Homeowners looking to improve their space will get an in-depth look at some of their more impressive options at this month’s Fall Home Improvement Showcase.
The showcase, organized by the central Ohio chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, features 11 top-notch remodeling projects by nine companies in the Columbus area. It takes place Sept. 20-21.
The diverse tour will include whole house renovations, kitchen additions, bathroom projects and an outdoor living space.
Shari Bates, central Ohio chapter executive, points to several advantages the showcase provides the visitor who may be contemplating hiring a contractor to remodel his or her home.
“Finding the perfect remodeling contractor can be a challenge,” Bates says. “Websites and advertisements may help narrow your focus, but it is sometimes difficult to tell one contractor from another by looking at attractive photos of their projects.”
To that end, sometimes the best way to find the right contractor is to se
e his or her work firsthand.
“(The showcase) features some of the finest examples of remodeling in central Ohio,” says Bates. “The goal is to help consumers by providing a more hands-on approach in their remodeling research.”
Patrons also have the chance to inspect the quality of craftsmanship and materials used, and to closely examine a project rather than rely on pictures that could have been Photoshopped by a harried contractor. A builder or its representative will be on hand at each home.
Visitors should “take time to ask questions about the materials used and the reasons behind the specific design for that project,” Bates says.
Generally visitors pick and choose based on location and the types of projects in which they’re most interested, and the tour covers all NARI project categories except basements.
The homes by category are:
- -Whole house: 2553 Chartwell Rd. (Miller Troyer Custom Home, Amish Cabinetry and Remodeling), 1517 Ashdowne Rd. (Nicholson Builders), 2326 Andover Rd. (Griffey Remodeling), 1816 Upper Chelsea Rd. (Hope Restoration & General Contracting), all in Upper Arlington; and 10603 Allen Rd., Pickerington (Nicholson Builders)
- -Bath: 6181 Duffy Rd., Delaware (Bath Works by Plumbers & Factory Supplies, Inc.), and 5522 Lockmore Ct. E., Dublin (Scott Hall Remodeling)
- -Kitchen: 7676 Smoke Rd., Pataskala (Peter A. Robinson Remodeling)
- -Kitchen and Addition: 6675 Highland Lakes Pl., Westerville (Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers)
- -Kitchen, Addition and Outdoor Living: 2283 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington (Renovations Unlimited)
- -Kitchen and Bath: 7413 Christie Chapel Rd., Dublin (Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers)
Tickets are $10 for the tour or $3 for a single site. Hours are 10-5 p.m. Sept. 20 and noon-5 p.m. Sept. 21.
For detailed information about each location and builder, plus ticket purchases, visit www.trustnari.org.
Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
