Seminars

Maximize your success on remodeling and landscaping projects by attending a series of practical Seminars conveniently offered throughout the day of the Home Remodeling Fair.

Discover current trends and solutions and develop the recommended steps to accomplish your remodeling dreams. All Seminar leaders are experts in their field and will inspire you to create the house, garden or yard of your dreams!

2025 Seminars

Noon – 12:45 pm

Evolving Gardens *Kate Netwal, U of M Master Gardeners*	Change in our gardens and landscape are inevitable. In this program we will discuss creative ways to manage environmental and personal changes impacting our gardens to create a more sustainable landscape.
What to Know Before You Remodel *Learn how to get started, what to expect, and how to ensure a successful remodeling project* Timothy Ferraro-Hauck, Owner/Founder, Bluestem Remodeling	Are you thinking about a remodeling project, but aren’t sure where to begin? In this seminar, you will learn key tips to ensure a successful remodeling project. We will discuss topics such as: How to get started, what you should do first; things you may be nervous to talk to your remodeler about, but shouldn’t be; common questions about budgeting, planning, and where to get started on design, and tips for communicating effectively with your remodeler. We will also discuss ways to ensure a smoother remodeling experience and get better results. This presentation is led by Timothy Ferraro-Hauck, owner and founder of Bluestem Remodeling. Timothy is a NARI Master Certified Remodeler and Certified Green Professional and has been helping homeowners for over 25 years.
How to Create a Master Plan for Your Forever Home *Björn Freudenthal, New Spaces Design-Build-Remodel*	Björn Freudenthal will take you through a compelling homeowner remodeling story showing you the before and after transformation of a 1980’s Architect-Designed Home. Experience a 3D virtual tour, photos and floor plans. Learn current design trends, master plan tips and tricks and get you started into design. Björn will be answering any questions you may have about the remodeling process as well.
Kitchen Remodeling 101 *Ashley Yanisch, Castle Building & Remodeling*	Kitchen Remodeling 101 is designed to be informative and educational, focusing on how to plan for your kitchen remodeling project. During the session, the group will discuss layout updates, expanding into adjoining space, design process, design styles, typical project budgets, timelines, design tips and more. This interactive hands-on seminar is designed to show you the possibilities of remodeling your kitchen and help you to plan

1:00 – 1:45 pm

Vegetable Gardening Sonya Burke, *U of M Master Gardeners*	Want tips on how to get the most from your vegetable garden throughout Minnesota’s short growing season? Learn which vegetables can be replanted for a second harvest, how to plant to maximizes garden space, and more.
Kitchens: Remodel or Just Update? Nicole First, Neighborhood Building and Remodeling	What does it take to plan a whole kitchen remodel or maybe just an update? We’ll touch on each aspect of a kitchen remodel, current trends in material, color and estimated costs. Ideas on how to combine new and existing materials to make your new kitchen efficient and beautiful.
Bath Remodeling 2025: Small Innovations to Total Renovations Lynn Monson, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen	Learn about bathroom remodeling from start to finish. Create a vision for your new bath using current trends and materials available. This session goes through the steps to make it functional and fabulous.

2:00 – 2:45 pm

The Power of Design in the Process of Renovation Eric Hansen, EJ Hansen AIA	This seminar will focus on saving older homes, going through the process of design to explore what you can do with an existing structure. Often, you can “stay inside the box” and renovate or add on and make a new and better space.
Bathroom Remodeling – Let’s Get Started Nicole First, Neighborhood Building and Remodeling	Learn about bathroom remodeling from planning to finish. Create a vision for your new bath using current trends and materials available. We’ll go through the steps to make it functional and fabulous.
Kitchen Remodeling 2025: Small Innovations to Total Renovations *Lynn Monson, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen*	Before and after photos illustrate the latest trends, technologies, and universal design features to incorporate into your dream kitchen. Innovative solutions include options to cost-effectively change your space.