Home improvements take center stage at annual show

While the 2012 Home Remodeling Expo will keep its tradition of connecting homeowners with remodelers and associated vendors, attendees at this year’s show can expect something new, with 20 live presentations set to take place during the three-day event.

The expo, which began in 2000, is presented by the Remodelors Council of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield and will be held Oct. 12–14 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex.

“Basically, it’s a large showroom for (the public) to come in and talk to professionals to learn more about the projects that they are interested in doing on their homes,” said HBA Operations Manager Charlyce Ruth.

Interest in home improvement and remodeling is steady, particularly as homeowners seek new methods to save on energy costs and make their existing homes safer, according to HBA CEO Matt Morrow.

“The residential remodeling market has been improving, mirroring the trend in other segments of the housing market. That’s a good sign for remodeling and new construction — and for consumers,” he said.

As of Sept. 27, 100 vendors had been confirmed for this year’s remodeling expo – on pace with the roughly 115 vendors last year. Among them will be first-time vendor Southern Floors. The flooring products and installation company opened for business in June.

“We thought it’d be great to get out in the community and see the other vendors that will be there and let everyone else know that we’re in the remodeling business as well,” said co-owner Matt Cortese.

Cortese said visitors to Southern Floors’ booth would be able to see carpet displays and learn more about the company’s work with custom tile and its niche in showers.

HBA’s Ruth said the live presentations slated for this year’s expo have replaced the scheduled seminars that were historically part of the show. The change will allow attendees to come and go to observe the presentations, Ruth said, noting that a similar format improved participation at another HBA event, the Home Show.

The half-hour presentations, which will allot time for audience questions, will address several topics, including energy efficiency, green building, home security and kitchen renovations. Ruth expects the energy efficiency seminar to gain attention.

“We have limited budgets, and we don’t want to spend all of our money on utility bills,” she said.

Robert Rayl, owner of the FamilySafe Missouri distributorship, plans to address storm shelter safety at the expo during two live presentations. Rayl said he wants to educate the public on what guidelines and safety features to look for in a shelter. “I think it’s extremely important to give your family a peace of mind in having a safe place to go,” Rayl said, citing damaging storms, including the tornado that devastated Joplin in May 2011.