Everett home show offers renovation inspiration
Published 11:05 pm Sunday, October 5, 2008
EVERETT — Doug and Maddie Berenger had an idea when they walked into the Everett Fall Home Show.
The couple had gotten married in May and were given an old family home in Lynnwood to renovate. The idea was simple — go to the home show at Comcast Arena and brainstorm on improvements.
The plan fell apart as soon as they walked into what Maddie Berenger described as “the Toys R Us for homeowners.”
“For people like us just starting out, it’s perfect,” Doug Berenger said.
“Coming here just gives you so many ideas about what you can do.”
The home show, which ran from Friday to Sunday, is in its fourth year and has amassed an army of 250 vendors and 350 booth exhibits ranging from Abbey Carpet to the Yellow Van Handyman.
While Maddie Berenger drifts over to EverGreen Deck and Patio, Doug Berenger makes his way to the Judd and Black display. Once he’s there, it’s obvious what’s on his mind: fire and meat.
“Look at that,” he said, whistling at a stainless steel Webber Summit gas barbecue grill with a motorized rotisserie.
It doesn’t matter that it’s $1,795. He wants it.
According to show producer Bill Bradley, the event does brisk business with more than $4 million in sales.
It may seem like a high number, but to Bradley it’s smart money.
“This is the best time to redo a kitchen, make home improvements or hire a contractor,” Bradley said. “Home and property owners come here for the deals. Most contractors make cheap bids during the slow months and are more likely to get the job done quickly.”
Doug and Maddie Berenger are only two of more than 8,000 visitors that have attended the show this weekend.
Maddie Berenger is willing to make a deal with her husband. He gets his gas grill if she gets granite counter tops for her kitchen.
“We just want something in the kitchen that will last as long as our home does,” Doug Berenger said. “Granite worked for Mount Rushmore — it will work for us.”
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
