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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 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
March 11, 2024

Local Home & Design Events | March 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
March 8, 2024

Celebrating Women in Homebuilding

Construction is widely recognized as one of the most male-dominated professions. But despite the underrepresentation of women in the trades, recent statistics indicate a growing trend of women entering the construction industry.

Housing News
March 1, 2024

Spring Tour Community Pop-Up Events

The Parade of Homes invites you to join us for special pop-up events throughout the Twin Cities that celebrate new construction and growing communities. There is something to keep everyone entertained — adults and kids alike! See you on the tour!

Home Tours
February 26, 2024

Inside Zoë François' Minneapolis Kitchen

Pastry chef, best-selling cookbook author, Instagram phenom, and TV star Zoë François lives and works in her Minneapolis kitchen. "Work from home" has a bit of a different meaning for Zoë. Her singular kitchen, which sits in the rear of her Kenwood house, is not only the heart of the home, but her office. In a sense.

Design
February 21, 2024

Spring 2024 | Calendar of Events

Don’t miss these special events put on by select builders and remodelers during the 2024 spring tours, plus a few Parade of Homes pop-up events! These events will introduce you to the teams behind the homes on the tour, the latest design trends, and much more.

Events