How to Demolish a Shed in Des Moines (2026 Guide)

How To Demolish Shed in Des Moines, IA: Junk N The Trunk serves Des Moines and the surrounding area. Call (515) 283-4200 for a free estimate. (Des Moines Permit & Development Center main line.)

TL;DR: Sheds under 200 square feet in Des Moines don't require a demolition permit, but larger structures or those with electrical service do. DIY demolition runs $350–$550 (dumpster + tool rental); hiring a local crew costs $300–$800 for a standard 10×12 shed, rising to $650–$950 with concrete slab removal. Always call Iowa One Call (811) at least 3 business days before breaking ground, and test for asbestos if your shed was built before 1980.

Introduction

Demolishing a shed in Des Moines is a manageable project for homeowners willing to put in the work - or a straightforward job to hand off to a local crew. (Polkcountyiowa.gov) Whether you're clearing space for a new structure, removing a deteriorating outbuilding, or reclaiming yard real estate, understanding the permit rules, safety requirements, and disposal options here in Des Moines will save you time, money, and potential headaches.

This guide walks you through how to demolish a shed in Des Moines, from permit thresholds and cost breakdowns to step-by-step demolition and debris disposal at local Polk County facilities. We'll also cover when DIY makes sense and when hiring a contractor is the smarter choice.

Do You Need a Permit to Demolish a Shed in Des Moines?

The short answer: it depends on size and what's attached to it.

Des Moines Development Services exempts accessory structures (like sheds) under 120 square feet from demolition permits. If your shed is smaller than that and has no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical connections, you can proceed without a permit.

Structures 120 square feet or larger, or any shed with electrical service, require a demolition permit from the city's Development Services Center at 1200 Locust Street. The permit process is straightforward - you'll submit an application (available online), pay a modest fee (typically $50–$150), and receive approval before breaking ground.

Why does this matter? Skipping a required permit can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and costly corrective action at your expense. The city enforces this mainly through neighbor complaints, but it's not worth the risk.

If you're in unincorporated Polk County (outside Des Moines city limits), verify requirements with Polk County Building Department separately - rules may differ slightly.

Key Takeaway: Check your shed's square footage and whether it has electrical service. If either triggers a permit requirement, apply online or visit 1200 Locust Street before demolition begins.

What Does Shed Demolition Cost in Des Moines?

Costs break down into two paths: DIY or hiring a contractor.

DIY Demolition Cost Breakdown

For a typical 10×12 wood shed with no concrete slab:

• Dumpster rental (10-yard): $300–$450
• Tool rental (reciprocating saw, pry bar, wheelbarrow): $50–$100
• Miscellaneous (fasteners, safety gear, fuel): $25–$50
• Total: $375–$600

Hiring a Local Contractor

A local Des Moines crew will typically charge:

• 10×12 wood shed (no slab): $300–$800
• 12×16 wood shed with concrete slab removal: $650–$950
• Metal shed (corrugated steel): $400–$700 For more details, see Apartment Trash Out Process Near Des Moines (2026).

Factors that raise the price:

• Concrete slab removal: Concrete demolition and hauling typically add $1.20 to $3.00 per square foot depending on disposal distance and complexity, so larger slabs can push costs toward the higher end of that range.
• Electrical disconnection: adds $100–$200
• Difficult access or overgrown site: adds $150–$300
• Hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint): adds $500–$2,500+

Real Example

A 12×16 wood shed with a concrete slab in a typical Des Moines neighborhood:

• DIY: $400–$550 (dumpster + tool rental + disposal fees)
• Hired crew: $700–$950

The contractor route saves you 2–3 days of labor and handles debris hauling, but DIY works if you have time and basic tools on hand.

Prefer a local recommendation to start with? Junk N The Trunk is a solid one for Des Moines — straightforward about pricing and timing, and quick to respond when you reach out.

Safety Prep: What to Do Before Demolition Starts

Before you swing a sledgehammer, take these precautions.

Call Iowa One Call (811): This is legally required. Learn more about Junk Removal for Old Furniture in Des Moines (2026). Iowa Code §480.4 mandates that you notify Iowa One Call at least 3 business days before any ground disturbance - including slab removal or post extraction. Call 811 or submit online at iowaocc.com. Utility locates are free and prevent costly (and dangerous) gas line, electric, or water line strikes.

Test for asbestos and lead paint: Sheds built before 1980 in Iowa commonly contain asbestos in roofing felt, corrugated cement panels, or floor tiles. Disturbing asbestos without proper containment and abatement triggers Iowa DNR and EPA enforcement, with fines exceeding $25,000. Lead-based paint was standard on exterior wood before 1978. If your shed is pre-1980, hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor or test materials first. Do not assume it's safe.

Disconnect electricity: If your shed has wired power, have a licensed electrician disconnect it before demolition. Do not cut live wires.

Notify neighbors: A courtesy heads-up about timing and noise prevents complaints and builds goodwill in our community.

Wear proper PPE:

• Safety glasses
• Hard hat
• Work gloves (leather or nitrile)
• Steel-toed boots
• N95 or N100 respirator (N100 if asbestos is suspected)
• Long sleeves and pants

How to Demolish a Shed Step by Step

Here's the process for a typical wood-framed shed with no slab. A similar sequence is recommended by demolition safety guidance that emphasizes locating and controlling utility services before work begins.

1. Remove contents and doors Empty the shed completely. Remove doors from hinges and set aside for salvage or disposal.

2. Strip roofing material Remove shingles, felt, and flashing. If the roof is metal, unbolt or unscrew panels. Bag or bundle debris for the dumpster.

3. Remove roof decking and rafters Use a reciprocating saw or pry bar to remove plywood decking. Cut rafters into manageable lengths (3–4 feet) and stack for hauling.

4. Knock down walls Start at one corner. Use a reciprocating saw to cut studs at mid-height, then pry the top half down. Repeat for the bottom half. Work systematically around the structure. Walls typically come down in 2–4 hours for a small shed.

5. Pull up flooring Remove floor joists and subfloor. If the shed sits on concrete blocks or a gravel pad, remove those too.

6. Deal with the foundation or slab If there's a concrete slab, you have two options:

• Hire it out: A contractor with a jackhammer removes it in 1–2 hours ($200–$400).
• DIY: Rent a jackhammer ($75–$150/day) and break it into chunks. This is labor-intensive but doable.

7. Sort debris for recycling vs. disposal

• Wood: Stack for dumpster or donation (see below).
• Metal: Separate corrugated steel, nails, and fasteners for scrap yards.
• Roofing felt and shingles: Dumpster only.
• Concrete: Dumpster or concrete recycler.

8. Site cleanup Remove nails, fasteners, and small debris. Grade and level the site if needed.

Tools you'll need:

• Reciprocating saw (rental: $40–$60/day)
• Pry bar or crowbar
• Sledgehammer
• Wheelbarrow
• Work gloves and safety gear
• Dumpster (rental: $300–$450 for 10-yard, 7-day)

Timeline: A DIY demolition of a 10×12 shed typically takes 2–4 days, depending on your pace and experience.

Where to Dispose of Shed Debris in Des Moines

Our community has several disposal options, each suited to different materials.

Metro Waste Authority (MWA) Drop-Off: Metro Park East, located on East 32nd Street in Des Moines, accepts construction and demolition debris from Polk County residents. Wood, drywall, metals, and concrete are all accepted. Tipping fees apply (verify current rates at mwatoday.com's waste and recycling page). Hours vary seasonally, so check before you go.

Des Moines Curbside Bulk Pickup: The city accepts bundled wood (under 4 feet, tied securely) and other bulky items at curbside on designated collection days. Loose construction lumber and large debris volumes do not qualify. Check the Des Moines Public Works website for your neighborhood's schedule.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Hubbell Ave): If your shed has reusable lumber, doors, or windows in good condition, the ReStore accepts donations. This can eliminate the need for a dumpster rental entirely and supports a great local cause. Call ahead to confirm what they'll take.

Scrap Metal Yards: Corrugated steel shed panels, nails, and fasteners can be sold to local metal recyclers. Prices fluctuate with commodity markets, but you may recover $50–$150 depending on volume and current rates. Call a local yard for a quote.

Dumpster Rental: If you prefer a one-stop solution, local haulers like Waste Connections serve the Des Moines metro with 10-yard and 20-yard dumpsters. Typical cost for a 7-day rental is $300–$450. Delivery and pickup are included.

Pro Tip: Donating reusable materials to Habitat ReStore or selling scrap metal can offset or eliminate dumpster costs entirely.

Should You Hire a Contractor or DIY?

Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.

DIY makes sense if:

• Your shed is under 12×12 feet
• It's wood-framed with no concrete slab
• You have basic tools or can rent them
• You have 2–4 days available
• There's no electrical service or hazardous materials

Hire a contractor if:

• Your shed is large (over 12×16 feet)
• There's a concrete slab to remove
• Electrical service is present
• You suspect asbestos or lead paint
• You want the job done in one day
• You lack experience with demolition

Questions to ask a Des Moines demolition contractor:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you handle permits, or do I apply?
• What's included in your quote (debris removal, site cleanup)?
• Do you test for asbestos?
• What's your timeline?
• Do you offer a written estimate?

Recommended Local Shed Removal in Des Moines

When you're ready to move forward, Junk N The Trunk offers fast, affordable junk removal and demolition services throughout Des Moines and the surrounding area. They handle furniture removal, appliance haul away, garage cleanouts, estate cleanouts, and shed demolition - with same-day quotes and transparent pricing. Whether you need a full-service demolition or just debris hauling after you've done the work yourself, their team knows the local permit requirements, disposal sites, and seasonal challenges here in Des Moines. Call (515) 283-4200 for a free same-day quote, or visit junknthetrunk-dsm.com to learn more about their services.

Recommended Junk Removal in Des Moines: Junk N The Trunk

When you're ready to move from research to a real quote, Junk N The Trunk is a local team serving Des Moines worth calling — a clear estimate and an honest timeline before anything begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a demolition permit for a small shed in Des Moines? For more details, see How to Clean Out a Rental Property in Des Moines (2026).

Direct Answer: No, if your shed is under 120 square feet and has no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical connections. Larger sheds or those with utilities require a permit from Des Moines Development Services.

Permits are straightforward to obtain - apply online or visit 1200 Locust Street. The fee is typically $50–$150, and approval usually takes 3–5 business days. Skipping a required permit can result in fines and stop-work orders, so it's worth confirming your shed's size and connections before starting.

How much does it cost to have a shed removed in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Hiring a local contractor typically costs $300–$800 for a standard 10×12 shed; a 12×16 shed with concrete slab removal runs $650–$950.

DIY demolition is cheaper ($350–$600) but requires renting tools and arranging debris disposal. Costs vary based on shed size, material, slab removal, and site access. Get 3 local bids to compare pricing and services.

How long does it take to demolish a shed by myself?

Direct Answer: A typical 10×12 wood shed takes 2–4 days of work for one person working part-time.

A full day of focused effort can bring down walls and remove roofing. Concrete slab removal adds 1–2 additional days if you rent a jackhammer. Hiring a contractor compresses this to 1 day.

What do I do if my shed has asbestos siding or roofing?

Direct Answer: Do not disturb it yourself. Hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to test and remove it safely.

Improper asbestos demolition in Iowa triggers EPA and Iowa DNR enforcement with fines exceeding $25,000. Sheds built before 1980 commonly contain asbestos in roofing felt, corrugated cement panels, or floor tiles. Testing costs $200–$500; abatement adds $500–$2,500+. It's a legal and health requirement, not optional.

Can I put shed debris in my regular trash or curbside bin?

Direct Answer: No. Construction debris does not qualify for curbside collection. Use a dumpster rental, Metro Waste Authority drop-off, or donate reusable materials.

Des Moines curbside pickup accepts only bundled wood under 4 feet and certain bulky items - not loose construction lumber or large volumes. Metro Park East (MWA) accepts all demolition debris for a tipping fee. Habitat ReStore accepts reusable lumber and materials.

Is there a cheaper alternative to renting a dumpster in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Yes. Donate reusable lumber and materials to Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Hubbell Ave, and sell scrap metal to local recyclers.

This can eliminate dumpster costs entirely or reduce them significantly. You can also haul smaller loads to Metro Waste Authority's drop-off facility yourself, paying only tipping fees. For large volumes, a dumpster rental ($300–$450) is still the most convenient option.

What's the best time of year to demolish a shed in Des Moines?

Direct Answer: Spring through early fall (April–September) is ideal. Avoid late fall and winter if you have a concrete slab to remove.

Iowa's freeze-thaw cycle hardens subgrade soil after mid-October, making slab removal significantly more difficult and expensive. Spring and summer offer easier ground conditions and faster contractor availability - though expect 2–4 week backlogs during peak season (May–July).

Next Steps

You now have the information to move forward confidently. If you're planning a DIY demolition, start by confirming your shed's size and checking for electrical service. Apply for a permit if needed, call 811 at least 3 business days before breaking ground, and arrange your dumpster or disposal plan.

If hiring is the better fit, reach out to local contractors for written estimates. Junk N The Trunk can handle the full job or just the debris hauling - call (515) 283-4200 for a free same-day quote and see what makes sense for your project.

Either way, you'll reclaim that yard space soon. Good luck with your demolition.

Ready to Get Started?

For personalized guidance, visit Junk N The Trunk to learn how we can help.