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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

The Evolution of Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is evolving in new construction. Moving beyond standalone gadgets like smart speakers or video doorbells, homeowners are shifting their attention to more meaningful, lifestyle-focused systems that are integrated across the entire home. Fortunately, these technologies are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. Read onto learn experts’ best practices for installing these smart devices and how they’re benefitting Twin Cities homeowners.

2026 Spring Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2026 Spring 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 Spring Parade of Homes.

2025 Fall Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2025 Fall Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here’s a roundup of all the press coverage highlighting this year’s Fall Parade of Homes.

From Inspiration to Reality: Using a HELOC To Fund Your Favorite Features From the Parade of Homes

This is a sponsored message by Magnifi Financial

When you wander through the Parade of Homes, it is easy to feel like you've stepped into a home-design fairytale. One minute, you're admiring a dreamy chef’s kitchen with a dazzling island, and the next you're captivated by a wall of windows that floods a living room with sunshine. These environments do more than showcase beautiful design. They spark ideas and stir your imagination. But once the tour ends and you’re back home, those “I wish I could have that” moments can feel out of reach. That's where a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, can help. Think of it as a flexible financing tool that's tied to your home’s value. It's ready to support the projects you care about most, without the stress of high-interest credit cards.

New Homeowner Checklist: Fall Maintenance Reminders for Your New Build

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.

From House to Home: How to Feel Connected in Your New Community

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.

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.

March 18, 2025

The Parade of Homes Heads to Rochester

For more than 75 years, the Parade of Homes has been Minnesotans' trusted guide to exploring the best in new home design, innovation, and craftsmanship. Twice a year, we invite you to step inside beautifully crafted homes, gather inspiration, and connect with the talented builders shaping our communities.

This spring, the Parade of Homes is proud to head to Rochester and feature seven homes!

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March 13, 2025

Hue Got This: Home Color Guide

When it comes to designing a home that fosters health, happiness, and wellbeing, color is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. The colors we choose for our walls influence how we feel, think, and interact in our spaces. By tapping into the principles of color psychology, you can curate a home that nurtures calmness, sparks energy, or inspires joy.

“Choose colors based on the mood you want to evoke,” says Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield’s Design Resource showroom manager. “Calm, neutral tones like soft blues and grays work well in bedrooms, while brighter, more energetic hues can suit kitchens or playrooms.”

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
March 6, 2025

2025 Spring Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2025 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.

Home Tours
March 4, 2025

Building Hope For Minnesota’s Veteran in Need

Each year, the Parade of Homes inspires thousands and helps Minnesotans find a place to call home. But this beloved event is more than a home tour; it’s an opportunity to support life-changing initiatives through the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. This year, the Foundation’s work is highlighted by a deeply impactful project: the Veteran Village, a first-of-its-kind initiative to create a townhome-style community for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Housing News
February 27, 2025

A Space of Their Own

Newlyweds Gina Wolleat-Zorn and Darrell Zorn built their dream home in Ham Lake to accommodate her interior design business, his love for cooking, and their blended family of adult children.

Home Tours
Design
February 24, 2025

Induction Cooking: Pros & Cons

Induction cooking combines the speed and precision of gas with the easy cleanup and eco-friendly benefits of electric appliances. These stoves heat water more quickly, activate only when cookware is present, and consistently outperform other cooktops according to consumer evaluations. Moreover, you may be eligible for financial incentives when you purchase an induction range under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Technology
February 21, 2025

Spring 2025 | Calendar of Events

Check out these upcoming special events during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase.

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February 14, 2025

Connected Living: How Technology is Redefining Healthy Living at Home

In today’s fast-paced world, creating a home centered around your health and well-being is more important than ever. Homebuyers are increasingly seeking ways to integrate wellness into their living spaces, and smart home technology is stepping up to meet the challenge. From air purification systems to circadian lighting and advanced water monitoring, experts share how health-focused smart tech is reshaping how we think about our homes.

Technology
January 30, 2025

Your Guide to Inver Grove Heights, MN

Welcome to Inver Grove Heights — a city that’s as charming as it is convenient! Located just south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, this suburban gem offers the best of both worlds: small-town living with easy access to the excitement of the Twin Cities. Whether you’re considering moving here or just visiting, Inver Grove Heights has plenty to offer, from lush parks and trails to delicious dining spots and unique local businesses.

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January 10, 2025

Staff Picks: The Best Twin Cities Pizza Joints

From gooey classics to gourmet creations, pizza is a universal love language. We've scoured the Twin Cities and beyond for the best pizza spots, handpicked by our staff. Whether you’re craving wood-fired wonders or bold, inventive toppings, these spots deliver the perfect slice every time.

Community Guide
January 2, 2025

Discover Minnesota’s Home Tour Events: The Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tour

Minnesota home tours are the can't-miss events of the year for home design enthusiasts, with not just one but three styles of tours to explore, dream, and gather inspiration. The Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tour each provide a unique glimpse into the world of home buying, design, and renovating. Whether you’re building, remodeling, or just curious, these events have something special to offer. Save the dates for the 2025 events!

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December 16, 2024

Staff Picks: The Best Twin Cities Coffee Shops

Explore the best local coffee spots recommended by the Parade of Homes staff. From cozy neighborhood cafes to trendy urban roasters, these are the places we keep coming back to for a perfect cup of coffee (or tea!).

Community Guide
December 11, 2024

Minnesota Home & Design Events | December 2024

Calling all Parade of Homes fans! If you’re looking for something to do this month, check out these local home and design events near you.

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