Anchorage Daily News

Over the years we have brought you a variety of tips on maintaining or improving your home's value. So whether you are planning a small project or contemplating a bigger remodel, the 49th Annual Home and Remodeling Show, March 27-29, at Sullivan Arena could be a great place to start.

With three days and more than 150 exhibitors, the show's exhibits cover just about everything between "Art" and the "Yard." It is a great opportunity to compare products. Then when you have your ideas narrowed down, it is easier to look more closely at specific items.

Additionally, you also can meet local builders and suppliers. While it might be difficult to have a private conversation during the show, you can establish a connection for later. A sampling of this year's participants can be found at www.ahba.net/pdf/HS09-exhibitors.pdf.

In between looking at the exhibits, consider taking one of the many seminars offered. With four different locations and 11 possible times, there are a variety of interesting topics. Some could even save you money or show you ways to partly reimburse the cost of your project!

A number of the seminars cover the Energy Rebate Program, which could help pay some of your remodeling expenses if done right. The program has such a high demand already that the complete process takes some time, but with a little forethought and coordination, you could get up to $10,000 for making specific improvements. The program not only benefits owners of single-family houses, but also condominiums and multifamily houses of up to four units.

For more information about the energy rebate program go to www.ahfc.state.ak.us/energy/energy.cfm. To sign up for an energy rate inspection or see where you are on the inspection list go to www.akrebate.com.

Two other seminars include a presentation from Chugach Electric Association, Municipal Light & Power and the city's Watershed Management Division.

The Chugach/ML&P seminar focuses on the benefits of energy-saving lights. Learn how to adapt your home, how to tell a good-quality light bulb from a dud, and how changing your lights can affect your pocket book.

The Municipality Watershed Management Division seminar covers the importance of rain gardens. If you are planning to rework or create landscaping, learn how to install a rain garden and be partially reimbursed through a grant. Rain gardens not only add a beautiful component to your landscaping, they require less maintenance than a lawn while helping to keep our waters clean. For information on rain gardens go to www.anchorageraingardens.com.

Other seminars of interest include color trends, windows and doors, log construction, water features in gardens and remodeling that pays -- to name just a few. More information on the seminars is available at www.ahba.net/pdf/HS09-Seminars.pdf.

Why is now a good time to consider completing that home improvement project? First, just as maintaining your car keeps it running smoothly, taking care of those "honey-do" projects maintains your property value. Second, with a slow down in new construction, more contractors are looking for work. It's the perfect time to get access to quality contractors!

With so much located under one roof, what better way to start planning your summer projects. Plus there could be the added benefit of being reimbursed some of your expenses. Hope to see you there!

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