Updated May 2026 · Local pricing for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area
Free quotes from pre-screened local contractors. No signup required.
Powered by Thumbtack
Prices estimated using the NailThePrice Local Cost Model™ — national averages adjusted for Minneapolis's labor rates, cost of living, and material pricing.
The cost to remove a wall in Minneapolis ranges from $850 to $5,320, with most homeowners paying around $2,660. Your actual cost depends on several factors specific to your home and the Minneapolis-St. Paul market.
Removing a non-load-bearing wall costs $500–$2,000. Load-bearing walls require an engineered beam ($2,000–$10,000+), making them 3–5x more expensive.
A structural beam to replace a load-bearing wall adds significant cost — larger spans need larger beams, temporary supports, and potentially foundation work for post footings.
Walls often contain wires, outlets, switches, or plumbing that must be rerouted before removal, adding $300–$1,500 per utility.
After wall removal, the ceiling, floor, and adjacent walls need drywall patching, taping, and finishing to create a seamless look.
Where the wall sat, the floor needs repair or patching — matching existing flooring can be challenging and may require refinishing the entire area.
The Midwest has a strong pool of skilled tradespeople, and labor rates tend to be moderate compared to coastal cities. Union and non-union shops both compete, giving homeowners options on pricing.
Budget $280–$2,500 for the building permit covering wall removal in Minneapolis (tiered by project value). Your contractor typically handles the permit process.
Total = (tiered fee on construction value, Title 5 Ch 91) + 65% plan review fee + 0.05% MN state surcharge. Worked examples across the spread: $1,500 project (single skylight cut) ≈ $136; $2,500 project (door cut, egress window) ≈ $190; $5,000 project (small deck, small bath) ≈ $276; $10,000 project ≈ $449; $25,000 project ≈ $966; $50,000 project (mid kitchen / basement) ≈ $1,593; $75,000 project ≈ $2,043; $100,000 project (large kitchen / addition) ≈ $2,493. Range reflects the dominant residential-remodel project mix; the smallest building-permitted projects (single skylight, single-door cut, single egress window) may pay $135–$200, below the headline floor.
Hiring a pro? Make sure they're properly licensed — see verify general contractor licensing in Minnesota.
Electrical permits are issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, not the City of Minneapolis (verified via the city's Permit Types page). Pool permits are issued by the city under Title 5 Chapter 89, with fees calculated using the standard building valuation tier. Frost-line plumbing and structural design are subject to Minnesota State Building Code; verify with CPED before construction.
Source: City of Minneapolis Building Permit Fee Schedule and Worksheet, accessed 2026-04-27.
Interior work is less weather-dependent, making winter an excellent time to remodel. Contractors often have more availability and may offer better pricing during the slower months.
While possible for experienced homeowners, wall removal involves significant complexity. In Minneapolis, you may still need a licensed pro for permits and inspections. DIY could save $1,400–$1,800 in labor.
Compare licensed, insured contractors serving Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Powered by Thumbtack
The average cost to remove a wall in Minneapolis ranges from $850 to $5,320, with most homeowners paying around $2,660. This estimate includes both labor ($2,000) and materials ($660). Costs in Minneapolis are higher than the national average due to local cost of living and labor market conditions. Get multiple quotes from licensed Minneapolis contractors to lock in the best price.
Yes, Minneapolis requires a building permit for wall removal. The City of Minneapolis Development Review (CPED) — Construction Code Services charges $280–$2,500 for this permit type, with an inspection turnaround of 5–15 business days. Your contractor typically handles the permit application. Minneapolis requires a contractor licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for this work.
Most wall removal projects in Minneapolis take 1–3 days to complete. The timeline depends on project scope, contractor availability in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, and seasonal demand. Scheduling during Minneapolis's off-peak season (typically fall and winter) can reduce wait times and may lower costs.
Load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular to floor joists, sit above a beam or wall in the basement, and/or support the roof structure. However, confirming requires a structural assessment — removing a load-bearing wall without proper support can cause serious structural damage. Always hire a professional for evaluation.
Yes, in most jurisdictions — especially for load-bearing walls. Even non-load-bearing wall removal may require a permit if it involves electrical or plumbing changes. The permit process includes a structural review for load-bearing walls and inspections to verify proper beam installation.