Popular annual show starts Friday, February 26 at The Ranch in Loveland
By L. L. Charles, At Home, Photos courtesy of NOCO HBA
Are you a DIY fan? Do you like to watch home improvement shows or thumb through remodeling magazines? With spring just around the corner, you may be among the eager homeowners who just can’t wait to get started on their next project.
The 2016 Home & Remodeling Show, which starts Friday, Feb. 26 and runs through the weekend, is the place for you. The popular event, presented at The Ranch in Loveland, showcases just about every home-related product or service that you can imagine. See the latest decorating ideas, learn how a new kitchen or bath can transform your home, or watch a cooking demo.
The Home & Remodeling Show is presented each year by the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado (NOCO HBA). The NOCO HBA Professional Remodelers Council will be hosting an “Ask a Remodeler” booth for people to bring plans, ideas and questions regarding remodeling projects and get advice from the experts.
There will be games, a demonstration stage, activities and DIY projects for the kids, and entertainment for all. Catch some of the players from The Colorado Crush indoor football team on Friday for photos and autographs, or meet the Eagles Chicks and Slapshot on Sunday.
The NOCO Marketplace, a showcase of local merchants, is like a bonus show-within-a-show. Shop for locally produced goods and specialty items from local, small business entrepreneurs, crafters, artisans and more. You’ll find something for every interest: decorating, gardening, remodeling, window treatments, solar, landscaping, kitchens and baths, do-it-yourself, flooring, windows & doors, siding, HVAC, spas, outdoor entertainment and many other home related products and services.
The Home & Remodeling Show is the largest home show of its kind in Northern Colorado. “The Show is a great place to spend the morning or afternoon – or both! – to gather information and ideas for your next project,” says Gregory Miedema, NOCO HBA executive officer. With its focus on Northern Colorado, “this is an opportunity to meet and visit with the businesses who are contributing to our local economy and employ local folks,” Miedema says.
The Home & Remodeling Show is taking place at a time when home industry analysts are projecting strong growth for the first half of 2016. Home improvement categories (the materials, tools and labor it takes to create a home) are expected to lead the way as owners refurbish, remodel and reinvest in their homes.
When it comes to new home production, homebuilders are still playing “catch up” to meet buyer demand. “Northern Colorado is a popular place to live,” says Miedema. “Statistically, we may be building at a volume close to ‘normal’ levels, but after several years of inactivity, there’s a long way to go.” One of the biggest challenges is a shortage of trained labor, he says, citing the need to develop a steady source of skilled workers in the home building industry. Otherwise, it will be hard for builders to keep up with the demand to replace aging stock as well as produce new homes for a growing population.
Show attendees are encouraged to bring a food item for the Larimer and Weld Food Banks and enter the daily drawings for great prizes. Donation houses will also be located throughout the show to benefit the Greeley Habitat for Humanity.
Admission and parking is free to the 2016 NOCO HBA Home and Remodeling Show. Visit NOCO HBA’s website for additional information at www.nocohba.com or call the NOCO HBA office at 970.686.2798.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2016 Home & Remodeling Show
When: Friday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 28
Doors open noon on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Where: 5280 Arena Circle at The Ranch, Loveland, First National Bank Exhibit Hall
Admission and parking: Free
For more information: nocohba.com
