Zehnder Homes Recognized for Being a Leader in Green Homebuilding

With today’s energy codes, a newly built home in Minnesota is more efficient than ever. Zehnder Homes is proud to be recognized as a 2024 Designated Green Path Builder by Housing First Minnesota, through its Minnesota’s Green Path program.

As a Designated Green Path Builder, Zehnder Homes is considered an industry leader in energy-efficient residential home construction. The company is committed to energy testing a minimum of 75% of their newly built homes.

Energy-efficient homes are more important to today’s homebuyers than ever before. We are committed to providing homes that are durable, energy-efficient and healthy for our environment. We are also dedicated to helping homeowners understand the benefits of owning a greener, more efficient home.

Minnesota’s Green Path is the leading green building program for Minnesota’s residential construction industry. Created in 2011, the program promotes healthy, durable, energy-efficient homes and helps homeowners understand the efficiency of their homes through independent, third-party testing.

Housing First Minnesota is the leading voice for the homebuilding industry representing nearly 1,000 builders, remodelers, developers and associate companies. Housing First Minnesota is the presenter of signature home tour events including the Parade of Homes℠, Remodelers Showcase® and Artisan Home Tour®.  

Spring 2024 - Parade of Homes

Spring 2023 - Parade of Homes

Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2023

A look into this years trending Home Designs!

Built-Ins

Custom Built-In Cabinets for Storage and a Finished Look

Living Rooms

Home Offices

Connection to the Outdoors

For Natural Outdoor Light and Maximum Views

Porches

Wallpaper

Bold Colors and Patterns

Dining Rooms

Powder Bathrooms

Bedrooms

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Bathing Experiences

Dual Shower Heads

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Modern Rustic Living Rooms

Rugged and Cozy

Natural Stone Fireplaces

Wood Beams

Wood Cabinets

White Oak

Kitchen Cabinets

Red Oak

Lower Level Bar

Knotty Alder

Dining Room

Clear Alder

We can’t wait to show you more of what this year has in progress!

Meet the Team - Rob Zehnder

Rob began working for Zehnder Homes in 2015 after graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College, with a degree in Business Management. As Purchasing Manager, he is responsible for ordering of material & pricing options for our clients. Rob has built rapport with our subcontractors & suppliers over the years & works closely to answer questions and insures selections are communicated to the field. He is always there to lend a hand on-site, and in the office.

Get to know Rob a little bit more…

Name/Nickname: Robert/Rob

Job Title: Purchasing Manager

Where I’m From: Truman MN - I graduated from Gustavus.

Favorite thing about my job: Seeing new trends and new ideas. I like being a part of building something special to our clients.

My favorite housing trend currently: Reclaimed material

Favorite Food: Steak, biscuits and gravy, milk, cheese

What are four things you can’t live without? My truck, dairy products, weekends, & my dog Smokey

When I’m not working, you’ll find me… Working on my house, at the lake, spending time with friends, family, and my wife, Sara.

Meet the Team - Paul Wolfe

Introducing Paul Wolfe, one of our Production Supervisors here at Zehnder Homes. Paul comes to Zehnder Homes with over 40 years of residential construction and owned his own framing company for 18 of those years.

Get to know Paul a little better...

Name/Nickname: Paul / My friends call me “Wolfe”

Where I’m from: Andover, MN

Favorite thing about my job: I enjoy working with our clients and helping them achieve their custom dream home. Being challenged and driven to managing the job from start to finish and seeing the excitement and joy in our clients is why I do what I do!

Best housing trend currently: Fabricated stair railings

Favorite food: Freshly caught walleye and my wife’s homemade lasagna

What are 3 things you can’t live without? Growing my faith, spending time with my family, and of course hockey (I play twice a week and love watching my son play at Bemidji State)

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…. Going for walks, biking, fishing, boating, and playing hockey.

Paul (on the right) and his family

Paul’S daughter not pictured above

Meet the Team - Loren Petrich

Introducing Loren Petrich, one of our Production Supervisors here at Zehnder Homes.  He makes sure all of his projects are built to code, to specifications, and to Zehnder Homes standards, as well as to make sure they stay on schedule.

Loren has come to Zehnder Homes with over 40 years of experience in residential construction. He had his own company for 28 years framing single family homes and townhomes, as well as a home building company for 10 years.

Get to know Loren a little better...

Name/Nickname: Loren

Where I’m from: I was fortunate to grow up living on a lake and attended high school in St. Cloud, MN.

Favorite thing about my job:  I enjoy turning people’s dreams into reality and conquering the many challenges that come with construction management.  I have seen many changes in this industry; it keeps changing and always will!

Favorite food: Prime Rib

What are 3 things you can’t live without?  My amazing wife Jean of 33 years, three daughters and their spouses, three grandchildren, spending time at the cabin in Northern Minnesota, and archery hunting.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…at the cabin hunting, fishing and relaxing.  I enjoy spending time with my three grandchildren – what a blessing they are!

Loren (fifth from left) and his family

Spring 2022 - Parade of Homes

Meet the Team - Amanda Renner

Introducing Amanda Renner, our Office Manager here at Zehnder Homes.  She is responsible for all things accounts receivable and payable and keeps our office running smoothly.

Amanda has come to Zehnder Homes with over 17 years of experience in business, accounting, and office management in the construction industry.  In 2010, she also earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Metropolitan State University.

Get to know Amanda a little better...

Name/Nickname: Amanda

Where I’m from: I was born in St. Paul, MN but just recently moved out west and loving my new town in St. Michael, MN.

Favorite thing about my job:  Being an integral part of the home building process and getting to see the houses from beginning to end!

My favorite housing trend currently: Oversized lighting fixtures and lantern chandeliers

Favorite food: Mexican

What are 3 things you can’t live without? My husband, coffee, sriracha sauce and being outdoors.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me… traveling, kayaking, fishing, camping, and going up north.

Fall 2021 - Parade of Homes Model

Spring 2021 - Parade of Homes Model

If you didn’t get a chance to see our Bird Song model in this years Spring Parade of Homes, here are some photos of this beautiful home.

We look forward to showing you more of our Bird Song Neighborhood custom builds, as there is only 1 lot left!

Home Design Trends of 2021

A look into this years trending Home Designs!

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Light Wood Kitchen Cabinets

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Herringbone or Chevron Pattern Tiles

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Shades of Gray & Charcoal

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Sconce Lighting

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Large Showers

& oversize rectangular tiles.

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Stacked Tile Patterns

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Relaxing F

eatures

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Work Nooks

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Zellige Tile

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We can’t wait to show you more of what this year has in progress!

Zehnder Homes 2020 Favorites

Let's take a look at some of Zehnder Homes favorite spaces from this past year!

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We look forward to see what the new year brings!

To see more photos of our past homes check out our gallary page!

Meet the Team - Kris Pierro

Introducing Kris Pierro, our Project Coordinator here at Zehnder Homes.

Kris comes to Zehnder Homes with over 15 years of experience in project and account management.

Get to know Kris a little better...

Name/Nickname: Kris

Where I’m From: Wausau, Wisconsin

Favorite thing about my job:
I love being involved in multiple projects and establishing strong, trusting relationships with people.

My favorite housing trend currently: Non-white kitchens with bold colors.

Favorite Food: Italian- I love pasta!!!

What are 3 things you can’t live without? My husband, suspense novels and biking

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…. biking with my husband on regional trails or playing with my dog, Scout.

Kris with her husband, Dave and dog, Scout.

Kris with her husband, Dave and dog, Scout.

Meet the Team - Eric Zehnder

Introducing Eric Zehnder, our President here at Zehnder Homes.

Eric started Zehnder Homes back in 2006.  He graduated from SDSU in 2002 with an electrical engineering degree and after a year of working as an engineer, made a career change to real estate and eventually started Zehnder Homes. 

Get to know Eric a little better...

Name/Nickname: Eric

Where I’m From: Truman, MN

Favorite thing about my job:
I love building homes and truly enjoy seeing a client’s vision become reality.

My favorite housing trend currently: Outdoor living spaces

Favorite Food: Thai

What are 3 things you can’t live without? Diet Dew, phone, and sports.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…. Traveling with my wife and family and hanging with friends when not busy with kid’s activities.

Eric & his wife Gena and their three boys.

Eric & his wife Gena and their three boys.

Meet the Team - Jordan Bowar

Introducing Jordan Bowar, our Construction Manager here at Zehnder Homes.

Get to know Jordan a little better...

Name/Nickname:
Jordan

Job Title:
Construction Manager

Where I’m From:
Waconia

Favorite thing about my job:
Seeing the projects evolve from a full-blown construction site to a finished space/home.

My favorite housing trend currently:
Open floor plans

Favorite Food:
Tacos

What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My family, lakes, and football.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
On the lake boating or ice fishing.

Jordan with his wife and daughter.

Jordan with his wife and daughter.

Home Office Ideas - Are you working from home more? Do you need some inspiration to update your office?

Here are a few Zehnder Homes inspired ideas to help you get settled into your new routine.


Open Shelving - Having a wall of open shelves is a minimalist’s way to decrease clutter and keep things organized.

Glass Wall Panels - If you have kids or enjoy a view while spending time in your office, then having glass for walls would be ideal.

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Work Table - A simple table that is clutter free can help keep you focused on the task at hand.

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Sleek & Modern - Black and gray give an office a sleek and modern look.

Accent Pieces - A bold light fixture adds creativity to the space.

Sliding Doors - Save on space with sliding doors.

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Get Creative! - Maybe you want a room for your kids with separate working stations. A space with plenty of built-in cabinets to hide the clutter.


Short on Space - Find a convenient place for the amount of time you will be using it.

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Bright & Blue - Who knew that blue has a calming effect, which makes it a great color for your home office. Larger windows allow a lot of natural lighting that can help you feel more energized.

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Customize - Utilize your home office and make it a multipurpose room.

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What does your dream home office look like?


Landscaping Ideas - Zehnder Homes Inspired

Need some inspiration for your summer landscaping projects?

Check out some of our Zehnder Homes favorites!


Front Yard - Curb Appeal

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

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CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY OF THIS HOME

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY OF THIS HOME

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

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CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.


Front Entry

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CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.


Back Yard

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CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A COMPLETE GALLERY FOR THIS HOME.


Whether your projects are simple or complex, no matter the elevation or size of lot: The ideas are endless.

What are your summer landscaping projects?