Mid America Events & Expos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Can't sell your home and need to remodel instead?
Get inspired by the pros while also improving your home's value

Does your home no longer meet your family’s needs? A few years ago, you might have sold the place and bought something that better suited your lifestyle. But home sales in the Minneapolis area have been declining continuously since late 2005, and there has been an epidemic number of foreclosures. Finding the right buyer could be a long and frustrating process. Remodeling may be your best alternative.

More than $291 billion is spent on remodeling annually*, and that amount is expected to increase as consumers opt to remain in their current homes instead of moving. To get the most bang for your remodeling dollar, experts advise focusing on specific areas. “In general, most homeowners’ remodeling budgets are being spent on changing kitchens and bathrooms, and on room additions,” says Marlene Killa, president of Builders Association of the Twin Cities Remodelers (BATC Remodelers). “Updating these areas will enhance your living space, and will help to improve your home’s re-sale value in the future.”

To help consumers find qualified contractors and explore terrific ideas to transform their homes, BATC Remodelers is co-producing this year’s Mid-America Remodeling and Design Expo (www.101expos.com) on November 10-11 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

What updates make the most sense for you? Here are some ideas.

In the kitchen: Updating cabinetry and countertops are usually the best bets. If you can’t afford all-new cabinetry, consider re-facing your existing cabinets which can usually be done at a fraction of the cost. Look for features such as soft-close drawers and lighting systems that adjust to the specific task . Free-standing islands are still important. Talk to your contractor about opening the space between your dining room and kitchen to create one large cooking and eating area.
In the bathroom: Luxury will never go out of style. Turn your master bath into a retreat with marble counters, radiant heating, and a customized shower with multiple showerheads. You might also want to isolate the toilet from the rest of the area.
In the basement: Let your imagination go wild by creating the ultimate family living space. To help prevent the area from looking like an afterthought, be sure your contractor carries through essential upper level design elements. Visitors to the expo will be able to tour an extreme finished basement on the show floor.
Outdoors: Outdoor kitchens are here to stay. Install a grill, sink, and mini-fridge to maximize the use and flexibility. Use lighting and landscaping to create the perfect atmosphere.

For additional information about this expo, visit www.101expos.com or call 612-798-7256. To find a remodeling professional, visit www.batconline.org or call 651-697-1954.

This year’s Mid-America Remodeling & Design Expo is sponsored by Finished Basement Company; AM 1500; and Channels 5 and 45.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

* Statistic according to a study conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University, the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders.

About The Builders Association of the Twin Cities Remodelers

The Builders Association of the Twin Cities Remodelers is a council and remodeling arm of The Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) and sponsors the annual Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase as well as three more new-home Parade of Homes tours in the metro region, hosts the weekly Parade of Homes Radio Hour on WCCO AM Radio with information about remodeling and building, and publishes the Parade of Homes Remodelers Guide, a free publication and guide to the professional members of the BATC Remodelers.

The Builders Association of the Twin Cities, presenters of the Parade of Homes EasyStreet, Spring Preview, Fall Showcase, Remodelers Showcase and the Parade of Homes Radio Hour, represents almost 1,900 member firms involved in all phases of the home building and remodeling industries, and is dedicated to providing a diverse selection of quality and affordable housing to the Twin Cities area. Parade of Homes
EasyStreet, Fall Showcase, Spring Preview, Remodelers Showcase and Parade of Homes Radio Hour are service marks of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.