 | Wess Galyon is President and Chief Executive Office of the Wichita Area Builders Association which is the largest building industry trade association in the state of Kansas. He has been with the Association in this capacity since 1986 and represents the interests of builders and associates from his local association. Wess can be reached at his office, 316-265-4226. For more information, go to www.wabahome.com. |
Home Improvement
2007-02-01 13:49:00
Remodeling industry...is it changing?
Is the remodeling industry changing?
ANSWER: The Wichita Area Builders Association has been producing the Home Show for 53 years. It has always been a very popular local event and, over the years, has expanded to include visitors from all over Kansas. A tour of the parking lot shows a minimum of 30 percent out of county car tags.
Most of the people that attend the show are home owners or getting ready to buy their first home. About 38,000 – 42,000 people attend the Show. It maintains its popularity because these people know that they can see just about every home related product in one location. As we always say, it’s the largest window shopping spree around with over 260 exhibiting companies. Every business knows that the people attending are comparing products and doing major research. People feel free to ask questions and not feel pressured.
The remodeling industry is changing. People are so busy that they require contractors to do a lot more than they did a few years ago. Design, product knowledge, major help with product selection is expected. Contractors need to be able to present a full package. Many contractors send their customer to the show to expedite this process.
PEOPLE ARE PUTTING THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR ADDRESS IS
If a home is 22 years or older, most likely some of the systems are in need of being replaced or at least upgraded. The life of many of the appliances and mechanical systems is nearing an end and surely aren't as efficient and convenient as they need to be. Americans will spend 100 billion dollars this year remodeling. The most sought after jobs are opening up the floor plans, new kitchens, creating master suites, changing window and door systems.
Kitchens:
Kitchens have evolved from an occupational space where the housewife was isolated behind closed doors, away from family activities, to the social nerve center of the home. It is a high-tech work center, intimate gathering place for family and friends and often the headquarters for managing family affairs. Many kitchens are built to accommodate multiple cooks. Food preparation is becoming a family affair.
There will be many kitchen companies at the show as well as appliances. There will even be products for the gourmet cook. Commercial type ranges, built in refrigerators and dishwashers. And laundry equipment that are so quiet as to be almost silent.
Master Suites:
Home owners have always been willing to spend money on their kitchens but now they’re wanting large bed and bathrooms, the master suite. According to several remodelers and bath supply companies, this is one of the most popular remodeling jobs. It can be accomplished by redesigning the floorplan of the home or in some cases the home owner actually adds on another room for this purpose. This is definitely the time to visit with a professional.
The newest fixtures in bathrooms will be throughout the show. Jetted bathtubs are still in great demand and can be put in almost any bathroom.
Now you can create what you and your family wants and needs.
Hot tubs:
Are still very popular. The market has changed a little, they used to be more of a luxury item than anything else. Now the therapeutic and stress relief benefits of this product are carrying it even further into the market. Indoor dry and steam saunas are also becoming more common for the same reason.
Financing, insurance, financial planning, security, fence & deck companies, closets, carpet, central cleaning systems, fireplaces, garage doors, water purification systems, windows, doors, lighting fixtures, storage buildings, foundation repair, fitness equipment, concrete sealants, shutters, sprinkling systems, sewing machines, storm shelters, heating & air equipment, windows and doors, vacuum sweepers, cleaners, kitchen utensils, cookware, and a whole lot more.....
February 1–4, 2007 Century II
Convention Center,
Home Show Hours are:
Thursday, February 1 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 3 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 4 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Show prices:
Adults $7.00
Senior Citizens $5.00
Children 7 - 12 $2.00
Children 6 and under …. Free
Free parking and shuttle bus service to and from Lawrence Dumont Stadium!
