Home show vendors look to spring – Times Herald-Record

Richard J. Bayne Times Herald-Record @RichardBayne845

MIDDLETOWN There was a foot of snow on the lawns next to the hall where 107 vendors showed their stuff at the Orange County Home Show Saturday, but inside the show was a world where spring is finally coming and home improvement projects will begin.

This is the time when decisions are made, said David McCarey, the show manager. People make decisions on home projects long before the first grass gets mowed.

Springs here, people are feeling it," said Jonathan Henry of Chambers Tractor Sales Inc. of Montgomery, as he showed visitors some of his new, multi-use tractors. The air is warmer, the days are longer, you can see grass in spots.

The 33rd Annual Orange County Home Show started Friday at the Ed Diana Center at SUNY Orange and ends Sunday. Visitors could pick up tips - and line up equipment and contractors - on just about any home improvement theyve been dying to tackle. Just to name a few, there are exhibits on solar power; bathroom and kitchen remodeling; pools and spas; roofing; gutters and downspouts; fencing; basement waterproofing; landscaping, and much, much more.

Zale Artus of Slate Hill, who was at the show with her husband, Jens, said this will be the year they fix up the fencing on their deck. They carefully examined products at the Ketcham Fencing display. I like to look at all the new things that come out. Thats why I like this show, Zale Artus said. You have to plan ahead.

This will be the year we get things off the ground, said Keith Vandermark of the Town of Thompson. Vandermark and his wife, Evelyn, checked out roof and gutter improvements, also solar energy and granite kitchen counters.

Ingrid Kolze of Pine Bush came to get information on storage sheds, maybe a pole barn. We need to do something so we can actually get a car in the garage, Kolze said. Then, with a smile, she said, Maybe this is the year we can get a hot tub or a sauna.

The show is an opportunity for homeowners to catch up on the latest technologies, McCarey said. Technology trickles down into home improvement, just like it does with everything else, he said.

Solar companies started exhibiting at the show 10 years ago, McCarey said, and their numbers have increased steadily. A number of companies at the show can guide you through bathtub and shower remodeling, or on installing those granite countertops and drop sinks that make kitchen work so much easier.

This is where you find out whats out there before you invest, McCarey said. Your home is a big investment. You want to be educated.

dbayne@th-record.com

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Home show vendors look to spring - Times Herald-Record