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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t miss out! Mark your calendars and check out these upcoming special events during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase.
Every time you purchase a ticket to tour a Dream Home on the Parade of Homes, you’re helping fund the work of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. This fall, five Dream Homes were hand-selected for their design, craftsmanship, and inspirational interiors.
These Dream Homes do more than showcase what’s possible in home design — they help make housing possible for our neighbors who need it most. Your $7 admission supports the Foundation’s work toward building safe housing for Minnesotans in need. Each visitor through the door helps a fellow Minnesotan finally have a place to call home.
How the Parade of Homes First-Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway Helped Make Their Dream of Homeownership Come True
Welcome to Blaine, Minnesota. Located just a short drive north of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this beautiful community blends small-town charm with big-city convenience. Once a rural farming community, Blaine has grown into a vibrant suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, lush parks, and easy access to the Twin Cities.
When you're considering a move, Blaine offers the ideal balance of peaceful living and modern amenities. Keep reading to discover the best of what Blaine has to offer.
Introducing the 2025 Spring Reggie & Trillium Award Winners!
These seven stunning homes on the 2021 Fall Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase have been hand-selected by our Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this fall’s Dream Homes.
Four breathtaking new homes from Custom One Homes, Zawadski Homes, Inc., Pebble Creek Custom Homes, and Homes by Tradition, LLC will leave you in awe. And the final weekend of the tour, don’t miss the three incredible Remodeled Dream Homes from Fox Homes, LLC, Highmark Builders, Inc., and Sustainable 9 Design + Build.
Your $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these five 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. Learn more about the Foundation and purchase your tickets in advance here. >>
So, you’re ready to head out and discover your next home, and you want to make sure you're prepared? Well, you’re in the right place! Touring the entries on the Parade of Homes is a hassle-free, low-pressure way to follow the work of builders and see the latest in housing options available to you. Before you get started, take a look at these tips to help guide you on your home search.
Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2021 fall tour! These free events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.
Brought to you by our 2021 Parade of Homes category sponsor, Xfinity.
A remodel 18 years in the making turns an outdated two-story into a modern, open-concept home in Minnetonka.
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.
When Dave Corkum and Julie Tauer bought their 1929 Mediterranean-style three-story in the Macalester-Groveland area of St. Paul in 2016, they acquired a home whose history preceded them. Affectionately referred to as the Donovan house in honor of the well-known owners who lived there for decades, Dave and Julie fell in love with the neighborhood and the 4,750-square-foot home’s early-20th-century charm.
Whether you’re going through a remodel or just trying to clear the clutter, these seven organization tips from the pros will help you create a home that is more efficient and functional.
Homeowners are getting creative with their “bonus” or “flex” rooms. Here’s how to make the most of your own multipurpose space.
Catch up on all the places the 2021 Spring Parade of Homes Twin Cities has been covered in the news.
Homeownership is all of it. Home is a headquarters. Home is healing. Home is love.
For many, buying a home is one of the most important decisions a person can make. Finding the right home is not just a matter of falling in love with a floor plan. A homebuyer also is buying into a neighborhood, which might have a vibrant location—and correspondingly vibrant residents. Perhaps you’re looking for a neighborhood that is home to one of the best school districts in the state or features some key amenities that make many neighborhoods truly shine.
