SPECIAL EXTENDED ASK THE EXPERTS – Time To Turn Your House Into Your Dream Home

The local housing market has been the real estate equivalent of the Wild West in the past few years.

It really has been survival of the fittest and many had to go to extreme measures after suffering through the disappointment of rejected offers. Those lucky enough to have had a bid accepted usually had to waive most conditions, including home inspection.

The end result is that we have a lot of new homeowners who are discovering there are sometimes multiple issues needing to be addressed in their castles.

Most who purchase a home usually go through a period of renovation, improvement, and modification of the dwelling — inside and out — to suit their personal requirements and taste. However, currently we are seeing an increase in other more essential aspects.

With so many considerations it may be ideal if the local homeowner can attend one event that can expose them to concepts, contractors, and products that may otherwise would never be under one roof at the same time.

Here is the answer you are looking for!

The 39th annual Windsor Home & Garden Show takes place at the indoor soccer field in Central Park Athletics, 3400 Grand Marais Avenue at Central Avenue, Windsor. This year’s show runs Friday, March 31 from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with a variety of vendors, the venue offers an abundance of parking, and admission to the show is an affordable $10 for adults with those under 16 years of age admitted for free.

The show is locally produced by 20/20 Show Productions Inc. owned by Stuart Galloway who has 33 years of personal experience with the show and has witnessed the growth of the event over the years.

Galloway recounts: “This show has seen many different homes over the last 39 years such as the Cleary Auditorium, the St. Denis Centre, former GM building, former Zellers at Tecumseh Mall, former RONA on Lauzon Road, and the Hearn building. However, we are nicely settled into the Central Park Athletics centre at Grand Marais and Central Avenue at this time.”

He mentions this year’s show has over 200 exhibitors, comprised of 90% local small businesses, covering every aspect of home care and renovations. (To see an exhibitor list and where the booth of each business can be found on a floor plan on their website.)

After the disruption of the pandemic, Galloway states: “We are excited to produce our first show in four years that is very close to normal. The show we produced in 2022 was smaller and not well attended compared to previous years, as many still carried concerns about COVID. However, I believe the majority now want to lead and live a normal life.”

In support of this, the 2023 show sold out early of exhibit space and a strong attendance is projected.

It appears the 39th edition of the Windsor Home & Garden Show is primed for success, much to the delight of local attendees, exhibitors, and the show’s title sponsor for the past decade, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

Two of the most prevalent components of a newly purchased home that often require upgrade or repair are the kitchen and bathroom facilities.

This seemed like a good place to begin our article with companies profiled who are 2023 Windsor Home & Garden Show exhibitors.

Have A Functional, Stylish Kitchen And Bathroom Designed By Naylor’s Kitchen & Bath

Naylor’s Kitchen & Bath located at 3260 Jefferson Boulevard in Windsor, has been providing their services and products to local residents for a mind-boggling 141 years. Talk about longevity!

Michael Taylor, General Manager, Josh Willis, Bath Showroom Manager, and Holly Mitchell Kitchen Showroom Manager, collectively provided some insights on the look of your kitchen and bathroom. The company is returning to the Windsor Home & Garden Show this year with their last participation being in 2003 and all three respondents are very excited to be included.

“I am hoping to increase our exposure at the Windsor Home & Garden Show as every day we encounter people who possibly didn’t know we existed,” Taylor expresses.

Well, we at Biz X certainly were aware of the fine work by the professionals at Naylor’s and there is no question as to the importance of these spaces within your home.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important selling features of any home,” believes Taylor. “A beautiful kitchen or a stylish bathroom can make or break a deal when it comes to a person buying your home.”

Beyond the resale value Mitchell offers: “Kitchens are the new heart of the home, whether it’s used for entertaining, cooking those delicious Sunday roasts, or even sitting down and getting some work done, you want your space to be able to serve you. With the vast amount of kitchen gadgets and accessories that we have available, you will be able to finally find a spot for all that Tupperware! We also have the option to create custom colours for our kitchens, so we can really make your kitchen tailored to you.”

As with anything worthwhile, planning is an extremely important aspect of achieving one’s goals and this business is no exception.

“We can offer 3-D renderings of our designs for kitchens, islands, custom vanities and more, so the consumer can get a realistic view of their project,” indicates Taylor.

With respect to planning Willis adds: “For our bath department we need to know either the exact or rough dimensions that the customers are looking for, to help steer them in the best direction. We ask questions regarding plumbing drain positions and water supplies as well.”

The bath department is cash and carry. Installation of faucets, toilets etc. is offered through their sister company, Naylor’s Home Service.

As for kitchen jobs, Mitchell notes: “Sometimes there are structural limitations; however, our fully qualified designers have years of experience that will bring new renovators some peace of mind. With the cabinetry lines that we offer, we can do anything and everything. If you see it, we can do it.”

As for new developments in materials, lighting, appliances or cabinetry . . .

“In the bath industry things are constantly changing,” Willis comments. “The newest material being used for tubs and shower bases is a man-made product comprised of resins and gelcoat. A specific company we deal with named Zitta, calls it the ROC product. When it comes to cabinets, the majority of what we sell are all wood cabinets in the bath department, which many years ago, were made of a mix of particle board and solid wood frames.”

Mitchell adds in her reply as well: “With kitchens the industry is constantly coming out with new trends and features. Unique coloured kitchens, deep greens are becoming increasingly popular, paired with a stunning Calacata marble Quartz, and some striking gold handles, your new space will be the talk of the neighbourhood. Lighting, stain and colour combinations, and extravagant backsplash and quartz options are endless. Stop in to our showroom to get some new ideas!”

As you have read the team is very passionate about creating beauty, as well as functionality, in bathroom and kitchen spaces.

Willis wraps up by stating: “I feel this is extremely important, so the customer will look back and say: ‘I’m sure glad we chose Naylor’s’! Achieving this is one of the reasons we have been around for over 140 years and have numerous repeat and long-time customers shopping with us.”

Undeniable Curb Appeal And Secure, Energy Efficient Doors & Windows With Guaranteed Windows And Doors

Mario Nogueira, Project Manager and President of Guaranteed Windows and Doors Ltd. has over 25 years of experience and knowledge in the window and door business including; sales, service, installation, and construction.

In business for the past 10 years, Guaranteed Windows and Doors is physically located at 2885 Lauzon Parkway, Unit 102 in Windsor.

When asked about their involvement in this year’s show, Nogueira replies: “We, as a team, always look forward to meeting potential new clients and showcasing our products and discussing our service and warranty. It gives us a chance to answer people’s questions and concerns and allows potential clients to see exactly what we have to offer.”

If you have concerns about your current doors and windows he advises: “The age of a door or window plays a big part in the efficiency of an existing assembly. Broken windows and doors that do not function correctly will not be energy efficient.”

According to Nogueira: “With modern technology and Energy Star products, new windows and doors will make a huge difference with heating and cooling costs and can also give an older home a new brighter look!”

When it comes to protecting one’s home from extreme temperatures Nogueira indicates: “New windows definitely help with heating and cooling savings during our cold months and our very hot summers. With Energy Star windows, the homeowner is getting a window that is designed for our area of fluctuating temperatures.”

Regarding curb appeal and security when it comes to entrance doors, he points out: “We offer steel and fibreglass doors with decorative glass, clear glass and no glass. We offer standard and custom sidelites with or without glass. Whatever the homeowner is looking for, we will make it happen. We offer 43 designer UV protective paint colours and eight craftsmen applied wood stains. We also have the ability to do custom colours for our doors.” (Just check out the front cover of this issue for proof!)

So what’s new in terms of features, finishes and colours?

“Trends that are currently happening today are both sleek and clean with long handles giving the industrial look, or coloured doors with very decorative glass and sidelites,” he reports. “Homeowners are looking towards the curb appeal and the WOW factor when replacing doors.”

Curb appeal can also be a factor when it comes to windows as well. “You can take an older home that looks very dated and with a few different window designs and colour, your home will look refreshed and very eye catching,” Nogueira comments.

Innovations in window technology are also of benefit.

“With changing technology, there is always something new coming out or in the works,” he says. “There are different levels of Low-e, grey glass designed to cut down on direct sunlight coming through your windows, and locking mechanisms are always improving so that the window can be tighter when closed and locked.”

COVER STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 18