Home builders gear up for annual remodeling expo

With more than 100 vendors and a roster of free seminars, the expo, Oct. 20–22, provides the opportunity for homeowners to ask questions of remodeling professionals. And for attendees and vendors alike, it’s a chance to see current design styles.

“It’s important to be out there in the customer’s eye, to see what they have in mind and what the products are that maybe we don’t have, ” said Greg Nutting, general manager of Maschino’s, a vendor since the remodeling show’s inception in October 2000.

Maschino’s uses the Home Remodeling Expo to showcase a variety of the products in its store, 1715 S. Campbell Ave.

“We really have to keep a pulse on what’s happening out there in the market, to keep people refreshed on who we are,” Nutting said, noting that when his booth draws visitors at the show, he sees a definite boost in business.

Increased business is one factor that brings out first-time vendor Chuck James, owner of DesignWorks Homes. James said he’s been a vendor at similar shows in Columbia – his hometown – but this is the first year he’s participating in the Home Remodeling Expo.

“It usually has a pretty good turnout of people that are looking for help with a remodeling project,” he said.

Sechler Remodeling will have a booth at the show, and owner Mark Sechler is also serving as a seminar presenter. Sechler, a member of HBA’s Remodelors Council, is a participant in “Everything You Wanted to Know about Remodeling: Questions and Answers,” which will cover multiple remodeling issues.

“We’ll try to attract people that are not exactly sure how to go about (a project),” Sechler said. “If they have concerns, I’ll be there to hopefully give an answer.”

New offerings

The 2006 Home Remodeling Expo also has some new aspects to offer attendees.

Radio show host Don Zeman will broadcast his nationally-syndicated “Homefront” live from the expo 9–11 a.m. Oct. 21. The show airs from Columbia during those hours every Saturday on Journal Broadcast Group’s KSGF 1260 AM.

“Our focus has always been educating homeowners and consumers,” Zeman said of the show he started in 1995. “The more information homeowners have, the better decisions they can make about their homes and projects.”

Home Remodeling Expo vendor Metro Builders is using the show to promote its fund-raiser for The Kitchen. Through Win A Kitchen to Support The Kitchen, consumers can buy chances for $10 each to win a complete kitchen makeover, with proceeds to benefit The Kitchen.

“Basically, we will go in and tear out your existing kitchen cabinetry,” said Judy Bilyeu, marketing director for Metro Builders Supply, 3252 N. Glenstone Ave.

“You have your choice of either a wood floor or a vinyl floor. You have your choice of cabinet wood colors and countertops, and paint colors for the walls. We are supplying appliances and light fixtures,” Bilyeu added.

Other companies participating in the kitchen makeover are CBS Cabinets, Ozarks Cultured Marble and Midwest Rug.

Kitchen makeover chances will be sold at the Home Remodeling Expo and at the HBA Home Show, held in late January. Chances also are available through the participating companies.

Proceeds are expected to at least match the $10,000 cost of the kitchen.

Event Details

What: The 2006 HBA Home Remodeling Expo

When: 1–7 p.m. Oct. 20; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 21; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 22

Where: Missouri Entertainment and Event Center E-Plex

Tickets: Advance tickets are 3 for $10, available from the HBA office, or $4 at the door. For more information, visit www.springfieldhba.com.

Click here for a map and list of the exhibitors.

Seminar Roster

Oct. 20

2 p.m. “Remodeling: Everything You Wanted To Know About Remodeling: Questions and Answers,” presented by the HBA Remodelors Council

4 p.m. “Cost vs. Value and How To Finance Your Remodeling Project,” presented by the HBA Remodelors Council

Oct. 21

12:30 p.m., “It’s Your Money,” presented by Don Zeman, host of “Homefront,” a nationally syndicated radio show

2 p.m. “Remodeling, The Nightmare and How to Avoid It,” presented by the HBA Remodelors Council

4 p.m. “Do It Yourself – Fact or Fiction?,” presented by the HBA Remodelors Council

Oct. 22

12:30 p.m. “Design-Build Remodeling,” presented by HBA Remodelors Council

2 p.m. “Good Deals on Remodeling,” presented by the HBA Remodelors Council