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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.

April 17, 2024

Utilizing Hidden Storage Space to Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

The secret to maintaining a clutter-free home is two-fold: staying on top of organization and maximizing efficient storage. Your home is filled with hidden storage space where you least expect it. Discover the prime places you’re overlooking and use these clever tips to keep your home clean, organized, and functional.

Home Tips & Tricks
April 12, 2024

Turning Your Pinterest Board into Reality: Expert Interior Design Tips

We’ve all been there — scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram and finding yet another dreamy home photo to save for later. Once you’re finally ready to tackle that room makeover or big renovation in your own home, you browse the inspiration images you’ve collected and find yourself overwhelmed. You’re not sure where to start, what style to choose, or how to recreate a picture-perfect design on your own. Here’s the general outline professional design teams in Minnesota find themselves following when working with new clients.

Design
April 10, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | April 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.

Events
April 5, 2024

5 Remodeling Projects with High ROI

Twin Cities design experts break down which strategic home remodeling projects typically maximize your return on investment.

Remodeling
April 1, 2024

A Glimpse at the Remodelers Showcase

It’s almost time for the final weekend of the Spring Parade of Homes…and you know what that means! The Remodelers Showcase will be open this weekend (April 5-7) only. Tour 40 newly remodeled homes scattered all across the Twin Cities. Plus, meet the talented teams behind the wow-worthy transformations. Remodeled homes are open this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12-6pm. From main level makeovers to stunning kitchen and bath transformations, the Remodelers Showcase can help you get inspired for your next home project.

Home Tours
March 27, 2024

9 Personalization Options for New Construction Homes in Minnesota

When building your dream home in Minnesota, the possibilities are endless. New construction homes offer a blank canvas for homeowners to personalize every aspect of their living space. Keep reading to discover some of the options for personalizing your new construction home!

Design
Home Tips & Tricks
March 22, 2024

Raising the Basement Bar with Heather Manley

Crooked Water Spirits founder Heather Manley on building a dream space where she could mix with friends

Real Stories
Remodeling
March 20, 2024

Increasing Homeownership Opportunities in Minnesota

Homeownership is all of it, but it’s not attainable for everyone. Together, we can change this.

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March 19, 2024

Introducing the NEW Parade of Homes Mobile App

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the NEW Parade of Homes Twin Cities app, revolutionizing the way you experience our iconic home tour event! For over 75 years, the Parade of Homes has been the premier destination for discovering the latest trends and styles in new and remodeled homes across Minnesota. Now with our digital app, you can explore hundreds of homes right from the palm of your hand.

Home Tips & Tricks
Technology
March 13, 2024

The Future of Energy-Efficient, Smart Homes

Brought to you by Xcel Energy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new certification program for residential new construction: ENERGY STAR® NextGen Certified. This program is more than just a label; it is a vision for the future of housing in America and an opportunity for homebuilders and homebuyers to go beyond the status quo to embrace the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. It is a way to build the homes that we need for tomorrow, today.

Technology
March 13, 2024

Benefits to Buying a New Construction Home

Amid high interest rates and a fluctuating economy, new construction homes can be a strong contender in any home search. Whether you're currently on the hunt for a new home or still on the fence, consider these benefits—straight from Minnesota homeowners who decided to buy new construction.

Real Stories
March 12, 2024

2024 Spring Parade of Homes | In the News

The 2024 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 latest tour has been covered in the press.

Home Tours
March 11, 2024

Decorating Cozy Corners & Hidden Nooks

From bookshelves and writing desks to coffee carts and storage spaces, Twin Cities interior designers offer tips on decorating nooks throughout your home to make them feel more intentional.

Design