Hundreds of exhibitors to inspire you at home show
Just as fall brings changes in the weather and in our routines, it also inspires changes in our living spaces.
I’d like to invite you to bring those ideas to the Toronto Fall Home Show — taking place Sept. 28-30 at the Enercare Centre — and discover how you can make them a reality.
The Fall Home Show’s 300 exhibitors, expert speakers and special features will help you restructure, restyle or reorganize your space. You decide which of these three aspects of home transformation you are interested in, and follow its symbol to the area with exhibits most relevant to you.
To learn about the possibilities of small-space living, be sure to visit the tiny home by Contained Living, and learn how the company transformed two industrial shipping containers into a 320-square-foot home. I’ve been following the progress of the makeover on Twitter at @HomeShowsTO and it’s been fascinating. The containers have been outfitted with plumbing and electricity and restyled into a contemporary living space. And because space is at a premium these days — and not just in tiny homes — the Home Show has teamed up with Second Closet to demonstrate an innovative approach to storage and organization. I can’t wait to see the final reveal.
If summer’s high energy bills have left you wondering how to conserve, be sure to check out Granny’s House, by Enbridge Gas. In this fun and interactive exhibit, you will learn how you can upgrade outdated thermostats, old insulation and drafty windows to save energy, reduce your monthly bills and get up to a $5,000 rebate.
Staying on the theme of sustainability, the Fall Home Show is bringing back the Upcycle Challenge, a competition that invites decor and DIY experts to reimagine spaces using materials from Habitat for Humanity GTA’s ReStore locations. This year, participants are focusing on restyling entryways. The winning project will be selected in an online voting contest at www.fallhomeshow.com, and all of the pieces will be on sale at the Fall Home Show, with proceeds supporting Habitat GTA.
If you are thinking about renovating, make sure you check out RenoMark’s Destination Renovation, BILD’s feature exhibit at the Show, where you can meet with professional RenoMark renovators and receive free advice. Bring photos, blueprints and sketches to make the most of your consultation, and don’t forget to take home a copy of RenoMark’s five-step guide to a successful renovation.
Speaking of home renovation, BILD is working to make it faster and easier for homeowners to obtain the permits they need. We have created a Standard of Service Excellence that municipalities can adopt, committing to transparency and accountability, reasonable time frames and improved service by building inspectors. Learn more at buildforgrowth.ca.
There’s a lot waiting for you at this year’s Toronto Fall Home Show. And the best part is, this year you can attend free of charge, courtesy of RenoMark. See you there!
David Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and a contributor for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @bildgta