Remodeling Older Homes in Minneapolis: What You Need to Know
If you live in South Minneapolis, Northeast, or near the Lakes, you know that owning a Minneapolis home is a labor of love. These houses have “bones” and character that you can’t find in new construction—but they also come with a unique set of rules, challenges, and surprises.
At Prima Construction, we have managed hundreds of renovations within the Minneapolis city limits. We have learned that a successful remodel here isn’t just about picking tile; it’s about navigating the specific mechanical, structural, and bureaucratic realities of the city.
Whether you hire us or someone else, here is what you should expect when updating a vintage Minneapolis home.
Minneapolis Case Studies: Common Challenges Solved
We have seen it all. Here is how we solved specific issues in homes just like yours.
The Challenge: “How do I add a bathroom to an attic with a sharp roofline?”
The Fix: Minneapolis code has strict height requirements for bathrooms. In this project, a standard vanity wouldn’t fit. We built a custom soffit to recess the sink back into the wall, satisfying the inspector and gaining the necessary clearance without losing floor space. View our full Bathroom Remodeling gallery.
The Challenge: “I want a modern kitchen, but I don’t want it to look like a spaceship landed in my 1915 Craftsman.”
The Fix: Context is key. We designed this wood-tone kitchen to match the visual weight and stain of the home’s original millwork. It offers modern storage and appliances but feels like it has always belonged there. See more details on our Kitchen Remodeling services.
The Challenge: “My kitchen is a tiny box isolated from the dining room.”
The Fix: This is the most common request we get in South Minneapolis. We removed the central load-bearing wall and installed a structural header to support the second floor. This allowed us to create an eat-at bar, turning a cramped galley into a social hub.
The Challenge: “The pipes are bad, but I love the old style.”
The Fix: You don’t have to demo everything. In this century-old home, we gutted the plumbing to bring it up to code but restored the original antique clawfoot tub. By pairing it with moody, period-appropriate finishes, we kept the history alive while ensuring the water pressure actually works.
1. The “Minneapolis Mechanic” Rules
Minneapolis has stricter trade requirements than most suburbs. It is not enough for a tradesperson to be licensed by the state; the city requires specific Competency Cards for electricians and plumbers.
- The Risk: If your contractor brings in a suburban sub who doesn’t hold these specific Minneapolis cards, your project will fail inspection immediately.
- Our Approach: We have long-standing relationships with trade partners who hold all required city certifications. We ensure every permit is pulled correctly so your project is legal and safe.
2. Planning for the Permit Timeline
Years ago, you could walk into the Minneapolis permitting office and walk out with a permit the same day. That era is over. Since shifting entirely online, the city’s review process now takes roughly three weeks.
- What this means for you: If a contractor tells you they can start next week but hasn’t pulled the permit yet, be careful.
- How we handle it: We bake this 3-week buffer into our pre-construction schedule. We submit your plans well before demolition begins so the city’s paperwork never delays your project start date.
3. Radiators, Galvanized Pipes, and “The Guts”
The charm of a 1920s home often hides outdated mechanicals.
- Radiators in Winter: Many contractors refuse to touch boiler systems during the heating season. We specialize in this. We know how to isolate zones to move, refinish, or replace radiators even in January, ensuring your renovation doesn’t have to wait for spring.
- Hidden Hazards: We assume we will find galvanized water lines, lead pipes, or asbestos wrap. Instead of treating these as “emergencies,” we treat them as standard parts of the Minneapolis remodeling process, with remediation plans ready to go.
Who We Are (And Why We Know This)
Prima Construction is a woman-owned, builder-led design firm. We are different because we don’t just manage the project from a spreadsheet—we are on-site doing the work.
- Kim Studham (Owner/Builder): Kim performs a large fraction of the carpentry and site management herself. She understands how 100-year-old houses were built and how to alter them without destroying their structural integrity.
- Fixed-Price & Low Volume: We only take on a small number of projects at a time to ensure quality. We work off fixed-price contracts so the “surprises” of an old home don’t break your budget.
- Trusted Results: We are the only Twin Cities remodeler to win the Guildmaster Award for Service Excellence four years in a row (2021–2024).
Thinking about a project?
Remodeling in Minneapolis requires a team that respects the past but builds for the future. Curious about budgets? Read our transparent 2026 Twin Cities Remodeling Cost Guide.