PARKERSBURG - The Great American Home Show had another successful year, with around 3,500 people in attendance throughout the weekend.
The annual show wrapped up Sunday afternoon with around 750 in attendance.
Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of the Mid-Ohio Valley, the home show at the former Big Bear in the Park Shopping Center featured more than 70 vendors.
John Farnsworth, executive officer with the HBAMOV, said the sunny skies and mild temperatures over the weekend inspired people to think about upcoming spring and summer projects and renovations.
"It was a great weekend overall," said Farnsworth. "I think a lot of people were cooped up in the house over the holidays, and they wanted to get out and get some new ideas for projects."
From cabinetry, countertops and flooring to basements and log homes, the home show featured a wide selection of vendors.
Jen Collinsworth, sales manager with Wayne Homes in Newark, Ohio, said the company is trying to reach clients in the Parkersburg area. Wayne Homes has several offices in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but new homes have been built throughout the surrounding states.
"We've been very busy. I don't think we've felt any negative effects of the economic climate," she said. "We've built a couple homes in Parkersburg already, and we're looking to build more."
Wayne Homes is under contract to build five homes in the Parkersburg area this spring.
"We build custom homes on your own lot, and I think people are drawn to us because we offer affordable houses with a lot of value," she said.
ProCo Construction in Parkersburg has kept busy with window replacements, roofing and siding projects. The company has been coming to the home show since 2006.
Employee David VonVille said business was good in 2011, with around 50 projects.
"I think the only year we really felt the economic slump was in 2009. Since then, we've had a lot of jobs," said VonVille. "People seem to be more serious about getting projects done."
In the past couple years, more homeowners have requested metal roofs, which last longer and are more durable than shingles.
"Metal roofs are a step up from your everyday shingle roofs," he said. "But its not just about quality, its also about the unique look and style of them."
Kelly Gillard, with Gillard Construction in Marietta, said the home show is a great way to branch out and get new business from the Parkersburg area. Gillard Construction offers new construction, remodeling and custom cabinets.
"We have some great displays and pictures of our showroom for people to see," she said. "We do custom cabinets, anything from glazed, wood, painted and frosted."
Business was good last year, with a lot of bathroom and kitchen remodel projects.
"The home show gets us some jobs that we probably wouldn't have been able to get otherwise," she said.
Some visitors to the Great American Home Show were there to research a specific home project, while others just wanted some inspiration.
Kathy Akers, of Charleston, is in Parkersburg to attend a family Super Bowl party.
"I'm not really looking for anything specific, but it's fun to browse. It definitely makes me want to get moving on some of those projects I've been meaning to get around to," said Akers. "I've got a backyard that needs some landscaping and a kitchen that needs new countertops."
Alan McIntosh, of Madison, W.Va., said he is planning to redo his bathroom and put in new flooring.
"We try to do a little work here and there on the weekends, but for those bigger projects we are going to need some help," he said. "I'm just looking around at the different types of flooring. There certainly is a selection here."
