https://busybuildersiowa.com/screened-porch-3-season-4-season-room-in-iowa/)

[NextPatio vs. Deck in Iowa: Which Is Right for Your Yard and BudgetNext](https://busybuildersiowa.com/patio-vs-deck-iowa-right-for-your-yard-budget/)

#### Table of Contents

[August 21, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-cost-new-virginia-iowa-2026/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)

### [Basement Finishing Cost in New Virginia, Iowa: 2026 Guide](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-cost-new-virginia-iowa-2026/)

Most New Virginia basement projects run $29,000 to $74,000. Cost by scope, Iowa egress rules, and why septic sizing matters if you add a bedroom.

[August 18, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-costs-norwalk-2026/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)

### [Basement Finishing Costs in Norwalk: 2026 Guide](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-costs-norwalk-2026/)

Most Norwalk basement finishing projects run $35,000 to $85,000. Cost by scope, permits through the Building Department, and Iowa egress requirements.

[August 15, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-cost-boxholm-iowa-2026/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)

### [Basement Finishing Cost in Boxholm, Iowa: 2026 Guide](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-finishing-cost-boxholm-iowa-2026/)

Most Boxholm basement projects run $30,000 to $75,000. Cost by scope, small-city inspection scheduling, and Iowa egress requirements.

[August 10, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/does-finishing-basement-increase-property-taxes-iowa/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)

### [Does Finishing a Basement Increase Property Taxes in Iowa?](https://busybuildersiowa.com/does-finishing-basement-increase-property-taxes-iowa/)

Yes, but less than you think. Below-grade space is assessed differently than above-grade, and Iowa's rollback limits how much becomes taxable.

[August 9, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-remodeling-cost-overruns-avoid/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)

### [Common Cost Overruns in Basement Remodeling and How to Avoid Them](https://busybuildersiowa.com/basement-remodeling-cost-overruns-avoid/)

Moisture, egress, under-slab plumbing, electrical capacity, and ceiling height explain most blown basement budgets. Here is how to catch each one before you sign.

[August 3, 2026](https://busybuildersiowa.com/wet-bar-costs-in-an-iowa-basement/) | By [Blake Daniels](https://busybuildersiowa.com/author/blake-daniels/)

### [Wet Bar Costs in an Iowa Basement: Plumbing, Permits, and the Slab-Cut Question](https://busybuildersiowa.com/wet-bar-costs-in-an-iowa-basement/)

A wet bar turns a basement into a real gathering space, but the sink that makes it “wet” is also what makes it cost two to three times more...

```json
[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Place","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#place","geo":{"@type":"GeoCoordinates","latitude":"41.6060855","longitude":"-93.8051957"},"hasMap":"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&query=41.6060855,-93.8051957","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"111 S 49th Street","addressRegion":"IA","postalCode":"50265","addressCountry":"US","addressLocality":"West Des Moines"}},{"@type":["GeneralContractor","Organization"],"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization","name":"Busy Builders","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BusyBuilderz","https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ia\/west-des-moines\/profile\/remodel-contractors\/busy-builders-llc-0664-32137323","https:\/\/www.desmoinesregister.com\/press-release\/story\/30329\/busy-builders-expands-services-to-custom-home-building-in-central-iowa\/","https:\/\/nextdoor.com\/pages\/busy-builders-west-des-moines-ia\/","https:\/\/busybuildersllc.quora.com\/Busy-Builders-LLC-is-a-West-Des-Moines-IA-General-Contractor-company-focused-on-home-enhancement-through-remodeling-and","https:\/\/www.city-data.com\/business-entities\/IA\/BUSY-BUILDERS-LLC-644057-IA.html","https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/rated.BusyBuildersLLCHome.125418287.html","https:\/\/share.google\/CwLFRDUlwAA3jdC6I","https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/DigdFS58XfGad2h57","https:\/\/www.trustindex.io\/reviews\/busybuildersiowa.com","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q139699968"],"email":"info@busybuildersiowa.com","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"111 S 49th Street","addressRegion":"IA","postalCode":"50265","addressCountry":"US","addressLocality":"West Des Moines"},"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#logo","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/cropped-cropped-Untitled-design-57.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/cropped-cropped-Untitled-design-57.png","caption":"Busy Builders","inLanguage":"en-US","width":"512","height":"147"},"priceRange":"$$$","openingHours":["Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday 08:00-18:00"],"description":"Busy Builders is a full-service home construction and remodeling contractor based in West Des Moines and serving homeowners across Central Iowa, including Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale, and surrounding communities. Founded in 2020 after decades in the trades, the company specializes in custom home building, whole-home remodeling, kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing and remodeling, home additions, and custom deck construction. Every project is managed from design through completion with a focus on transparent communication, honest pricing, detailed planning, and craftsmanship built to handle everyday life, helping families create functional, beautiful spaces that are made to last for generations. We are a registered and insured Iowa contractor; Iowa Contractor Registration #C140184.","legalName":"Busy Builders LLC","foundingDate":"2020-01-01","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","value":"90"},"location":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#place"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#logo"},"telephone":"844-435-9800"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com","name":"Busy Builders","alternateName":"Busybuildersiowa.com","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screened-Porch-Costs-in-West-Des-Moines-Clive-and-Johnston.png","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screened-Porch-Costs-in-West-Des-Moines-Clive-and-Johnston.png","width":"2048","height":"2048","caption":"Screened Porch Costs in West Des Moines, Clive, and Johnston","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":"1","item":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"2","item":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/category\/exterior-living\/","name":"Exterior Living Spaces"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":"3","item":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/","name":"Screened Porch Costs in West Des Moines, Clive, and Johnston"}}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/","name":"Screened Porch Costs In West Des Moines, Clive, And Johnston","datePublished":"2026-07-08T11:08:00-05:00","dateModified":"2026-08-04T16:15:47-05:00","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screened-Porch-Costs-in-West-Des-Moines-Clive-and-Johnston.png"},"inLanguage":"en-US","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/#breadcrumb"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/author\/blake-daniels\/","name":"Blake Daniels","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/author\/blake-daniels\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/1b3807b32c8c2fafb64a2eddb79753af.jpg?ver=1769728917","url":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/1b3807b32c8c2fafb64a2eddb79753af.jpg?ver=1769728917","caption":"Blake Daniels","inLanguage":"en-US"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BusyBuilderz\/","https:\/\/twitter.com\/builders_busy","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@busybuilders","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@BusyBuildersLLC"],"worksFor":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization"}},{"@type":"BlogPosting","headline":"Screened Porch Costs In West Des Moines, Clive, And Johnston","keywords":"Screened Porch","datePublished":"2026-07-08T11:08:00-05:00","dateModified":"2026-08-04T16:15:47-05:00","articleSection":"Exterior Living Spaces","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/author\/blake-daniels\/","name":"Blake Daniels"},"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/#organization"},"description":"A screened porch turns an unused patch of backyard into a comfortable, bug-free room for most of the Iowa year. What it costs depends on size, ...","name":"Screened Porch Costs In West Des Moines, Clive, And Johnston","@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/#richSnippet","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/#webpage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screened-Porch-Costs-in-West-Des-Moines-Clive-and-Johnston.png"},"inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/busybuildersiowa.com\/screened-porch-cost-des-moines-clive-johnston\/#webpage"}}]},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How much does a screened porch cost in West Des Moines?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A screened porch in West Des Moines typically runs $9,000 to $24,000, with most projects between $13,000 and $19,000 for a mid-size porch. Your number depends on size, foundation, materials, and the permit fee. Collect at least three written quotes from registered contractors so you can compare line items."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do I need a permit for a screened porch in Clive?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. An attached porch is a structural addition in Clive and requires a permit with a site plan and setback review. Cosmetic work does not trigger a permit, but adding a structure does. A registered contractor pulls the permit and schedules inspections."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does it take to build a screened porch in Johnston?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most take two to eight weeks of construction once the permit issues, depending on whether the crew screens an existing structure or builds new footings. The permit itself takes a few weeks and can stretch in the busy season. Building on an existing deck is the fastest path."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What size screened porch fits a typical Central Iowa backyard?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A 12x16 porch, about 192 square feet, fits most metro backyards and holds seating plus a small dining set. Smaller lots suit a 10x12, larger yards a 16x20. Confirm your setbacks first, since the required distance from property lines can limit your size."}}]}]
```