Bathroom Remodel Cost: What You’ll Really Pay in MN
A typical bathroom remodel costs about $6,600 to $18,000, or roughly $70 to $250 per square foot, according to NerdWallet. Extensive high-end projects can run far higher. Your bathroom remodel cost in the Twin Cities depends mostly on size, whether walls and plumbing move, and what you find behind the old tile.
Reviewed by the Three Rivers Contracting project team · MN Residential Building Contractor BC760638
Bathroom remodel cost by project scope
Published ranges vary by source, so use these as planning figures and get written local quotes. The table below combines the ranges from NerdWallet with the way contractors actually scope work.
| Scope | Typical national range | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | Under $5,000 | New vanity, fixtures, paint, flooring; layout stays |
| Typical remodel | $6,600 to $18,000 | New tub or shower, tile, vanity, toilet, lighting |
| Extensive high-end | Well above $18,000; NerdWallet cites $80,000+ | Layout changes, custom tile, premium fixtures, larger footprint |
Per square foot, expect about $70 to $250. Small bathrooms cost more per square foot because the fixtures, plumbing, and labor are the same as in a larger room.
Where the money goes
NerdWallet reports that labor is 40% to 65% of the total price. The rest is materials and fees. Common line items include:
- Demolition and prep: about $1,000 to $2,300.
- Permits: about $100 to $1,000 for plumbing, construction, and electrical work, depending on the city and scope.
- Floor plan changes: about $5,000 extra to rework plumbing and electrical.
- Water damage repair: an extra $3.75 to $7 per square foot when rot or leaks are found.
- Materials: vanity, tub or shower, toilet, tile, flooring, and countertop, priced by tier from builder-grade to custom.
What drives your price in the Twin Cities
Older-home surprises
Many Twin Cities houses were built decades ago. Once the tile and tub come out, we often find rotted subfloor, failed shower pans, outdated or corroded supply lines, and cast-iron drains that need to be tied into. These are the usual reasons a remodel goes over budget. Ask any contractor how they handle unforeseen conditions and whether they use a written allowance.
Labor and scheduling
Labor is the biggest slice of the budget. Licensed trades such as plumbers and electricians, plus tile setters, add cost but protect you from failed inspections. Minnesota licensing rules for the work vary by trade, so confirm that anyone touching plumbing or electrical is properly licensed.
Permits
Moving plumbing, adding circuits, or changing walls usually requires a permit and inspection through your city. Budget for it up front. A contractor who says permits are unnecessary is a red flag.
Tile, shower, and tub choices
Custom tiled showers with niches, benches, and glass enclosures cost much more than a prefabricated tub or shower surround. Large-format tile and intricate patterns raise labor because they take longer to set properly.
Where to save money
- Keep the layout. Moving the toilet, tub, or vanity is the easiest way to add roughly $5,000.
- Spend on what is hidden. Waterproofing, ventilation, and plumbing last longer than finishes. Do not skimp there.
- Choose stock sizes for vanities, tubs, and glass instead of custom.
- Pick a few focal points for the nicer tile or fixtures, and go simple elsewhere.
- Order materials early. Delays while you wait for a vanity or glass can stretch labor.
For ideas that pay off at resale, see our guide to bathroom remodel upgrades that add value. NerdWallet, citing the Journal of Light Construction's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, says major remodels often recoup at least 60% of their cost and mid-range projects may recoup up to 80%.
How to compare bathroom remodel prices
Two bids for the same bathroom can differ by thousands for reasons that have nothing to do with quality. Check whether each bid includes demolition and disposal, a waterproofing system for the shower, a new exhaust fan vented outdoors, and permit fees. Look at how fixtures are handled: a bid with a low fixture allowance looks cheap until you pick a vanity and faucet you actually like. Ask how change orders are priced and approved in writing, and how the contractor handles a subfloor that turns out to be rotted.
Planning for the long term
If you plan to stay in your home for decades, think about accessibility now. Curbless showers, grab-bar blocking in the walls, and wider doorways are much cheaper to build in during a remodel than to add later. See aging-in-place bathroom remodeling for specifics.
Our team handles full remodeling projects, and homeowners near Hastings can see our bathroom remodeling in Hastings, MN page. When you compare bids, make sure each one lists the same scope, fixture allowances, demolition, waterproofing, permit, and cleanup so the numbers actually match. Ask for a cushion of 10% to 20% for hidden conditions in older homes.
Want a straight answer on your own house? Call (651) 565-1349 or get a free estimate from Three Rivers Contracting.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
A typical bathroom remodel runs about $6,600 to $18,000, or $70 to $250 per square foot, based on national figures. Smaller refreshes can be under $5,000, while extensive high-end projects cost much more. Layout changes, tile, fixtures, and hidden damage have the biggest impact on price.
How much of a bathroom remodel is labor?
Labor generally makes up 40% to 65% of the total. Demolition, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and tile setting all take skilled time. Moving fixtures or fixing water damage increases labor hours, which is why layout changes and older homes tend to cost more than simple like-for-like swaps.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Usually yes if you move plumbing, add or change electrical circuits, or alter walls. Permit costs commonly run $100 to $1,000 depending on scope and city. Your contractor should pull permits, and the city will inspect the work. Cosmetic updates like paint and a new vanity in place often do not need one.
How can I lower my bathroom remodel cost?
Keep the existing layout, use stock-size vanities and tubs, limit custom tile to a feature area, and choose mid-grade fixtures. Spend on waterproofing and ventilation, since those protect the work. Get at least two itemized bids so you can compare scope, not just the bottom line.
Will a bathroom remodel add value to my home?
It often does, but rarely dollar for dollar. Industry cost-versus-value data cited by NerdWallet suggests major remodels recoup at least 60% of cost and mid-range ones up to 80%. Neutral finishes, good ventilation, and solid waterproofing tend to appeal to buyers most.