Wednesday – March 12

5:30-6:15pm

Rod Burke - Darrell Burke Construction

“Getting Started: Steps to a New Bathroom”

Learn the basic steps all the way from planning to completion when remodeling your bathroom.  


6:30-7:15pm

Sherry Kuzma - Great Lakes Landscapes

“Landscape Critique: Problems Solved!”

Have a backyard in need of repair?  Get some expert advice from a group of Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo landscape members!  Submit pictures of your problem areas and hear of lots of great ways to transform those areas into something you can showcase.  Please submit pictures to Sherry Kuzma at Great Lakes Landscapes by March 5th by e-mail at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

 

Thursday – March 13

12:30-1:15pm

Jeff Smith - Durwood Custom Homes

“Working with and Hiring a Builder”
Thinking of building a new home?  Building a home can be one of the most exciting times of your life.  Where do you start?  What should you do?  Learn the answers to all of your questions and the steps to prepare you for building a new home.

1:30-2:15pm

Sharon Ferraro - City of Kalamazoo, Historic Preservation Coordinator

“Kalamazoo Connection: Homes, History, and our Hometown”
Gain more knowledge about the unique history of how Kalamazoo grew. This seminar will be focusing on the development of neighborhoods, including the types of houses that were built. It will also feature information about all types of houses found in Kalamazoo; from the early settler’s humble houses, to the extravagant mansions.

2:30-3:15pm

John Buttery - Jaqua Realtors

“First Time Home Buyers”
When is the right time to buy your first home? Find out when, along with effective strategies for house hunting and the benefits of home ownership. Learn how to develop a home buying plan for your first time and get important information on foreclosures and distressed properties.   

3:30-4:15pm

Jerry Doorlag - The Kitchen Shop

“Kitchen Remodel: How Much Kitchen Do You Need?”

Thinking about a new kitchen that will be unique to your home and needs? Get to know the design parameters based on your kitchen’s specific size and your own personal criteria.

4:30-5:15pm

Joe Sikkema - Migala Carpet One

“Flooring Trends for the Active Lifestyle”

Attendees of this seminar will become experts in hardwood flooring, carpet, tile, and laminate trends. If you’re thinking about updating your floors, you don’t want to miss this one!

6:30-7:15pm

Marla Bruemmer - Design Evolutions

“Designing a Home for Your Changing Needs”

Learn how to incorporate life's "What If's" into your home design.  Those What If's are what potentially change our lives!  So if we think about all those possibilities and incorporate some of them into our homes, then we can make transitions smoothly as our lives change  Also hear about specialized design requirements for your home, such as Green Design, and Feng Shui.

7:30-8:15pm

Barb Clare - Trendz Creative Surfaces

“Professional Textures & Faux Finishes”

Achieve that “Architectural Digest” look for your home with professional textures and faux finishes for your walls, countertops, cabinets and floors with tips from Barb Clare of Trendz Architectural Surfaces Studio & School. Barb will take you on a ‘tour’ of various looks and finishes via a power point presentation. View actual samples of beautiful finishes in paint, plaster, concrete, and metal coatings. She will feature informational handouts on many new ‘green’ products used to achieve some of these looks. 

 

Friday – March 14

12:30-1:15pm

Peter Strazdas - Peter Strazdas, Builder

“Working with and Hiring a Builder”

When homeowners are thinking of hiring a new home builder, many questions and concerns come to mind. Come and learn about items that you may not have considered when you are looking to hire a new home builder.



1:30-2:15pm

Ryan Phimister - Consumers Concrete

“Do's and Don'ts for Successful Hardscapes”

Paving it yourself?  Hiring a contractor?  Catch this seminar with a general overview of proper installation and design of patios, walkways, and driveways using concrete pavers.  Hear some great tips on doing it yourself, and tips for selecting the right contractor for this type of  project.

3:30-4:15pm

Jeff Bos - EPS

“Home Security & Safety”

Learn how to incorporate some great basic security into your home.  Hear how to devise a fire escape plan, and how to utilize some of the great new technology such as home security alarms and closed circuit TV cameras. 

4:30-5:15pm

Bob DeHaan - DeHaan Remodeling

“Building or Remodeling Your Home: Doing Your Homework”

Have you put up with your old kitchen or bathroom long enough?  Have you outgrown your current space?  Whatever the reason is for remodeling your home, however large or small the transformation, remodeling requires lots of planning, professionalism, patience and sometimes a sense of humor.  This seminar will provide you with some great tools to make your project a success.

6:30-7:15pm

Dan Powers - Powers Bath Systems

“Bathroom Remodeling: Floor to Ceiling”

Thinking about remodeling your old bathroom? Come learn everything you need to know. From flooring, plumbing fixtures, vent fans, and lighting, to converting your tub into a walk-in shower. Get answers to any question you may have about remodeling your bathroom.

7:30-8:15pm

Peter Cook – Automation Design & Entertainment

“What's Hot & What's Not: Home Entertainment Trends”

 

Technology is ever changing and always improving. The digital world has revolutionized our cars, our homes and our lifestyles.  Now, how do we make sense of all of this?  We hear terms such as HDTV, HD-DVD, BluRay, Media Servers, digital music, digital photos, downloaded movies and so much more.  What do these terms mean and what are these technologies all about? Sort through the myriad of technologies used for basic and upscale home entertainment and information. You’ll learn what’s in and what’s out and what’s coming in the not so distant future.  Finally, you’ll learn what equipment, accessories, and design considerations are necessary for making the most of your relaxation time. 

Saturday – March 15

10:30-11:15am

Tanya McQueen - Extreme Makeover Home Edition

"How Do They Do It?  A Glimpse Into the Design and Building of Extreme Makeover Home Edition"

 

Meet Tanya McQueen, designer on the ABC hit reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and enjoy a behind the scenes look at this remarkable program.  It’s not just another home improvement show.   It’s a show about changing lives one house at a time.  During Tanya’s presentation, you will learn what it takes for the designers to totally rebuild a house – inside and out – in just seven days. Attend and see beautiful makeovers and interior designs that will inspire you to embark on a home renovation of your own. Get the fun facts about the making of each episode, and hear heartwarming stories of lives changed forever. 

11:30am-12:15pm

Sherry Kuzma - Great Lakes Landscapes
Dave DeVisser - DeVisser Landscape Service
Barney Naylor - Naylor Landscape Management, Inc.
Andy Wedel - Wedel's Nursery Florist & Garden Center
Mike Onderlinde - Forget-Me-Not Landscape and Nursery

“Going Green:  Panel Discussion about Green Building”

Learn easy strategies to make your home more environmentally friendly. Design your home around the idea of being “green” and save on operational expenses and provide yourself with a healthier atmosphere to live in. Consider going “green” in all aspects of your home, including kitchen, bathrooms, and in the design.

1:30-2:15pm

Barb Clare - Trendz Creative Surfaces

“Which Colors are Right for You”

With over 7 million colors that are distinguishable to the human eye and formulated by countless paint manufacturers, it's no wonder that choosing the right colors for your home can be an overwhelming and daunting task.  Barb Clare of Trendz will give you simple keys to unlocking the right colors for your home.  This mini-crash course in decorating with color will have you wondering why you've waited so long None to paint! 

2:30-3:15pm

Sherry Kuzma – Great Lakes Landscapes

“Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space”

Learn how to make the most of your outdoor spaces by designating them as “outdoor rooms”! Turn your front entrance into a welcoming “dooryard garden.” Make your backyard more inviting by creating “family room” or a state-of-the-art “outdoor kitchen.” See examples of brick patios and gardens complete with lighting, fire pits, and beautiful water features!

3:30-4:15pm

Tanya McQueen - Extreme Makeover Home Edition

“How Do They Do It?  A Glimpse Into the Design and Building of Extreme Makeover Home Edition”

Meet Tanya McQueen, designer on the ABC hit reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and enjoy a behind the scenes look at this remarkable program.  It’s not just another home improvement show.   It’s a show about changing lives one house at a time.  During Tanya’s presentation, you will learn what it takes for the designers to totally rebuild a house – inside and out – in just seven days. Attend and see beautiful makeovers and interior designs that will inspire you to embark on a home renovation of your own. Get the fun facts about the making of each episode, and hear heartwarming stories of lives changed forever. 

4:30-5:15pm

Peter Cook - Automation Design

“Home Technology: Make Your Home Smart Today”

“This seminar will highlight current and future applications of technology in today’s and tomorrow’s home.  Elements such as control, security, lighting, temperature control, communications, and entertainment are all covered in this course.  Attendees will learn the basics of each of these sub systems and how each of these systems can be integrated together to form an intelligent system that works around their lifestyles while providing many valuable benefits including energy management, safety and convenience.  Come see how smart home technology can benefit your home and your family today!”  

5:30-6:15 pm

Cindy Scheuer - Williams Kitchen & Bath

“Kitchen Design Trends”

See before and after pictures of beautifully remodeled kitchens! Learn how your kitchen can be transformed with new design trends such as  new colors and finishes for cabinetry and countertops, and information on plumbing products.