In these days of time deprivation, fast food, troubling economics and high expectations, to get anything accomplished, you have to have a plan! So what is a home and garden enthusiast to do when faced with the daunting task of visiting the Omaha Home Show, covering 1000’s of ideas, products, services, of exhibits, demonstrations and how-to clinics? Here are some tips for making the most of your visit –“the one stop shopping home and garden experience”.
Make your list! – Before you go make a plan with a list of everything (even if it is only a dream) of what you would like done, redone within your home, garden and even lifestyle.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR PRIORITIES!
Write it down – At the show, whether it’s in a notebook, paper napkin or a matchbook cover, write down your home remodeling and gardening ideas and take notes as you visit booths.
Swatches, specs and samples – Bring fabric sections, photographs and measurements with you to Home Decor to help exhibitors understand your needs. Remember décor is not only for the inside, let’s decorate the outdoors. Outdoor living and entertaining is the latest and greatest, so bring the swatches, drawings and the ideas for the spectacular outdoor grill areas!
You don’t ask, you don’t get – Be prepared with lots of questions including, how long will a project take? What will it cost? How long has the product been out? What are the benefits? Are there any cost-saving alternatives? And who are your competitors?
There’s no free lunch, but great experts. But there are free seminars and how-to clinics. Painting is the #1 project that do-it-yourselfers tackle each year. Brian Santos – The Wall Wizard, from HGTV and Trading Spaces, gives how-to-demonstrations that put real fun in do-it-yourself painting, wall papering and faux finishing. Whether you own a home, condo or an apartment, you can have a garden! Don Engebretson, the Renegade Gardener, is one of America’s best know gardening authorities. Laugh and learn during his seminars on container gardening and landscape design.
A picture is worth a thousand words – Brochures are a great way to get general information about a product but nothing beats a face-to-face chat with a professional. Don’t be shy this is your opportunity to see, hear and talk to everyone in one place and at one time.
Eenney, meeeney … – Don’t be afraid to compare the pricing, services and offerings of one exhibitor to another before making your final decision.
What’s hot and what’s not – Look for trends by visiting the spectacular Landscape Displays, Idea Street of Designer Rooms, Home Décor Displays, Outdoor Living & Flooring Displays. This is the best place to find the hottest products, trends and expert advice ranging from painting to remodeling to the best green products.
Let’s make a deal – Be sure to ask about show specials or discounts offered by exhibitors. Make your best offer and begin your first steps on the project you have been putting aside.
Pack it up and take it home – You have experienced the market place and found many things that you were looking for or maybe cemented your ideas. Now make sure you keep the product brochures and business cards in a file at home. They will serve as a resource for future purchases and projects.
MAKE SURE TO WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! |
