Mood Upbeat, Crowds Brisk on Final Day of Seattle Home Show 2010

Crowds are brisk and interest is high in all that’s for the home as Seattle Home Show 2010 concludes its its 66th annual run. Show visitors are demonstrating interest in just about every facet of interior and exterior home improvements as the nation’s oldest and largest home show finishes its final day.

At this year’s Show, there’s been an interest in essentials and value. Seminars at the Show have focused on everything from remodeling your home for rental income to creating a backyard cottage. On Idea Street, show visitors have been flocking to see the latest design trends in model homes created by Timberland Homes, FabCab, Palm Harbor Homes,

Coast Cabins and Aurora Quality Buildings. Exhibitors report that consumers seem more willing to spend more on their homes as consumer confidence in the economy begins to return. Green practices, from design to materials, continues to be a popular request among consumers at this year’s Show.

Essentials and value, simplicity in design combined with green building – these are the hallmarks among consumers as Seattle Home Show 2010 concludes.

Builders, Contractors and Free Advice at Seattle Home Show 2010

Builders, contractors and remodelers abound at Seattle Home Show 2010, as Northwesterners opt to stay in place and upgrade their current homes rather than moving. Both individual exhibits as well as seminars relating to contracting are available in abundance at this year’s Show.

An example of how homeowners can increase space without remodeling, Modern Shed is showcasing its unique line of backyard sheds for storage and living spaces. Sheds start with a Basic Model, which is then used as the basis of its additional models, each targeted for different functions such as its Studio Shed and Dwelling Shed. Modern Shed is shipped flat to customers, who can either erect it themselves or hire a professional to do it for them.

Shirey Contracting is showcasing examples of its award-winning remodeling work and custom homes. Shirey Contracting uses a creative design/build approach on all its projects, both large and small. The company uses green building practices, earth-friendly building materials and job site recycling in what it calls its Build Smart™ process.

Seminars: There’s still time to get free how-to advice and tips at the Seattle Home Show’s Seminar Series. Among the seminars being presented today and tomorrow are “What You Need To Know About A Home Performance Analysis” by Shirey Contracting (today 4:30 PM); “10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor” by Classic Construction and the Master Builders Association; and “How to Make Your Remodel A Good Investment” presented by Booth Construction and the Master Builders Association. All seminars are free of charge with paid admission to the Show.

E-tickets and details at SeattleHomeShow.com. Check in tomorrow for updates on our closing day!

Roofs, Windows and Glass Blocks: Building Materials and Supplies for Everyone at Seattle Home Show 2010

Northwesterners are getting a head start on many of their spring home improvement projects at Seattle Home Show 2010. With nearly 600 exhibits featuring everything from roofs and windows to glass blocks and more, consumers have the opportunity to comparison shop for their projects in a single location at the nation’s oldest and largest home show.

At Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company, show visitors are receiving a first-hand look at some of the leading roofing technologies that have made this company one of the top in its field. Based in Redmond, the company has been serving customers throughout the greater Puget Sound for the past 24 years. During this time, Larry Haight has won a variety of awards for service, including “Small Business of the Year” from the Better Business Bureau, and Angie’s List “Super Service” award.

At Pella Windows, consumers are viewing some of the latest offerings for windows and doors. Pella offers everything from contemporary to classic designs. Window styles include casement, single and double hung, bay and bow, and even special shapes. In addition, Pella will be offering a seminar “How to Choose a Replacement Window” on Saturday, February 27 as part of the Seattle Home Show’s seminar series. All seminars are free of charge with paid admission.

If you’re looking for some unusual design ideas for showers or walkways, Seattle Glass Block is showcasing some innovative designs featuring glass blocks. Among its offerings is a unique shower kit for creating a custom shower built with glass blocks as well as custom glass walkways and stairs. Seattle Glass Block will be presenting a seminar on “Wedi Shower Pan & Wall Board System” on Sunday, February 28th at the Seattle Home Show. Admission is free to the seminar with paid admission to the Show.

E-tickets and further show information available at SeattleHomeShow.com. Show runs through Sunday, February 28

Kitchen Cabinets and More at Seattle Home Show 2010

It’s kitchen cabinets galore and more at Seattle Home Show 2010 as the nation’s oldest and largest home show celebrates its 66th annual run.

For custom cabinetry that stands out, visit with the experts at Jesse Bay Cabinetry. This custom cabinet builder is showcasing examples of its award winning work for the Northwest home. In addition to cabinets, Jesse Bay offers furniture and ceramics.

Greenlake Cabinets & Construction is an independently owned Seattle-based business offering custom/semi-custom cabinets and more. Its box cabinets are constructed with 5/8 or ¾ inch thick materials, unless the cabinetry is face framed. All door and drawer fronts are made from ¾” solid wood, unless specified [such as a 1” thick door or ¼” plywood panel, inside of a ¾” solid wood door]. In addition, Greenlake offers design and remodeling services.

From cabinet refacing to full remodels, New Face Kitchens is displaying examples of its award winning cabinet and design work. Its Signature Cabinet line is custom built and comes in a wide range of design styles. This third generation owned family business will tear out and replace your old cabinets with new custom built cabinets with 10 to 16 business days from start to finish.

E-tickets and show details at SeattleHomeShow.com.

More updates from Seattle Home Show 2010 tomorrow!

Energy Saving Ideas at Seattle Home Show 2010 – Part Two

With all the various Federal Tax Credit and rebate programs for energy efficient products, show visitors are showing more interest than ever in energy savings for the home. From traditional heaters to alternative energy, Seattle Home Show has just the expert to help them with their needs.

For all the latest in natural gas, Ballard Natural Gas Service is showcasing examples of its residential HVAC systems. Ballard Natural Gas offers both retrofits and new equipment. The company also offers complete service and repair, as well as power air duct cleaning.

For those who like the look and feel of infloor radiant heating, All Radiant Inc. has a solution. The company is displaying examples of its radiant heating solutions featuring Alcatel Heating Cables. All Radiant can install radiant heating systems in both new construction and remodels, and in just about any part of the home, from kitchens and baths to solariums.

For an unusual twist to radiant heating, Comfort Glow Heating is showcasing Enerjoy Infrared Radiant Heating Panels. Unlike infloor radiant heating, the Enerjoy Radiant Heating Panels mount on the ceiling. Temperature of the panels is controlled in each individual room, allowing homeowners to tailor their heating needs.

E-Tickets and show details at SeattleHomeShow.com.
More show highlights here tomorrow.

All the Latest In Home Financing, Insurance at Seattle Home Show 2010

Whether you’re looking to buy, refinance or insure your home, there are companies to serve your needs at Seattle Home Show 2010.

Among the home loan exhibitors at this year’s Show is BECU. At the BECU exhibit, show visitors are learning more about the home loan and refinancing options available to them from this Northwest institution. Among its offerings is the BECU Equity Advantage that combines a variable rate Home Equity Line of Credit and a fixed rate home equity loan in a single account. In addition, BECU has brought in its Mobile Financial Center – a fully operational bank on wheels –to Seattle Home Show. With the BECU Mobile Financial Center, consumers are able to apply and receive approval for loans at the Show.

American Family Insurance is on hand helping consumers learn more about the various options available to them in consumer insurance. With more than 375 products and features from which to choose, American Family can work with consumers to create Custom Family Protection. Additionally, AFI’s mascot, Clifford the Dog, will be appearing in the booth this Saturday from 1 – 4 PM.

Check back tomorrow for more news updates from Seattle Home Show 2010!

Seattle Home Show Featured on KCPQ 13 TV’s “Mornings with Kaci”

Seattle Home Show 2010 had special guests this morning when KCPQ 13 TV news reporter Kaci Aitchison and crew showed up to film Seattle Home Show for a live remote broadcast from Qwest Field Event Center. Kaci featured the Seattle Home Show on her broadcast “Mornings with Kaci,” which airs live during the 7 to 10 AM morning news on this FOX affiliate.

Segments included “Small is the New Big in Home Design” with footage shot at the Palm Harbor Avanti and footage and interviews at the FabCab; “Landscape Tips from the Pros” with Ben Middlemas of London Landscaping; “Cost Effective Design Tips” with Pam Saftler of PCS Design who designed the interiors of the Timberland model home; and “Simplifying Technology in the Home” with Brett Griffin of Architechtronics. Other live shots were taken during the Show as well, from kitchen appliances to a built in massage shower/tub/steam room in one.

To see the Architechtronics interview live, visit “Mornings with Kaci” at the KCPQ 13 website.

Check back tomorrow for Seattle Home Show news!

Energy Saving Ideas At Seattle Home Show 2010

At Seattle Home Show 2010, there are a host of energy saving ideas, both large and small. Not only can these ideas help consumers cut their energy bills, but with the current Federal tax incentives they can help homeowners save at tax time as well.

At Puget Sound Energy, consumers can learn more about the various energy-efficient heating and cooling systems currently available. Products are available for both electric and natural gas customers. In addition to the Federal tax incentives available, Puget Sound Energy offers its own energy efficient product rebates, including rebates for converting from electric to natural gas.

At Northwest Mechanical consumers can see a range of traditional and alternative energy heating and cooling solutions for the home, from hydronic heating to solar energy. Products include high-energy boilers, solar hot water heaters, radiant floor heating and solar pool heaters.

For the latest in gas heating, consumers can stop by Sundance Energy. This locally owned company is showcasing examples of its gas heating fireplaces and stoves, as well as gas furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioning. In addition to gas appliances, Sundance offers solar water heating, awning installation and heating and cooling service and repair.

Check back tomorrow for more updates on Seattle Home Show 2010!

Crowds Brisk, Interest High For All That’s New In The Home at Opening Day of Seattle Home Show 2010

From how to seminars to tours of model homes, brisk crowds are marking the opening day of Seattle Home Show 2010 as Northwesterners rush to see exhibits featuring their favorite areas of interest or to hear seminars about the latest home improvement and design ideas.

On Idea Street, consumers are lining up to get a first-hand look at the various brand-new model homes, including this one from Timberland Homes. This 1900 plus square foot home has already been sold, but visitors still are able to tour it throughout the Show’s duration to get a close up view of the home’s fabulous interiors by PCS Design, as well as the beautiful landscaping by Malone’s Landscaping.


At the Seminar Stage, show visitors are packing the seats to learn about the latest home improvement and design ideas presented by some of the region’s leading building professionals. Today’s seminars include topics such as “How to Stretch Your Remodeling Dollars” presented by Kitchen Plus to ”Simple Solutions for Beautiful Technology” presented by Architechtronics. Seminars on these and other topics run at select times each day throughout the Show’s run. More information on the Seminar schedule and other Show details can be seen online at www.seattlehomeshow.com.

More updates on Seattle Home Show 2010 come tomorrow!

What's Hot in the Kitchen at Seattle Home Show 2010

As Seattle Home Show 2010 prepares to open tomorrow, exhibitors are readying their exhibits to showcase all the latest products and trends for the Northwest kitchen. In today's economy, the kitchen has become of increasing importance in the home, with Northwesterners often choosing to stay at home and entertain rather than go out. All this will be reflected in the exhibits at Seattle Home Show 2010.

At Kitchen Plus, consumers can see examples of ways they can transform their kitchen spaces, either by a full remodel or though Kitchen Refacing. Kitchen Plus designers note that there is a "back to basics" trend, as Northwesterners look to make the kitchen not just a showplace but also a place where real cooking and entertaining takes place. Naturals combined with colors help make the kitchen a warm inviting place for consumers to gather and be together in today's economic climate.

At Arnold's Appliance, consumers will be able to see the latest trends in kitchen appliances. Northwesterners continue their love affair with stainless steel appliances. However, many are turning towards the midrange products as they balance value with budget.

Check in tomorrow for the latest update on opening day of Seattle Home Show 2010!

More Homes Going Up on Idea Street

As opening day approaches, construction continues on Seattle Home Show's Idea Streetª, the community of model homes featuring the latest design and building trends in the Northwest. All homes are constructed, finished and landscaped in just five days time.

Smaller homes and a focus on simplicity are the latest trends for the Northwest home, and nowhere is this better highlighted than among the homes going up on Idea Street. The Palm Harbor Avanti is a 600 plus square foot home featuring contemporary styling and sustainable design in a compact footprint. When completed, this Northwest home will feature green building materials inside and out, surrounded by a full Northwest classic garden created by London Landscaping.

Also underway on Idea Street is a display by Aurora Quality Buildings featuring a collection of mini-cabins and outbuildings starting in size at 150 square feet. A complementary landscape garden featuring Northwest native plantings is being created by North Cascades

Nursery.

Rounding out the homes on Idea Street is Coast Cabins. This unique community of homes features compact cabins built using Coast Cabins' patented tongue and groove technology that enables the homes to be constructed using only a rubber mallet. Coast Cabins homes are constructed using green materials. Solar panels, composting toilets and other green practices will be featured in the homes, with landscaping by NW Bloom.

Check in tomorrow for more updates on Seattle Home Show 2010! For more information on the Show, please visit www.seattlehomeshow.com

Homes Taking Shape on Idea Street

Construction is well underway on Idea Street (tm), the community of model homes that is a Seattle Home Show exclusive. They feature the latest in home design and landscaping trends for the Northwest market.

Among the homes going up on Idea Street is Number 082, presented by Timberland Homes. Called the Newcastle, this 1900 plus square foot home features a beach theme, with classic Nantucket inspired interiors created by Pam Saftler of PCS Design. Outside, Malone's Landscape is creating a classic Northwest native inspired garden, complete with water features and outdoor living spaces.


Making its debut at Seattle Home Show 2010 is a new cottage from FabCab, a Seattle company specializing in structures for multi-generational living. The FabCab cottage measures a compact 538 square feet, and is constructed using timber frame design. Prefabricated buildings of this design, as well as kits for do-it-yourselfers, are available from the company. Sustainable design and materials are used throughout the building. Outside, London Landscaping is creating a low maintenance container garden with a Zen/Asian flair. Additional show information available at SeattleHomeShow.com.

Check back tomorrow to see more Idea Street homes.

Seattle Home Show 2010 Set to Open Saturday

It's "Home Sweet Home Show" at Seattle Home Show 2010, presented by Arnold's Appliance and Kitchen Plus, as the nation's oldest and largest consumer home show opens its doors this Saturday February 20th at Qwest Field Event Center for its annual nine day run. Everything from green design to high tech will be featured at this year's show, now in its 66th year.

Northwesterners are focusing on simplicity and togetherness in the home, and this will be in evidence at this year's Seattle Home Show. Homes are smaller, colors are lighter and there is emphasis on value and the essentials. Remodeling rather than moving continues to be a key trend here in the Northwest, as well as secondary structures, such as accessory dwelling units, as a way to expand living space. All this and more will be highlighted at Seattle Home Show 2010.

Seattle Home Show 2010 takes place February 20 through 28 at Qwest Field Event Center. Show hours are: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $10.00 adults, $7.00 seniors (60+), $3.00 juniors (7-15). E-tickets are available for purchase online at www.SeattleHomeShow.com. Purchasers of E-tickets to the show also receive free parking for the Seattle Home Show at the Safeco Field Parking Garage. E-tickets are presented by BECU. With "Too much to see - come back for free(tm)," show visitors can register to return a second day for free, ID required. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Parking for the Seattle Home Show will include the Qwest Field Event Center parking garage, Qwest Field North Lot and the Safeco Field parking garage as well as other area lots. Vehicles with four or more occupants can take advantage of "Four or More Park Free(tm)" in designated lots courtesy of RSVP.

The Seattle Home Show is sponsored by the Master Builders Association and The Seattle Times.