This weekend's NARI Home & Remodeling Show a good tool to tackle renovation projects

NEW BERLIN (CBS 58) --The annual NARI Home & Remodeling Show will be slightly smaller this year as the coronavirus pandemic keeps more people at home and interested in making improvements.

NARI Milwaukee is hosting its home and remodeling show Oct. 16-18 at State Fair Park. Around 70 NARI Milwaukee members will host exhibit booths. Last year, more than 100 members staffed exhibit booths. The home and remodeling show has exhibitors for all types of remodeling and home improvement products and services.

“We’re excited to connect homeowners who are eager to get their home improvements underway with local contractors. By hosting a safe and accessible show, we’re helping reopen the economy and support area small businesses,” said Diane Welhouse, executive director of NARI Milwaukee, in a news release. “Nearly 80% of our members are small businesses with fewer than 10 employees so the annual show is important to them.”

With people staying at home more during the pandemic, NARI members have said that business is good even though some segments of the economy are seeing significant declines as a result of COVID's effect on business. 

“Today’s home is working overtime as adults and children are using it as their restaurant, office, classroom, entertainment spot and vacation destination,” Welhouse said in the release. “NARI Milwaukee members report many homeowners are looking to improve, repurpose and expand their space due to these increased demands.”

The show will have a limited capacity with one-way aisles to enforce social distancing. All exhibitors and attendees will be required to wear face coverings, in compliance with a statewide mask mandate.

I had the chance to speak with Michael Maples, general manger of "Renovations Group" out of Hartland.  He took me on a tour at a home in New Berlin.  The house recently underwent a major renovation project, including an 1100 square-foot addition, raised roof, and new kitchen cabinetry.  Maples says the upcoming NARI show is invaluable.  It's a way to ask the experts to help you formulate a plan.  But he says you need to do some research before you attend.  You should know what your budget is along with a general idea of what you're wanting. 

For all the information about this weekend's NARI Home & Remodeling Show, just click here.  Keep in mind there are some COVID restrictions you need to know about before you show up to the event.