Spring Home Improvement 2014

g n i r Home p 31st al S u n Improvement n A Show s LetL’ L A !

Go

31st Annual

Landscaping Home Remodeling New Products Interior/Exterior AND MORE!!!

March 7, 8 & 9 MetraPark Expo Center & Montana Pavilion To the largest trade show in a five state area with more than 650 exhibits

Official 2014 Guide

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Inside

The official guide to the Spring Home Improvement Show is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

Let’s All Go…

Spring Home Improvement show celebrates 31 years of DIY-inspired projects, food and fun

Map and vendor list Pages 8-9

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

Home improvement tips learned the hard way Page 10

You know the jingle.

“Let’s all go…to the Home Improvement Show…”

What you might not know is that Devon Hedin, son of Home Improvement Show creators Mark and Rhonda Hedin, was one of the voices singing the chant in the commercial created umpteen years ago.

Now in his 20s, Devon delights in sharing that factoid.

Clever branding produced by the family still produces results years later and has even transformed itself into the ringtone on Mark’s phone.

“It gets under your skin, and you remember it,” Mark said.

Indeed.

After 31 years producing the

Home projects perfect for spring Page 12 Sales & Marketing Director

Dave Worstell

Special Sections Coordinator

Linsay Duty

Content Editor

Brittany Cremer

Access the Spring Home Improvement Show guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Section Designer

Erika McLaughlin

region’s most popular and wellattended home improvement show, the Hedins pride themselves in offering up tips and home improvement solutions to Billings builders and do-ityourselfers.

“We’ve taken extra strides to make the show diverse—we have attractions for families, for bachelors, for kids, for everyone,” said Beau Hedin, the eldest son of Mark and Rhonda who co-produces the show.

Mark and Devon echo this sentiment, adding that it’s been important through the years for the family to keep the show admission free, to grow the list of grand prizes and continually reinvent the featured attractions.

“We all believe in the benefit of home ownership, in making

your home a destination spot,” Mark said. “And the show offers just that,” Beau says, “boundless inspiration to create the dream home you’ve always wanted.”

HOME IMPROVEMENT HAVEN

Held March 7-9 at the MetraPark ExpoCenter and Montana Pavilion, the Spring Home Improvement Show will feature high-end home improvement booths, interactive displays, infomercial displays, DIY instruction, gadget booths, unique food vendors, on-site demonstrations and excellent giveaways.

Show hours will be Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See Let’s All Go...page 4

Home Show Free Trial*

We’re so sure you’ll love our products & service that we’re giving you the 1st month rental & 3 bottles free!

And 25% Off Basic Installation of Water Treatment Equipment

Visit us at Booth # 238

*In-store pick up required for 1st month & 3 bottles. New customers only. Both offers expire 3/31/14.

T R u S T

T h e

W a T e R

e x p e R T S !

252-4161 :: 800-648-9274 :: 252-0222 134 Regal Street :: Billings, MT

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Let’s All Go...

Continued from page 3

CONTINUED SUCCESS

When the show first started more than three decades ago in the corridors of Rimrock Mall, it was typical for exhibitors to come only hours before the show to set up their displays. As the show has grown over the years and the complexity of the displays has increased, some exhibitors start setting up as early as 10 days before the event, Mark said.

Featured in two buildings, the MetraPark ExpoCenter and Montana Pavilion, the show can accommodate 650 exhibits—and the Hedins have at least three dozen more on a waiting list to participate.

The Hedins attribute this success to the quality and quantity of home improvement exhibits at the show.

Homeowners are investing in kitchen remodels, bath remodels and increasing square footage by adding outdoor living spaces on their patios.

“Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, spas, saunas even pool tables all play a part in this,” Beau said. “This space is enjoyed by the entire family, but we fondly refer to it as man-scaping, creating a fun, laid back environment outdoors.”

EATS, TREATS AND PRIZES!

Courtesy of Emily Hedin The 2014 Spring Home Improvement Show is expected to attract upwards of 30,000 attendees March 7-9.

The annual show is expected to attract upwards of 30,000 showgoers, and the list of exciting vendors continues to grow.

One display of note will be the ever-popular theater room, which will include two separate sound-proofed areas with all the theatrical trimmings.

Young and old enjoy taking in a good flick, and showgoers with little ones won’t want to miss the Kids’ Workshop sponsored by Lowe’s and Home Depot. This pit-stop offers family-friendly DIY fun.

Several vendors use the show to test the waters on new products and services. Demonstrations of these products are always a big hit, Mark said.

And because technology is constantly changing, attendees can expect even bigger and better displays than last year.

NEW AND NOTABLE

Each year, the Hedins strive to attract new vendors with interesting products. This year, showgoers will enjoy taking in the saltwater soaking tubs, provided by Montana HotSpring Spas.

“The show is known for being a venue for innovation—a testing ground for vendors to display and share their latest and greatest products,” Beau said.

Other popular and budget-friendly items to check out include all the As-Seen-On-TV items, including a light bulb that doubles as a speaker. Yup, you heard us right.

“It sounds strange, but it’s a great little gizmo that works great outdoors during barbecues or while you’re camping when you want to listen to music outdoors,” Beau said.

Another new booth will feature hand-crafted knobs, towel bars and hardware welded right before your eyes by a blacksmith.

“It’s these little unique touches that add character to your home,” Mark said.

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A wide variety of food booths will be at-the-ready to quell your hunger pains featuring snacks like funnel cakes, cinnamon-roasted almonds, mini donuts, kettle corn, Greek food, seafood, pulled pork and much more.

Is your mouth watering yet?

“In attracting a variety of food vendors, it’s our hope to make the show a destination for area families looking to sample several different cuisines under one roof,” Beau said.

In addition to delicious food, the kiddos will enjoy going on a Home Improvement Booth Scavenger Hunt in search of emblems to collect for a chance to win an iPad mini. That will keep the kids busy while you’re chatting with a vendor about siding.

Known for its ability to deliver value, variety and a number of prizes, this year’s show does not disappoint. A barrage of amazing prizes totaling more than $25,000 is up for grabs this year, so be sure to register at the ExpoCenter.

The way the voting is formatted allows you to pre-select which grand prize you’d like to win. Registration blanks will be available at the show and may also be obtained in this publication (see below).

Entrants need not be present to win.

31st Annual

Home Improvement Show Name ______________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________

✔ DESIRED PRIZES Finnleo Sauna Power Equipment Security System Pellet BBQ

Window Cleaning Memory Foam Bed House Cleaning Pkg Patio Furniture Insulation Package

Granite Vanity Garage Door Central Air French Door Garage Coating

Mike Hass • 406-245-3447 Check for Free Insurance Review

Grand prizes include: Granite Vanity

Green Mountain Pellet BBQ

72” master bath double sink granite vanity with installation

with 400 sq. inches of cooking space.

Courtesy of Magic City Granite:

Courtesy of The Fireplace Center: Daniel Boone model Home Security System

Courtesy of Kenco Security & Technology: First Alert

Custom Sliding French Door

Courtesy of Lynnrich Siding & Windows:

Custom 6’ sliding French door with installation.

professional security system. Custom designed, including equipment, installation and one year monitoring.

Ultimate Home Owners Package

Courtesy Billings/Laurel Ace Hardware Stores:

Home Insulation Package

Gas-powered Toro lawn mower and snow blower, gas-powered Stihl chain saw and trimmer, 1000w Honda generator and 20 gallons of Benjamin Moore paint.

Courtesy of Billings Insulation Service: $1,500 of insulation products and services for your home.

Rheem Central Air Conditioner

Up to $1,000 toward cleaning service.

Courtesy of Comfort Heating & Cooling:

central air conditioner.

3-ton Rheem

House Cleaning Package

Courtesy of Brice’s Masterclean:

Show times are:

Memory Foam Bed

Courtesy of Mattress King:

Finnleo Sauna

Queen Memory Foam bed.

Courtesy of Montana HotSpring Spas & Saunas: G100 personal sauna with am/fm/cd stereo system.

Garage Floor Coating

Courtesy of Procrete: $1,800 (400 sq. ft.)

Double Garage Door

polyaspartic garage floor coating installed.

insulated double garage door.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

Outside/Inside Window Cleaning

furniture set.

Courtesy of Conner Garage Door: 16x7 white PR25

Admission, parking and the chance to win one of 14 fantastic GRAND PRIZES are free of charge.

Friday: noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Courtesy of McCall Leisure: $2,500 outdoor patio

Courtesy of Alpine Window Cleaning: Up to $1,000 of rain gutter, dryer vent and window cleaning.

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For more information, log on to

www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com

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Spruce up your home in the New year

Brandpoint Content Smaller home improvement projects will dramatically improve your home all year long.

(BPT) - Making a New Year's resolution is common, and many people set goals for ways to improve themselves. If you have set a goal to lose weight, learn a new skill or get promoted, congratulations. But while you are striving to attain your personal goal, have you ever thought of setting a goal to refresh your home in a way that will have your friends talking?

Setting a home improvement goal is more common than you may think and you can make a dramatic improvement to your home with a complete remodel. You can take on several smaller projects - any time of the year that will leave you loving your home all year long. Here are a few ideas to get you going.

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

Nothing reinvents a room like a fresh coat of paint. Yet many people put off painting a room because they can't afford professional painters and they don't have time to do the job themselves. But you can achieve that professional quality finish at a fraction of the time and cost by renting your own paint sprayer. Use your sprayer to add a neutral color, which provides visual appeal and works with most furniture patterns, leaving you plenty of decorating options.

CHANGE HARDWARE

Faucets and cabinet hardware can quickly date a room. Replacing hardware can add beauty to your kitchen without adding a lot of extra cost. Be sure to find knobs and pulls that are the same size as the existing ones so you don't have to re-drill the cabinets. Do this for any furniture and in any room for an instant decor face-lift.

Dreaming about a home of your own?

Take homebuyer education Ask your lender if you qualify for MBOH Low mortgage rates Down payment assistance Tax credits

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REPLACE OLD TILE

Outdated tile can make a bathroom look old and dull. Replacing it with new tile that is in style will give the space a rich, modern look. Tiling is a DIY project that anyone can tackle with the right tools. Rent the necessary items like a tile stripper, a tile saw and a mortar mixer to keep your costs down.

UPDATE CURTAINS AND BLINDS

Textiles play a major role in the overall decorating scheme of a room. New window treatments offer an inexpensive way to introduce bold color and patterns for an instant refresh. Pair your new curtains with decorative throw pillows for a striking impact to the living room.

RECREATE YOUR FLOORING

If your carpet doesn't need to be replaced but it could use a little refreshing, cleaning your carpets will do the trick. If you can't afford to hire professional carpet cleaners or you feel like taking on the project yourself, renting a carpet cleaner can give your carpets the professional look you've been dreaming of. And if you have hardwood floors that need to be refurbished, renting a floor sander is an excellent first step for this project.

Home improvement projects do not have to include a complete overhaul to provide a new look. These smaller projects will dramatically improve your home all year long.

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9 ways to improve curb appeal Metro Services

Homeowners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors. Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the appearance of your home.

1. Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant color or one with a custom design. This helps the home stand out from other properties in the neighborhood.

2. Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat and well kept.

3. Use outdoor lighting to

make a home more inviting.

Outdoor lighting also makes properties safer to traverse at night.

4. Clean a home's

exterior to remove mildew or discolorations from the siding, driveway, patio, and other outdoor elements.

Jupiterimages Install a bold-looking door to help your home stand out from other properties in the neighborhood.

Find us at booths 395 & 396

5. Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal color. Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gardens, which don't take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home's exterior.

6. Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore color.

7. Add shutters and accent trim to a home's exterior to improve on the beauty of the house.

8. Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existing fence.

9. Replace concrete paths with tile or stone walkways to make entryways more impressive and inviting.

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Home improvment tips learned the hard way

Metro Services

'Tis the season for home improvement projects, and weekend warriors will soon be visiting home supply retailers to buy everything from paint to plywood. There are many advantages to making home improvements on your own, including the opportunity to test your mettle at projects big and small.

Many a novice DIYer has learned the ups and downs of home improvement through trial and error. But the following are a handful of lessons first-timers can heed before beginning their maiden voyages into the world of DIY home improvements.

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE

Perhaps this is the best-known mantra of home improvement, yet many still ignore it. Whether you're anxious to get started or simply because you still cannot convert metric to standard formula, you must take the time to measure twice before cutting. Learning that you're a hair too short later will be prove frustrating and time-consuming and often necessitates a last-minute run to the store for more materials. Always measure multiple times before making cuts.

ENLIST A HELPER

Having a partner helping with the work is the most efficient way to tackle a project. This person can assist you with heavy lifting or moving things or by holding the ladder or simply passing tools your way. He or she also can manage work while you make another run to the home center for more supplies. Having a helper around also provides companionship during tedious projects.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

You run the risk of injury, both to yourself and your belongings, if you attempt to move heavy items on your own. When moving heavy items, take steps to lighten your load. For example, empty or remove drawers from desks and dressers before moving them. Rely on sliding pads when moving furniture so items can be slid into place instead of lifted. Always ask a buddy to help move especially heavy items.

PRIME BEFORE PAINTING

Metro Services Double-checking measurements is one way to avoid potentially costly home improvement project mistakes.

Painting can be a time-consuming task. In an effort to save time, some people will look for painting shortcuts, and these may include skipping the priming portion of painting. Priming helps to cover existing paint color and prevent bleed-through of stains or darker hues to the next coat of paint. Failure to use a primer could mean having to paint coat after coat, which can become costly and take up a significant amount of time. Always rely on a priming product, or look for a paint that blends a primer within to achieve better coverage. And while you are ensuring a proper paint job, remember to use painter's tape or an edging product to help keep paint off of moldings and trim.

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USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

Thinkstock Priming before painting can help cover existing paint color and prevent bleeding through to the next coat of paint.

The right tools make work safer and easier.

Think about how much faster you can cut through a tree trunk with a chainsaw rather than a handsaw. Improvising or using the wrong tools for the job can cost you time and increase your risk of injury.

TURN ELECTRICITY OFF AT THE PANEL BOX

Be especially cautious when working with electricity, turning off the current. This means shutting down the power on the breaker box. A live wire can provide a minor shock or lead to serious injury. Take the extra time to ensure the power is off before working with any exposed wiring.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Although many renovation projects go off without a hitch, you never know what you might uncover when you embark on repairs or remodels. Homeowners have come across all sorts of hidden problems when doing seemingly minor repairs. Removal of drywall may uncover insect damage in beams or indications of water infiltration. Some people take down old paneling, only to discover it was covering heavily damaged walls beneath. One repair project can run into another when home improvements are being made. Always leave breathing room in your budget and schedule extra time for unforeseen tasks as well.

Come see the new

ome!

H ia o u q e S ta is v a Bell USTRY! D IN E H T IN E U L A V T BES

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Home projects perfect for spring Metro Services

The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year's coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners' springtime to-do lists.

While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

INSPECT THE GUTTERS

Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.

TAKE STOCK OF ROOF SHINGLES

Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home's roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that's considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.

CHECK FOR FREEZE DAMAGE

Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Metro Services Each spring, homeowners should inspect their gutters to ensure the gutters are still attached to their homes and free of debris.

Don’t forget to register for a chance to win one of the 14 fantastic GRAND PRIZES. Use the registration blank below or register at the MetraPark Expo Center.

31st Annual

Home Improvement Show Name ______________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________

EXAMINE THE LAWN FOR LOW SPOTS

Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home's foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding.

Flooding near a home's foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up.

When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home's foundation.

Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.

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✔ DESIRED PRIZES Finnleo Sauna Power Equipment Security System Pellet BBQ

Window Cleaning Memory Foam Bed House Cleaning Pkg Patio Furniture Insulation Package

Granite Vanity Garage Door Central Air French Door Garage Coating

Mike Hass • 406-245-3447 Check for Free Insurance Review

See page 5 for a detailed list of grand prizes.

Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun Metro Services

Tis the season for making changes in and around the home. The arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners' vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.

According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night.

Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA.

Metro Services Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard, including ower beds.

IMPROVE NAVIGATION

Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there's a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.

See Lighting...page 15

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Saturday, March 8th - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 9th - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.whitehvac.com 13

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Lighting

Continued from page 13

ENHANCE SECURITY

To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.

CREATE OUTDOOR ROOMS

Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are.

REDUCE GLARE

Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that's too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch.

ADD DECORATIVE ELEMENTS

Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.

Thinkstock Outdoor lighting makes yards and landscapes safer for homeowners and guests once the sun has gone down.

ENHANCE VIEWS FROM INSIDE

Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable.

Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home.

Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.

ImagIne a…

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Our Kentucky Bluegrass, RTF (Fescue Blend) and Bella Bluegrass sods are grown locally. These hearty, perfectly-plush grasses have been specially formulated to thrive in the diverse climate conditions found in the region we serve.

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Come and see us at the home show-we’re in booth 316 & 317 See our special offers in our color ad in the Gazette this weekend!

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245-4946 www.kencosecurity.com www.t-turf.com

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