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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

A Personal Retreat

If the kitchen is known as the heart of the home, the primary suite should be the mind of the home, serving as a space you can truly unwind and recharge. Read on to learn local home professionals’ advice for designing a primary suite sanctuary that supports your body and mind.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!).

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