How To Maximize The Benefits of Attending A Home Show

How To Attend A Home Show Like A Pro

The home show. A bounty of contractors, manufacturers, service providers, and other vendors there to help you improve your home and lifestyle. Home shows can inspire you to take on the project(s) that have been on your wish and to-do list. Get ideas, find out the latest trends, meet face to face with potential contractors and providers, enjoy local food, entertainment, and more. You never know what you will find.

There are so many booths to explore. Rosie on the House participates in multiple of shows each year, one of theme being the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association’s (SAHBA) show that is twice a year in Tucson. When you are aware that a home show is coming up, use these tips to help you maximize your visit.

Pre-Show Preparation

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself why you are going to the home show. Are you seeking home services such as plumbing, HVAC, floor care and such or are you planning to remodel and are seeking contactors for your project? Or are you just going for something to do and free swag?

Once you know the why, then you can prepare accordingly. We are going to assume you are going because you have a project.

Start by creating an outline of the project(s) including the scope, timeframe, budget, and the types of contractors you will need. Take photos or a video walkthrough of your home and bring them with you. This will allow potential vendors to get an idea of the project and whether they can help you.

Before heading out the door to the show, review the show's website. Some shows will also have handy inserts in the newspaper. Those resources will have the list and booth numbers of the vendors, show floor map, schedule of special stage presentations, and other services that may be of interest. Plus, you may find discount tickets and vendor coupons.

Make a list of vendors you want to visit by aisle number, so you don’t have to walk back and forth throughout the expo center. From the vendor’s online listing, click on their website and do some pre-show research.

Check the Arizona Registrar of Contractor’s (www.roc-az.gov) website to see if the contractors you want to visit are currently licensed and in good standing. It is illegal to contract in Arizona without a license (unless the project is less than $1,000, including parts and labor). The information from the home show's guide will help you do your due diligence on the vendors before you speak with them.

These Shoes Are Made for Walking

Home shows tend to be in exhibit halls, with numerous booths spread out over a few acres of concrete flooring. Wear comfortable shoes! Blisters and aching feet may send you home before you accomplish your goals.

Dress in layers. In Arizona, we roast outside and then freeze form the AC inside. If the show is partially or completely outdoors, wear sunscreen, a hat, long-sleeves, and sunglasses so you can peruse the outside vendors comfortably. Bring water so you can hydrate as you walk from booth to booth.

Arriving at the Show

Timing is everything. Beat the peak traffic and visit the show upon the doors opening or late in the afternoon. You will have more time to chat with the individual vendors. If there is someone specific you want to see, call ahead, and make an appointment to meet at their booth. The bonus of going at the end of the last day of the show, is you may score some great deals on products the vendors do not want to take back with them.

Give yourself plenty of time to find parking and walk the show. Allow yourself enough time to visit the booths and ask the questions you want, set appointments, and take pictures of products that interest you.

Do & See It All

In addition to the vendor booths, there are demonstrations, stage presentations, food, and entertainment. Take the time to listen to the speakers. They have lived through many successful and some not-so successful projects and offer valuable insight. You just may pick up a gem or two of information that will be your “ah ha!” moment of the show. 

Apples to Apples or Apples and Oranges

This your chance to comparison shop in one place at one time.

Home shows generally have multiple vendors from the same service category. For example, solar energy is a popular service at Arizona home shows. You will have plenty of contractors to select. Do not limit yourself to visiting only one. The show is an ideal opportunity to visit multiple vendors face to face, get pricing, and determine whether you want to schedule an appointment. You may find that the original contractor of interest is not the right fit.

Think Beyond Your Project

Even if you are attending the show with a specific project in mind, keep your options open. You may come across something that you didn't think of, forgot about, or may not need in that moment. Create contacts now so you will be ready when the next project comes up.

Give Your Feedback

The best way to ensure that home shows offer the products and services most homeowners (or future homeowners) want is to fill out their exit surveys. Most shows have an incentive such as the chance to win a prize. For example, SAHBA raffles off an iPad from the responses they receive.

That’s A Wrap

Exhibitors are eager to answer your questions about home building, remodeling, maintenance, landscaping, and other products and services to improve your home.

When you come prepared, you can receive a wealth of information about home projects. In most cases, there will be a vendor who can offer the services you are seeking. If such a vendor is not there, visit the Home Show office and ask the staff for a recommendation.

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Photo Credits:

• Rosie on the House