So You Want to Remodel
Find the knowledge you need at NARI’s Spring Home Improvement Show
It may still be freezing outside, but spring has sprung when it comes to the remodeling industry, making it the perfect time for homeowners to prep and plan for remodeling projects both inside and outside the home. “We’re booking into May already,” remarks Randy Miller, NARI member, owner of Allrite Home & Remodeling and S&E Insulation and chair of the 56th Annual Milwaukee NARI Spring Home Improvement Show, which runs February 15th through the 18th at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center.
“Milwaukee NARI’s Spring Show is the biggest home improvement and remodeling show in the state, filling the entire Expo Center wall to wall,” says Michelle Brown, Milwaukee NARI’s event manager. “With more than 250 exhibitors – all NARI members – attendees have the chance to meet dozens of home professionals who are true experts.”
With more than 250 exhibitors – all NARI members – attendees have the chance to meet dozens of home professionals who are true experts. – MICHELLE BROWN, EVENT MANAGER, MILWAUKEE NARI
Weighing one or more remodeling projects, but haven’t necessarily decided on a course of action? The show is geared to you. “Most homeowners have an ever-growing and changing list of maintenance and improvements they want to make,” says Diane Welhouse, Milwaukee NARI’s executive director. “Our Spring Show allows homeowners to meet with contractors, get ideas and prioritize their next projects. It’s a casual, no-pressure environment where people can get a feel for many different companies’ styles and approach, and see what fits with them and their home.”
Exhibitors at the show will be showcasing the latest trends in home improvement, from interior design to exterior features as well as behind-the-scenes updates such as heating and cooling advancements.
“High-tech furnaces that can be controlled by your phone are great. But lately we’ve been doing more that are controlled by a geofence with your phones,” explains Wayne Abendschein, NARI member and comfort specialist with 1st Choice Heating & Cooling. “You set up a perimeter of one mile, for example. It’ll recognize no one is home, and adjust the thermostat down. It will then recognize when someone hits that geofenced area again, and heat the house back up. We can install this feature for under four hundred bucks! It’s very popular.”
While smaller home-improvement projects – such as a new furnace, or painting – can be relatively simple undertakings, larger remodeling, either interior or exterior, requires a bit more planning, according to Miller. “A big misconception with remodeling is often how long it takes. You see it on the TV remodeling shows; within a few minutes, boom, they’re finished!”
Tom Mainville, NARI member and co-owner of Story Hill Renovations LLC, adds that it’s not necessarily how long the actual work takes that surprises people, but how far ahead they need to plan to get started. “It can take a couple months or more to get all the prep and planning in place, like design and material selection. That, and those that wait until later in spring to get started will find that we have
quite a few jobs already in the queue,” explains Mainville, “so there’s some lead time just in waiting to get on a good contractor’s schedule.”
NARI (which stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry) is a nationwide trade organization made up of trusted, proven professionals working in or with the remodeling industry. To become a member of NARI, all contractors are vetted by their local chapters to ensure that they are reliable, accountable and have established good business practices. Additionally, all NARI members adhere to a code of ethics that ensures honesty, integrity and responsibility.
Milwaukee NARI is the largest chapter in the country, boasting more than 700 members. “We believe more and more people in the Milwaukee area are realizing that hiring a NARI member means that they’re getting quality contractors, not ‘side-job Bob,’” states Abendschein. “You’re talking about better quality, and peace of mind. NARI members are stronger believers in continual education in the latest products, materials and services, too, which give the homeowner the best end results.”
The Spring Home Improvement Show brings the best local remodelers together in one place for homeowners to get ideas, inspiration and have some fun in the process. “One of our goals as an organization is to educate consumers,” says Welhouse. “We try to do it in a fun, entertaining way at our shows.” In addition to exhibitors, there will be multiple stages and interactive zones for engaging, hands-on entertainment at the Spring Home Improvement Show.
New this year is an audience participation “Guess the Price” game show, modeled after a very popular price-guessing TV show. Audience members will be invited to “come on down” to take part in the remodeling-themed game each day. The game’s goal, Welhouse says, is to help consumers understand the true cost of remodeling projects.
“It can be difficult for homeowners – and our members – when the price of remodeling projects is so misunderstood.
One of our goals as an organization is to educate consumers. We try to do it in a fun, entertaining way at our shows. – DIANE WELHOUSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MILWAUKEE NARI
There are so many variables associated with a remodel, and people often underestimate how much things cost, which can lead to some sticker shock when receiving a quote.” And on the flip side of that, Welhouse says educating consumers on ways to keep costs down is vital, too. In the “Guess the Price” game show, a possible project featured could include custom cabinets with granite countertops but not hardwood floors. “Contestants guessing the closest price (without going over, of course!),” states Welhouse, “will receive valuable prizes, including hundred-dollar gift cards.”
Also new at the show this year is an outdoor attraction called “The Park.” Multiple contractors are collaborating to create this verdant area complete with water features and walking paths.
“We’re going to show the latest trends of exterior designs and materials, everything that goes along with this outdoor living area: deck materials, brick pavers, different types of paving systems and what can be done with them,” says Brown. “There will also be live music, including a show by Vinnie Hines. On Saturday, kids can learn how to make an adorable mini garden for growing microgreens.”
Packers great LeRoy Butler will be on hand for part of the show, as will Melinda Myers, “The Plant Doctor,” and “Grilling Buddies” Mad Dog and Merrill. Nick Kerzner, host of the “Nick the Construction Guru” show on WISN-AM radio will be on hand to talk about topics such as “How to Select a Contractor” and “What to Look for in a Contract.”
The Milwaukee NARI Spring Home Improvement Show runs February 15th through the 18th at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center. The hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $10 in advance (online only), $12 at the door; children 17 and under are free. Active and retired members of the military (with ID) receive complimentary admission, too. While ample street parking is available, parking is just $6 in the State Fair Park lots.
For more information, visit MilwaukeeNARI.org.