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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

October 30, 2018

Building the Perfect Home for One-Level Living

Why buy new? With a new home, you pick the floor plan and finishes that fit your lifestyle. You choose the community and neighborhood that speak to you. And you can even select just the right energy-saving features that balance your personal philosophy with your budget. We asked this family to share what drove them to new construction.

October 10, 2018

Building a New Home for a Growing Family

Why buy new? With a new home, you pick the floor plan and finishes that fit your lifestyle. You choose the community and neighborhood that speak to you. And you can even select just the right energy-saving features that balance your personal philosophy with your budget. We asked this family to share what drove them to new construction.

October 3, 2018

Wayzata Dreams Times Two | Real Family Homebuilding Story

Brandis and Paris had found a great new homesite in Wayzata, a place they have long loved. They showed their best pals Amy and Bo their chosen site and plans for their soon-to-be new home with Pillar Homes and couldn’t be more excited. That is until Bo and Amy fell in love with the location and decided to build right next door. Now these two besties and their families are thrilled to be next-door neighbors building homes together.

October 3, 2018

Remodelers Showcase Features Two Dream Remodeled Homes

These two stunning whole-house remodels from Black Dog Homes and Frontier Structures are this fall's Dream Remodeled Homes. Your $5 tax-deductible admission to each remodeled home will go to the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation to support their mission of building and remodeling homes and facilities for veterans and the homeless.

They're open for one weekend only, so grab your guidebook and head out to tour Sept. 28-30, 2018!

August 10, 2018

Four Dream Homes Featured on the Fall Parade of Homes

There’s no shortage of incredible residences on the Parade of Homes, but these four amazing homes have been selected by our BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this fall’s Dream Homes. These four beauties from Homes By Tradition, Highmark Builders, Carl M. Hansen Companies and Trestle Homes will leave you in awe. Plus, a $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these four homes will go to the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation to support their mission of building and remodeling homes and facilities for veterans and the homeless.

And stay tuned for more details on our two Dream Remodeled Homes, open the final weekend of the tour during the Remodelers Showcase!

Color Revival

For years, the formula was simple: whitewalls, gray cabinetry, and just enough contrast to keep things interesting. But after more than a decade of cool tones dominating interior design, homeowners are beginning to crave something different.

Color, after all, is in constant evolution. Trends come and go. Homeowner preferences ebb and flow. What may have been the defining color of one era can quickly be labeled outdated, drab, or overdone in the next.

Take a trip back to the ’50s, when pastel hues adorned everything from bathroom tile to kitchen appliances. Then came the earthy golds and oranges of the ’70s, followed by the jewel tones and dramatic prints of the ’80s and ’90s. Fast-forward to the last decade, when a more pared-back approach to color dominated interiors. But now, color is making a comeback—not as a passing trend but as a reflection of homeowners’ desire for spaces that feel personal and lived in.

Here, designers and color experts weigh in on the shades, palettes, and applications defining today’s homes—and how to balance boldness with timeless appeal.

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.      

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.

June 7, 2024

Community Comforts: Top Amenities to Look for in New Construction Homes in Minnesota

When it comes to finding your dream home, it’s not just about the structure itself but also about the community surrounding it. New construction neighborhoods in Minnesota offer an array of amenities designed to elevate your living experience. From community clubhouses to social events, here are some top amenities to consider when buying or building a new construction home in Minnesota.

Home Tips & Tricks
June 6, 2024

Your Guide to Lake Elmo, MN

Located just east of the Twin Cities, Lake Elmo offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant local culture, and welcoming community, Lake Elmo is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil yet dynamic place to live or visit. Whether you’re considering a move or looking for a new city to explore, Lake Elmo has something for everyone.

Discover some of the hidden gems this delightful community has to offer below!

Community Guide
June 4, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | June 2024

Calling all Parade of Homes fans! If you’re looking for something to do this month, check out these local home and design events near you.

Events
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.

Design
Home Tours
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.

Design
May 1, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | May 2024

Calling all Parade of Homes fans! If you’re looking for something to do this month, check out these local home and design events near you.

Events
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.

Builders & Remodelers
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.

Home Tips & Tricks
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.

Design
April 10, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | April 2024

Calling all Parade of Homes fans! If you’re looking for something to do this month, check out these local home and design events near you.

Events
April 5, 2024

5 Remodeling Projects with High ROI

Twin Cities design experts break down which strategic home remodeling projects typically maximize your return on investment.

Remodeling
April 1, 2024

A Glimpse at the Remodelers Showcase

It’s almost time for the final weekend of the Spring Parade of Homes…and you know what that means! The Remodelers Showcase will be open this weekend (April 5-7) only. Tour 40 newly remodeled homes scattered all across the Twin Cities. Plus, meet the talented teams behind the wow-worthy transformations. Remodeled homes are open this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12-6pm. From main level makeovers to stunning kitchen and bath transformations, the Remodelers Showcase can help you get inspired for your next home project.

Home Tours
March 27, 2024

9 Personalization Options for New Construction Homes in Minnesota

When building your dream home in Minnesota, the possibilities are endless. New construction homes offer a blank canvas for homeowners to personalize every aspect of their living space. Keep reading to discover some of the options for personalizing your new construction home!

Design
Home Tips & Tricks