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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.

September 15, 2022

6 Questions to Ask When Buying Windows

Commonly asked questions about window types, features to look for, and maintenance tips. Brought to you by our 2022 Remodelers Showcase sponsor, Marvin.

Home Tips & Tricks
September 8, 2022

5 Tips for Planning Your Tour

The Parade of Homes is your perfect opportunity to walk through new construction homes and remodel projects, see the latest in home design, and connect with the talented builders who brought each home to life. There are hundreds of options across Minnesota—so how do you choose homes and start planning your tour route? We've got some helpful advice.

Home Tips & Tricks
Home Tours
September 8, 2022

How Your Dream Home Ticket Helps End Homelessness

Housing is everything for those in need of secure and dignified shelter. Each visit to a Dream Home on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase can help someone out of homelessness.

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August 31, 2022

Q&A With an Economist: Buying a Home in Today's Market

There are a lot of headlines surrounding housing right now. With rising interest rates and inflation, many are wondering if it is a good time to buy a home. We asked internationally renowned economist Elliot Eisenberg, PhD., about his thoughts on the housing market, the overall economy, and where we stand historically.

Housing News
August 16, 2022

Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway Makes Homeownership a Reality

Like many young Minnesotans, Wyatt and Sarah dreamed of someday owning a home. After a year of renting following Wyatt’s return home from the Army, they decided to start house hunting. With the market as competitive as it is, they were nervous how long it would take to get an offer accepted and if they would be able to find a home in their price range.

Real Stories
August 12, 2022

Fall 2022 | Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2022 fall tour! These free events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Home Tours
August 10, 2022

8 Outdoor Features to Make Your Backyard Cozy & Inviting

Summer in Minnesota — a favorite season for many. And there’s no better way to spend it than outdoors. While cabins, camping, or trips to the lake are favorite ways to enjoy the summer weather, you can also make the most of your space at home. Soak up some sun or host friends from the comfort of your backyard. Whether it’s bringing in some new outdoor furniture or considering an addition, here are eight outdoor features and spaces that make for an extra-inviting backyard.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
June 16, 2022

2022 Artisan Home Tour | In the News

The 2022 Artisan Home Tour is your chance to step inside homes designed and constructed by the region’s most exceptional builders and remodelers. These artisans create incredible residences that blend artistic vision with unmatched craftsmanship. Check out all the places this summer's tour of luxury homes in Minnesota has been covered in the press.

Home Tours
Housing News
May 27, 2022

Fresh Artisan Home Trends

Artisan Home Tour sponsors sound off on the features, finishes, and trends that embody the latest innovations in design and construction.

Design
Home Tours
April 27, 2022

19 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.

Home Tours
April 26, 2022

Remodeling For Small Spaces

From reading nooks to dual-purpose workstations, Twin Cities housing professionals sound off on tips for reimagining your spaces—no matter how small.

Builders & Remodelers
Remodeling
April 22, 2022

Relaxing Retreats

Eight design trends and ideas to create a spa-like bedroom and en suite bathroom at home.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
April 20, 2022

See The Light, Not Your Neighbor

Brought to you by our 2022 Remodelers Showcase sponsor, Marvin.

Home Tips & Tricks