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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!

2026 Fall Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2026 Fall 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 Fall Parade of Homes.

Advancing Energy-Efficient Homebuilding

As energy efficiency and sustainability continue to dominate much of the housing conversation, Minnesota builders are stepping up with forward-thinking strategies designed to create healthier, higher-performing homes for today’s buyers.

Launched in 2011 by Housing First Minnesota, Minnesota’s Green Path has become the state’s leading green building and energy-efficiency program for residential construction. The program provides clear, accessible Home Performance Reports(HPRs) and recognizes builders committed to elevating energy standards in new homes across the state.

Designated Green Path Builders commit to testing at least 75% of the homes they build annually, and they actively participate in ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of energy-efficient building and design.

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Introducing the Fall 2026 Dream Homes

Designed to inspire and built to impress, this season’s Dream Homes represent the very best of the Parade of Homes. Two exceptional residences—one in the Twin Cities and one in Rochester—have been selected by the Housing First Minnesota Foundation to showcase outstanding craftsmanship, innovative design, and luxury living at its finest. More than just beautiful spaces, the Parade’s Dream Homes support the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s mission to help build safe, stable housing for Minnesotans in need.

Admission to each Dream Home is $7, payable at the door, with all proceeds benefitting the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. Please note: Dream Home admission is cashless—credit card payment only.

September 6, 2023

4 Tips for Choosing Your Next Neighborhood

Moving to a new house — whether it’s just down the block, into a new neighborhood, or within a brand-new development — is a big change. Selecting the right neighborhood is an essential part of the process. Every homebuyer’s neighborhood preferences will look different, but it’s important to identify what factors make or break a good fit for you.

Home Tips & Tricks
August 28, 2023

First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway

For so many Minnesotans, the prospect of owning a home is tantalizingly close, but day-to-day expenses prevent them from saving enough to secure that initial down payment. Their dream of homeownership is just out of reach.

Home Tours
Real Stories
August 28, 2023

The Birthplace of the Parade of Homes

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Parade of Homes. In honor of the milestone event, look back at the Parade of Homes’ history — and learn how it continues to benefit homebuilders, homebuyers, and the Twin Cities community today as the largest and longest-running home tour in the country.

Home Tours
August 24, 2023

Introducing Ope'n Haus: Our Signature Anniversary Brew!

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we're excited to announce our limited-edition beer with Bauhaus Brew Labs!

Home Tours
August 22, 2023

Traveling Back in Time with the Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes is 75 this year! In honor of our big milestone anniversary, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to see how far we’ve come and how things have changed.

Home Tours
August 22, 2023

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

Your perfect dream home is here! This year, 5 new construction homes and 1 remodeled home were chosen for the Fall 2023 Dream Homes. The epitome of class and refinement, these gorgeous homes are the best place to find inspiration and current trends. Admission to each home is $5, and every penny supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation in providing homes for veterans and other Minnesotans in need of homes.

‍Purchase your single home tickets or all-access pass today!

Home Tours
August 16, 2023

Fall 2023 │ Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2023 fall tours! These events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Home Tours
August 4, 2023

Signs It's Time to Find Your Dream House

Your home is more than just a place to lay your head at night; it's a reflection of your dreams, aspirations, and the life you want to build. For many, the idea of finding their dream house might seem like a distant fantasy. However, with the right approach and the help of a new construction builder, turning that dream into reality becomes entirely possible. Here, we explore some signs that is time to embark on the journey of finding your dream house.

Builders & Remodelers
July 27, 2023

How Homes Have Evolved Since the 1950s

A home is strong and steady, a place you can return to when you’re worn out and need to relax. It’s a place of memories, family, and laughter. But was it always this way?

Housing News
July 18, 2023

The Birthplace of the Home Tour

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Parade of Homes!

Home Tours
Housing News
April 28, 2023

How to Add Color in Your Kitchen

Looking to liven up your kitchen design with color but not sure what direction to go in? Whether you’re ready for a vibrant color-splash or prefer more subtle options, we’ve got the guiding questions to help you find your answers. With these easy color additions, you can get the effect of a total kitchen makeover without breaking the bank.

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April 27, 2023

Reggie Awards Given to 21 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 20, 2023

5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Building and remodeling greener homes is an important part of taking care of our planet. Improving energy efficiency can be simple and cost-effective — and it's better for the environment. But where do you start?

Technology