2026 Parade of Homes Awards: Excellence in Energy Efficiency, Remodeling, and Homebuilding

The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association proudly recognized several outstanding builders and remodelers during the 2026 Parade of Homes Awards Breakfast, celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, energy efficiency, and industry collaboration.

Energy Efficiency Recognition

Congratulations to Navigate Homes for earning this year’s award for the Most Energy-Efficient Homes entered in the HERS Program. Their dedication to high-performance construction and energy-conscious building practices continues to raise the bar for residential efficiency in our community.

We also proudly recognize Sueppel’s Building & Remodeling for achieving an impressive HERS score of 36 on their Parade home. That remarkable level of efficiency is projected to save homeowners approximately $3,833 annually in utility costs, demonstrating the long-term value of thoughtful, energy-efficient construction.

Another standout this year is Ralston Eco Homes, which is showcasing a Passive House in the Parade of Homes in Swisher. This innovative home highlights what is possible when advanced building science, superior comfort, durability, and exceptional energy performance come together in one thoughtfully designed residence.

Most Qualifying Homes

Lowest Score

Passive House

Remodelers Excellence Awards

Presented by First Mid Bank, the Remodelers Excellence Awards recognize the outstanding work being done in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the residential construction industry.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, home improvement spending has grown from 33% of residential construction spending in 2007 to 44% today, with continued growth expected in the years ahead.

This year’s Parade featured both an in-person remodel and a virtual-only remodel:

The in-person remodel showcases a bright and thoughtfully designed renovation featuring a beautiful sunroom addition, hidden pantry, lower-level workshop, and expanded outdoor living space with a screened-in area beneath the new deck.
The virtual remodel highlights a complete transformation of a 2003 ranch twin-home, including a redesigned floor plan, gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, updated finishes, and creative reuse of existing cabinetry to better serve the homeowners’ lifestyle.

Congratulations to the 2026 Remodelers Excellence Award recipients:

McCreedy-Ruth Construction

Pearson Building Pursuits

Builders Excellence Awards

Sponsored by West Bank, the Builders Excellence Awards were judged by HBA members from across Iowa who evaluated homes based on exterior appeal, interior design, livability, functionality, and overall craftsmanship.

2026 Builders Excellence Winners

Under $500,000

Home #2 – Student Built Home
Builder: Sueppel’s Building & Remodeling

$500,000 – $750,000

Home #19
Builder: H&H Home Builders

$750,000 – $1 Million

Home #7
Builder: The Watts Group

$1 Million and Above

Home #22
Builder: Bedrock Builders

Inaugural Beyond the Blueprint Award

This year, the Parade featured two unique luxury treehouse retreats that challenged traditional judging criteria. Because these projects were designed as destination lodging experiences rather than primary residences, the judging committee determined that evaluating them using the same scorecard as traditional homes would not adequately recognize their strengths.

To honor exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, innovation, and guest experience, the committee created a new recognition: the Beyond the Blueprint Award.

The inaugural Beyond the Blueprint Award was presented to Halo Design Build for Parade Homes #10 and #11 in Oxford. These remarkable projects exemplify how thoughtful design can push the boundaries of traditional residential construction while creating unforgettable guest experiences.

A-Frame

Hexagon

2026 Motto Award

Presented by Kevin McCreedy of McCreedy-Ruth Construction, the Motto Award celebrates one of the association’s core values: “Members do business with members.”

The award recognizes the builder or remodeler who utilized the highest percentage of fellow HBA member companies on their Parade project.

Congratulations to The Watts Group, recipient of the 2026 Motto Award, for achieving an impressive 91% HBA member participation on their Parade home.

The Greater Iowa City Area HBA congratulates all award winners and thanks every builder, remodeler, subcontractor, supplier, sponsor, volunteer, and homeowner who helped make the 2026 Parade of Homes a success.