How Much Will My Remodeling Project Cost?
That’s the No. 1 question people ask Google when beginning a remodeling project. Problem is, the answer is either too broad, vague, incomplete, or entirely false. The only way to get an accurate cost for your project is to go to the source: a professional remodeler.
Ah, so you’ve asked a few and they answer, “it depends.” That’s frustrating, but they’re not wrong. It’s a valid question. It’s necessary to know the answer. And the answer is incredibly nuanced. Let’s dig into it further.
It Depends
As much as we’d love to assign a set cost for a fixed output, it’s just not that simple. No two homes are the same. Similar home styles from the same era have unique humans living in them, with completely different goals and style preferences.
Existing conditions of each home determine a variety of cost factors. We can visit two 1920s homes next door to each other and see differences in the way they were built and how well they were maintained over the years.
One neighbor may be looking to refresh their kitchen without relocating appliances, plumbing, or windows. Another may get excited about removing walls and changing the layout. The cost difference between these kitchens will likely be about $100k.
A seemingly simple idea of stealing space from an adjacent closet to create a shower in a bathroom can increase the total cost by $25,000. Do you want that to be a steam shower? That could be a $10-20k decision.
What then, of the factors we can’t plainly see? Experienced remodelers can wager a guess about “unknowns,” such as hazardous materials, hidden mechanicals, or structural deficiencies, with some investigation to determine the potential costs. Level of service, quality, speed of construction, and more can all influence remodeling costs.
But since you asked: in the Minneapolis metro area, a medium-sized complete kitchen remodel in your vintage home in 2026 will typically start around $100,000 and could be $250,000 or more. While no website or contractor can determine the cost of your project without context, we do believe in setting expectations early. We invite you to visit the Two Island Design Build Pricing Guide to learn more about the cost range for the type of project you aim to have built. Just remember—it depends.
A Final Note About Your Remodeler
Perhaps the most overlooked factor is the remodeling journey itself. Between designing, planning, and building your remodel, you’ll be in close contact with your builder for anywhere from a few months to more than a year. You’ll need them to be available to you long after construction is complete for possible warranty work, home care advice, and future projects. The relationship with your builder should be reciprocal and good-natured. The way your contractor operates affects the predictability of the cost and the value you receive.
When it comes to the cost of remodeling, context always matters. Every remodeling project, every design, every home, is as nuanced as the souls nesting inside it.
Donella Olson is the founder and principal of Two Island Design Build, a licensed building contractor offering a Concierge Remodeling Experience in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. Two Island Design Build focuses on a client-centered and communication-forward approach, specializing in main floor and whole home transformations.
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