Home Tour FAQ
What is the home tour?
The Minneapolis and Saint Paul Home Tour is an annual event that promotes city living. The tour brings thousands of home enthusiasts together for a weekend of sharing home remodeling ideas. The Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) sponsors the home tour in cooperation with the Planning and Economic Development departments of both cities, local financial institutions, developers, contractors and other businesses. The home tour’s most important partners, of course, are the homeowners who volunteer to open their homes.
How is it different from other tours?
The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour is FREE to visitors. The focus is on homeowners sharing their experiences and ideas; even where contractors are present, so are the homeowners. Projects range from small to large and cover a wide range of housing eras, where other tours show just luxury or historic homes. It is not limited to specific neighborhoods (other than that they are all within the city limits of Minneapolis or Saint Paul), though there are some geographic clusters of homes. And it’s just one 11-hour weekend…not to be missed!
When is the home tour?
Homes will be open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2008, and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2008. The home tour will take place regardless of weather conditions.
What kinds of homes are featured on the tour?
The tour features a variety of homes in neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Homes on the tour are chosen to reflect the quality and variety of city housing. By popular demand, the focus is on remodeling and expanding of existing, occupied homes…from a single room such as a kitchen or bath, to a multi-story addition or entire home renovation. Any new homes selected are examples of energy-efficient or green construction.
How does the home tour work?
The home tour is a free, self-guided event. The home tour Guide (a tabloid-newspaper-sized publication), which includes a description of each home and maps showing home locations, is made available through various public locations in the month before the tour, and at the homes themselves on tour days. Visitors can tour as many or as few of the homes as they wish. Multiple visits are encouraged so visitors can get a feel for the diversity of the housing stock and neighborhoods. Each home on the tour is identified with a home tour street sign and signs from major intersections. In most cases, homeowners greet visitors. Visitors can also speak informally with experts about home buying, remodeling and other topics. Visitors go on the tour to get remodeling ideas, learn about neighborhoods and schools and to appreciate the quality of city homes.
Why do homeowners have their homes on the tour?
Homeowners have found the tour to be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. Many have met neighbors or other home enthusiasts as a result of having their homes on the tour. By promoting their neighborhoods and highlighting the quality of city living, owners help strengthen their neighborhoods and attract residents who help build and maintain healthy, vibrant communities. Homeowners who have lived through the dust and frustration of remodeling appreciate the positive comments offered by visitors. If you are interested in nominating your home, see the “nominate” button in the navigation bar at the top of this website.
