Going to an exhibition show of any kind can be overwhelming with all the booths, sales pitches, giveaways, new fun items, special incentives. Do your planning ahead to get the most out of the time spent walking around with a focus on your goals.
What are the most important projects in priority order you would like to complete inside your home or in the exterior including landscaping for the short term and long term? You cannot expect to accomplish your goals without a defined plan.
Each priority needs a detailed budget, measurements of the space to be remodeled, and photos of the space to share with exhibitors you meet in person to negotiate the project and start the conversation.
Keep in mind the 30% rule for home renovation: do not spend more than 30% of your home’s current market value on a major remodel so you can ensure a good return on your investment in proportion to the home’s overall worth. Kitchens and bathrooms are high value areas and worth renovating whenever possible to increase the value of your home overall.
Before you go check the floor plan highlighting key booths to visit. Texwood Shows offers a page on their website for every exhibitor easily found by name or category. Research their page, credentials, read reviews, and be familiar with each individual business you plan to visit at the show. Look at the website for speakers and the times/days they will be presenting at the show. Your time is limited so key in on those presentations that are in your priority of home improvement. In a two-day show, take the second day to shop and just have fun!
On the day of the show wear comfortable shoes and bring a bag to carry cards and brochures for follow-up. Keep a small spiral notebook with a pen for your priority booths, notes, and a map of the key exhibitors to speak with directly one on one. The beauty of the show is the opportunity to see all your designated contractors in one building where you can contrast and compare.
Bring the folder with your photos, measurements, and inspiration ideas categorized by project for easy referral at the show. Be prepared!
While at the show ask very targeted questions about the contractor you are hoping to learn more about including their experience, their scope of work, their communication style and how often they communicate, and most importantly why you should choose them over other competitors. If the contractor cannot give you clear answers and look you in the eye while speaking to you, go to the next competitor. As a homeowner you will spend time and money to improve your home. Your investment is worth their time. Do not feel pressured to agree to any project at the show. Make good notes to refer to at home. You may even take a photo of their booth as you walk away for better recall in the days to come.
Does the exhibitor offer any special “show incentives”? Again, ask how long they will honor the discounted rate, but do not feel pressure to sign an agreement at the show. Honest exhibitors will allow you time to evaluate after the show.
In the days to come after the show, reach out to the contractors that made the best impression with their quality of work, communication, reviews, and vibe you received after visiting in person. Ask them to come by your home and go over your project in detail with a timeline to finish, expected communication, and maintaining your budget. Keep these tips in mind to know when to walk away from a contractor.
With planning in advance of the show, you can use your time efficiently and maximize the value that attending the Texwood Show provides.
