Tri-State Home Show starts today

If "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has you considering your own residential rescue, this weekend's Tri-State Home Show should be your first stop for inspiration.

Now in its 45th year, the expo will feature 453 booths displaying the latest products and services for building, remodeling or landscaping. From basement to attic and every crawl space in between, this three-day event at the Chattanooga Convention Center is the place to help you make a house a home.

Teresa Groves, an executive officer with the Home Builders Association of Southern Tennessee, which is sponsoring the show with EPB, said visitors' visions run from large -- adding on a room -- to small -- deciding on a paint color.

"Some people want to come by and get decorating ideas," she said. "A lot of times people have a particular product they need. Maybe it's new countertops or it's time to replace the carpet. Maybe in a year it'll be time to redo the kitchen."

Likewise, if you're building a home, "you can bring your plans and talk to people," she said. "It runs the whole gambit."

The 100,000 square feet of floor space will showcase products ranging from energy-efficient windows and doors to siding and sunrooms. Services are represented by painters, electricians, plumbers and fence companies -- "any need that you may have," Groves said.

If the budget's an obstacle, you can register to win any of the numerous giveaways. They include a $7,500 heating/air-conditioning system from Service Heating & Air, a $2,000 bed from Mattress 4 You and a $6,000 playhouse from Best Home Builders.

Games Go to You, The Home Depot and the Balloon Guy will have activities to keep the kids entertained.

A portion of proceeds from the show will be donated to the Chattanooga Chapter of the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Canned goods, which may be traded for $1 ticket discounts on Saturday and Sunday, will be collected for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

IF YOU GO

* What: Tri-State Home Show.

* When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza.

* Admission: $7 adults; free for ages 16 and younger; $2 discounts for seniors today; $1 discounts Saturday and Sunday for anyone who brings a canned good.

* Phone: 624-9992.

* Website: www.hbast.org

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