Salute to Construction & Design Kicks Off at JQH Arena

Elected officials and other dignitaries from the southwest Missouri area will be on hand Tues., Oct. 28, to salute the local construction and design industries and to officially kick-off more than a week of programs and festivities highlighting the contributions of this industry to the community and local economy.

The proclamation ceremony and press conference is set for 5:15 pm, Tues., Oct. 28 at the JQH Arena site at Missouri State University(685 John Q. Hammons Parkway. Light refreshments will be available beginning at 4:30 pm and guided tours of the JQH construction progress will begin immediately following the proceedings. Some hard hats will be available. No sandals, open-toed shoes or shorts, please.

This year’s event marks the 24th consecutive year design and construction associations in the Springfield area have come together to recognize construction and design and their related organizations as the fourth largest contributor to the local economy. The annual celebration recognizes the quality, craftsmanship and career opportunity offered by this major economic sector.

The sponsors of “Salute 2008” will make presentations about available career opportunities in the construction and design industries to area schools for two weeks, Oct. 27-Nov. 7. Groups of volunteers representing industry professionals will speak to students at technical colleges, high schools and middle schools in Springfield, Aurora, Branson, Billings, Clever, Fair Grove, Fordland, Hurley, Marionville, Miller, Mount Vernon, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Rogersville, Spokane and Willard.

Highlight of Salute to Construction activities is the Salute to Construction Awards Banquet, Thurs., Nov. 6, at the Clarion Hotel (3333 S. Glenstone in Springfield).
Social Hour begins at 5 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm. Awards and honors will be presented, including Developer of the Year, Project of the Year, Superintendent and Craftsman of the Year, scholarships, photo contest winners and other special awards.

Tickets to the Salute to Construction Banquet are $25 and are available through the Springfield Contractors Association, The Builders’ Association, Home Builders Association, Great River Engineering and Springfield Business Journal.

Weigh Your Options Before a "Do It Yourself" Remodel

The HBA's Home Remodeling Expo, which runs October 17-19 at the Missouri Entertainment and Event Center (Fairgrounds) E*Plex, provides homeowners with an excellent opportunity to evaluate their home improvement projects and learn more about hiring a pro when necessary.

"Our seminar, 'Which Remodeler is Right for Your Project?', will help homeowners understand the scope of their projects, answer questions about which permits may be required, and provide tips about how to find the right products and professionals, when necessary," said HBA Executive Officer Matt Morrow. "This is valuable information. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeowner do-it-yourself (DIY) projects account for 20 percent of all home remodeling performed nationwide. While there are a substantial number of weekend warriors out there, remodeling industry professionals report that between 25 and 30 percent of their work comes from fixing DIY debacles." That seminar will be offered on Friday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m.

Some credit the desire among homeowners to tackle repair and remodeling projects to hit television show’s like ABC’s “Extreme Home Makeover” and the Discovery Channel’s “Monster House.” The introduction of cable channels with programming dedicated to all things home including HGTV and the DIY Network may inspire homeowners to take on home fixes and decorating challenges as well.

While most professional remodelers understand that homeowners will do some of their own home repairs or small renovations, overwhelmingly they believe that many jobs should be left to the pros. For a full list of your local HBA's remodeling professionals, click here to download the HBA of Greater Springfield's brochure containing profiles of member remodeling contractors.

“The rule of thumb that I always live by is that if a handyman service in your area can do the project, then odds are that a good do-it-yourselfer can do it themselves,” says Bob Birner, CGR, CGB of Amazing Siding Corp. in Houston, Texas. “If they don’t do it, then that’s a good sign that you need a professional.”

Birner adds, “Remodelers wouldn’t perform open-heart surgery on a loved one without medical expertise. Remodeling is open-heart surgery for the home—only professionals should attempt it.”

Still think you can tackle a big remodeling project? Bob Van Cleef, CGR, CGB, GMB, owner of Yankee Housewrights in Jamestown, R.I. cautions all motivated DIYers. “A homeowner should look at a project, consider the worst case scenario and ask, ‘If it comes to this, will I know how to fix it?’” says Van Cleef.

Van Cleef and other professionals admit that when it comes to repairs and remodeling their own homes they hire professionals to do it. “I have been in construction my whole life and I still hire a pro to do work at our house, because there are certain things even I wouldn’t touch such as electrical, plumbing and framing,” says Van Cleef.

Advice for Do-it-Yourselfers
There are some home projects that professional remodelers believe can be tackled by determined DIYers (depending on skill level) such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking, changing door knobs and cabinet pulls, and some aesthetic work such as installing crown molding.

If you are willing to put the time and energy into a do-it-yourself home remodel, Barbara Rose Peck, co-owner of S.N. Peck Building, Inc. and Case Handyman Services of Chicago advises:

• Follow product directions. Read everything that comes with the product and take it seriously.
• Get a detailed, illustrated home repair and maintenance book.
• Conduct careful and thorough preparation. Set everything up and protect surrounding surfaces and furniture.
• Practice with the tools.
• Follow safety procedures and use proper safety equipment.

Consumers are cautioned not to take on more than they are capable of doing both in terms of time and skill. “The biggest mistake the weekend handyman makes is to take on a project larger than he can handle in a reasonable amount of time,” says Douglas Nelson, CR, CGR of New Spaces in Burnsville, Minn. “I have talked with people who have been remodeling their kitchen for more than two years.”

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Booths Sold Out!

The 2008 HBA Home Remodeling Expo is scheduled for Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19 in the E*Plex at the Missouri Entertainment and Event Center (Ozark Empire Fairgrounds).

For the second time in its nine-year history, the HBA’s Home Remodeling Expo’s booth space sold out nearly a month before the show. There are 137 vendors in 225 booths.

“After enduring a series of natural disasters in recent years, area homeowners have discovered the importance and value of connecting with reputable contractors and suppliers,” said HBA Executive Officer Matt Morrow. “The Expo is attractive to vendors because many consumers are coming to take advantage of the convenient opportunity to interview HBA member remodelers and trades people face-to-face. This is the best consumer protection plan, in any economic environment, for a homeowner. You won’t be tempted out of desperation to hire someone going to door-to-door after a storm to repair your roof. That rarely ends well for the consumer.”

Whether homeowners are considering a simple “do-it-yourself” painting project, or a large scale kitchen remodel, they’ll find the right products and professionals for the job under one roof at the Expo. They’ll also find educational seminars presented by the pros at no additional expense beyond the price of admission.

“One of our seminars focuses on protecting the homeowner by teaching them to properly evaluate their project and hire the right professional for it,” said Morrow. “We know that now, more than ever, people need to know which remodeling projects have the greatest value for the investment and which are the most desirable to potential homeowners. One of our seminars will review some excellent data related to that issue, specific to our region, which will help people choose the most viable home improvements for this market.”

Morrow said there’s also a seminar program especially for seniors. “As a large segment of our population ages, there’s a need to modify homes to adapt to physical and lifestyle changes. Several of our remodelers have a high level of expertise and training in that specialty.”

• Dates and Hours.
Friday, October 17 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Location and Cost. The 2008 HBA Home Remodeling EXPO is located at the Missouri Entertainment and Event Center E*Plex (Ozark Empire Fairgrounds) - a convenient show venue, right off Interstate 44, with plenty of free parking conveniently located near the main entrance. EXPO admission is $4 per person. Prior to Friday, Oct. 17, you can pick up a $1 off coupon at the HBA office, located in Corporate Village, 636 W. Republic Rd., D-108,
881-3711.

• Free Seminars – All programs are presented by the HBA’s Remodelors™ Council
Friday, October 17
3 p.m. Seniors: Remodel It Right!
4 p.m. Which Remodeler is Right for Your Project?

Saturday, October 18
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, October 19
1 p.m. Improving for Value and Lifestyle
3 p.m., Which Remodeler is Right for Your Project

The 2008 HBA Remodeling EXPO is better than ever, offering consumers more variety. Thousands are expected to attend the three-day show. The 2008 HBA Home Remodeling EXPO will be open to the public on Friday, October 17 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E*Plex Exhibit Halls. Admission is $4 per day for adults. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge.

For more information call 417-881-3711 or go to www.SpringfieldHBA.com for details.

** MEDIA REMINDER**
Members of the press and electronic media may schedule advance interviews, live remotes (show set up begins Tues. Oct. 14), photos, video, etc., by contacting HBA of Greater Springfield Executive Officer Matt Morrow at 417-881-3711 or 417-838-7009.