Brian Boyce
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE — Homeowners tired of being cooped up all winter flocked this weekend to see what others are doing with their homes.
Marsha Doan, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Terre Haute, said that by 4 p.m. Saturday about 3,000 people had come through the doors of the group’s 2010 Home Show inside Indiana State University’s Hulman Center in downtown Terre Haute.
The event ran Friday evening and up to 9 p.m. Saturday. Doors re-open today at noon with programming until 5 p.m.
“Really, really well,” Doan said of attendance, adding people were feeling a “little stir crazy” after months of wintery cold. “We’ve had a steady flow.”
About 100 vendors lined the upper halls of the facility as well as the arena floor.
Phillip Roberts of One Planet Solar, Inc., located at 2350 Wabash Ave., was holding court in the middle of the arena with displays featuring his business’ alternative energy products.
Systems ranging from grid-tied solar arrays to battery bank systems, solar attic fans and generators are all part of the mix.
“A 10-year payback,” Roberts said of the cost benefit involved in installing solar panels. Also, homeowners can receive a 30-percent federal tax credit for residential installation, and commercial installs can receive a 30-percent rebate check from the government for qualifying projects.
Upstairs, Jamie Moore, owner of A1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair, said traffic had been good at his business’ booth. “Good. Really good. We’ve been really busy,” the foundation repair specialist said. Moore’s business pumps up sunken foundations, decks, driveways and other concrete structures.
Doan said visitors were coming to see a lot of the new ideas offered homeowners this year.
“A lot of people are coming for the heating and cooling and the windows,” she said.
Tickets for the event are available at the door for $3 or a donation of canned food.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
