Spring Home Improvement 2017

OFFICIAL 2017 GUIDE

34th Annual

Spring Home Improvement Show March 3, 4 & 5 • MetraPark Expo Center & Montana Pavilion The largest trade show in a five state area with more than 650 exhibits

34th Annual

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Spring Home Improvement Show 2017

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INSIDE Home improvements that increase home value........................................................... 6

Bring Home Billings In its 34th year, the Home Improvement Show is organized by a local family that strives to showcase the best home products and services the Billings region has to offer

Expect the unexpected when renovating a home.............................................................. 7 Map and vendor list..........................................................8-9 Landscaping needs vary by season................................. 10

By TIFFINI GALLANT tgallant@billingsgazette.com

Pitch in and save money.................................................... 11 Tools of the home renovator’s trade.................................12 Learn how to prevent DIY injuries.....................................13 Is it time to update your home’s electrical system?..................................................14 The official guide to the Spring Home Improvement Show is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Knatterud Content Editor Tiffini Gallant Access the Spring Home Improvement Show guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Content courtesy of Metro Services unless otherwise noted.

What do house-hunting newlyweds, a handyman looking for renovation ideas, and a family out on the town have in common? They’re all headed to the Spring Home Improvement Show.

With spring right around the corner, to-do lists grow as quickly as new grass. Maybe you’re on the market for a fixer-upper and want to see the latest and greatest in home remodeling. Perhaps you want neighborhood bragging rights with the most innovative grill or garage gadget. You might be looking to entertain the kids while you and your pals peruse exhibits and get inspiration for home projects. No matter the motive, you can have it all at the largest gathering of home gurus in the five-state region.

Friends, neighbors and families from near and far unite under the Big Sky at the 34th annual Spring Home Improvement Show from March 3 to March 5 at the MetraPark Expo Center and Montana Pavilion. Bring that to-do list and check off a few items; although you’ll probably add several new ones before you’re through.

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Spring Home Improvement Show 2017

family to coordinate the show, Beau and Devon Hedin know what it takes to make the event successful.

Their grandfather started the Home Improvement Show in 1983; showcasing 92 exhibits in the corridors of Rimrock Mall. The initial location gave way to the family business’s current moniker – Rimrock Productions. Chuckling, the brothers say their father tells the story better — and more often — than they do.

After more than three decades, the show has grown immensely.

Around 650 booths will occupy the 100,000 square feet indoors and up to 50,000 additional feet of outdoor space – more than any previous show.

The brothers reflect on having grown up at the home show. Under their father’s leadership, Beau joined in the family tradition 10 years ago; Devon followed six years later.

Beau remembers the day his dad came up with the show’s renown “Let’s all go!” jingle while they were driving together.

“My father is a marketing genius,” he said.

Devon, whose elementary school class chants the jingle in the commercials, recalls his father paying the students in candy bars.

Years later, the brothers say they feel blessed to continue the family legacy.

“It’s cool to be a part of such an iconic thing in Billings,” said Devon.

Close to home The Hedin brothers are proud to support area businesses at the Home Improvement Show.

“Ninety percent of all our vendors are local,” Beau said.

He promises visitors will see an array of new and innovative products and services from around the region. With upwards of 550 businesses vying for spots at the Home Show, the Rimrock Productions team gets to be selective.

“We are always trying to diversify the show,” said Beau.

Check out businesses like Sport Court of Montana, a leader in outdoor recreation and sporting facilities, and see a modern take on a vintage favorite with custom beds from Murphy Wall Beds. Presentations at this year’s event showcase everything from eco-friendly cleaning products to smart home systems.

“Automation and convenience right now is really key,” said Beau.

The show offers largescale demonstrations, too.

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Billings Nursery sets up a blooming outdoor living space with a custom-built water feature, while Pierce Homes exhibits two fully-constructed modular homes on site.

“No matter what your home need or question, we want to have someone out there to help,” said Beau.

The event connects community members and business representatives under one roof.

“You’re able to talk face-to-face with the person and see if you’ll work well with them,” Devon said.

With the variety of representatives from every aspect of the home industry, show-goers fi nd everything they need for their next project. And with most vendors operating locally, it’s easy to connect after the show.

“When we do business with local artisans, it keeps the money in Billings,” said Beau. “We’re really proud of that.”

Fun for the whole family The Spring Home Improvement Show isn’t just a place for industry greats and would-be customers; there are activities for every family member.

Gearing the show toward families is a mission for the Hedin brothers – one that means providing children with the same experiences and inspiring the same awe they had growing up.

“We were raised doing (the show),” said Beau. “It’s awesome for the kids.”

Parents and children can participate in craft-building workshops and take their fi nished projects home.

Rimrock Productions brings in tons of sand for Bill Dowe, a master sand and ice sculptor, to custom carve a 100-square-foot sculpture. There is a designated area for youngsters to play in the sand, and Dowe will provide tips to improve their own mini masterpieces.

You’re sure to need fuel between all the fun. The Home Show has you covered with more than 10 local food vendors. The Hedin brothers want to provide as much diversity in food as they do with the rest of the booths. With local cuisine from Big Guy Barbecue and Khanthaly’s Eggrolls, there’s bound to be something to satisfy every taste bud.

And don’t forget the prizes. Expect bigger, better and even more prizes

than ever before. Win a house cleaning package just in time for spring or even an entire exterior remodel worth $5,000. You don’t have to be present to win, so be sure to register during your visit.

The best part is that every activity home show-goers can partake in – workshops, demonstrations and even the prize drawings – is free. It’s no wonder the Spring Home Improvement Show sets the bar for all regional events of its kind. “(The show) can be a totally free thing for your family to come to,” said Beau.

With last year’s attendance at a whopping 30,000-plus people, this event has big boots to fi ll. Focusing on a diverse representation of area businesses, a variety of innovative products and services, and providing family-friendly fun, the Hedin brothers hope this year’s event is even better.

Whether you’re in need of something specific or trying to brainstorm for ideas, check out the Spring Home Improvement Show.

“Community support makes the show,” said Beau.

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Spring Home Improvement Show 2017

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Home improvements that increase home value When granite countertops or shiny, stainless steel appliances beckon homeowners from the display areas of home improvement stores, it’s tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward the items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. Even though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult.

Return on investment, often referred to as “ROI,” varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects bring substantial returns.

Real estate professionals routinely weigh in with

their expert advice, and homeowners can couple that advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Index” to reap the greatest financial impact from their renovations.

The following were some of the projects that garnered the greatest ROI in 2015.

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Turn up the kitchen heat An attractive kitchen can encourage buyers to overlook some of a home’s less attractive components. In the kitchen, replacement countertops, wall color changes, new cabinetry and flooring offer the biggest ROI.

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before other flashy remodels.

Many buyers have a strict budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with little or no maintenance issues. Such buyers will then upgrade the kitchen or baths themselves, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

project. Match the door’s style with the style of the house for the best value.

structural or maintenance issues, warn experts. Siding replacement, HVAC system repair or replacement, a new roof, and basement dampness prevention solutions can be smarter investments

Angie’s List, a home services review and referral resource, has found that the average ROI of new windows is 77 percent. The cost of installation and energy savings tend to offset at around the 10-year point.

If remodeling is on the horizon, homeowners should give strong consideration to ROI before choosing a project.

Expect the unexpected when renovating a home According to projections released in 2015 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, a growing number of people in the United States planned to renovate their homes in 2016. The report estimated that spending on remodeling and repairs in 2016 would climb 8.6 percent to $310 billion, a figure that is close to the peak reached in 2006.

While it is still too soon to tabulate all of the figures from 2016, a quick glance at the data indicates renovations have increased across the country. And one only need travel through communities to see a greater number of contractors and homeowners working on homes.

Tackling any renovation project is an exercise in patience. Renovations can impede on daily activities and cause a certain level

of upheaval in homeowners’ lives. Homeowners planning renovations also may find that they must have some wiggle room when it comes to both their budgets and their expectations. Remodeling, particularly with regard to older homes, may unveil unforeseen issues that only arise in the face of the renovation.

So what can homeowners expect during a renovation? The following are a few issues that might arise during home improvement projects.

Dirt and noise Homeowners can count on dust, debris and noise throughout the renovation process. Dust appears when walls come down or go up, and construction teams typically erect temporary walls or tarps to contain

the debris. Air filtering systems also can limit dust particles. Noise is unavoidable. If it becomes troublesome, arrange to be outside of the home when the bulk of the construction is taking place.

Delays or schedule changes Even the best contractors cannot control every aspect of the job. They rely on subcontractors and vendors to do portions of the work. Materials may not always arrive on time, or they may fall short of homeowners’ expectations.

This can push back the project schedule. Homeowners should hope for everything to be done on time, but it can be less stressful if homeowners anticipate delays and be a pleasant surprise if there are no delays.

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Hidden issues Contractors may uncover all sorts of issues that need to be addressed before a project can progress. Examples include the presence of asbestos (common in older homes), plumbing problems, incorrectly wired electrical systems, and leaks or moisture issues. These problems also can impact the cost of the project, so set aside some money in the budget for unforeseen expenses. Chances are you are going to need some extra money to handle a few surprises during the project.

It’s important to expect the unexpected when embarking on home renovations. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par for the remodeling course. However, the end result is often well Homeowners often discover hidden problems when delving into worth the time and effort. renovations.

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Landscaping needs vary by season Judging a home by its appearance is often par for the home-buying course. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors®, 49 percent of buying decisions are made from the street.

An appealing home exterior suggests the homeowner takes pride in his or her home and wants to make every effort to maintain that home. Curb appeal involves various components a home’s exterior, but beautiful landscaping can make a home stand out.

While maintaining a lawn is something many homeowners may think is exclusive to spring and summer, lawn maintenance is really a year-round endeavor. The following steps can help anyone maintain curb appeal no matter the season.

newal when plants and trees will begin to look fresh and green once more.

Spring maintenance includes applying fertilizer to lawns, replenishing mulch in planting beds, creating more pronounced edges around the lawn and garden beds, and testing soil. Some homeowners like to apply a weed-prevention product in the spring as well. Spring is a good time to plant annuals that will add a pop of color to the landscape. For those concerned about permanent planting, container gardening allows homeowners to move around planters in a configuration that works best for them.

Summer

Summer landscaping is all about maintaining what was established in the spring. Regular mowing, Spring weeding and trimming can Spring is a season of re- keep a landscape mani-

cured. Other than drought, weeds are perhaps the biggest lawn and garden nuisance to a landscape in the summertime. Black medic, carpetweed, knotweed, mallow and prostate spurge are some of the weeds that will crop up during the summer. Seeds begin to germinate as soil warms up. According to the University of Maryland Extension, control with a broadleaf postemergent herbicide applied when the weed is actively growing will help prevent weeds from suffocating that just endured summer heat. Seeding and fertilizing lawns. can ensure a stronger lawn come next spring. PerenniAutumn als should be pruned and cut Autumn is often a forgot- back. Raking leaves will help ten season when it comes to keep the property looking maintaining a landscape. presentable.

However, fall is a key time to keep landscapes in order. Winter According to the landscapOne of the ways to ing resource LoveYourLandscape.com, fall is the maintain an attractive throughout ideal time to tend to a lawn landscape

winter is to install plants that can survive the colder temperatures. Winterberry is a cousin of holly, but loses its leaves in the fall. The bright red berries can be a stark contrast to the white of winter snowfall. Camellia is an evergreen that blooms from fall to early spring and looks like pink roses. Heather is a popular plant in the United Kingdom, but is growing in

popularity on this side of the Atlantic as well. The Home Depot says this plant blooms all year and offers beautiful flowers in summer and fall. In winter, the thick foliage makes for an appealing contrast to the more delicate blooms of other winter plants.

Maintaining a landscape through the seasons makes a home attractive all year long.

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Pitch in and save money Home improvement projects can be expensive.

While the size and complexity of a project will affect how expensive the project is, homeowners can expect to shell out a pretty penny when they renovate or remodel areas of their home.

According to HomeAdvisor, an online resource for homeowners looking to connect with home improvement, maintenance and repair professionals, the average bathroom remodeling project costs $9,348, while the average home addition costs slightly less than $41,000. But renovation-minded homeowners need not reconsider their commitment to remodeling, as there are various ways to cut the costs associated with home improvement projects.

One such way is for homeowners to pitch in and do some of the work themselves. Calculating labor costs can be difficult, as such costs can vary greatly depending on the project, the contractor and the amount of hired help that contractor intends to employ. However, some estimates suggest labor will account for anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the overall cost of the project. So it’s no surprise that homeowners can save themselves substantial amounts of money by doing some of the work themselves.

Homeowners who intend to do some of the labor themselves should discuss this plan with contractors during the vetting process.

Before hiring a contractor, make sure homeowners’ expected labor contribu-

tions are clearly defined in the contract.

While it’s best to leave the most complicated parts of a project to the professionals, homeowners can pitch in during the following phases.

Demolition Demolition involves more than picking up a sledgehammer and swinging away. Some demolition projects are best left to the pros. For example, any projects that involve exposure to hazardous materials are risky and therefore best left to experienced laborers.

However, many homeowners are capable of safely and effectively pulling cabinets from walls, removing flooring or knocking down drywall. Homeowners unsure of how to approach demo-

lition tasks can ask their contractors to demonstrate the proper technique so the demolition is done right and on time.

Salvage Removing debris and items that will no longer be needed once the renovation is complete is another way homeowners can pitch in.

Homeowners remodeling their kitchens may be replacing their existing stoves and refrigerators and hoping to donate these items. In such instances, driving the items to the donation site or arranging for them to be picked up rather than taken off the premises by the contractor or his employees can cut labor costs, as it allows laborers to keep working toward the end goal rather than requiring them to leave

the work site to drop un- ing up the site each day, asking him or her what can be wanted items off. discarded and what must remain on-site.

Cleanup Home improvements Homeowners also can are costly. But homeowners save costs by cleaning up af- who are capable of pitchter the contractors at the end ing in can greatly reduce of each workday. Speak with the overall cost of their next the contractor about clean- renovation project.

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Home renovation projects can be both exciting and tricky. Do-it-yourselfers are inspired by designs showcased in magazines, websites and their own communities. When DIY enthusiasts see a design they like, it’s understandable that they may want to emulate these looks at home.

Remodeling is one of the larger DIY undertakings, and it goes beyond simple carpentry. Considering demolition, reconstruction, electrical, plumbing, and masonry work may be part of the DIY package, homeowners who are thinking about renovations must first stock up on the tools and other supplies of the trade.

Having the right tools can mean the difference between a job well done and a job that needs to be redone.

than their pockets to store fasteners and hand tools.

Pouches can be attached to tool belts for added storage capacity.

Stud finder Invest in a more foolproof method of locating studs behind drywall then knocking on the wall. Stud finders can provide a picture of studs, pipes and other hidden items inside an entire length of wall. This is essential to driving nails where they belong and can also prevent sending fasteners into wires or nearby plumbing.

Level

A level is an essential tool for everyone from casual decorators to more involved renovators. Whether hanging pictures or ensuring Crowbar or prybar molding is parallel, levels Before you can put in new are must-have tools for DIconstruction, you might Yers. have to get your hands dirty with some demolition. Safety glasses Crowbars or prybars can be Invest in a pair of safety used to pry up wood slats, glasses so no one workremove nails or remove old ing on a project deals with decking. obstructed vision. Safety glasses also provide ample Tool pouch eye protection.

A tool and fastener pouch gives DIYers a place other Extension cords If power tools are part

of the renovation picture, extension cords can safely extend power where it is needed. Be sure to invest in a gauge that is large enough to handle the amperage of your most powerful tool.

Measuring tape The “measure twice, cut once” mantra is key to home improvements. To measure accurately each and every time, no tool chest is complete without a sturdy measuring tape.

Ladder varieties Home improvements aren’t always at ground level. Purchase ladders of various heights so you can safely reach various areas of the home and avoid injury.

Step stools, a step ladder and an extension ladder all have their purposes on the job.

Digital inspection scope A scope lets you see inside walls, floors and ceilings to find the exact location of pipes, wires and joists. It also can be used to seek out the source of clogged drains or anywhere you desire sight into hard-to-maneuver areas.

In addition to these tools, brooms, shop-vacs, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers can complete a DIYer’s basic toolbox.

Learn how to prevent DIY injuries Thousands of people try their hands at do-ityourself home improvement projects every year.

Whether working indoors or outdoors, wearing safety gear and exercising caution is a necessity when undertaking any home remodeling project.

According to the Home Safety Council, one in five consumers will need medical attention this year as a result of home improvement projects. A 2013 survey by 3M TEKK Protection and the National Safety Council found that more than onequarter of DIY home improvement projects ended with injuries to homeowners or someone else in the household. Falls from ladders, cuts from power tools and injuries from thrown debris account for many emergency room visits. Accidents involving chemicals

and cleaning agents also can occur. Safety should be the utmost priority when renovating, and that means utilizing appropriate safety equipment.

to reduce the risk of dam- protection against addiage to hearing and potential tional substances. hearing loss.

Footwear

When working with chemicals and other products that have strong odors and/or emit particulates into the air, make sure you do so in well-ventilated areas. This will help dissipate the smell and prevent inhalation of concentrated chemical substances.

Masks guard against dust, pollen and some other microscopic particles and may not provide enough protection, depending on the job. The Home Depot suggests using particulate or filtration respirators when performing tasks, such as sanding, where you might be exposed to particles. Gas and vapor respirators offer

Wear solid shoes that provide considerable traction during home improvements. A firm, reinforced toe is helpful as well. Should any items fall, they’ll be less likely to cause injury if your foot is encased in a protective boot or sturdy shoe.

Soles that grip surfaces will help safeguard against slips and falls.

Eye protection Safety goggles and glasses are a must-have for any do-it-yourselfer.

They will provide a barrier between the eye and fly-

Create a safe Ventilation and environment respiratory protection When working at home,

Respiratory protection is essential when dealing with particulates in the air and vapors.

ing debris. According to VisionWeb, an eye education resource, most of the 110,000 eye injuries that occur each year in homes within the United States result from splashes with household cleaners, flying debris such as wood chips, or getting hit by branches.

Many of these injuries can be prevented by wearing eye protection.

Ear protection Power tools can be quite loud. When operating loud, powered machinery, use earplugs or safety earmuffs

make sure to use tools in the manner in which they were designed. Keep power cords tidy so they do not pose a tripping hazard. Falls from ladders often occur when climbing above the recommended rung or engaging in risky behavior while on the ladder, such as reaching or hanging over too far.

When outdoors, exercise caution in inclement weather, which can make it harder to work safely. Be sure there are no bystanders too close when using power tools or tools that can kick up debris.

The right safety gear and some smart do-it-yourself techniques can help DIYers avoid injury.

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Is it time to update your home’s electrical system?

The invisible systems in a home often are taken for granted. When such systems are working as expected, daily life moves along smoothly. However, when a system goes awry, it can negatively impact routines and may create a dangerous home environment. This is especially true when something goes wrong with a home’s electrical system.

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires.

Many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes, might be living in properties that have outdated electrical systems. The experts at Lowes ProServices state that having old wiring and/or insufficient amperage in a house can endanger residents. It also may damage appliances and make it difficult to sell a

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property in the future.

It can be difficult to gauge exactly when to overhaul an electrical system. Unless circuits routinely trip or lights often dim, homeowners may put off the work. But degrading wires or overextended circuitry can pose a fire risk, so it is best to address electrical systems promptly.

Home inspections may uncover electrical problems.

Some homeowners may discover potential trouble while making renovations that require opening up walls or tearing them down, exposing the wires. Still other homeowners learn about electrical systems when they’re adding new, large appliances or other gadgets that consume more power than existing items.

These devices may continu-

Spring Home Improvement Show 2017

ally cause power outages in the house, such as tripping the circuit breaker or popping a fuse.

When it comes time to update the electrical system, it is always best to work with licensed and bonded electri-

cians who have the expertise to work with electrical wiring without getting injured.

This is not a do-it-yourself type of job since it requires specialized training.

Electricians likely will recommend upgrading the

electrical panel to bring more power from the utility poles into the home. This can include replacing the existing meter and circuit breaker box to allow it to handle more power or replacing items that are obsolete or dangerous.

Many older homes are only capable of handling a minimum number of amps, utilizing just a few circuits.

But nowadays, when homeowners have far more electronics in their homes than they once did, increased demand on electricity can overload a circuit (all of the outlets linked on one wire).

Tripping a circuit breaker is a safety measure to prevent the wire from becoming overheated and causing a fire. However, in some old systems, the circuit breaker will not trip, and this can be

problematic.

Rewiring a home is another step. Wire insulation can deteriorate over time, and new wires may be needed. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it’s a small price to pay for safety.

When rewiring an electrician also may suggest new outlets. Many home building codes now require outlets with ground fault interruptors, or GFIs, in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms exposed to moisture. Some older homes may not even have three-pronged outlets, so this will necessitate an update as well.

Electrical systems are the heart of a home, delivering power where it is needed. It is essential to keep such systems up-to-date so they can handle the power demands of everyday life.

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Spring Home Improvement Show 2017

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Spring Home Improvement Show 2017