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!
Painting or papering the walls of your home is one of the simplest, most cost-effective changes to make when you’re craving a refresh of your spaces. And thanks to new techniques, materials, and designs, you are only limited by your imagination—or the height of your walls. “Now is the time to express yourself,” says Kathy Basil of Hirshfield’s. “There has never been a better variety.” Here, the manager of the Minneapolis family-owned design shop talks top trends that will add “wow” to your walls.
From nightly dinners to annual holiday parties, you and your family spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Make it a space you’re excited to step into every day with gadgets and appliances that help you work smarter, not harder, and infuse the heart of your home with a dose of personality.
Galleria is the place for home furnishings & decor. Shop 11 home furnishing and decor options all under one roof.
Ready to be wowed? The sixth annual Artisan Home Tour starts June 7! This year you have the chance to tour 21 spectacular new homes and 11 incredible remodeled homes on the Artisan Home Tour by Parade of Homes. You’ll see innovative technology, high-end finishes, and the latest home inspiration from the region’s most exclusive builders and remodelers.
When Jason and Courtney found their 1930s home in 2013, they moved quickly.
Rob and Tamara found the “up north” feeling they were looking for on their wooded lot in Bloomington. Remodeling their home made it fit their family's lifestyle perfectly.
The 2019 Spring Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here are all the places the spring tour has been covered in the press.
New homes built in Minnesota today have better components, better materials, and they’re constructed in a way that is, quite simply, better. They’re more durable, safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. Plus, you pick the floor plan and neighborhood that fit your lifestyle. We asked one recent homebuyer to share why he decided to build new.
Select builders and remodelers on the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase are hosting special events that introduce you to new neighborhoods, teach you about the latest building and design trends, and much more! Add these special events to your tour, and join us to learn how to find your dream home or transform your house.
Amanda Whiting, a minister and blogger, and her husband, Josh, a pilot, always knew they wanted to build new, but imagined it would happen closer to retirement.
These four incredible residences have been hand-selected by our BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation as the 2019 Spring Parade of Homes Dream Homes. These stunning homes from City Homes, Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Stonewood, and Sustainable 9 Design + Build 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 transitional housing facilities for Minnesota's homeless, veterans, and others in need.
New year, fresh design. If updating your home is on your list of resolutions—whether it’s one room or the whole house—look to these expert-identified trends to bring your spaces into 2019 in style.
After you’ve found your dream home on the Parade of Homes, it’s time to get your current place ready to sell. One of the keys to getting the best price for your current home? Home staging done right. Focus on your home’s strengths, downplay the weaknesses and appeal to the largest number of buyers with these home staging tips.
