Chicago Home Show Visits Darien

The Chicago Home Show hosted 70 vendors Saturday and Sunday at Darien Sportsplex.

Among the many home remodeling and repair companies were landscape specialists, home goods suppliers and miscellaneous vendors of jewelry and consumable products.

Also at the show on Saturday was the Rock-n-Roll Patrol from Aurora-based radio station 95.9 The River. The youthful and friendly crew was there to help draw crowds and promote the station with giveaways and a raffle.

The Chicago Home Shows are produced by The Home Shows, Inc., a family-owned business which now spans four generations.

Associate Producer Peggy Ruh has always chaired the Home Show events, calling it “a neutral place for customers and contractors to meet” before deciding to move forward with a quote.

Ruh has seen buying trends fluctuate with the economy over the years. Very rarely now do customers attend the show looking for new construction needs. Most of the interest lies in repairs, replacement or enhancement of what they already own. 

“When the economy dips, people tend to [if they have the money] fix up what they have, instead of moving,” Rue said.

That reason is what brought Mark Rot, part-owner of Masters Millwork Company from Palos Hills to participate in the exposition. 

“This is a great way to meet people; in this economy, you have to go the extra mile and work harder to get leads,” said Rot. 

He also confirmed that the majority of his clients are looking for replacement to protect their investment. 

Darien resident Harry Tong attended the home show with investment protection in mind. He manages several rental properties and wanted some new remodeling ideas. 

Tong commented on the format of the event, saying, “It’s nice to come and meet the contractors face-to-face before deciding to request a quote from them.”

Agreeing with Tong’s assessment was Woodridge resident and artist Marj Nicoletti who needed ductwork repairs in her home, an essential rather than elective expenditure.   

Show vendor Kevin Fick of Four Seasons Sunrooms had some encouraging news about the economy—he reported that business this year is up 12 percent from last year.

 “Things are picking up,” said Fick, explaining that with home sales still in a slump, clients are making changes in their homes so they can enjoy them for the long run.

He believes that’s a hopeful sign since sunroom additions are more of a luxury expense rather than a necessity.

One company that seems to be recession proof is Mold Solutions, a green-products based company in Frankfort, IL, that has been featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition three times.

Representative Adam Mrazek said the reason is simple—mold issues in the home can’t be ignored, as they pose health and allergy risks.

Mrazek  said business has steadily risen over the past few years as clients tackle mold issues in attics, ventilation systems and basements.

Chicago Home Shows holds 10 events each year. This weekend’s event marks the last of the spring 2011 shows.