Spring is the perfect time to think about home projects and whether a project is big or small, there's likely to be inspiration found at the Washington County Homebuilders Association's annual Home Show this weekend.
About 40 to 50 mostly local vendors will be on hand at the Washington County Fairgrounds, offering a little bit of everything one might need to fix up, spruce up, buy or sell a living space.
"We'll have anything connected to the home, whether you're buying, building, remodeling, building a deck or landscaping," said Nancy Arthur, a board member of the Homebuilders Association and a local realtor.
Roughly 800 to 1,000 people have attended the Home Show in the past, looking for ideas and tips on everything from heating and air conditioning to windows to floor coverings to home owner's insurance.
In this economy, some people are looking to fix up their existing home, sometimes in the hopes of selling. Others are looking for ways to downsize or to make their living space more comfortable or cost-efficient.
"People are interested in energy saving and cost-effectiveness for the home ... also, they might not be ready to do anything right now but just come to get ideas for when they are ready," Arthur said.
Fact Box
If you go
What: The Washington County Homebuilders Association annual Home Show
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m Saturday.; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Junior Fair building at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Cost: $3; concessions will also be provided by the Ladies Civitan Club.
For more information: 374-7325.
At 11 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, the Home Show will feature 30-minute presentations from Ronald Young, a certified energy home rater with Cornerstone Energy Conservation Services in Columbus, who will speak about building ENERGY STAR homes.
Young will share information on topics including air sealing, insulation, energy efficient ductwork, proper window installation, and energy efficient heating and cooling systems. He'll also explain the requirements of building an ENERGY STAR home, and how to have a home rated for energy efficiency.
The Home Show is also a good place to research local contractors, to ask about licensing and experience and to get referrals.
The cost to attend the Home Show is $3 and the Homebuilders Association, a 70-member group of local businesses and organizations, gives a portion of that money back to the community.
"We've given to Habitat For Humanity, the food pantry at First Congregational Church, the Marietta police, the Sheriff's (Office), we've had the Humane Society come and this year we're donating a booth for the Girl Scouts to come sell cookies," said Jodie Bonnette, president of the group. "When you have an organization made up of businesses ... it's just good will to give back to those who support us."
