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July 30, 2025

How to Hire a Professional Remodeler (and Why It Matters)

When it comes to remodeling your home, who you choose to work with matters just as much as what you plan to change. A great remodeler will guide you through a complex process with expertise, transparency, and professionalism. And in a world of DIY shows and social media inspiration, it can be tempting to cut corners or rush the hiring process. But a remodel is a major investment in your home — and your peace of mind depends on getting it right from the start.

So, what does hiring a professional remodeler actually look like?

More blog posts

August 19, 2020

Six Dream Homes Featured on the Fall Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase

There’s no shortage of incredible residences on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase, but these six stunning homes have been hand-selected by our Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this fall’s Dream Homes and Remodeled Dream Homes.

Four incredible new homes from Sustainable 9 Design + Build, Swanson Homes, Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, and Highmark Builders will leave you in awe. And the final weekend of the tour, don’t miss the two stunning Remodeled Dream Homes from Awad & Koontz Architects Builders and Sustainable 9 Design + Build. Your $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these six homes will go to support the work of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation building and renovating transitional housing facilities for Minnesota’s homeless, veterans, and others in need.

August 5, 2020

Fall 2020 Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2020 fall tour! These free events will introduce you to the people behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more. Join us to learn how to find your dream home or remodel your current house.

May 28, 2020

22 Outstanding Parade Homes Win Spring Reggie Awards

Since 1968, Housing First Minnesota has presented the Reggie Award℠, which recognizes excellence in design and construction of homes in the Parade of Homes. The Trillium Awards honor the associates and trade partners for their collaboration with these award-winning builders.

May 15, 2020

Virtual Event Calendar

Don’t miss these virtual special events put on by select builders during the 2020 spring tour! These free events will introduce you to the builders behind the homes on the tour, the latest in home design, and much more. Check back often for updated events!

May 7, 2020

A Taste of Nantucket

Eric and Katharine Nelson have loved living in the Highlands neighborhood of Edina ever since they first moved to the area in 2015. So when they had the opportunity to sell their home, they didn’t have to go far to find the perfect location for their new build—down the block, to be exact.

April 17, 2020

Home Gyms That Will Inspire You to Work Up a Sweat

Whether you’re a yogi, a weight-lifting enthusiast, or just want a space for the kids to shoot some hoops, a home gym or athletic court might be just what you need. If you don’t have a room for a larger dedicated gym space right now, there are many ways to create your own yoga corner or fitness nook in your home. And if you are thinking about adding a home gym to your next home, you’re in luck. Parade of Homes builders are pros at making sure your home fits your lifestyle just right. Here are home fitness room ideas to help you work up a sweat.

April 9, 2020

7 Ways to Create Curb Appeal

You’ve likely spent months pouring over every detail of your new construction home, but between cabinet choices, tile selections, and hardware hangups, have you thought about its curb appeal—a.k.a. the aesthetic your home presents to the outside world?

“The opportunity to make your home really unique is out front,” says Mallory Busacker, a real estate agent and director of marketing for BohLand Homes. “When someone asks you about a house in the neighborhood, the first thing you say—even if you’ve been in the house numerous times—is, ‘It’s the one with the gabled roof.’ It’s not only their first impression; it’s what they remember the home by.”

Here, builders, architects, realtors, and landscapers share their top tips for creating that “wow” factor from the outside in.

February 9, 2023

Six Dream Homes Featured on the Spring Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase

The selections are in and you won’t want to miss the Spring 2023 Dream Homes! These are the homes that are ready to WOW you. The ones you’re pinning on Pinterest and ogling over in magazines. And they’re the perfect place to grab inspiration for your home. This year, there are five new homes and one remodeled home that were hand-selected as Dream Homes. Admission is $5 and supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s work as it builds and renovates transitional housing facilities for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness, veterans, and others in need.

Purchase your tickets online!

Home Tours
February 7, 2023

8 Home Features With Increased Demand Post-COVID

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped consumer behaviors. When it comes to shopping—online orders skyrocketed for retail, food service shifted to take-out and delivery orders, and instead of going on vacations or social events with large crowds, people pivoted to at-home activities. Homebuyers and homeowners reflected a similar shift. With people spending so much time at home, there was a renewed focus on transforming homes into a cozy, relaxing, functional space. So, what are buyers and homeowners looking for in 2023? Here are 8 home features that have skyrocketed in demand post-pandemic.

Design
January 23, 2023

7 Benefits of a New Construction Home

In the age-old debate between buying a new or existing home, these lifestyle, environmental, and financial considerations tip the scales in favor of new construction.

Home Tips & Tricks
December 21, 2022

5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

It’s finally here…wintertime in Minnesota. You know what that means—dropping temperatures, icy roads, and lots of snow. Making sure you and your home are prepared to handle winter weather is crucial. There are a few key areas we recommend checking up on as soon as possible.

Home Tips & Tricks
December 12, 2022

Award-Winning Remodels

The Remodeler of Merit Awards (ROMA) honor our remodeler members for quality and value in remodeling projects that range from baths, kitchens and additions to whole-house remodels. Professional remodelers judge their peers on creativity in meeting the unique challenges of remodeling, and in successfully meeting the needs, desires, and budgets of their clients.

Builders & Remodelers
Housing News
December 2, 2022

Supersonic WiFi That Can Keep Up

Brought to you by a 2022 Parade of Homes sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology
December 2, 2022

Simplify Your Re-Side With Prefinished Siding

Brought to you by a 2022 Remodelers Showcase sponsor, LP Building Solutions.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
November 23, 2022

9 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Professional Remodeler

You've been dreaming of remodeling your home for months, and the time has finally come to get the project underway. While it might be tempting to dive right in, the first step is to find a qualified, reputable remodeling pro. After all, the contractor you pick can make — or break — your remodeling project. So, how do you ensure you end up with the best contractor for the job? By asking the right questions! Here are nine questions to ask when looking for a professional remodeler.

Builders & Remodelers
Remodeling
November 18, 2022

Coastal Cottage Flair

After years of helping clients build their dream homes, this builder put herself in her customers’ shoes to design her family’s dream home.

Real Stories
November 2, 2022

Looking for an Energy-Efficient Home? Why You Should Ask for a Home Performance Report

With today's energy codes, a newly built home in Minnesota is more efficient than ever. Add in advancements in building science and new energy products, and you can be sure that all the new homes you'll find on the Parade of Homes will save you energy dollars over virtually all older homes.

Technology
October 31, 2022

20 Outstanding Parade Homes Win Fall Reggie Awards

Since 1968, Housing First Minnesota has presented the Reggie Award℠, which recognizes excellence in design and construction of homes in the Parade of Homes. The Trillium Awards honor the associates and trade partners for their collaboration with these award-winning builders.

Home Tours
October 25, 2022

Flair & Function

Featured on the 2022 Fall Remodelers Showcase, this multi-part remodel by Crystal Kitchen & Bath exhibits both flair and function.

Design
Real Stories
October 25, 2022

Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway Makes Homeownership Dream Come True

At one point, Lori’s dream of owning her own place felt far out of reach. Until she was selected as a winner of the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway and was able to close on her very first home.

Real Stories