Quick answer
Most Twin Cities homeowners spend $13,000 to $19,000 on a standard full bathroom remodel in 2026. Lighter cosmetic refreshes start around $5,000 to $10,000, full gut renovations typically run $20,000 to $35,000, and luxury primary-suite baths can reach $35,000 to $60,000 or more. Where your project lands depends mostly on the size of the room, whether you move plumbing, and the finishes you choose.
Labor is the single biggest line item, usually 40 to 50 percent of the total budget. Because Minnesota construction costs run about 6 percent above the national average, with skilled trade labor averaging roughly $51 per hour, budgeting realistically from the start matters more here than in many other markets.
What drives the cost of a bathroom remodel?
No two bathrooms cost the same to renovate, but the price is driven by a predictable set of factors. Understanding them helps you build a budget that holds up once the work begins.
Scope and layout changes
The biggest swing in cost comes from whether you keep your existing layout or move it. Keeping the toilet, tub, and vanity in their current spots and simply updating finishes keeps plumbing and electrical work minimal. The moment you relocate a shower, move the toilet, or convert a tub to a curbless walk-in shower, you add plumbing reroutes, framing, and often electrical changes that can add several thousand dollars.
Finishes and materials
Tile, countertops, fixtures, and cabinetry account for a large share of the visible budget. A standard ceramic tile and a stock vanity sit at the lower end, while heated tile floors, natural stone, custom glass enclosures, and semi-custom cabinetry push you toward the upper ranges. Choosing mid-range finishes that look high-end is one of the most reliable ways to control spending without sacrificing the result.
Labor and trades
A full bathroom remodel pulls in several trades: demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile setting, and finish work. Each requires skilled labor, and in the Twin Cities those rates reflect a competitive market and a relatively short building season. Because labor is 40 to 50 percent of the typical project, a well-coordinated crew that avoids rework protects both your budget and your timeline.
Hidden conditions
Older Minneapolis and St. Paul homes frequently reveal surprises behind the walls: outdated galvanized plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, water damage, or subfloor rot around the tub. A reputable contractor builds a contingency into your estimate so these discoveries do not derail the project.
Bathroom remodel costs in the Twin Cities, by project type
Here is how the ranges typically break down for homeowners across Edina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and St. Paul in 2026:
Permits and code in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the suburbs
Almost all bathroom remodels in Minnesota require a building permit, and any project that alters, extends, or relocates plumbing, electrical, or ventilation requires separate trade permits for each. Minor cosmetic repairs may be exempt, but as soon as you move a fixture or open up walls, permits come into play.
Minnesota adopts statewide building, plumbing, and electrical codes, but Minneapolis and St. Paul have the authority to adjust their own requirements and require additional licensing for heating and plumbing work. In practice, that means a plumber licensed to work in Minnetonka or Edina is not automatically cleared to pull permits in the core cities. Permit review typically takes a minimum of two to four weeks depending on the city's backlog, so it pays to plan ahead. A licensed, local design-build contractor handles this paperwork for you and knows how each municipality's process differs, which keeps your project legal, inspected, and built to last. For more on vetting a qualified pro, see our guide on how to choose a bathroom remodeling contractor.
Is a bathroom remodel worth it? ROI in 2026
Bathrooms remain one of the most dependable remodeling investments. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range bathroom remodel returned roughly 80 percent of its cost at resale nationally — the highest figure since 2007 — adding around $20,000 in resale value on a typical project. Returns are more modest in the Midwest, generally in the 52 to 63 percent range for mid-range work, largely because home values relative to renovation costs are lower here.
The practical takeaway: mid-range, broadly appealing updates tend to recoup more than ultra-luxury finishes, where percentage returns fall off. An updated, functional bathroom also makes a home noticeably easier to sell, even before you count the dollar return. If you are weighing scope against budget, our overview of important considerations for your bathroom remodel is a helpful next read.
How to budget smart for your bathroom remodel
A few habits keep your project on track financially. Set a realistic range before you fall in love with finishes, and reserve a 10 to 15 percent contingency for hidden conditions. Prioritize the elements you will use every day — a quality shower, good lighting, and durable surfaces — over splurges that add cost without daily value. Finally, get a detailed, line-item estimate rather than a single lump sum, so you can see exactly where your money goes and compare proposals fairly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom remodel take in the Twin Cities?
A standard full bathroom remodel usually takes three to six weeks of active work once it begins, though permitting and material lead times can add several weeks before demolition starts. Layout changes and custom orders extend the schedule.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Minneapolis or St. Paul?
Yes, in almost all cases. Building permits are required for bathroom remodels, and any plumbing, electrical, or ventilation changes need their own trade permits. Purely cosmetic work like painting may be exempt, but Minneapolis and St. Paul set additional licensing requirements, so a licensed contractor should confirm and pull the correct permits.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Labor is typically the largest single cost, at 40 to 50 percent of the budget, followed by tile and the shower or tub assembly. Moving plumbing is the change most likely to push a project from the standard range into a full gut budget.
Can I remodel a bathroom for under $10,000?
Yes, if you keep the existing layout and focus on a cosmetic refresh — new fixtures, lighting, a vanity, paint, and hardware. Costs climb quickly once you move plumbing, replace the shower, or choose high-end finishes.
Plan your Twin Cities bathroom remodel with Executive Remodeling
Executive Remodeling is a high-end design-build firm serving the Twin Cities metro, including Edina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and St. Paul. We bring layout, finish, budget, and permitting together under one roof so your project is accurately priced from the start and built to last. If you are ready to put real numbers to your bathroom plans, schedule a consultation and we will walk through your goals, your space, and a budget that fits.
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