12 minute read

Time To Turn Your House . . .

The local housing market has been the real estate equivalent of the Wild West in the past few years.

It really has been survival of the fittest and many had to go to extreme measures after suffering through the disappointment of rejected offers.

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Those lucky enough to have had a bid accepted usually had to waive most conditions, including home inspection.

The end result is that we have a lot of new homeowners who are discovering there are sometimes multiple issues needing to be addressed in their castles.

Most who purchase a home usually go through a period of renovation, improvement, and modification of the dwelling — inside and out — to suit their personal requirements and taste. However, currently we are seeing an increase in other more essential aspects.

With so many considerations it may be ideal if the local homeowner can attend one event that can expose them to concepts, contractors, and products that may otherwise would never be under one roof at the same time.

Here is the answer you are looking for!

The 39th annual Windsor Home & Garden Show takes place at the indoor soccer field in Central Park Athletics, 3400 Grand Marais Avenue at Central Avenue, Windsor.

This year’s show runs Friday, March 31 from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with a variety of vendors, the venue offers an abundance of parking, and admission to the show is an affordable $10 for adults with those under 16 years of age admitted for free.

The show is locally produced by 20/20 Show Productions Inc. owned by Stuart Galloway who has 33 years of personal experience with the show and has witnessed the growth of the event over the years.

Galloway recounts: “This show has seen many different homes over the last 39 years such as the Cleary Auditorium, the St. Denis Centre, former GM building, former Zellers at Tecumseh Mall, former RONA on Lauzon Road, and the Hearn building. However, we are nicely settled into the Central Park Athletics centre at Grand Marais and Central Avenue at this time.”

He mentions this year’s show has over 200 exhibitors, comprised of 90% local small businesses, covering every aspect of home care and renovations. (To see an exhibitor list and where the booth of each business can be found on a floor plan, please visit: OntarioTradeShows.com.)

After the disruption of the pandemic, Galloway states: “We are excited to produce our first show in four years that is very close to normal. The show we produced in 2022 was smaller and not well attended compared to previous years, as many still carried concerns about COVID. However, I believe the majority now want to lead and live a normal life.”

In support of this, the 2023 show sold out early of exhibit space and a strong attendance is projected.

It appears the 39th edition of the Windsor Home & Garden Show is primed for success, much to the delight of local attendees, exhibitors, and the show’s title sponsor for the past decade, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage

Two of the most prevalent components of a newly purchased home that often require upgrade or repair are the kitchen and bathroom facilities.

This seemed like a good place to begin our article (which starts on the next page) with companies profiled who are 2023 Windsor Home & Garden Show exhibitors.

Have A Functional, Stylish Kitchen And Bathroom Designed By Naylor’s Kitchen & Bath

Naylor’s Kitchen & Bath (website: NaylorsWindsor.com) located at 3260 Jefferson Boulevard in Windsor, has been providing their services and products to local residents for a mind-boggling 141 years. Talk about longevity!

Michael Taylor, General Manager, Josh Willis, Bath Showroom Manager, and Holly Mitchell Kitchen Showroom Manager, collectively provided some insights on the look of your kitchen and bathroom. The company is returning to the Windsor Home & Garden Show this year with their last participation being in 2003 and all three respondents are very excited to be included.

“I am hoping to increase our exposure at the Windsor Home & Garden Show as every day we encounter people who possibly didn’t know we existed,” Taylor expresses.

Well, we at Biz X certainly were aware of the fine work by the professionals at Naylor’s and there is no question as to the importance of these spaces within your home.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important selling features of any home,” believes Taylor. “A beautiful kitchen or a stylish bathroom can make or break a deal when it comes to a person buying your home.”

Beyond the resale value Mitchell offers: “Kitchens are the new heart of the home, whether it’s used for entertaining, cooking those delicious Sunday roasts, or even sitting down and getting some work done, you want your space to be able to serve you. With the vast amount of kitchen gadgets and accessories that we have available, you will be able to finally find a spot for all that Tupperware! We also have the option to create custom colours for our kitchens, so we can really make your kitchen tailored to you.”

As with anything worthwhile, planning is an extremely important aspect of achieving one’s goals and this business is no exception.

“We can offer 3-D renderings of our designs for kitchens, islands, custom vanities and more, so the consumer can get a realistic view of their project,” indicates Taylor.

With respect to planning Willis adds: “For our bath department we need to know either the exact or rough dimensions that the customers are looking for, to help steer them in the best direction. We ask questions regarding plumbing drain positions and water supplies as well.”

The bath department is cash and carry. Installation of faucets, toilets etc. is offered through their sister company, Naylor’s Home Service.

As for kitchen jobs, Mitchell notes: “Sometimes there are structural limitations; however, our fully qualified designers have years of experience that will bring new renovators some peace of mind. With the cabinetry lines that we offer, we can do anything and everything. If you see it, we can do it.”

As for new developments in materials, lighting, appliances or cabinetry . . .

“In the bath industry things are constantly changing,” Willis comments. “The newest material being used for tubs and shower bases is a man-made product comprised of resins and gelcoat. A specific company we deal with named Zitta, calls it the ROC product. When it comes to cabinets, the majority of what we sell are all wood cabinets in the bath department, which many years ago, were made of a mix of particle board and solid wood frames.”

Mitchell adds in her reply as well: “With kitchens the industry is constantly coming out with new trends and features. Unique coloured kitchens, deep greens are becoming increasingly popular, paired with a stunning Calacata marble Quartz, and some striking gold handles, your new space will be the talk of the neighbourhood. Lighting, stain and colour combinations, and extravagant backsplash and quartz options are endless. Stop in to our showroom to get some new ideas!”

As you have read, the team is very passionate about creating beauty, as well as functionality, in bathroom and kitchen spaces.

Willis wraps up by stating: “I feel this is extremely important, so the customer will look back and say: ‘I’m sure glad we chose Naylor’s’! Achieving this is one of the reasons we have been around for over 141 years and have numerous repeat and long-time customers shopping with us.”

Undeniable Curb Appeal And Secure, Energy Efficient Doors & Windows With Guaranteed Windows And Doors

Mario Nogueira, Project Manager and President of Guaranteed Windows and Doors Ltd. has over 25 years of experience and knowledge in the window and door business including; sales, service, installation, and construction.

In business for the past 10 years, Guaranteed Windows and Doors is physically located at 2885 Lauzon Parkway, Unit 102 in Windsor, and is also online at: GuaranteedWindows.ca.

When asked about their involvement

New windows may improve the curb appeal of your home, but they lower during the definitely help keep your in this year’s show, Nogueira replies: “We, as a team, always look forward to meeting potential new clients and showcasing our products and discussing our service and warranty. It gives us a chance to answer people’s questions and concerns and allows potential clients to see exactly what we have to offer.”

If you have concerns about your current doors and windows he advises: “The age of a door or window plays a big part in the efficiency of an existing assembly. Broken windows and doors that do not function correctly will not be energy efficient.”

According to Nogueira: “With modern technology and Energy Star products, new windows and doors will make a huge difference with heating and cooling costs and can also give an older home a new brighter look!”

When it comes to protecting one’s home from extreme temperatures Nogueira indicates: “New windows definitely help with heating and cooling savings during our cold months and our very hot summers. With Energy Star windows, the homeowner is getting a window that is designed for our area of fluctuating temperatures.”

Regarding curb appeal and security when it comes to entrance doors, he points out: “We offer steel and fibreglass doors with decorative glass, clear glass and no glass. We offer standard and custom sidelites with or without glass. Whatever the homeowner is looking for, we will make it happen.

We offer 43 designer UV protective paint colours and eight craftsmen applied wood stains. We also have the ability to do custom colours for our doors.” (Just check out the front cover of this issue!)

So what’s new in terms of features, finishes and colours?

“Trends that are currently happening today are both sleek and clean with long handles giving the industrial look, or coloured doors with very decorative glass and sidelites,” he reports. “Homeowners are looking towards the curb appeal and the WOW factor when replacing doors.”

Curb appeal can also be a factor when it comes to windows as well.

“You can take an older home that looks very dated and with a few different window designs and colour, your home will look refreshed and very eye catching,” Nogueira comments.

Innovations in window technology are also of benefit.

“With changing technology, there is always something new coming out or in the works,” he says. “There are different levels of Low-e, grey glass designed to cut down on direct sunlight coming through your windows, and locking mechanisms are always improving so that the window can be tighter when closed and locked.”

A&A Flooring Limited Offers An Option For Every Room In Your Home

A&A Flooring Limited with locations at 40 Main Street East in Kingsville and 48 Wilson Avenue in Essex, have been in business for the past 34 years and a vendor at the Windsor Home & Garden Show for 20 of those years (refer to: AAFlooringLimited.com).

Arthur (Art) Voakes, President of A&A Flooring has 51 years of personal experience to share with his clientele and the attendees of the show.

Not only does Voakes offer his expert advice on flooring topics at the show, he also eagerly enjoys the opportunity to talk with past customers and remind potential new customers that their Essex location is only a short drive from Windsor.

Most importantly, he stresses: “Beyond the beauty that new flooring can provide it also adds warmth and comfort to one’s home.”

“Certainly, planning is the first stage of any flooring project,” Voakes comments. “Determining colours, style, and budgets are among the initial considerations. I think the best thing we can do to assist our clients at the beginning of the process is listen to their needs and make informed recommendations.”

They can review options and provide insights on everything they sell, such as porcelain tiles, hardwoods, luxury vinyl tiles, carpets, and vinyl rolls.

Art’s wife Angie is also a co-owner of the business and “All of our staff has many years of experience assisting clients in the selection of colours, layout, and design for their project,” the couple points out. “We endeavour to provide our clients with a quality product that will perform well, in hopes that they will come back to us for their next project in the future.”

En Garde! Ready For Some Fencing With The Post Guys?

Do not hesitate to approach The Post Guys Fencing Windsor Inc. should you see them at the Windsor Home & Garden Show.

However, you will not need your foil, épée, or sabre to fend off their knowledge of all matters fencing! LOL!

The Post Guys, working out of 6210 Morton Industrial Drive in Windsor, have been assisting local residents for the past six years and are thrilled to be participating in their very first home show.

Company Owner Brandon Peter was able to share a bit of advance knowledge garnered over his 10 years of experience in the business.

“We are very excited to bring exposure to The Post Guys while connecting with individuals in the Windsor Essex community and providing them with an abundance of information regarding fence installation, fence repairs, materials and more,” he expresses. “This will be a great opportunity for our business to reach all individuals looking for our services in the future.”

If you are interested in having a new fence built, here is how it all gets started.

“To begin the process we always suggest individuals look at our website (ThePostGuysWindsor.ca) and social media pages to get an idea of what style and materials they’re interested in for their new fence,” Peter explains. “Once they have a general idea, we set up a day for our salesman or myself to personally tour their property, obtaining measurements and information to provide the customer with a free quote. We discuss the different options they have to assist in choosing the material and design of their new fence. We provide them with photos, samples, product information, prices and of all our available materials, which can assist them in choosing the best fence for them!”

There are a variety of materials available, such as pressure-treated wood, wrought iron, galvanized chain link and vinyl.

Pressure-treated wood offers the most privacy at the best cost. Wrought iron keeps the view beyond the fence visible.

Galvanized chain link is the best low cost alternative to keep strangers out and pets or children safe. Vinyl fences feature a material that blends in with the home and is long-lasting.

In his opinion: “A well-maintained, professionally installed fence adds curb appeal, privacy, and security to the property.

When you hire a professional company to install your fence it can guarantee a smooth and quality experience, which can be completed in one to two days. We have the best quality tools, machines, and skilled employees to complete the project, which allows for a straight, levelled, and long-lasting fence.” display and be able to see what we do and what is possible for their situation.”

For Peter and his team, the key to maintaining satisfied customers is to communicate with them throughout the entire process and answer any questions they have.

“Our ability to complete each job promptly provides our customers with a sense of satisfaction and excitement, which ultimately leaves them as happy and returning customers,” he states.

Accurate Awning & Canopy . . . This Could Be The Perfect Time To Throw A Little Shade On Your Home Remember

Who doesn’t enjoy a shady spot on a hot day or staying dry while watching a light rainfall?

Perhaps it isn’t always possible as your house currently exists, but with the addition of a canopy or awning, you may just have that perfect place!

Accurate Awning & Canopy Inc. situated at 2744 Ontario Street in Windsor (online at: CustomFabricAwnings.com) has been providing custom made awnings and canopies to local consumers for the past 40 years. The business has been a fixture at the Windsor Home & Garden Show since its inception.

Company Owner Moe Doiron, has over 40 years of experience in this field and he looks forward to connecting with the attendees at the 2023 show.

“We really enjoy meeting with all the people that come to learn the ways to improve their home or business,” he expresses. “They can experience the

When considering the option of adding awnings to one’s home, according to Doiron: “It is an investment that enhances the value and beauty of your home with the secondary benefits of energy saving values. Awnings make your house beautiful and because it’s custom made for your house, we can design what the customer wants it to look like.”

All awnings they produce are 100% custom made by them.

“We attend the site, measure the house, and then we manufacture everything at our shop here in Windsor,” he informs us. “We don’t have any awnings in stock here. This is a custom tailored business.”

As for installation, “It takes about two days to install a canopy that goes on a deck or patio, and one day for window and door awnings,” he indicates. “The installation is not overly disruptive as 90% of the work is done at our facility. We then transport modular sections to their place of residence or business for the installation.”

He continues by stating: “The materials available are 100% dyed acrylic and vinyl, from solid to striped. Our installations are relativity easy to maintain. We recommend having your awnings cleaned and sealed every three years and they will maintain their brand new appearance.”

So, there you have it. Your reno homework and research is partially done with this sneak peek into the possibilities that await you at the 39th annual Windsor Home & Garden Show, March 31 to April 2, 2023.

We at Biz X couldn’t be more excited to get back out amongst the bustling crowds at the show as they see the best of what Windsor and Essex County businesses have to offer.

Be sure to stop by our booth and pick up a print copy of this edition and say hi!

Throughout the pages of our March edition, you can finish your “homework” by continuing to read about other businesses (stories and ads included!) in the home renovation industry.

Get your home working for you! Happy renovating and see you at the show!

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