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Take a trip to the convention center today and start designing your dream home

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

What would it take to make you happy in your home? What features could you add that would transform your attitude from the everyday "I like my house" kind of happy to the "Wow! I can't wait to get home this evening" type of elation? Would a luxury bathroom do the trick? How about a residential oasis outside your back door? Think about it for a moment, then jot down your answers. Next, put those answers in your pocket and head to Benton Convention Center for the last afternoon of the Triad Home & Garden Show.

Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem, the annual Triad Home & Garden Show is often described as the "one-stop shop" for home-improvement and construction projects. It doesn't matter what type of project you're considering, you can find resources at the show.

"The Home & Garden Show is a great place to do some comparison shopping," said 2008 co-chair Tim Frazier. "You can see it all in a couple of hours and visit many businesses in one place."

More than 120 businesses are exhibiting at this year's show, including builders, kitchen and bath product suppliers, and garden / landscape companies. In the garden display area, several exhibits feature key components of outdoor living spaces, a home trend that continues to grow in popularity.

"People are planning now for spring," said co-chair Chris Skarzynski. "Outdoor living is an important amenity for many homeowners, and we have four well-known sunroom and patio companies at the show. People can immediately compare and contrast the products."

In Remodel magazine's annual "Cost vs. Value" report, statistics show that homeowners recoup more than 78 percent of the cost of a bathroom remodel and more than 82 percent of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel. Although consumers might not choose to add every new bell and whistle to their new space, many have found that upgrading their homes is a viable alternative to living with outdated or underperforming products.

"We have all the bases covered, from simple houseplant displays to landscaping ideas, to kitchen countertops and cabinetry," Skarzynski said. "A lot of the baby-boomer population is downsizing, and with that comes unique challenges. People can find answers at the Home & Garden Show."

The 2008 Triad Home & Garden Show runs from noon to 5 p.m. today at Benton Convention Center. Tickets are $6, and ticketholders can register for a grand-prize drawing of a John Deere LA110 Lawn Tractor with bagger, valued at more than $2,000. For more information, go to www.hbaws.org.