Northern Ont. home show to highlight trends in home construction, renovations

Home improvement season is upon northern Ont. It’s the time of year when property owners start to think about improvements or upgrades, Angela Gemmill has a look at what is trending.

Property owners are starting to think about any changes, improvements or upgrades they may want to make this summer.

To give them ideas close to 100 businesses will be showcasing their goods and services this weekend at the Sudbury Home, Renovation and Style Show 2024, this weekend at the Sudbury Community Arena.

They can also learn about some of the trends in construction and home renovations.

“The homeowners and the property owners – it gives them an opportunity to get some ideas on stuff they’d like to do themselves or perhaps they meet a vendor that’s here that could do the work for them,” said Derek Cashmore, president of the Sudbury & District Home Builders Association.

Working in the construction industry, Cashmore told CTV News that he has seen some changes and has an idea of the trends within the industry.

He said although more homes do need to be built, there’s definitely a shift to homeowners making renovations to accommodate multi-generations.

“Not everybody who is a first-time home buyer can afford to physically get that home right now. Mortgage rates are higher, prices are inflated and everything is just not as attainable for them,” Cashmore said.

“What we’re seeing is they’re doing some kind of combined living where it’s themselves and let’s say a grandparent or themselves and a parent. So they’re doing renovations to existing homes to give everybody a little bit more living space.”

More people are hiring professionals

Anyone planning major renovations is hiring professionals to do that work.

“We’re seeing an increase where people are saying ‘You know what, if we want to get it done let’s do it right, let’s hire a licensed contractor. Let’s get somebody that knows how to do electrical,’” said Cashmore.

“Let’s not do it on our own.”

As for the cost, Cashmore said the price for supplies has calmed down a bit, but given the higher cost for gas, transportation and labour it hasn’t translated to a lower bill for customers hiring professionals to do this kind of work.

Norm Maurice, who owns Paramount Construction in the Greater Sudbury community of Val Caron agreed with Cashmore.

“The price of fuel and the price of everything we buy at the lumber yard has gone up a lot – like almost double on some of the stuff,” he said.

“That increases our cost for doing the work, but I guess the price of a house has gone up to plateau.”

Homeowners can get some ideas or connect with professionals this weekend when close to 100 vendors will be set up at the home show.

The show is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday.

Both admission and parking are free, with a recommendation of a donation to the Sudbury Food Bank.