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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

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.

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.

Tour for a Cause: Introducing the 2025 Fall Dream Homes

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.

Your Guide to Blaine, MN

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.

How to Choose the Perfect Paint Color for Your Home: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Choosing the right paint color for your home can be overwhelming. With endless shades and finishes available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to regret later. Here, Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield's Design Resource Showroom manager, shares some of the most common paint color mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.

January 12, 2021

Why Buy a Newly Built Home

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?

Home Tips & Tricks
January 5, 2021

Homeownership is all of it.

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.

Housing News
December 15, 2020

Make Your Home Your Haven

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.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
December 11, 2020

3 Ways to Create a Well-Functioning Home

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.

Home Tips & Tricks
December 3, 2020

Inside Out | Now Trending in Outdoor Living

Builders and designers share tips on incorporating outdoor living trends into your new home.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
November 3, 2020

7 Trends Heating Up the Fireplace Industry

From outdoor living rooms to glassless designs, contemporary fireplaces combine function with luxury amenities.

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
October 30, 2020

22 Homes from the Fall Parade of Homes Win Reggie Awards

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.

Home Tours
October 7, 2020

From the Remodelers: Must-Know Tips Before You Remodel

Thinking of renovating your home? Professional remodelers in Minnesota share advice & tips for your next home renovation project.

Builders & Remodelers
Home Tips & Tricks
September 4, 2020

Party of Six

A growing Edina family was ready to remodel their forever home. What came next was a total reimagining.

Home Tours
Real Stories
August 19, 2020

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

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.

Home Tours
August 18, 2020

Committed to Keeping You Connected

Brought to you by our 2020 Parade of Homes category sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology
August 5, 2020

Fall 2020 Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2020 fall 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.

Home Tours
May 28, 2020

22 Outstanding Parade Homes Win Spring Reggie Awards

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.

Home Tours