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 five stunning homes on the 2021 Spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase have been hand-selected by our Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this spring’s Dream Homes.
Four breathtaking new homes from JKath Design Build + Reinvent, Black Dog Homes Co., Stonewood, LLC, and Denali Custom Homes, Inc. will leave you in awe. And the final weekend of the tour, don’t miss the stunning Remodeled Dream Homes from 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. >>
Don’t miss these Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2021 spring 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.
Searching for a new home is an exciting process, and when you’re exploring new construction, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or your dream home, don’t make a move without checking out how a new home can make your life better. So, what does buying new really get you?
A house has become so much more this year. It is a sanctuary, a safe place, a salon, a school, a chef's domain, and more. Owning a home builds self-esteem, wealth, and even communities. A house is a place where life happens with all the messy beauty and real love that goes with it. We need to build more houses so more people can benefit, because homeownership is all of it, but it is not attainable for everyone.
With more time being spent at home this year, sheltering in place has made us think about the concept of home through a new lens. Home is a retreat to learn, grow, and make lasting memories. It’s a space to learn, work, and accomplish goals. We’ve rounded up five ways priorities and must-haves may shift during the home search.
While life continues to manifest in its never-ending chaotic manner, it is important to have a place in your life that is always structured and balanced. For many people, their home is this place. How we feel about our home, as well as how we function and maneuver throughout it, plays a huge part in our productivity and mental health. Especially with the large amount of time we have spent inside our houses this past year, being able to transform your home into an efficient machine is crucial. Below are 3 ways to give your home a well-functioning makeover and ascend to an envious level of productivity.
Builders and designers share tips on incorporating outdoor living trends into your new home.
From outdoor living rooms to glassless designs, contemporary fireplaces combine function with luxury amenities.
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.
Thinking of renovating your home? Professional remodelers in Minnesota share advice & tips for your next home renovation project.
A growing Edina family was ready to remodel their forever home. What came next was a total reimagining.
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.
