March 25, 2026
Bathrooms, Kitchens and Mudrooms......OH MY!
Kitchens in St. Paul and Minneapolis
In the Twin Cities, the cost of a kitchen remodel in 2026 varies significantly based on whether you are doing cosmetic refresh or a full structural "gut" renovation. Because of the high volume of historic homes in Minneapolis and St. Paul, costs can often be 10–20% higher than the national average due to specialized labor and the need to bring old wiring or plumbing up to modern codes.
Here is the current breakdown of average costs in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area:
Twin Cities Kitchen Remodel Cost Tiers (2026)
Remodel TypeAverage Cost RangeTypical ScopeMinor / Cosmetic$25,000 – $50,000Refacing cabinets, new countertops (quartz/granite), new backsplash, and entry-level appliances. No layout changes.
Mid-Range / Major$70,000 – $130,000Semi-custom cabinetry, new island, mid-tier appliances, updated lighting, and minor electrical/plumbing updates.
High-End / Luxury$150,000 – $230,000+Custom cabinetry, professional-grade appliances (Sub-Zero/Wolf), moving walls, structural changes, and premium stone.
Local Cost Drivers
- The "Old Home" Tax: If you live in neighborhoods like South Minneapolis, Summit-University, or Tangletown, expect surprises behind the walls. Contractors often build in a 10–15% contingency for resolving lath-and-plaster issues or ungrounded electrical.
- Labor Rates: Local skilled trades (plumbers and electricians) in the Twin Cities currently range from $75 to $115 per hour.
- Permitting: Minneapolis and St. Paul have rigorous inspection departments. Permit fees and the time required for approvals are generally higher than in outer-ring suburbs like Lakeville or Blaine.
Where your money is spent:
On average, a full Twin Cities remodel budget breaks down as follows:
- Cabinetry: 30% – 35%
- Labor & Installation: 25% – 30%
- Appliances: 15% – 20%
- Countertops & Backsplash: 10% – 15%
- Flooring & Lighting: 5% – 10
Estimated Return on Investment (ROI)
In the current Twin Cities housing market, a minor remodel typically recoups the highest percentage of its cost—often 75% to 85%—at resale. Major upscale remodels usually see a lower ROI (around 50-60%) but significantly increase the "salability" of homes in competitive areas like Edina or the North Loop.
Call us for a "to the penny" estimate on your Kitchen!
Bathrooms in St. Paul and Minneapolis
Just like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodel costs in the Twin Cities for 2026 are heavily influenced by the age of the home. In Minneapolis and St. Paul proper, you're often dealing with cast iron tubs, lath-and-plaster walls, and ancient venting—all of which can add "hidden" labor costs compared to a newer build in the suburbs.
Here is the 2026 cost breakdown for the Twin Cities metro area:
Twin Cities Bathroom Remodel Costs (2026)
Remodel TierAverage Cost RangeBest ForPowder Room / Half Bath$5,000 – $12,000Updating a small 2-piece bath (sink/toilet) without moving plumbing.
Guest / Standard Full Bath$15,000 – $35,000Replacing the tub, vanity, and tile in a standard 5x8 space.
Primary / Master Suite$45,000 – $85,000Walk-in tiled showers, double vanities, and high-end fixtures.
Luxury "Spa" Remodel$95,000 – $150,000+Structural changes, heated floors, steam showers, and premium stone.Cost Per Square Foot
If you are calculating by size, Twin Cities contractors currently average:
- Budget/Cosmetic: $100 – $150 per sq. ft.
- Mid-Range: $250 – $400 per sq. ft.
- High-End: $500+ per sq. ft.
Local Factors & "Minnesota Add-Ons"
- The "Cold Floor" Tax: Radiant floor heating is an extremely popular request in Minnesota. Expect to add $1,500 – $3,000 to your budget for electric floor warming systems.
- Ventilation Upgrades: Because of our extreme humidity swings and tight winter seals, Twin Cities inspectors are very strict about high-CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) bathroom fans. Budget $500 – $900 for a high-quality fan and proper exterior venting.
- Historic Plumbing: In older neighborhoods like Summit-Hill or Linden Hills, replacing old galvanized pipes or lead bends can easily add $3,000 – $5,000 to a "simple" project.
Return on Investment (ROI)
In 2026, a mid-range bathroom remodel in the Twin Cities typically recoups 60% to 72% of its value at resale. Interestingly, adding a second bathroom to a one-bath home in Minneapolis (very common in 1.5-story bungalows) offers one of the highest ROIs of any home project, often exceeding 80%.
Are you looking to remodel an existing space, or are you considering adding a brand-new bathroom to a basement or attic? Give us a call for a "to the penny" estimate on your project.
