Bathroom Remodel Costs Breakdown
Hello Neighbors, its Erik Grams again, certified tile installer, licensed general contractor, and owner of TOUCHDOWN Tile LLC. I hope your new year is off to a great start. This month, I want to talk about perhaps our favorite type of project at TOUCHDOWN: Bathroom remodels!
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most impactful home improvements you can undertake, both for everyday living and for resale value. It also happens to be a GREAT time of year to consider this.
So, you’re probably thinking “That’s great Erik! But…what would my bathroom remodel cost?”
It’s an important question. Cost is often the central driving force in any remodel so let’s dive in deeper. In Minnesota’s Twin Cities area, budgets vary widely based on project scope, materials, permits, and labor.
Here is what you should know. Generally speaking:
Minor cosmetic update(s): $5,000–$10,000 (paint, fixtures, hardware, tub-surrounds, single showers).
Mid-range remodel: $15,000–$30,000 — likely your estimate for a full refresh including new tile, vanity, flooring, countertops, and fixtures.
High–end renovation: $30,000–$75,000+ — with premium materials, layout changes, and luxury finishes.
If you’re curious what the statewide averages are — around $26,000 for full remodels.
It’s worth knowing that costs in urban Minnesota such as Minneapolis and St. Paul often skew higher due to labor rates and permit costs, with full remodels often exceeding $40,000 for larger or luxury projects.
WHAT DRIVES THOSE COSTS?
Size and Scope of Remodel
The larger the bathroom and scope, the higher the cost. Keeping the existing layout typically saves money. Moving plumbing or changing layout adds labor, materials, and sometimes higher permit fees.
Materials and Finishes
Tile alone can range from affordable ceramic to high-end natural stone. Luxury materials (e.g., marble, custom mosaic) significantly raise costs. In our showroom, we have a wide range to display and choose from. With the help of our in-house designer, we can help you find cost-efficient choices within your budget.
Labor
Labor is typically the largest share of the budget, in fact, often 40%–60% of total cost. Experienced tile installation and waterproofing (critical to avoid future damage) are worth the investment. Poor installation can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.
Plumbing and Electrical
Reconfiguring plumbing or updating electrical to meet current code can add thousands. Re-using existing locations and fixtures can save thousands. Trying to build with the existing footprint whenever possible to save on these costs.
Permits and Inspections
Most Minnesota cities can require permits for full remodels, which adds fees an inspection time. It’s a worthwhile expense though, to ensure that everything is done right and safely.
IMPORTANT BUDGETING TIPS
- Get multiple bids: Compare not just total price but itemized costs for labor, materials, and contingencies.
- Know your priorities: Decide early where you want to splurge (e.g. tile, fixtures) versus save (e.g. lighting).
- Ask about design support: Contractors like TOUCHDOWN help with design choices that can optimize spending without compromising aesthetics. Our showroom and staff are here to help you with your project.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT IS GREAT!
Bathroom renovations tend to deliver solid value when selling a home. Remodels update worn or outdated spaces, appeal to buyers, and often recoup a high percentage of their cost at resale, especially in markets like the Twin Cities with competitive housing demand. And higher end finishes in bathrooms can greatly increase appraisal values.
FINAL THOUGHT
TOUCHDOWN, as a licensed remodeling and tile contractor serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, is perfectly suited to handle all aspects of bathroom remodeling from design, demolition, plumbing, electrical, tile, flooring, and finishes. We are here to help work with your budget in the estimating and design phase all the way through the install. In short, we make the whole process easy and FUN!
TOUCHDOWN combines tile craftsmanship with general remodeling capabilities, making us a choice worth considering for projects that range from refreshing a guest bath to reimagining a master suite. So, let’s get started!
Start planning your project by booking a free in-home appointment or visit our showroom in Ham Lake! See ya there! -Erik
