Homeowners get jump on renovation ideas at NARI Home Improvement Show

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On a cold January Sunday, as many spent the morning scraping ice off their vehicles, some were thinking of warmer weather inside the Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park -- for the final day of the 50th annual Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show. 

The theme of this year's show was "Celebrating 50 Years of Ideas for Your Home." Milwaukee NARI members demonstrated home improvement ideas for those attending this trade show.

The show featured more than 700 booth spaces with providers showcasing thousands of home improvement products and services, including kitchens, decks, cabinets, windows, bathrooms, siding, lighting, landscaping, media rooms, wall covering, rec rooms, roofing, fireplaces and more.

Many show attendees were thinking warmer weather as they searched for ideas for spring/summer projects.

"It helped that the last couple of days were in the high 40s. It kind of gives you the fever to get out here and make a decision," Cedarburg homeowner Lyle Gray said.

"It rushes the winter. I can't wait to get out and do landscaping in my yard or do more remodeling," Hales Corners homeowner Gary Daniels said.

The building industry has taken a hit as the nation struggled to pull out of the recession, but experts say there is a bright spot.

"It is definitely improving. We had quite a lot of difficulty in the last few years, but by the end of 2012 we had a 22% increase in new home permits," Kristine Hillmer, executive director of the Metropolitan Builder's Association said.

Milwaukee/NARI's Spring Home Improvement Show is planned for February 7th through 10th.