Old House New House Home Show Offers Solid Foundation for Homeowners

Thousands of homeowners visited Pheasant Run Resort in Saint Charles for the 54th season of The Old House New House Home Show, held September 24 and 25. Practical projects prevailed this season, such as roof remodels, kitchen updates, window replacements, basement renovations and bathroom makeovers. Three hundred companies participated in this event, hosted twice yearly by Lisle-based Kennedy Productions.

Celebrity guest, Lou Manfredini enlightened homeowners during his standing-room-only presentation, chalk full of helpful tips, industry insights and plenty of humor. Manfredini encouraged audiences to choose quality building materials for projects and to consider doing improvements in phases to ease the monetary responsibility over time.

The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley hosted a Builders’ Breakfast for participants on behalf of their ReStore. Director, Deanna Davies, and her team of volunteers reminded homeowners and businesses to consider donating gently used or surplus materials to the Elgin-based ReStore. Beneficial tax deductions can apply as well as reducing construction waste in landfills.

Green building continues to spark interest among area homeowners and booths were buzzing for tankless water heater suppliers, geo-thermal heating installers, high-efficiency furnace technicians, bamboo flooring specialists, energy-efficient appliance distributors, and solar/wind energy experts.

This event returns February 10, 11 and 12, 2012. For more information, visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160.

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About Kennedy Productions, Inc. Since 1977, the Kennedy family has been carefully creating, presenting and hosting quality events, including The Old House New House Home Show held twice yearly at Pheasant Run Resort. This women-owned business is dedicated to providing an informative, inspiring and enjoyable resource for homeowners.

A Heart-Felt Thanks

Thank you for participating in the 54^th season of The Old House New House Home Show in St. Charles.  We appreciate your involvement and wish you much success as you follow up with the contacts you made at the event.


Homeowners enjoyed the lovely displays you created as they gathered information for pending projects.  Lou Manfredini delighted audiences with his humor and practical tips during his standing-room-only presentation.

A big thanks to the volunteers from The Habitat for Humanity – ReStore of Northern Fox Valley.  The builders’ breakfast was a wonderful way to kick off the event and learn more about the benefits of donating surplus materials to the ReStore.

Congratulations to Ingrid of Melrose Park, the winner of our Grand Prize $1000 gift certificate to use with the exhibitor of her choice.

Looking ahead, we hope to work together again February 10 – 11 – 12, 2012 on another productive and effective event.  Priority placements are under way and will continue through October 24^th.  Thanks to the many clients who have already registered.

For your convenience, links to the floor plan and registration are included on the left sidebar.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions.  We are always happy to help.  Thank you once again for your hard work, specialized talents and creative energy.  We truly enjoy working together.

With Gratitude,

Joanne, Sally, Beth, Linda, Nicole and Laura

Kennedy Productions, Inc.

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www.kennedyproductions.com

Old House New House Home Show: TODAY at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL

The Old House New House Home Show is today and tomorrow!
Saturday, September 24th 10am - 6pm  &  Sunday, September 25th 10am - 5pm

SPECIAL SNEAK PEEK!

Click here to download a PDF of the Home Show Program.

The Old House New House® Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort is the largest, most innovative and longest-running home show in the Chicago area. It is well-established, consistently attractive and selective, making it the finest, most highly-anticipated home show in the area.


Kennedy Productions has been presenting consumer shows of distinction since 1984. This bi-annual event features 300 award-winning contractors, creative craftsmen and distinguished specialists. Spectacular displays, cutting-edge workshops, appealing attractions and state-of-the-art products focus on home improvement as well as home life and enjoyment. This unique forum brings together hundreds of professionals and thousands of homeowners.
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Meet Lou Manfredini, "Mr. Fix-It" 
1 p.m. Sunday

Learn the Secrets to a Great Kitchen 
Noon each day

Enhance Your Curb Appeal
1 p.m. Saturday

Enjoy Complimentary One-on-One Design Consultations 
Throughout the Weekend

Visit with Editorial Staff from Sampler Publications 
Scouting for Homes Decorated in Country Styles - Throughout the Weekend

Keep Your Home Healthy this Fall with the Flu Shot Clinic
The Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley - Throughout the Weekend

Register to Win a $1000 Home Show Gift Certificate
(No purchase necessary. See Web Site for Contest Rules.)

Adults Admission $7  -  Seniors (62 and up) Free
Children (Under 18) Free  -  Parking is Free
A portion of the ticket sales benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.


Visit our website to get $1 OFF of Admission.
Click here and save.

Natural Selection – Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Project

Selecting the right contractor for your project is critical.  But where do you start?  Industry experts share sage advice and insightful suggestions to help guide your search.

REMEMBER REFERENCES

When choosing a contractor for important renovations, verify your prospects with the Better Business Bureau.  Ask for photographs and references from previous jobs, similar to your project.  Remember, professionals arrive on time, take photographs and measurements of your property while there.  Professional contractors are licensed and insured in their field of work.

~ Dave Kelly of A Natural Choice Shamrock Landscaping

PROPER PROCEDURE

Ask the contractor for a written schedule of the job from start to finish; good contractors have processes in place to start and finish a job in a timely manner and should provide a Gantt chart of how their project will progress with milestones along the way.

~ Heidi Hauserman of Synergy Builders, Inc.

TALENTED AND TRUSTWORTHY

Look for an accomplished contractor you can trust to help you find the most efficient and cost-effective solution to fit your project needs.  Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals and photos or examples of work they have completed.  You should feel comfortable with the knowledge of the contractor, quality of work and their drive to help you make your project become a reality.

~ Gary Lambes of Step One Stair Works, Inc.

QUEST FOR QUALITY

When selecting a professional, never go with over-aggressive sales people or those who degrade others.  Always ask for a minimum of three references and ask to see some of the work they have done.  Remember, you are the one who chooses the product and the product should speak for itself.

~ Chris Graber of Cabinets by Graber

PRODUCT PASSION

A contractor should be passionate about his product and his talent.  He should also have good communication with the consumer and his workers.  This will bring out the best results in a completed job… and a satisfied customer.

~ Marilyn Blazek of Blazeks Home Furnishings

Old House New House Home Show Returns

Chicago's Finest Home Show Celebrates 54 Seasons of Renovation and Remodeling. Join us Sept 24 - 25, 2011 at Pheasant Run Resort.

The Old House New House® Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort is the largest, most innovative and longest-running home show in the Chicago area. It is well-established, consistently attractive and selective, making it the finest, most highly-anticipated home show in the area.

Kennedy Productions has been presenting consumer shows of distinction since 1984. This bi-annual event features 300 award-winning contractors, creative craftsmen and distinguished specialists. Spectacular displays, cutting-edge workshops, appealing attractions and state-of-the-art products focus on home improvement as well as home life and enjoyment. This unique forum brings together hundreds of professionals and thousands of homeowners.

Visit our website for more info: www.KennedyProductions.com
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Ready, Steady, Remodel: The Old House New House Home Show Returns

ST. CHARLES, Ill. –– Catch the spark of creativity from 300 seasoned experts including certified kitchen designers, skilled remodelers, landscape architects, pond purveyors, flooring specialists, custom cabinet makers, home automation gurus, creative contractors and countertop professionals at the upcoming Old House New House Home Show^®. Now in its 27th year, this outstanding event returns September 24 and 25 to Pheasant Run Resort, located at 4051 E. Main Street (North Avenue) in St. Charles. Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $7; seniors (over 62) and children (under 18) attend free. Parking is free. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.

This best-in-class event provides tools to tackle home improvement projects with ease. Attendees can meet industry experts face-to-face and select the perfect professional to update, customize or create the home of their dreams. Discover deluxe displays and see the latest trends in dream kitchens and bathrooms, additions, basements, architecture, painting, patios, sunrooms, laundry rooms, custom closets, window treatments, roofing, waterproofing, windows, doors and more.

Back by popular demand, “Mr. Fix It” Lou Manfredini will share practical tips, expert enthusiasm and solid solutions with homeowners on Sunday, September 25 at 1 p.m.

Accomplished designers from Normandy Builders will present “Secrets to a Great Kitchen” each day at noon. The Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley will also be on hand to host their popular flu shot clinic throughout the weekend.


With the stagnated real estate market, a special “Curb Appeal” workshop will be offered at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 by award-winning Country Construction to help homeowners enhance exterior features and attract potential buyers.

New this year, complimentary one-on-one design consultations will be offered by noted designer, Loren Reid Seaman.  In addition, Editorial Staff from Country Sampler Magazine will be scouting for homes decorated in popular country styles, such as primitive, farmhouse, cottage, Americana, Colonial and French country styles to be photographed for inclusion in their publication.

Green innovations and sustainable improvements continue to be priorities for today’s homeowners. Attendees can expand their green knowledge on home energy audits, geothermal heat, high-efficiency air conditioning, tankless water heaters, rainwater harvesting, pervious paving, low-VOC paints and bamboo flooring to reduce energy consumption and conserve resources.

Attendees can register to win the Grand Prize of a $1,000 home show gift certificate to use with the exhibitor of their choice. No purchase necessary. See website for contest rules.

Explore possibilities, examine product samples and learn the language of home improvements to make the most of home surroundings. For a current exhibitor list, directions to Pheasant Run, contest rules, or a printable $1 off admission coupon, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160 for more information.

About Kennedy Productions, Inc.

Since 1977, the Kennedy family has been carefully crafting, presenting and hosting quality events, including The Old House New House^® Home Show held twice yearly at Pheasant Run Resort. This women-owned business researches and selects top-notch companies with cutting-edge products and superior services to provide a reliable resource for homeowners. For more information, please visit www.kennedyproductions.com.

ANNOUNCING UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Kennedy Productions extends hearty appreciation to the participants of the February 2011 Old House New House® Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. The event was busy and bustling with thousands of motivated homeowners in search of remodeling, maintenance, landscaping, and decorating solutions.

Workshops provided by Loren Reid Seaman, Legacy Design and Construction, Insight Property Services, Tankless Technologies, Q’s Cabinets and Cambria were big attractions and provided homeowners with practical information and useful industry insights.

This outstanding event returns September 24 and 25 for its 54th successful season. Lou Manfredini, Mr. Fix It, will share his contagious remodeling excitement with crowds of enthusiastic homeowners.

At this point, priority placements for February participants have wrapped up and we are grateful for the many businesses that have already registered for the September event. Limited booth space is available. A floor plan, price list, and application are available at www.kennedyproductions.com for your convenience.

Since 1984, our family, along with our great staff, has been carefully crafting quality events. Attention to detail, along with a special focus on customer service and extensive advertising make these events productive and successful for our clients. Please let us know if we can assist with any additional information. We are always happy to help.

Best Regards,

Joanne Kennedy

Laura McNamara

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” – Kahlil Gibran

Harmonious Homeownership

Some days, homeownership can be so harmonious.  Everything is flowing and cooperative and lovely.  On those days, I’m making homemade pesto, from my home grown basil, nurtured with soil from my composter and water from my rain barrel.  Step aside Martha Stewart. 

Then there are the days, when Lucille Ball and Jerry Lewis are conducting the orchestra and discord prevails.  On those days, I am staring at the frozen rain barrel I forgot to drain before the winter freeze.  The awkward, listing mass is clearly unstable, even dangerous.  Attempting to shore up the frozen, hulking mass, I accidentally loosen the bracket connecting the barrel to the downspout and in an instant; my downspout is falling into my neighbor’s evergreen.

Those are the days when I am truly grateful for the experts.  The truth is, my home improvement know-how can only take me so far.  There is clearly a gap between my vision and my abilities.  Hearing a specialist say, “We can handle this” is music to my ears, and with a little help from the professionals, my home is in-tune once again. 

Since 1984, The Old House New House Home Show has been connecting homeowners with the capable contractors, proficient architects, accomplished designers, talented landscapers and skilled craftsmen to help translate your vision into the finished product.  We welcome you to imagine the home of your dreams, create your own composition and enjoy the sweet sounds of a successful home improvement.  

This outstanding event returns for its 27^th year, February 11, 12 and 13 to Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 East Main Street (North Avenue) in St. Charles.  Since 1984, award-winning contractors, distinguished designers and creative craftsmen have gathered to present industry trends as well as traditional home improvements.  Show hours are Friday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Adult admission is $7; senior admission (62 and up) is $4, and children (under 18) attend free.  Parking is free.  A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.

For more Home Show information, please visit our website: www.KennedyProductions.com 

Old House New House Home Show, St. Charles, IL - February Show Press Release

Old House New House Home Show Returns with Renovations, Repair and Remodeling

Improving Not Moving Trend Continues for Homeowners

 St. Charles, IL – Falling housing prices, tighter lending restrictions and less mobility among homeowners has re-shaped the current housing market.  Maximizing existing spaces and places has become a priority for today’s homeowner.  From simple solutions to magnificent makeovers, The Old House New House Home Show is an exceptional resource for enhancing, expanding and maintaining properties.  This outstanding event returns for its 27^th year, February 11, 12 and 13 to Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 East Main Street (North Avenue) in St. Charles.  Since 1984, award-winning contractors, distinguished designers and creative craftsmen have gathered to present industry trends as well as traditional home improvements.  Show hours are Friday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Adult admission is $7; senior admission (62 and up) is $4, and children (under 18) attend free.  Parking is free.  A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.

Homeowners can see cutting-edge innovations, explore building materials, find time-saving services and find inspiration to customize, update and refresh home environments.  Deluxe displays from 300 experts will feature the latest in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, landscaping, interior design, painting, patios, ponds, sun rooms, basements, home automation, storage solutions, window treatments, waterproofing, roofing, windows, doors, floors and more.  The Grand Prize is a $1,000 home show gift certificate to use with the exhibitor of choice.  Homeowners can enter to win and there is no purchase necessary.  See web site for contest rules. 

Industry experts share tips from the trades with exciting workshops on: Designing Your Dream Kitchen, presented daily at Noon by Barbara Quatroke of Q’s Cabinet Shoppe, Inspired Interiors, presented daily at 1:00 p.m. by Loren Reid Seaman of LRS Design, and Blueprint for a Greener Home, presented daily at 2:00 p.m. by Michael Pudlik of Legacy Builders, Ron Rous of Tankless Technologies and Joe Konopacki of Insight Property Services.  Workshops are included with admission and seating is limited. 

Green innovations and sustainable improvements continue to be popular among homeowners.  Home energy audits, infrared thermographic imaging, tankless water heaters, rainwater harvesting, low and no VOC paints, bamboo flooring, geo-thermal heat will be showcased, offering homeowners greater energy-efficiency, reduced consumption and conscientious home living. 

New exhibitors include: Instone Masonry Veneer of Alsip, Old World Millworks of DeKalb, Airoom and Elevations Renovations of Lincolnwood, Illinois Infrared Imaging of Elgin, Davis Roofing of Arlington Heights, All American Decorative Concrete of Woodridge and U.S. Waterproofing of Rolling Meadows.

Mature homeowners, not yet ready to sell in this market, can investigate options with Aging-in-Place experts, Don and Carole Williams of Bathcrest in Elmhurst, who specialize in bathroom safety products.     

With lower interest rates, excellent opportunities are available in this market for re-finance.  Lending experts, Steve DePolis from U.S. Bank and Lana Haske of Avenue Mortgage will be available with helpful information on lowering monthly payments, shortening the duration of a loan or freeing up valuable equity for home improvements.  Home buyers, especially first-time purchasers, are benefiting from the high number of homes available for sale, lower interest rates and reduced price points.

Join hundreds of seasoned experts at The Old House New House Home Show and catch the spark of creativity from certified kitchen designers, landscape architects, skilled remodelers, custom cabinet makers, flooring specialists, garden coaches and countertop specialists.  This best-in-class event presents the opportunity to examine possibilities, consider options, tackle projects with ease and ultimately uncover the hidden beauty in home surroundings.  For a current exhibitor list, directions to Pheasant Run, contest rules or a printable $1 off admission coupon visit www.kennedyproductions.com or call 630/515-1160 for more information.

A Slice of Home Improvement Humble Pie

By Laura Kennedy McNamara
The Old House New House Home Show: www.kennedyproductions.com

There is a sense of wonder and accomplishment that comes with restoring an older home. Watching the beauty and potential unfold before your eyes is certainly gratifying, but it can be humbling as well. My husband and I were crazy with ambition (or maybe just crazy) buying a 1938 fixer-upper in Oak Park. The property was in need of immediate maintenance, but we recognized that the structure had beautiful bones and budding possibilities.

As we set out to update and renovate our new home, our low level D-I-Y skills were instantly put to the test. We quickly discovered that “We can just...” were the three most dangerous words in our vocabulary. For example, “We can just strip this wallpaper...” translated into days of scraping and a sloppy, sticky mess. The most humbling exchange occurred when our five year old pitched in and pulled off a piece “as big as California” while we picked at Rhode Island-sized bits. It didn’t take long for me to realize that coordinating a home improvement expo is not the same as actually being handy. After dropping (a few) wet paint brushes and stepping on (a few) messy paint can lids I realized that channeling Lucille Ball was not an effective way to revamp this home. It was time to call in the experts.

Learning limits is an important step of the home improvement process. Renovating a home properly requires tools, time and most importantly, talent. The Old House New House Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort hosts hundreds of talented craftsmen, with finely honed skills to help convert visions into reality.

Luckily, we were able to tap into the talent pool of tradesmen featured in this home improvement expo to help us along. This event is a wonderful resource in the greater Chicago area for meeting these craftsmen, designers, builders and remodelers face-to-face to discuss the projects you have in mind. Seeing our home surroundings transform continues to be rewarding and exhilarating. We are able to enjoy the process even more, now that we’ve eaten our humble pie and turned the work over to the experts.

For more information visit www.kennedyproductions.com 


Laura McNamara is the Production Manager for Kennedy Productions’ Old House New House Home Show, held September 26 and 27 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Contact 630/515-1160 or kp@core.com.

The Old House New House® Home Show Returns: February 11-12-13, 2011

Join us February 11 - 12 - 13, 2010 for the opportunity to create the home of your dreams!

The Old House New House® Home Show at Pheasant Run Resort is the largest, most innovative and longest-running home show in the Chicago area. It is well-established, consistently attractive and selective, making it the finest, most highly-anticipated home show in the area.

Kennedy Productions has been presenting consumer shows of distinction since 1984. This bi-annual event features more than 300 award-winning contractors and distinguished home enhancement specialists. Spectacular displays, cutting-edge workshops, appealing attractions and state-of-the-art products focus on home improvement as well as home life and enjoyment. This is a unique forum that brings together hundreds of professionals and thousands of homeowners.

For more information visit us online at: www.kennedyproductions.com