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Buyer's Delight

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

It's a common phenomenon at this time of the year — that annual "look-around-the-house" realization that some things need updating. For some, the experience is an impetus toward spring house-hunting and a fresh start in new surroundings. For others, it becomes a long list of home-improvement projects where everything from the bathroom to the yard is fair game. Regardless of the direction this yearly assessment takes, the next step in the process can be overwhelming, unless there is a visit to the 2008 Triad Home & Garden Show on the agenda.

Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem, the annual Triad Home & Garden Show is a three-day event that showcases all types of home-improvement products and services. Held at Benton Convention Center, the 2008 show opens Friday, and more than 120 vendors are scheduled to attend.

"The Triad Home & Garden Show is a nice size for a home show," said 2008 TH&G co-chair Tim Frazier. "It has a good community feel, and a lot of the companies have specials that are only available during the show."

"This show is also great for downtown residents," said Chair Chris Skarzynski. "The product offerings are helpful to downtown residents and include a lot of items that are good for upfitting an urban space."

Previous attendees to the Home & Garden Show know that they will be able to find almost anything they need for a renovation project at the event. Remodelers and builders are available to talk with show visitors about their projects, and vendor companies have many of their top-of-the-line products on display. Informative seminars run all day on Saturday, and topics are covered that address every area of the home, from yard to deck to bathroom and kitchen.

"Visitors to the show can attend the seminars, see the products and then go back to their builder or remodeler and incorporate the plan," said HBA 2008 President Mitch Lowrey. "By February, everybody is ready to see new ideas for improving their home."

Visitors to the show can also register for door prizes and a grand prize of a John Deere LA110 Lawn Tractor with a bagger, valued at more than $2,000. Other prizes include gift certificates for restaurants, bathroom fixtures and household accessories.

The garden area is also one of the most popular features at the show each year, and for 2008, an outdoor living area will be on display in the center garden display area. Piedmont Landscape & Design is designing the space, and PL&D's Jason Webb said several key outdoor living-room products including outdoor kitchen appliances, a fireplace and a pergola will be featured.

Other garden exhibitors include Foothills Nursery & Herbs, Earth's Images, Cardinal Lawn Scapes and L.A. Reynolds Garden Showcase. Representatives from each company will be on site during the show and will discuss garden projects and options with visitors.

"Folks should use the tab section to highlight the booths they want to visit," Skarzynski said. "There is something for everyone at the show, even for people who don't have a special project planned. It's a great place to get ideas and learn about products."

The 2008 Triad Home & Garden Show will be at Benton Convention Center on Feb. 22, 23 and 24. Hours on Friday are from 2 to 8 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $6 at the door, $5 in advance and available at the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem, BB&T and Habitat ReStore. For more information, call HBA at 336-768-5942 or go to www.hbaws.org.