Fall Home Improvement 2014

ANNUAL FALL 21st Home Improvement Show

Landscaping Landscaping Home Home Remodeling New Products Interior/Exterior AND MORE!!!

September 5, 6 & 7 MetraPark Expo Center

To the LARGEST TRADE SHOW in a five state area with more than 400 EXHIBITS

Official 2014

Guide

Let’s All Go…

Inside

To the Fall Home Improvement Show

Map and vendor list Pages 6-7 Budget-friendly bathroom transformations Page 5 How to stay within your home improvement budget Page 8 Stay safe when cleaning gutters Page 10

The official guide to the Fall Home Improvement Show is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

Sales & Marketing Director

Dave Worstell

Special Sections Coordinator

Linsay Duty

Content Editor

Brittany Cremer

Section Designer

Christine Cleveland

Access the Fall Home Improvement Show 2014 Guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections 2

siding—anything related to the exterior of their home,” Beau said. “And professionals in those realms will defiAsk any claims adjuster nitely be in high supply.” assigned to the Billings reBut that won’t be all. gion, and they’ll tell you: Vendors range from roofThe roof—the roof—the ers and remodelers to home roof (industry) is on fire. loan specialists and innovaThe onslaught of insurance claims and roof repairs tive home gadgetry technistemming from this season’s cians.

“You can see it all under hail storms will trickle well one roof,” Beau said. “And into the spring and sumthe best part is—it’s free.” mer months of 2015. Local claims adjusters, insurance agents, contractors, roofers Exciting exposition and remodelers are having a The Hedins’ motto has tough time keeping up with always been to present a demand. high-quality, diverse show “The entire home industry that features the whole in Billings was raised up by gamut of home improvethe storm,” said Mark Hedin, ment. who produces the Fall Home This year’s show is no Improvement Show with his exception. wife Rhonda and sons, Beau Held September 5-7 at and Devon. “We’ve never the MetraPark Expo Center, had exhibitors so hungry to the 21st annual Fall Home reserve their booth space to Improvement Show features promote their products and a variety of family-friendly services.” activities, more than 350 Mark notes that the Home exhibitors, a wide variety Improvement show is an of food vendors, interactive excellent venue to connect displays and the chance to with builders and contracwin one of 12 grand prizes. tors from Billings who will Recognized as the largest reinvest their dollars back trade show in a five-state into our community. area, the Fall Home Im“That’s always been one provement Show typically of the great things about draws more than 30,000 in the show is that it has a attendance. ripple-down effect economiContractors and businesscally,” Beau said. “About 90 es specializing in construcpercent of our exhibitors are tion, roofing, interior design, from Billings and the dollars hearth and fireplace integrastay in our community.” tion, outdoor kitchens, reIn years past, the Fall modeling and home saunas Home Improvement Show will have their products on had more of an interior display. Also, keep your eyes remodeling focus—highlight- peeled for the “as-seen-oning vendors in the home TV” products—a sure-fire theater/home entertainment favorite. realm. But this year, the He“There is definitely somedins see a shift. thing for everyone,” Beau “Homeowners and comsaid, “so come on out and munity members are still enjoy.” hungry for information on fixing their roofs, gutters,

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

Good growing Always on the lookout for economic growth indicators, the Hedins are excited about a recent trend that’s taken hold locally.

Luxury, all-inclusive living accommodations, like those provided locally by MorningStar of Billings, are reshaping the housing landscape for the 50-plus crowd in Billings.

“Facilities like this have been around in larger cities for years, and it’s definitely indicative of our city’s growth,” Mark said. “It’s pretty telling of our city’s vitality that one of these businesses is thriving in Billings.”

Facilities like MorningStar offer three gourmetprepared meals a day, lawn service, social activities, car service and more. They are not assisted living facilities— they are not nursing homes.

They are luxurious accommodations for Baby Boomers who enjoy the amenities and a light-hearted social atmosphere.

“People are living here out of choice, not necessity,” Mark said.

Free prizes!

Luxury living might sound appealing, but there’s still a large segment of Billings’ population who enjoys cutting wood, mowing lawns and refinishing the deck.

And who knows—just by attending the Fall Home Improvement Show you might win something that could completely transform your home.

At no cost to them, attendees can register to win See Let’s All Go...page 4

Fall Home Improvement 2014

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Let’s All Go...

Continued from page 2

one of the 12 fabulous grand prizes, including a $5,000 roofing package, courtesy of Moonlight Construction, a $1,000 house cleaning package from Brice’s Masterclean, a wall-mounted fireplace from the Fireplace Center, a Lennox gas furnace provided by White Heating and Air Conditioning, a $1,500 home insulation package from Billings Insulation Service, a First Alert home security system from Kenco Security and Technology, a retractable screen door from Phantom Screen Doors, a custom sliding French door with installation from Lynnrich, an insulation double-car garage door from Connor Garage Doors, a $1,000 window, gutter and vent Cleaning package from Alpine Window Clean, a 60’’ granite vanity top by Magic City Granite and a Honda generator by King’s Ace Hardware.

Attendees can register for prizes during the show in the “Grand Prize Room,” located toward the rear of the Expo Center. And an added convenience—attendees can select their preference as to which grand prize they’d like to win. Already have a home security system? No problem—just mark one of the other prizes and receive that instead.

The drawing will take place following the show. A complete set of rules and regulations will be located in the show office.

Fantastic fun & awesome eats It’s not every day that show attendees can sample such savory treats as deep-fried Oreos, cinnamon-roasted almonds, pulled pork and authentic Greek gyros.

“It’s our goal to present a variety of food vendors so attendees can enjoy tasty treats while browsing at the show,” Beau said. “Take part in the activities, make a day of it and enjoy the cuisine.”

In addition to a variety of tasty treats, attendees can take advantage of the show’s multi-purpose entertainment rooms and enrichment programs. This year, the show will feature a Kids’ Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday sponsored by Lowe’s.

Here, little do-it-yourselfers will learn tool and home improvement project basics.

Additionally, ZCreative will be sponsoring a scavenger hunt for kids where they’re tasked with finding their logo on different booths located throughout the show for a chance to win an iPad mini.

“These activities can keep kids busy so mom and dad have ample time to talk with vendors,” Beau said.

4

Show success

And while homeowners may be hesitant to buy new property or undertake new conThe Hedins attribute the continued sucstruction, most are interested in making cess of the sold-out show to the quality and smaller home improvements—a new deck quantity of home improvement exhibits. And here, new shingles there. as home improvement and home design have “Attendees are concerned with increasevolved, the show continues to attract new ing the comfort and livability of their home,” and exciting vendors.

Beau said. “The show provides a venue under “We’ve seen a big shift recently in homeone roof where homeowners can get all the owners wanting to extend their living space ideas they need.” outdoors,” Beau said. “Outdoor grilling stations, fireplaces, fire pits and the like are becoming increasingly popular.”

The 21st annual Fall Home Improvement Show takes place Sept. 5-7 at the MetraPark Expo Center.

Show times are from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission and parking are free. Exhibitor prizes and grand prize drawings are available.

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Home Improvement Show Name ________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________

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For more information, log on to www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com.

Fall Home Improvement 2014

Budget-friendly bathroom transformation tips Metro Services

The allure of a spa-style bathroom is something few homeowners can resist. Such bathrooms can make for a welcome retreat after a long day at the office or an afternoon spent chasing kids around the yard.

But as appealing as such a sanctuary may seem, the cost of creating a luxury washroom is more than many homeowners’ budgets can withstand. Fortunately, a dream bathroom does not have to break the bank.

In fact, there are several ways to make a bathroom worthy of the most comforting spa without stretching your budget.

Install a wall-hung mirror Metro Services Homeowners need not bust their budgets to transform their washrooms into modern, luxurious oases.

If your idea of a luxury bathroom harkens back to a time before the advent of recessed medicine cabinets, then a wall-hung mirror can give the bathroom an entirely new feel without much of a financial commitment.

Flush-mount mirrors need not require the

services of a contractor, but they can provide a sense of elegance that recessed cabinets cannot.

Replace bathroom countertops A countertop replacement job may sound expensive, but such an undertaking is not very costly in the washroom, where counter space is typically limited. Since the cost of countertop materials is by the square foot, you can replace bathroom surfaces for a relatively small amount of money. Granite countertops can be beautiful, but such surfaces do not create the warm feel that many prefer in a luxury bathroom. A material such as soapstone is warm and inexpensive and can quickly give the bathroom a new look.

See Budget-friendly...page 9

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Fall Home Improvement 2014

5

How to stay within your home improvement budget Home improvement projects range from small scale undertakings that can be tackled in a single weekend to large remodels that can take several months to complete. While no two projects are the same, every home improvement project demands that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend some money.

Much like the scale of projects varies greatly, so, too, do the financial commitments required of homeowners to make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of the project, homeowners can find ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their improvements.

Do your homework Before you decide to make changes to your home, it’s best to first do some research into any potential projects you’re considering. Many homeowners have decided to dive into a project before they fully realize its scope and cost, and going in blind can bust a budget, turning what might have seemed like a relatively simple project into a money pit.

Understanding just what a project entails and how much it’s likely to cost can give homeowners an idea of what they can afford and where they might be able to stretch their budgets. For example, if you want to replace your kitchen countertops but can’t Metro Services afford enHomeowners willing and able to gineered pitch in on their home projects quartz councan save themselves a substantial

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tertops, you might be able to find a less expensive alternative, such as tile, that you like just as much. But it’s best to research such alternatives before you decide to replace your existing countertops. If you can’t find a less expensive alternative, you might want to postpone the project until you can grow your budget. But starting the project without first grasping its true cost is a recipe for disaster, so do your homework before you find your toolbox and start working.

Build unforeseen expenses into your budget Another way to stay within your budget is to include budget-busting unforeseen expenses into the budget from the get-go. Whether you’re doing the project yourself or paying a contractor, nearly every home improvement project will present some unforeseen, and costly, hurdles. For example, you might find mold inside the walls when you’re converting a basement, and it can cost a pretty penny to make that mold go away. If you go into the project expecting such hurdles, then the financial sting of addressing them won’t prove too great a burden. But if the mold catches you and your budget completely off guard, you might be forced to overextend that budget or make sacrifices elsewhere in order to complete the project. Build some contingency money, including permit and permit fees, into your home improvement project to safeguard against such unforeseen issues.

Get to work If you’re hiring a contractor, speak to him or her before signing a contract to see if there is anywhere you can pitch in to keep the labor costs low. You might be able to pitch in during the demolition phase, saving the cost of paying your contractor’s workers to tear down walls or remove debris you can just as easily remove yourself.

Another way to pitch in is to do the end-of-day cleanup yourself.

Any role you play with regard to labor will likely need to be negotiated upfront, but you can save yourself a substantial amount of money on labor if you’re willing to get your hands dirty.

Determine if piecemeal is the most affordable option Sometimes it makes sense to tackle one project at a time, while other times you might want to combine projects to save on the cost of materials. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to install wood flooring throughout your home, determine if it makes more financial sense to install the flooring all at once rather than doing one or two rooms at a time. You might save by buying all of your materials at once rather than buying a small amount of materials several times over the next several years.

Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more enjoyable for its owners and inhabitants. And while such projects can be costly, homeowners who stay disciplined can still get their dream homes without busting their budgets.

amount of money on labor costs.

8

Fall Home Improvement 2014

Budget-friendly

Continued from page 5

Embrace calm colors

Transform your double vanity

Painting the bathroom is another inexpensive way to give the room an entirely new look. If the walls of your washroom are currently a vibrant color, consider a more calming tone to give the room the luxurious and relaxing feel you’re aiming for. If your bathroom includes a clawfoot tub, you also can make it a two-tone tub to add a touch of relaxing elegance. Paint the tub’s exterior in a calming tone such as soft gray, and you will have transformed the washroom at little cost and even less effort.

Many homeowners prefer a double vanity in their bathrooms, as such a setup allows both men and women the space to get ready for bed or work without getting in one another’s way.

But instead of a traditional vanity with a counter between the sinks, consider installing matching pedestal sinks to surround an antique washstand. This can give the washroom a feel of antique luxury, and such washstands can found for a few hundred dollars.

Replace old fixtures Though they are often overlooked, cabinet and door fixtures as well as towel racks can greatly influence the feel of a washroom. If the cabinet and drawer handles are old or outdated, replace them with more modern options. Such a job might be even more effective if you repaint or reface existing cabinetry.

Neither task is terribly expensive, but both can give the washroom a more luxurious feel. The same goes for replacing old towel racks, which can be an eyesore if they’re especially dated.

Transforming a bathroom may seem like a significant and costly undertaking, but savvy homeowners can give their washrooms a new and luxurious look without spending much money.

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Fall Home Improvement 2014

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Stay safe when cleaning gutters Come the fall, when trees start to shed their leaves and winds pick up in advance of winter, gutters can easily become clogged with all sorts of debris. When clogged gutters are not cleaned out, a host of potentially costly issues can result, making gutter cleaning an essential autumn chore no homeowner should ignore.

Fully functioning gutters direct water away from the structure of a home and into nearby drainage systems. When clogged, gutters cannot direct that water away, and the result is often costly water damage to the home’s foundation. Water that is not directed away may find its way into the basement of a home, causing issues with flooding and mold. But clogged gutters also prevent water from leaving a roof, possibly leading to costly roof repairs and damage to the roof that can put a home’s inhabitants in danger. When snowfall accumulates on a roof, melting snow needs to make its way off the roof via the gutters. If those gutters are clogged with debris left over from the fall, roof damage, including leaks, is more likely to occur.

Clogged gutters also make a welcome respite for unwelcome pests, including rodents and insects. In the warmer months, clogged gutters may make an inviting home to mosquitoes and other pesky insects, while rodents may seek the warmth of clogged gutters when temperatures dip to near or below freezing.

Cleaning gutters is not that complicated, and many homeowners can clear their gutters of debris in a typical weekend afternoon. But the ease of cleaning gutters should not overshadow the safety risks homeowners take when climbing a ladder to clear out their gutters. The following are a few safety tips for homeowners to keep in mind when cleaning their gutters.

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Wear appropriate clothing Loose-fitting clothing should not be worn when cleaning gutters. Such attire is a tripping hazard and can easily compromise your balance by catching on the gutter or ladder as you reach to remove debris. Wear clothing that does not hang off of you and choose pants that do not fall below your sneakers. Pants that might be a little long in the leg can catch under your feet as you climb the ladder, momentarily costing you your balance and possibly leading to a fall. When choosing footwear, avoid old sneakers or work boots without much traction, opting instead for footwear that easily grips each rung of the ladder.

Don’t forget safety gear Many people forget to wear safety gear when cleaning their gutters. Such forgetfulness increases your risk of injury. When cleaning gutters, always remember to wear work gloves, which can protect your hands as you dig into gutters. Should you reach into a gutter without gloves on and grab something sharp, not only will you be cut but also you may be so startled that you lose your balance and fall off the ladder. In addition to work gloves, wear a

10

Stockbyte Remember to wear work gloves when cleaning gutters. Gloves will protect your hands as you dig into gutters.

Fall Home Improvement 2014

dust mask and safety goggles when cleaning gutters to prevent debris from getting into your mouth and eyes.

Work with a partner Cleaning gutters alone is a recipe for potentially devastating injury.

Even if you are not afraid of heights, scaling a ladder is not something to take lightly. Ladders can be shaky, especially on brisk autumn afternoons when the wind kicks up.

Working with a partner when cleaning gutters ensures someone is below you to hold the ladder steady in case of a stiff wind or if your jostling unintentionally shakes the ladder. Working with a partner also means someone is there to seek help should you fall off the ladder or suffer another type of injury that requires medical attention.

Use a trowel instead of your hands Digging into the gutter with your hands, even if those hands are covered by gloves, is an unnecessary

risk that can leave you susceptible to injury. When cleaning the gutters, dig out the debris with a trowel.

Dump debris below into a large garbage can When cleaning the gutter, do not carry a bucket with you to the top of the ladder. Carrying something as you climb up a ladder only increases your risk of injury. In addition, a bucket full of debris placed at the top of a ladder may tip over and compromise your balance. When dumping the debris you dig out with your trowel, dump it into a large garbage bin below. If you miss the bin every now and again, you can always sweep up after the job is completed.

Few homeowners look forward to cleaning their gutters. But such a task is necessary to prevent water and roof damage to your home.

When cleaning the gutters, remember to place safety at the top of your priority list.

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Show Info: The 21st annual Fall Home Improvement Show takes place Sept. 5-7 at the MetraPark Expo Center.

Show times are from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission and parking are free.

Exhibitor prizes and grand prize drawings are available.

For more information, log on to www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com.

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www.whitehvac.com Fall Home Improvement 2014

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