Home show offers budget-friendly upgrades

Despite the economic downturn, homeowners are still remodeling, according to vendors at the Adams County Home Show.

The 28th annual show features 50-plus vendors that are within about a 50-mile radius of Adams County. And most of those who have remodeling services say that business has not been faltering.

"It's definitely more affordable than buying a house," Jocelyn Wywadis, with Basement Finishing Company in Mount Carmel, said of a minor home makeover.

And the remodeling being done in homes is unique to the times, some vendors said.

"It's kind of strange," Les Hegarty said. "But with the economy, I've been seeing things I've never seen before."

Like mini-kitchens built onto homes,

Shoppers at the Adams County Home Show browse the vendors Friday night. The 28th annual show will continue Saturday. (THE EVENING SUN BRETT BERWAGER)

said Hegarty, who has been in the remodeling business for about 30 years. Or a basement converted into a tiny apartment.

And with college graduates moving back home with their mothers and fathers, Hegarty said homeowners have also been adding on so their children can still have that sense of independence.

Carol Caba, with Pennsylvania Home Solutions in Harrisburg, said when people contact her company for a bathroom remodel, it's not just for curiosity. They almost always end up having a remodel done.

A lot of homeowners have wanted to move from a bathtub to a shower, usually one complete with seat and railing. And maybe that's a sign of an aging population, she said.

Michele Reecher, of Gettysburg, attended the show Friday

night with a motive. She and her husband have lived in their home for 11 years, and they need new kitchen counters.

But that's an easy fix, said Jim Pickard, with Kitchen Saver in Lewisburg. And by just remodeling the counters or cabinets, homeowners save about a third of what a full kitchen remodel costs, Pickard said.

The 2012 Adams County Home Show is organized by the Builders Association of Adams County. Proceeds from the home show benefit the Builders Association of Adams County

Doug Beal, of Dog Guard, looks at some of the other stands on display before the opening of the Adams County Home Show on Friday night. More than 50 vendors were at the annual show. (THE EVENING SUN BRETT BERWAGER)

scholarship program. The group awards $2,000 each year to each of the seven Adams County schools. The scholarships are available to students interested in pursuing a higher education or training to enter the building trades and professions.

The home show is the group's biggest event of the year, and typically funds the scholarships completely, according to Kelly Crist, an executive officer.

jpalochko@eveningsun.com; 717-637-3736, ext. 151 IF YOU GO:

What: Adams County Home Show

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today

Where: Allstar Events Complex, 2638 Emmitsburg Road, Gettysburg

Details: Admission is $4 for ages 17 and up; 16 and under are free.

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Home show offers budget-friendly upgrades