 | 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
2004-01-01 13:00:00
What’s new at the Home Show?
: It's that time of year again... the Home Show. What's new this year and what will we see at the Show?
Question: It's that time of year again... the Home Show. What's new this year and what will we see at the Show?Answer: The Wichita Area Builders Association (WABA) kicks off its annual Home Show event on Thursday, February 5, 2003, at Century II Convention Center. Home Show 2004 is the 50th anniversary show, and will feature more than 250 different exhibiting companies offering a wide variety of home products and services for virtually every aspect of a home, from floors to ceilings, interiors and exteriors including outdoor living products, decorating and home improvement options, new construction and remodeling alternatives, and more. Once again a "sell out" event, The Home Show offers one-stop-shopping, in a huge composite showroom. Attendees are welcome to shop as long as they wish, in a pleasant, safe, secure and entertaining environment, leaving with a bag full of educational and product information, which makes difficult decisions about what to do with your home to improve it and your lifestyle easier after the show. Consumers attending the show can compare products and conduct their own research right at the show with the help of knowledgeable representatives, and "without pressure."Today, time is a valuable commodity to everyone and we're all looking for convenience and simplicity. The exciting innovations you will see on display at The 2004 Home Show are a direct response to the way people live and want to live. • Jacuzzi tubs are a staple in new homes; shower areas are separate and offer multi-heads at different levels. Water sensors offer memory, guaranteeing the right temperature every time.• Kitchens are again a big item with wide-open space inviting lots of time spent. Island bars are convenient and serve as social areas, eating space in the kitchen is informal, and many kitchens will have an attached hearth room. Kitchen appliances are disguised in Old World Fashion, reminiscent of simpler times; new technology with an old look. You will see contemporary-clean lines, metals, lightwoods, and the institutional look of stainless steel in appliances and cabinetry. Counter tops are granite, tile, and marble. Flooring will be of natural materials. Large walk-in pantries are convenient hiding places for small appliances, bulk food items, and cleaning supplies.• Dining Rooms, no longer rooms but Dining Areas, offer space. Utility furniture and features, reflecting lifestyle changes, used for separation of rooms to define space without walls• Entertainment areas, formal and informal, provide conversation areas with furniture groupings. Home theatres, media rooms, sound systems, both audio and visual are found throughout the home. Technology has advanced, so the costs for these luxuries have come down. There are also a variety of security systems, some that can be viewed on your television screen.• Volume ceilings increase the feel of greater spaciousness. Window configurations add character with design and shape, as well as being energy efficient and providing natural light. Strategically placed windows integrate exterior with interior. Canned, track, and recessed lighting is used to accent different areas. Floor outlets allow the freedom of not having to 'hug' walls with furniture and lamps creating the desired 'open living' feel. Homeownership in this country is at an all time high at nearly 70%, reflecting certain comfort levels people have with the overall economy. Families are interested in owning a piece of the American dream. Home values continue to rise making homeownership a wise investment for the future, also strengthening the social fabric of the nation by encouraging civic participation, involvement in schools and communities and inspiring the upkeep and improvement of neighborhoods. Homeownership fosters good citizenship.The primary objective of the Wichita Area Builders Association is to work toward providing quality, affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for the greatest number of people possible. The Association strives to promote a better understanding between the industry and the general public in regard to housing issues and acts as a liaison between the building industry and all levels of government whose actions impact efforts to maintain housing affordability. Whether you're considering building, remodeling or redecorating, Home Show 2004 is the place to be. It's the original Home Show and the only show sponsored and offered by the Wichita Area Builders Association.
