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2026 · Twin Cities
How much does a remodel cost in Minneapolis?
Honest 2026 ranges for the Twin Cities, what actually moves the number, and the costs most people forget to budget for.
Nobody likes a contractor who won't talk price. So here it is, straight. These are real 2026 ranges for Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the inner suburbs. Where you land inside a range comes down to the age of your house, how much structure moves, and the finishes you choose.
2026 Twin Cities ranges
Ranges assume a licensed, insured builder doing permitted work with a real warranty — not the lowest bid on a marketplace.
What drives the number
Scope & square footage
How many rooms, how much of the house, and whether walls and structure move.
Age of the home
Pre-1970 houses often need wiring, plumbing, and code upgrades once walls are open.
Structural work
Beams, foundation reinforcement, and engineering for additions add real cost.
Finish level
Stock vs. custom cabinets, tile, and fixtures can swing a kitchen by $30k alone.
City & permits
Minneapolis and St. Paul permit and SAC fees differ from the suburbs; some work needs design review.
Site access
Tight lots, walk-up-only access, and protecting mature landscaping affect labor.
What people forget to budget for
- Permit & SAC fees. Sewer availability charges and permits are real line items, especially when you add a bathroom.
- Old-house surprises. Knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and asbestos in pre-1980 homes cost real money to make safe.
- Temporary housing. If you move out during a gut remodel, budget for a few weeks elsewhere.
- Design & engineering. Good drawings and a structural engineer for additions aren't free — but they're what keep the build from going sideways.
We put all of these in the estimate, not in a surprise invoice at the end. That's the whole idea behind a fixed, written bid.
How to spend less without regretting it
Keep plumbing and load-bearing walls where they are, phase the work over a couple of seasons, choose durable mid-range finishes for high-wear spots, and prioritize the rooms you actually live in. We'll help you spend where it shows and save where it doesn't.
Common questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in the Twin Cities?
Most run $35,000 to $90,000 in 2026. A cosmetic refresh can come in lower; a gut remodel that moves plumbing, adds an island, and uses custom cabinetry runs higher.
How much does a whole-home remodel cost in Minneapolis?
Generally $120,000 to $350,000+, driven by square footage, how much structure moves, the age of the house, and finish level.
Why are remodels more expensive in older homes?
Pre-1970 homes often hide knob-and-tube wiring, old plumbing, asbestos, and un-permitted past work. Bringing those up to code once walls are open is real cost a cosmetic quote ignores.
What costs do people forget to budget for?
Permit and SAC fees, temporary housing during a gut remodel, code upgrades in older homes, and design and engineering fees. We put these in the estimate up front.
Is a fixed-price estimate really possible?
Yes, when design and selections are finished before the bid. We price the whole scope up front, and only change it with a signed change order.
How can I lower the cost of my remodel?
Keep plumbing and walls where they are, phase the work, choose mid-range finishes for high-wear areas, and prioritize the rooms you use most.
Your house, your number
Get a real estimate, not a guess.
Ranges are useful. A written, fixed bid for your actual house is better — and it's free.