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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 27, 2023

Reggie Awards Given to 21 Spring Parade Homes

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.

Builders & Remodelers
April 20, 2023

5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Building and remodeling greener homes is an important part of taking care of our planet. Improving energy efficiency can be simple and cost-effective — and it's better for the environment. But where do you start?

Technology
April 19, 2023

2023 Remodeling Trends

What's trending in the world of home transformations and renovations? Twin Cities builders and remodelers break down the remodeling trends they’re anticipating this year.

Remodeling
April 11, 2023

7 Front Door Trends to Increase Your Curb Appeal

Talk about a first impression! The entrance to your home is the first thing people see when they arrive — so why shouldn’t it make a statement? Whatever your style or budget, there are plenty of ways to add an instant dose of curb appeal through your home’s entrance. Here are our favorite front door styles and some contemporary trends that steal the show.

Design
April 10, 2023

6 Rooms Where You Should Consider Adding Tile

When we say "tile," we know your head goes straight to bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. But the design possibilities are endless when it comes to using tile in your home. Plus, with the infinite combinations of size, shape, color, pattern, and finish, you can bring personality and versatility to any space in your home. Looking for some inspiration on what spaces could benefit from a tile upgrade? We’ve got you covered.

Design
April 6, 2023

Why People are Buying New Construction in 2023

The housing market is constantly changing — and so are people's preferences for what constitutes the "home of their dreams." What's on your must-have list? Is it a spacious kitchen with ample storage? What about a neighborhood near family and friends? Are you most interested in modern technology features? We looked at the latest trends (according to Zillow) in new construction to find out what home features many people are falling in love with in 2023.

Builders & Remodelers
Technology
March 29, 2023

Looking for Fast, Reliable Internet and Mobile?

Brought to you by our 2023 Spring Parade of Homes sponsor, Xfinity.

Technology
March 29, 2023

Why Choose Marvin?

Brought to you by our 2023 Remodelers Showcase sponsor, Marvin.

Technology
March 23, 2023

What is a Home Performance Report?

When looking to buy a new home, knowing the ins and outs of your purchase is important. Being informed about the many aspects of your home allows you to manage, evaluate, and make decisions that best suit you. When exploring purchasing a new home and wondering about a home's energy efficiency, ask for a Home Performance Report (HPR).

Builders & Remodelers
March 17, 2023

How Do You Style a Room Like an Interior Designer?

From complementary paint colors and timeless finishes to bold accents and curated furniture collections, it’s easy to spot a room where the design elements come together seamlessly. But that perceived effortlessness can be difficult to achieve without the touch of an experienced design professional. Here, Twin Cities interior designers break down how different elements in four local new build spaces blend to create a look that is cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.

Design
March 16, 2023

5 Tips for Touring on the Parade of Homes

What’s the optimal way to tour the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase? It all starts with a solid plan and the right tools. These tips will help you tour like a pro.

Home Tours
March 14, 2023

Unique Tour Types on the Parade of Homes

Whether you’re looking for a spec home that’s move-in ready, a brand new neighborhood, or a floor plan foundation to build your dream home from, the Parade of Homes has the home entry for you. We make it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for with these unique home types.

Home Tours
March 13, 2023

Tour & Toast to Women in Construction

To celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day, the Parade of Homes hosted a champagne toast at two magnificent Dream Homes on the Spring Parade of Homes. The goal was to bring together women in the housing industry to honor their impact, celebrate their accomplishments, and highlight the opportunities available to women in construction.

Home Tours