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.