Home, garden show focuses on saving money

Then throw in elegance, modernity, durability and sustainability. Having indoor and outdoor living spaces is a bonus.

First off, people want to save money - if not in upfront costs, then on the expenses of energy consumption and maintenance later. And as the housing market slowly improves, future home sellers want their houses up-to-date and competitive for the market.

Hardieplank, the fiber-cement product that looks and feels like wood, is marketed as weather resistant, insect and fire resistant, and more durable than wood siding.

Decreased labor costs have "revolutionized" the industry, Wes Hadsell of Hadco Services said about Galvacore structural panels. The galvanized steel system can be used to make a range of structures - from fire pits and courtyards to outdoor kitchens to fences and benches.

Kevin Murphy, a lawnmower salesman, talked about the benefits of propane-fueled mowers. Propane, which is cheaper than gasoline and diesel, burns cleaner and produces less toxic emissions, he said.

And many people are looking for heavier lawn mowers that last longer than smaller, more convenient models.

Granite continues to be a must for many homebuyers and on the list of upgrades that increase home value.

"Granite is still the most popular when it comes to countertops," Hawksworth said. It's what 90 percent of CTS customers come in looking to buy.

Others are looking at quartz because of its low-maintenance reputation. But these days, granite is just as easy to keep up.

In the way of bathroom remodeling, Hawksworth said many customers are focusing less on luxurious tubs and more on larger shower spaces.

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Home, garden show focuses on saving money