Page 58 - BusinessWest August 18, 2021
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 year and a half, and they are ready to make some changes.”
Crane emphasized the importance of planning and noted that the combination of busy contrac- tors, shortages of certain building materials, and difficulty finding enough laborers all contribute to projects taking more time than in the past.
“One person might be telling us their story, and others who overhear become interested in the conversation because they have similar problems in their basements. The next thing you know, a group of people are gathered around our booth.”
“Plan as far ahead as you possibly can,” he said. “I don’t want to scare anyone from doing a project, but planning is more important than it’s ever been.”
Grenier said good planning starts with recog- nizing that everyone is busy right now. “If folks go to the Home Show looking to make an inte- rior improvement, they should plan it as a winter project. If it’s an exterior project, plan for next spring.”
Crane agreed. “The days of getting prices from four or five contractors are going away. If you talk
Lori Loughlin says finding a contractor can be difficult right now, and the Home Show can help make those connections.
         with a contractor who gives you a reasonable price and you have a comfort level with them, sign them up.”
Loughlin said just finding a contractor to start a project is now more challenging. “The Home Show gives people an opportunity to meet con- tractors they might not have known about who can help them. It’s a chance to meet contrac- tors in person and establish a point person to contact.”
The real opportunity is moving past thinking about a project, to making it happen, she added. “I believe people will come to the Home Show
because many are at the point where they’ve done all they can online, and now it’s time to broaden what’s actually possible.”
Crane also emphasized how the Home Show has become a social event. For a $10 admission, it gives people an inexpensive time outside the house. It also allows people to see and touch new products.
“For the low cost of getting into the Home Show,” he said, “you might see that one thing that completes the puzzle of putting together your project.” u
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