Fall 2021 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase: Sneak peek of 3 homes

Molly Guthrey, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
·2 min read

Sep. 24—With today's hot real estate market, remodeling is another option for those who want to bloom where they are planted (or for those who buy a fixer upper).

In the upcoming Fall 2021 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase, visitors can find inspiration by touring 39 remodeled homes transformed by 30 local remodeling companies.

Some of the trends could help improve life at home in a pandemic.

"I noticed there's an increase in full main level remodels this fall," said Katie Elfstrom, Parade of Homes spokesperson, in an email. "Homeowners not just looking to do that kitchen remodel they've been waiting on, but really wanting to maximize the space and function of their main level. This includes adding great functional spaces like mudrooms. Several homes feature clever mudroom additions."

The homes — including one in St. Paul — will be open for tours from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 1-3.

At the Parade of Homes' website for this tour, Paradeofhomes.org/house-tours-mn/mn-home-remodeling/, you can search the homes by project — such as kitchens, bathrooms, attics, garages and decks — as well as by location or remodeler.

The tour is free, except for three "Dream Homes" — in Prior Lake, Edina and Shorewood — where the $5 admission supports the Housing First Minnesota Foundation.

Here's a sneak peek of three of the homes:

Home no. 22: St. Paul (kitchen)

Before: This 1922 home, located in the Macalester Groveland neighborhood of St Paul, had a kitchen that wasn't suited for life nearly 100 years later. The design wasn't functional, and the space had awkward traffic flow and poor use of space.

After: The kitchen now has modern features including a double oven, a Wolf gas cooktop with a custom hood and an oversized island — while honoring the 1920s charm with touches like white cabinetry and a farmhouse sink.

Home no. 21, Woodbury (projects include kitchen, mudroom and great room)

Before: The goal of updating this Woodbury home, Cardinal Remodeling says, was to open up the family spaces to one another.

Home no. 18 (whole house remodel, Woodbury).

This home, a whole house remodel by SpaceMakers Remodeling, features a trending flooring option: pennies! There is also a cedar screen porch with a vaulted ceiling and a stone wall — and much more.