The Home Show puts on display everything from major construction contractors to architects and specialists in cabinetry, additions, landscaping, roofing, spas and everything in between.
Robert Goyette, president of Heritage Homes in Westfield, mans his booth at the the Original Western Mass. Home & Garden Show, sponsored by Home Builders & Remodelers Association. They are one of the original companies at the show, exhibiting since the 1950s.
For Robert T. Goyette Sr., who runs Heritage Homes Inc., the longest-running vendor at the 54-year-old show on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, this year has significantly more jingle than recent years.
"This time last year there was no talk about new construction at all. It was really dead," said Goyette, who has passed the torch to his son, Robert T. Goyette Jr., now president. "The last couple of years at the show have been the leanest and I've been through a lot of ups and downs over the years."
This year, Goyette said, there are serious inquiries from those with plans in hand or land lots purchased - serious buyers.
"People talk about that stuff and I get all smiles," Goyette said, adding that his company owns a subdivision in Belchertown called Pepper Ridge Estates and he expects to fill a few more lots as a result of the show.
The Home Show puts on display everything from major construction contractors to architects and specialists in cabinetry, additions, landscaping, roofing, spas and everything in between.
"Tankless hot water heaters?" one woman inquired of show manager Bradford Campbell, executive director of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts, which runs the show.
Architect WIlliam J. Devlin of Springfield talks to a potential new customer at the the Original Western Mass. Home & Garden Show, sponsored by Home Builders & Remodelers Association.
"Modular homes have certainly been a big attraction," Campbell said. "This year we have nine solar companies, three new Realtors and seven banks."
The crowds and response from vendors seemed a promising forecast of an economic rebound - at least in the housing market, Campbell said.
Springfield architect William J. Devlin agreed with Goyette in that interest seemed to be more of the serious brand this year.
"I've gotten work out of this show every year, but this year seems different than recent years. I love it though. You turn into a show guy during these four days and I have a ball," Devlin said.
The Home & Garden Show will continue March 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.