Visitors to this year's Home Remodeling Expo will be able to connect with companies that can help them with remodeling projects and products, and a new seminar will help them learn about available tax credits that can help pay for the work.
Presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, the weekend show begins Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 18.
"The focus of this show has always been to promote our remodeling members," said Charlyce Ruth, HBA operations manager.
New twists
One of the new features at this year's expo is a seminar aimed at teaching homeowners and remodelers how to take advantage of relevant tax credits.
Accountant Barbara Houser of Kirkpatrick, Phillips & Miller CPAs PC will focus on remodeling-related tax credits, talking about specific projects and the requirements for available tax credits.
Sometimes, those requirements call for higher upfront costs.
"In this economy, everyone is afraid to spend money, except on things that benefit them," Houser said, noting that spending a little extra money to take advantage of tax credits could benefit them in the long run.
"Our job is to make sure that people are aware of things so that they don't leave money on the table," she added.
Exhibitor Ken Cook, owner of Springfield-based The Closet Co. LLC was a vendor at past remodeling shows as a California Closets franchisee. This year, he'll be focusing on affordability and spreading the word about his new company to both existing clients and potential customers.
"We're able to provide a high-quality closet or storage system for a lower cost," Cook said. "We are able to serve a different market now than in the past."
Also new this year, the HBA will be gathering feedback electronically.
Anyone who signs up for HBA's consumer news e-mail updates can leave comments about the show via on-site laptops. They can unsubscribe at any time, Ruth said, noting that the e-mail list will only be used to send news and updates related to construction, home products and HBA events.
Attendees who sign up for the service and fill out the feedback form will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 gift certificate from American Glass. There also will be prize drawings and discounts for those who attend free seminars scheduled during the show.
Show standards
More than 110 vendors will be represented at the remodeling expo, including 13 remodeling companies. (See map, vendor list and seminar schedule on pages 16 and 17). Ruth said organizers anticipate that about 6,500 people will visit the three-day show, which would be in line with remodeling expo attendance for each of the last two years.
Ruth said the opportunity to connect with remodelers is important, particularly because they work in people's homes.
"I go to other trade shows ... to see what other people are doing, and I have been to several trade shows of this type with no builders or remodelers there," she added.
Jana Lee of returning vendor Rock Solid Construction & Design will be a participating presenter in a seminar geared toward helping consumers choose the right remodeler. She said she enjoys the seminars because there tend to be smaller groups and attendees can stay and ask questions afterward.
Lee said Ozark-based Rock Solid has participated in the remodeling expo since 2000, and her company often is hired for projects by people who visit the booth, sometimes for two or three years in a row.What: 2009 Home Remodeling Expo, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield
Where: The E-Plex at Ozark Empire Fairground, 3001 N. Grant Ave.
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