Porter County Home & Lifestyle Show opens at Expo Center

VALPARAISO | Home remodeling was on the mind of Jan Baird as she gathered ideas at the 37th Home & Lifestyle Show on Friday.

"I'm trying to get a lot of ideas and this is a good idea spot. ... I like to talk to people in person and this is a one stop shop to meet the someone who might be coming into your home," Baird said.

Baird, who is looking to replace her gas fireplace with a wood burning one in her Lowell home, stopped to chat at the booth of Albert Bailitz.

Bailitz, owner of Albert the Chimney Sweep and one of the numerous vendors at the show, agreed with Baird.

"This is a good place to come and ask questions whether it's for 10 minutes or 30 and it's also very low pressure," Bailitz said.

The home show, which continues on Saturday and Sunday at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 Division Road, is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana (HBA), said Vicki Gadd.

Gadd, who serves as the executive officer of the HBA, said there are 102 vendors at the show with a wide range of products.

Items showcased run the gamut and include exhibitors offering all kinds of products and services -- builders, landscapers, lighting, furniture and refinishing.

"We have the show at a time when people are thinking of remodeling. They have been cooped up all winter and ready to get started on a project," Gadd said.

Barb and Tom Shirey of Valparaiso brought along their grandson, Zac Horn, 8, to just look around with no specific remodeling projects in mind.

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Porter County Home & Lifestyle Show opens at Expo Center