Parade of Homes Blog

All
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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

May 9, 2024

Vibrant Remodels Harness the Power of Color

Today, we’re diving into the heart of the home: the kitchen. On the Spring Remodelers Showcase, homeowners were embracing color to infuse personality and style into their culinary spaces. Take a closer look at some inspiring kitchen remodels that beautifully incorporate color.

May 2, 2024

Elevated Outdoor Living: How to Add Ambiance to Your Backyard

As the warmth of summer approaches, Minnesotans eagerly anticipate spending more time outdoors. For many, the allure of the great outdoors extends far beyond its natural beauty; it’s a space where memories are made and laughter echoes.

April 26, 2024

Reggie Awards Given to 24 Spring Parade Homes

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.

April 17, 2024

Utilizing Hidden Storage Space to Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

The secret to maintaining a clutter-free home is two-fold: staying on top of organization and maximizing efficient storage. Your home is filled with hidden storage space where you least expect it. Discover the prime places you’re overlooking and use these clever tips to keep your home clean, organized, and functional.

April 12, 2024

Turning Your Pinterest Board into Reality: Expert Interior Design Tips

We’ve all been there — scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram and finding yet another dreamy home photo to save for later. Once you’re finally ready to tackle that room makeover or big renovation in your own home, you browse the inspiration images you’ve collected and find yourself overwhelmed. You’re not sure where to start, what style to choose, or how to recreate a picture-perfect design on your own. Here’s the general outline professional design teams in Minnesota find themselves following when working with new clients.

August 25, 2026

Fall 2026 | Calendar of Events

Don't miss out! Mark your calendars and check out these upcoming specials events during the Fall Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase.

No items found.
July 28, 2026

Your Guide to Layered Lighting

Fixtures are often the first thing that come to mind when envisioning the lighting in your new build, but a thoughtful lighting plan goes deeper than picking lamps and bulbs. In fact, lighting plays an important role in setting the overall tone of your home. When lighting is too bright, spaces feel harsh and uncomfortable. Dimly lit rooms are no better, often appearing small and uninviting.

Striking that perfect balance of illumination from natural and artificial light is known as layered lighting, an interior design concept that relies on multiple light sources to foster warmth, add visual interest, and make spaces functional for everyday living. As Kyndra Flowers of Robinson Lighting says, “When in doubt, layer your lighting.”

As you start planning your new build, use this as your guide to design an effective, thoughtful lighting plan that makes every space in your home glow.      

No items found.
July 28, 2026

Kitchen Couture

The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home—the place where people come to eat, connect, and enjoy the everyday moments that make a house feel lived in. Whether hosting a holiday soiree or savoring the quiet ritual of making your morning latte, the kitchen is where routines unfold and memories are made. With that in mind, it’s only natural the kitchen’s design should reflect both how we live and how we want to feel at home.

Fortunately, luxury, comfort, and practicality are no longer mutually exclusive. With the kitchen playing such a central role in daily life, thoughtful, personalized upgrades are sure to be worth the investment to transform it into a true sanctuary. So, if you’re ready to dream up your ideal kitchen, industry experts share fresh, inspiring—and most importantly, achievable—ideas for creating a space as beautiful as it is functional.

No items found.
July 27, 2026

The Evolution of Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is evolving in new construction. Moving beyond standalone gadgets like smart speakers or video doorbells, homeowners are shifting their attention to more meaningful, lifestyle-focused systems that are integrated across the entire home. Fortunately, these technologies are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. Read onto learn experts’ best practices for installing these smart devices and how they’re benefitting Twin Cities homeowners.

No items found.
May 22, 2026

Reggie Awards Given to 11 Spring Parade Homes

Introducing the Spring 2026 Reggie & Trillium Award winners!

No items found.
March 17, 2026

2026 Spring Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2026 Spring Parade of Homes is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across the Twin Cities Metro and Rochester. Here's a roundup of all the press coverage highlighting this year's Spring Parade of Homes.

Home Tours
March 9, 2026

Spring 2026 | Calendar of Events

Don't miss out! Mark your calendars and check out these upcoming specials events during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase.

No items found.
September 29, 2025

2025 Fall Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2025 Fall Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here’s a roundup of all the press coverage highlighting this year’s Fall Parade of Homes.

No items found.
September 23, 2025

New Homeowner Checklist: Fall Maintenance Reminders for Your New Build

Congratulations! You’re the first owner of a brand-new home. Everything is fresh, modern, and built just for you. No weird smells, dated finishes, or mystery repairs hiding behind the walls. But while new construction gives you a major head start on maintenance, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking care of your investment. Fall in Minnesota can be unpredictable, and winter isn’t far behind. Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for the changing season, especially if this is your first time owning a home. Think of this checklist as your introduction to proactive homeownership, doing a few smart things now will keep your new home in top shape and help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Here’s what to know as you head into your first fall.

No items found.
September 23, 2025

From House to Home: How to Feel Connected in Your New Community

Buying a new home is about more than square footage and finishes, it’s about planting roots in a place where you feel welcomed, connected, and truly at home. As you tour neighborhoods during the Fall Parade of Homes, you might be imagining morning walks on the trails, stopping by the coffee shop downtown, or that first invite to a backyard bonfire. But how do you actually make that vision come to life once you’ve moved in? Whether you’re new to the Midwest or simply relocating across town, feeling at home in your community takes intention. But the good news? You don’t have to wait years to feel connected. Here are some smart, simple ways to get to know your new neighborhood.

No items found.
September 15, 2025

From Inspiration to Reality: Using a HELOC To Fund Your Favorite Features From the Parade of Homes

This is a sponsored message by Magnifi Financial

When you wander through the Parade of Homes, it is easy to feel like you've stepped into a home-design fairytale. One minute, you're admiring a dreamy chef’s kitchen with a dazzling island, and the next you're captivated by a wall of windows that floods a living room with sunshine. These environments do more than showcase beautiful design. They spark ideas and stir your imagination. But once the tour ends and you’re back home, those “I wish I could have that” moments can feel out of reach. That's where a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, can help. Think of it as a flexible financing tool that's tied to your home’s value. It's ready to support the projects you care about most, without the stress of high-interest credit cards.

No items found.
September 4, 2025

5 Smart Questions to Ask a Builder

Every fall, thousands of Minnesotans step into some of the most beautiful new homes in the state during the Parade of Homes. Whether you’re just gathering ideas or seriously considering building, these open houses are an incredible opportunity to learn — not just about design trends and floor plans, but about the builders themselves.

If you’re touring with intent, you’ll want more than just photos of tile patterns and cabinet colors. A builder’s philosophy, communication style, and approach to quality are just as important as the aesthetics. So how do you go beyond “ooh” and “aah” while walking through these show stopping homes? Here are five smart, conversation starting questions that will help you dig deeper and walk away feeling more informed and confident in your builder search.

No items found.
September 2, 2025

51 Advanced Certified Homes on the Fall Parade of Homes

Minnesota’s Green Path is lighting the way to energy-efficient homes of the future. Testing nearly 5,000 new construction homes per year, the Green Path certification program gives homeowners a clear understanding a home’s energy performance. With rigorous standards and independent, third-party raters, you can be confident in Green Path certifications.

No items found.