Our Top 4 Tips for Successfully Navigating a Home Show

For Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA, the time of year we’ve anxiously been waiting for has arrived. Home show season is finally here! Our marketing teammates have laced up their most comfortable shoes and are ready to answer all your questions about replacement windows and patio doors (all while following current guidelines to keep you safe). This is our most exciting time of year because we get to bring our showroom to you, tell you about Renewal by Andersen and help you find the best solution for your replacement window and patio door needs.

How to Get the Most Out of a Home Show

Attending a home show can be a daunting task for many people. Aisle after aisle of home improvement companies showcasing their products, the newest inventions and the greatest deals of the year can wear out a home show attendee very quickly. This is why our home show marketing veterans at Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA came up with this list of tips for anyone planning on attending a home show this year.

1. Plan ahead. Before you do anything else, ask yourself WHY you’re attending the home show. Is it to get landscaping ideas? Do you need new windows? Do you like the idea of granite countertops in your kitchen? Or maybe you’d like all three! Make a list and number your goals based on level of importance. New windows may be a necessity because your current ones are leaking cold air, or perhaps the landscaping needs to be done around the pool you had installed last summer. You may also want to give your kitchen a fresh new look with granite countertops. Once you’ve figured out your why, find out which companies at the show can handle your anticipated project.
2. Research. Home show attendees are more informed now than ever before. Walking into a show, many already have a particular home improvement project in mind and have Googled the show map and compiled a list of vendors they’d like to speak with. By following this same plan, you’ll become better informed, which can save you a lot of time and hassle. Check out the companies’ websites, compile a list of the ones that are the most reputable and have the best reviews, and make it a point to visit with them. This will help you maximize your time at the show and prioritize the appointments you make with potential companies.
3. Set appointments. Most home improvement companies can’t give you a quote on the spot at a home show, especially if the majority of their work is custom. Therefore, you’ll be asked to set up an appointment to get an estimate on a particular project. Most in-home consultations involve all homeowners and take approximately 60-90 minutes. Our recommendation is to walk the entire show and talk to those who are on your list. Then, take a few minutes and circle back around, stopping at the ones who stood out to you. Set up appointments with the best of the best, limiting them to no more than three similar companies per home improvement project. You’ll be able to make an informed decision and compare pricing – all while keeping your sanity intact!
4. Enjoy. Home shows are meant to be enjoyable. Our marketing team has fun at home shows, and our goal is to make sure you enjoy them, too. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to talk to everyone and take in the atmosphere of the show; some people who get too harried don’t appreciate that the businesses are there for the benefit of potential customers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try samples, test new products and learn what’s best for you and your home. And, most importantly, have fun!

Get the Best Products & Services

If you want to install new windows and patio doors in your home but don’t have time to attend a home show, give Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA a call at 610-798-1708 to schedule a free in-home consultation. If you need help choosing the best windows and patio doors for your home, our experienced designers and product specialists are always happy to help.