Kitchen Remodeling
Cabinet and appliance decisions often drive both budget and sequence.
Kitchen RemodelingPlanning Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Remodeling Costs in the Twin Cities
Most budget surprises do not come from one expensive item. They come from unclear scope, late decisions, and sequencing changes. This page explains how we plan kitchens, bathrooms, additions, basements, and whole-home remodels to keep investment and schedule predictable.
What Moves Cost the Most
- Layout changes that trigger structural or mechanical updates
- Finish level and material category decisions
- Custom fabrication versus standard-size components
- Lead-time constraints that force sequencing changes
- Permit and inspection complexity by municipality
Our preconstruction approach focuses on these drivers first so pricing reflects reality instead of assumptions.
Planning Questions to Ask Early
- What scope is fixed versus optional?
- What items need early selection to protect schedule?
- Where are the likely risk points for change orders?
- How will communication and approvals be handled?
Typical 2026 Planning Ranges
These are planning ranges, not fixed bids. Final investment depends on scope, municipality requirements, and selection level.
2026 Investment Ranges
- Kitchen Remodel (Cosmetic): $45k - $75k
- Kitchen Remodel (Custom/Gut): $85k - $140k+
- Master Bath Suite: $60k - $95k+
- Basement Finish: $50k - $90k
Mid-Range vs. Luxury Investment Tiers
- Mid-Range: Prioritizes layout efficiency, dependable products, and targeted feature upgrades with tighter allowance control.
- Luxury: Expands scope into custom millwork, premium fixtures, wider finish breadth, and higher detailing labor.
- Schedule impact: Luxury scopes usually carry longer procurement windows and require earlier design lock.
Why Costs Vary
- Scope: Moving load-bearing walls and reworking layouts vs. keeping the existing footprint.
- Selections: Stock cabinets vs. custom walnut; LVT vs. site-finished hardwood; standard tile vs. large-format slabs.
- Age of home: Upgrading knob-and-tube wiring, lead/abatement requirements, or correcting older framing conditions.
| Project Type | Typical Planning Range | Primary Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodeling | $80k - $180k+ | Cabinetry level, layout changes, appliance package |
| Bathroom Remodeling | $45k - $120k+ | Tile scope, waterproofing approach, fixture quality |
| Home Additions | $175k - $500k+ | Structural integration, envelope scope, permitting |
| Basement Finishing | $90k - $250k+ | Layout complexity, mechanical scope, finish level |
| Whole-Home Renovation | $300k - $1M+ | Phasing, systems replacement, material breadth |
Service-Specific Planning Paths
Bathroom Remodeling
Waterproofing strategy, tile scope, and fixture selection shape the budget curve.
Bathroom RemodelingAdditions & Basements
Structural integration, permitting, and code details require tighter early planning.
Home AdditionsWhole-Home Renovation
Phasing and systems coordination usually drive range width in large-scope remodels.
Whole-Home RenovationCustom Homes
Architecture, envelope decisions, and finish tier selection set the investment baseline.
Custom HomesCost Planning FAQ
What usually causes remodeling budget overruns?
Unclear scope, late selections, and sequence changes are the most common causes of budget expansion.
How can we compare bids more accurately?
Use comparable scope, allowance detail, and sequencing assumptions so differences in pricing are meaningful.
When should allowances be finalized?
As early as possible during planning, before production depends on procurement and scheduling decisions.