Mid America Events & Expos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Is it worth it to remodel your home?
You might recoup 70-80 percent of the cost of some home improvement projects. Here’s how you can save money and time while creating your dream home.

If your current home is outdated, or just isn’t meeting your needs any longer, you have three choices: continue suffering with it ‘as is’, try your luck at selling it so that you can move to a better home, or stay where you are and remodel. What is the best choice given today’s economy and shaky housing market?

“Modest upgrades sometimes offer the best return on your investment,” says Robin Kocina, producer of this fall’s Mid-America Remodeling & Interior Design Expo (www.101expos.com). This expo, to be held November 1-2 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, is designed specifically for homeowners intent on remodeling or updating their home’s interior décor.

If you love your neighborhood, remodeling may make sense because some experts estimate the cost of moving can be as high as 8-10 percent of your current home’s value after you add up real estate commissions, closing costs and other fees. Consider bringing your home up to the current neighborhood average instead.

Wouldn’t you rather buy that gorgeous new light fixture or fancy faucet instead of spending the same amount of money on a tank of gas? “With skyrocketing fuel prices gouging our budgets, it’s more important than ever for people to be able to have one central location for interviewing reputable contractors, exploring the latest in materials, and just asking questions of the pros,” says Kocina.

When money is tight, savvy homeowners not only want a home they are proud of, they also want the best rate of return for their remodeling dollars. According to Remodeling Online, some home improvement projects with the highest rate of return include installing fiber cement siding (an estimated 83.2 percent return on investment); and building a deck (for an approximate 85.4 percent return on investment).

Go ahead and shop for that new kitchen countertop that will make preparing meals feel more luxurious, or upgrade your shower in the master bathroom so that you can get that soothing spa feeling right at home. Minor kitchen and bath facelifts also rank high on the list of great remodeling projects, with minor kitchen remodels fetching an 83 percent return on investment, and bathrooms returning a little more than 78 percent.

To make your remodeling and interior decorating dreams a reality, mark your calendars for November 1-2, 2008. “The Mid-America Remodeling & Design Expo offers homeowners several advantages. They can interview reputable contractors, browse new products, get valuable tips by listening to the free seminars, and quite often they can save money by negotiating to get some of the work done off season and taking advantage of show specials,” says Kocina.

She adds that many of the companies exhibiting at this year’s show are very knowledgeable about green remodeling techniques, something in growing demand among area homeowners.

For additional information about this expo, visit www.101expos.com or call 612-798-7256. The 2008 Mid-America Remodeling & Design Expo is sponsored in part by KOOL 108 and KSTC Channel 45., and 5 Eyewitness News.

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