Specialty vendors break out wares for Home Show

Homeowners have a variety of ways to customize their space and provide convenience. There are specialty items available for enjoyment and some also add to the value of the house.

Specialty items will be among the items featured at the 2003 HBA Home Show.

Central vacuum systems

John West, owner of Central Cleaning Systems, has been in the vacuum cleaner business for 32 years. He said there are four main advantages of a central vacuum system over a portable unit:

the system is healthier because the dust is not recirculated through the air in the house. It goes into the holding tank and can be vented outside, much the way a clothes dryer is vented;

the system provides more powerful suction than portable units;

it adds value to the home; and

the system is quieter. The main unit is usually set up in a garage or basement so that the noise is minimal.

Central vacuum systems come with a variety of attachments. Hose connections that look similar to an ordinary electrical receptacle can be placed anywhere in the house. The dirt tank, built into the unit, holds 5 to 10 gallons and should be emptied every two to three months.

"My sales are about 85 percent new construction to both builders and individuals and 15 percent for existing homes," West said.

West carries a variety of systems to fit the customer's needs and budget, he added.

"A system can be put in for as little as $1,000," he said. "But the average cost is from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on the tool set and the size of the house."

The top of the line system sold at Central Cleaning Systems is Vacuflow, which has a lifetime warranty.

Elevators and stair lifts

Some people who are building multilevel homes are including elevators in the plans, according to Craig Jones, owner of Country Home Elevator and Stair Lift.

"A lot of builders and developers are planning an elevator into the construction. It can save cost over adding a unit after initial construction," Jones said.

Some builders are including "stacked closets" so the space is available for an elevator to be added later if needed.

Jones said elevators once were primarily installed in larger homes.

As prices have come down in the last few years from $30,000 to $15,000, the addition of a unit is more feasible for the average house.

"The industry has grown every year," Jones said, "Not only because of the decrease in cost, but it is reflective of the baby boomers who are building their retirement homes with the future in mind."

Jones also carries platform lifts that can be used to raise and lower people to and from a garage or porch. These units run between $4,000 and $6,000.

Less-expensive chair lifts can be installed to run on a rail and will fit any stairway configuration. These units range from $3,000 to $4,000, Jones said.

Jones has been in the business for 15 years. His two primary suppliers are Access Industries, located in Grandview, and Summit Lifts, in Lee's Summit.

Fences

Invisible Fence has been in business in Springfield since 1988. Owner Cheryl Rust began her business after an incident when she started a kennel. Her prize dog got out of conventional fencing and was killed on the road. She decided there had to be a better way.

Rust said conventional fencing costs about $3,000 for an average-size back yard. Invisible fencing can be installed for about $1,200 for the same sized area.

The invisible fence works for both dogs and cats, Rust said. The pets go through a training process to learn what the electronic signal means.

"We ask the owners to allow 15 minutes twice a day for up to 10 days for training," she said.

Cats usually only take a couple of times to get the idea, she added.

The buried cable is battery operated and batteries should be changed every three or four months, Rust said.

Customers can sign up for a battery replacement program. The company will send them a new battery at the appropriate intervals.

The invisible fence also can be used to keep pets out of flowerbeds and water gardens. Some people even use it inside the house to keep pets off certain furniture. Owners can modify pet behavior all through the house with the system. Once the pet is accustomed to an off-limits area the cable can be removed.

Another plus for pet owners, according to Rust, is that the pet does not associate the warning with the owner, unlike a spray bottle or other training techniques.

Billiards

C. L. Bailey Company opened its 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Marionville in 1999, according to Dave Devol, marketing manager. The company also maintains a 60,000-square-foot distributing center in Marionville. It ships pool tables and accessories across the United States.

The company opened a Springfield outlet store named The Billiards Company two years ago, Devol said.

C.L. Bailey Company builds billiards tables in nine basic styles and in any wood the customer wants, Devol said. The company has about 40 employees in manufacturing, distribution, delivery, set up and maintenance.

The outlet store has almost anything homeowners need to enhance their recreation rooms.

"We have game room furniture, light fixtures, cue sticks, balls and racks," Devol said.

The store also carries spas and tanning beds that plug into 110-volt outlets.