HBA Home Remodeling Expo Concludes Successful Weekend: Strongest Attendance since 2007

American Glass' New Shower Display at Remodeling Expo

SPRINGFIELD - As the curtain fell Sunday on the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's annual Home Remodeling Expo, vendors and organizers alike were encouraged. Nearly 5,000 people attended the show - better attendance than in either of the two most recent years of the show. Beyond sheer numbers, vendor evaluation forms indicated those in attendance appeared to be in a serious planning mode for home improvement, remodel or new construction projects.

"That is a refreshing and welcome shift in the mindset of consumers," said Matt Morrow, CEO of the HBA of Greater Springfield. "We know that the economic conditions here have been better than in most markets, but that doesn't mean it has been easy. There is a difficult psychology that can set in with a national recession, causing many people who objectively really should consider buying a home or remodeling the one they are in, to hesitate. Based on what we were hearing this weekend, that psychology could finally be shifting in a more positive direction."

That would be good news not just for the residential construction industry, but for the overall economic picture in southwest Missouri. Every 100 single famlily homes built equates to about 300 fulltime jobs in the region - and millions of dollars in ripple effect throughout local economies. The impact of remodeling projects is similar. As those projects begin happening again at a rate closer to normal levels, overall economic conditions should turn dramatically for the better.

Strong vendor participation (booth space for the show sold out a full week before the show opened Friday) and rebounding attendance for this weekend's local show is consistent with recent national indications of a resurgent remodeling industry. The most recent data from the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), points to double digit growth in remodeling spending by the first quarter of 2011. The study also indicates that home improvement activity appears to be moving beyond simple replacement projects and energy retrofits to broader remodels and upgrades.

Professional association surveys involving remodelers, architects and design professionals also demonstrate homeowner interest in dealing with structural changes such as accessibility and open spaces. People reportedly are asking for more flexible, open, and informal layouts that allow for both ease of movement and fostering a space more conducive to family living. The most recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) quarterly survey results released in August showed improving conditions for kitchen and bath remodeling as well as additions and alterations.

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Draws Attention of Local Media

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's annual Home Remodeling Expo today announced it experienced its best attendance since 2007. The enthusiasm surrounding the weekend activities at the Fairgrounds E*Plex drew considerable attention from the local media as well. Here is a summary / recap of a portion of the local news coverage of the event:

KY3: In addition to coverage on their Friday newscasts, KY3 morning host Maria Neider interviewed Shannon Lee (Rock Solid Construction) and Susie Cornell and Denise Wright (Decorating Den) live from the show on the Saturday morning show. Those interviews can be viewed below:

Shannon Lee (Rock Solid Construction) Live on KY3 Saturday AM

Susie Cornell and Denise Wright (Decorating Den) Live on KY3 Saturday AM



Springfield Business Journal (October 11-17 Issue):

Remodeling expo brings professionals, homeowners together

Home Remodeling Expo sells out of booth space

Housing investments require close eye on costs

A Conversation With ... Gene Douglas



KOLR & KSFX:

Remodeling Expo in Downtown Springfield, MO



Springfield News-Leader:

Home remodeling ideas abound at Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's expo

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Opens to Strong Crowd

The 2010 Home Builders Association Home Remodeling Expo officially opened Friday at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E*Plex in Springfield. When the show opened at 1pm, the gathered crowd strung all the way outside into the parking lot. Moments earlier, HBA Public Affairs Director Jennifer McClure visited with exhibitors as they put the finishing touches on their displays:

ABOVE: Metro Appliances & More features a plasma TV-styled room heater




ABOVE: Paul Davis Restoration offers fire prevention tips

Home Remodeling Expo TV Spot

The HBA of Greater Springfield's annual Home Remodeling Expo opens Friday, and this television ad has been seen by thousands across the Ozarks already as they make plans to attend. Home remodeling doesn't start at home... it starts at the HBA Home Remodeling Expo, October 15-17.

HBA 2010 Home Remodeling Expo Starts This Friday, October 15

The HBA's 2010 Home Remodeling Expo begins this Friday, October 15 at 1 p.m. in the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Attendees will find all the products and professionals under one roof that they would need for any scope of home improvement project.

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Hours:
Friday, October 15 - 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, October 16 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, October 17 - 11 am to 5 pm
Admission: $4

“It’s no coincidence the Expo’s booth space is sold out. For the first time in several years, home improvement spending is on the upswing,” said Matt Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of the HBA. “Homeowner optimism is on the rise and that means people feel confident investing in their homes. The most recent data from the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity* (LIRA), points to double digit growth in remodeling spending by the first quarter of 2011.” Morrow added the study indicates home improvement activity appears to be moving beyond simple replacement projects and energy retrofits to broader remodels and upgrades.

“That growth also seems to be confirmed on the design trend side of the equation,” Morrow said. “Professional association surveys involving remodelers, architects and design professionals demonstrate homeowner interest in dealing with structural changes such as accessibility and open spaces. People want more flexible, open, and informal layouts that allow for both ease of movement and fostering a space more conducive to family living.” Morrow also pointed to the most recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) quarterly survey results released in August which showed improving conditions for kitchen and bath remodeling as well as additions and alterations. “Analysis indicated that these substantial remodeling projects were the healthiest sector of the market,” Morrow said.

Expo attendees who opt to learn more at one of the Expo's educational seminars will have a special opportunity to win prizes donated by exhibitors including Acme Brick, American Detection, American Glass, DeLong Plumbing, Family Safe, Inventory It All, Metro Appliances & More, Southern Supply Company, Unique Tile, and Screenmobile.

Seminars offered by the HBA Remodelers™ Council include:

Friday, October 15, 1-7
3:00 Green Remodeling: An Overview
4:00 Which Remodeler Is Right For Your Project?

Saturday, October 16, 10-7
1:00 Which Remodeler Is Right For Your Project?
2:00 2010 Design Tips & Trends - HBA Remodelors™ Council & Decorating Den Interiors
3:00 There's No Place Like Home - HBA Remodelors™ Council & Meek's - The Builder's Choice

Sunday, October 17, 11-5
1:00 What's Wrong With This Kitchen? - HBA Remodelors™ Council & Decorating Den Interiors
3:00 Which Remodeler Is Right For Your Project?

For a list of exhibitors, click here.

*Released July 10, 2010, by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The next LIRA release date is October 21, 2010.

News-Leader: 'It's a good time to build'

On Monday, October 19, Springfield News-Leader reporter Cory de Vera had this report from the weekend HBA Home Remodeling Expo:

'It's a good time to build'

Remodeling expo attracts fewer,

but more serious patrons this year.

For Battlefield residents Judy and Jerry O'Dell, the Home Builders Association Home Remodeling Expo was the place to be over the weekend.

After living in their home 33 years, Judy O'Dell said she's ready for some upgrades.

"I'm looking at remodeling the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room," she said. "I'm wanting wood floors, granite tops. I'm wanting marble in my bathroom."

Matt Morrow, executive director of the HBA, estimated that this year's show at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds drew about 4,500 people Friday through Sunday, fewer than the 5,000 to 7,000 that the show has drawn in years past.

But, vendors told him, those who did come seemed to have definite plans for projects. In other years, the show may attract higher numbers of people who come for entertainment.

"They did say the show helps create a few jobs that will help get them through to the next construction season," Morrow said.

If the Remodeling Market Index is an accurate measure, business has been picking up from when the index hit a low point in December 2008.

The RMI is an economic indicator created by the National Association of Home Builders based on a survey that goes out every quarter to 2,000 remodelers around the country. The survey asks questions about the current demand for remodeling for projects under $25,000 and for projects over $25,000.

A second portion of the survey calculates an index number quantifying future expectations of remodelers, based on responses to questions about topics like their calls for bids and their backlog of work.

In December 2008, the index number measuring future expectations hit a low of 18.6, but that climbed to 30 after the first quarter of 2009 and to 34.2 after the second quarter. The index numbers reflecting actual contracts showed the same trend.

Still, those numbers are a far cry from when the indexes were over 50 in 2003 and 2004.

Morrow said anecdotally, he has heard that business for remodelers had been picking up locally, but there isn't an easy way to get hard data for the area.

"A lot of municipalities and most counties in this part of the state don't issue permits (because) they don't have building codes," said Morrow. "So you can't just go down to the courthouse and say, 'How many remodels have we had?' You can for a particular permitting jurisdiction that they happen to track, but you can't do it for all of southwest Missouri."

One trend Morrow has seen is that as demand for new construction has decreased, builders have moved into major remodeling projects instead.

That was true for builder Sam Bradley.

"Almost all the calls that I get have been for remodeling this year, up until about three or four weeks ago," Bradley said.

"Then just this last month I've had five calls for new homes. That's why I think new construction is coming back."

Springfield residents Gary and Tish Orrick came to the show because they are planning to build a new home, starting in the next 30 days.

"It's a good time to build," Gary Orrick said. "With the economy being bad, all of the subs and all of the people who furnish materials for you have lowered their prices."

Judy O'Dell, who was planning major remodeling, said she was spotting good deals, too.

Remodeling appeals to her more than buying a new home because she likes where she lives, she said. In the long run, she believes remodeling will cost less.

"And when you remodel you can do it one room at a time," she said. "You can save your money, do one room, rather than dishing out all the money at once. ... Nowadays with the economy, you have to save for each project."

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Starts Friday, October 16

The HBA's Home Remodeling Expo begins this Friday, October 16 at 1 p.m. in the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Attendees will find all the products and professionals under one roof that they would need for any scope of home improvement project.

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Hours:
Friday, October 16 - 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, October 17 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, October 18 - 11 am to 5 pm
Admission: $4

This year, show attendees will have an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $250 gift certificate from American Glass. Expo attendees who opt to learn more at one of the Expo's educational seminars will have a special opportunity to win one of more than $3500 worth of prizes donated by exhibitors including one grand prize for which all seminar attendees will be eligible -- $1,000 toward a remodeling project performed by a participating HBA remodeler.

Seminars offered by the HBA Remodelers Council include:
Which Remodeler Is Right for Your Project?
Friday - 4pm Saturday - 1pm Sunday - 3pm
Tax Credits: Let’s Get Real - KPM, CPAs
Friday - 3pm Saturday - 3pm
Home Improvements for Value & Lifestyle
Saturday - 2pm Sunday - 1pm

"Remodeling activity is healthy," said Matt Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of the HBA of Greater Springfield. "Residential remodeling showed modest gains during the second quarter of 2009 with increases in all indicators, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). And, there are tax incentives right now for those interested in upgrading certain energy efficient appliances and equipment."

In the Midwest, the remodeling index climbed from 36.1 to 38.3. All measures for future expectations in the remodeling market increased significantly nationwide. Remodelers reported growth in calls for bids at 38.8 (up from 34.2 in the first quarter).

Remodeling Market Activity Builds Momentum

Residential remodeling showed modest gains during the second quarter of 2009 with increases in all indicators, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The current market conditions measure grew to 38.1 from 34.5 in the first quarter. Future expectations rose to 34.2 from 30 in the previous quarter.

The RMI measures remodeler perceptions of market demand for current and future residential remodeling projects. Any number over 50 indicates that the majority of remodelers view market conditions as improving. The RMI has been running below 50 since the final quarter of 2005, following decreasing remodeling expenditures since that time.

"With more calls from home owners and more projects under way, remodelers are seeing better activity in their businesses," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz. "Although remodeling jobs are still harder to find, home owners are showing more interest in remodeling spending."

Indicators for current remodeling market conditions improved across all regions: 36.9 in the Northeast (from 35.7 in the first quarter), 38.3 in the Midwest (from 36.1), 39.7 in the South (from 34.3), and 40.5 in the West (from 32.8). A significant portion of the market improvement came from the measure for major additions and alterations (jobs worth $25,000 or more) with a leap to 38.2 (from 32.7). Smaller growth was observed in the indicators for minor additions and alternations (less than $25,000) at 41.5 (up from 39.1), and maintenance and repair at 33.6 (grew from 30.4)

All measures for future expectations in the remodeling market increased significantly. Remodelers reported growth in calls for bids at 38.8 (from 34.2 in the first quarter). The backlog of remodeling jobs jumped to 34.4 (from 28.5). And appointments for proposals climbed to 40.3 (from 35.3).

"While remodelers remain cautious, they report business is looking a little better after several challenging quarters," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "Conditions for this quarter have returned to nearly the levels of this time last year. The uptick in the expectations component suggests this trend will continue as the entire housing market begins its recovery."

To view a list of HBA Member remodelers, click here for SpringfieldHBA.com's "Find-A-Pro" feature; enter the word "remodeler" in the Keyword Search field. To meet the requirements for membership, HBA remodelers must annually provide proof of state required Workers' Compensation insurance and consumer protecting General Liability insurance. The 2009 HBA Home Remodeling Expo is scheduled for October 16 - 18 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex.

KY3 Ozarks Today: Live from the HBA Home Remodeling Expo!

KY3's Abby Wuellner broadcast live from the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds Saturday morning for the debut of the station's Saturday Ozarks Today show. It is the site of the HBA Home Remodeling Expo, continuing Saturday and Sunday at the Fairgrounds E*Plex. Four segments were broadcast live during the one-hour show. This summary includes all four live updates. HBA member guests featured included Brian Tidwell (Tidwell Concrete) and Mark Nichols (Missouri Insulation Supply). Later, KY3 also featured coverage on its evening news about how the HBA Home Remodeling Expo is a 'hit' in spite of economic challenges. You can watch all the highlights below.

Ozarks Today highlights

KY3 Evening News Highlights

Springfield News Leader Covers Home Remodeling Expo on Front Page

The Springfield News-Leader's Didi Tang reported on the HBA Home Remodeling Expo in an article that appeared on the paper's front page Saturday (October 18). 

Springfield News-Leader

October 18, 2008

'Market is still out there' for home improvements

Didi Tang

News-Leader

Local construction of new homes has taken a hit from the sluggish housing market, but Springfieldians remain enthusiastic about home improvements.

As of this week, homeowners in Springfield have applied for 275 permits totaling nearly $11.8 million worth of remodeling and repair work for their houses, compared to 352 permits worth just a little over $11 million for the entire year of 2007.

"They're investing their money in their own homes," said Matt Morrow, executive director for the Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield.HIGHLIGHT THIS AND PASTE FIRST PORTION TO HEREhighlight this and paste remainder

That probably explains why the annual Home Remodeling Expo -- which began Friday and ends Sunday at the Missouri Entertainment and Events Center -- once again sold out its booth space to area businesses.

"The vendors believe the market is still out there, or they wouldn't have spent hundreds of dollars to set up a booth," said Jennifer McClure, director of public affairs for the local HBA.

Morrow added the actual dollar figure for home improvements surpasses the amount recorded at City Hall because many renovation jobs don't require a permit.

The remodeling expo, which allows local businesses in the building industry to make direct sale pitches to consumers, apparently has its draw from near and far.

"If there are good projects with good prices, it may have an influence," said Gene Jones of Harrison, Ark.

More likely than ever, homeowners are getting better prices and more timely services, said Mark Sechler, who owns Sechler Remodeling.

On Friday, he filled his booth with photos of his past renovation jobs.

Sechler said he remains busy but does not have as much backlog as he had a year ago.

"That's a good thing (for homeowners). You can get more prompt service than when everybody was busy," he said. "Price? (Remodelers) want to stay busy ... they are willing to come down a little to keep their men and women working."

Monta Wiggin, a project manager with B's Renaissance Renovations, said the demographics of those who remodel have shifted as the housing market changes.

A few years ago, more people were investing in homes they could sell for a profit in a booming market, Wiggin said.

Today, homeowners are spending money to remodel homes they plan to stay in for the next few years, so they may not rush as much as the flippers, Wiggin said.

Another trend is that homeowners, like Debbie Hendricks of Springfield, are renovating for energy efficiency.

"When the economy is what it is now, you're not going to put a rug under your dining table, but (you'll) improve energy efficiency," said Hendricks, who plans to purchase doors and windows that will help lower utility bills.

She added that she has become more environmentally conscious and is recycling more.

Chris Lowe, a sales consultant with Krueger Mechanical Services, said the business is booked through January. Krueger sells tankless water heaters and water furnaces that draw energy from underground.

Some who came to the expo Friday were interested in new ideas.

"We're looking for innovative ideas for our new home," said David Sayre, who moved to Ava from Tacoma, Wash., with wife Cathy.

Some said the economic downturn has little impact on their remodeling plans.

"We don't have major projects," said Ron Crosswhite of Republic.

Chimed in his wife, Sharon: "We want our home to be more customized to what we want." 

Purchase this Photo

Mark Sechler, owner of Sechler Remodeling, prepares the backdrop of his booth for display Friday at the HBA Home Remodeling Expo. (Didi Tang / News-Leader)

WANT TO GO?

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Missouri Entertainment and Event Center E-Plex, 3001 N Grant Ave.
Cost: $4 per person. Parking is free For more information call 881-3711 or go to www.SpringfieldHBA.com.
There are also free seminars:
Today:
1 p.m. -- Which remodeler is right for your project?
3 p.m. -- Improving for value and lifestyle
5 p.m. -- Seniors: Remodel it right
Sunday:
1 p.m. -- Improving for value and lifestyle

3 p.m. --Which remodeler is right for your project?