Home Show Season Is Coming: What to Shop for (and what actually adds value)
Sandie Rhymer • January 21, 2026
If you’ve been thinking, “We need to do something to this house…” — home show season is the best place to start. You can compare vendors side-by-side, see new products in person, and get real quotes without 50 phone calls.
First up: Appalachian Fair Home Show (Feb 13–15, 2026)
The Appalachian Fair Home Show is happening February 13–15, 2026 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, TN, and it’s listed as free admission.
They’ll have a wide range of vendors (remodeling, outdoor living, décor, DIY, and more), and you can browse the exhibitor list ahead of time.
Before you go: 6 things to bring so you don’t waste your time
Photos/videos of the spaces you want to improve (inside + outside).
Rough measurements (room size, window width, cabinet wall length, etc.).
A simple budget range (even if it’s wide).
Your “must haves” list (ex: “low maintenance,” “better insulation,” “safer deck”).
A notes app with vendor names + what they quoted.
Questions ready (see below).
The “Best Bang for Your Buck” upgrades (seller-smart + homeowner-smart)
If you’re doing projects with resale in mind, the data keeps pointing to exterior first impressions as the biggest payoff.
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (national averages), top ROI projects include:
Garage door replacement (reported around 268% recouped)
Steel entry door replacement (around 216% recouped)
Manufactured stone veneer (around 208% recouped)
Fiber-cement siding and minor kitchen remodels also score well
What this means in plain English:
If you’re spending money, start with what buyers see first (entry + exterior), then move to function + efficiency, then do “pretty.”
What NOT to overspend on (if resale is your goal)
Big-ticket projects done only to “add value” don’t always pay back the way people expect. Zillow’s research notes that modest improvements that make a home cleaner, safer, and more functional are often the better bet, while some expensive upgrades may not deliver dollar-for-dollar returns.
Questions to ask every vendor (this protects you)
When you find someone you like, ask:
Are you licensed/insured for this work in TN/VA (whichever applies)?
What’s included vs. not included (demo, disposal, permits, electrical, etc.)
Timeline: when could you start, and how long will it take?
Warranty: product warranty + labor warranty (get it in writing).
Payment terms: deposit amount + milestone payments (avoid “pay it all up front”).
Can I see local references or recent jobs?
Pro tip: if you get a quote at the show, ask them to email it to you so you can compare apples-to-apples later.
Easy “home show targets” to look for (depending on your goal)
If you’re selling in the next 6–12 months:
entry door / garage door
lighting updates
flooring refresh in main areas
small kitchen upgrades (hardware, faucet, backsplash, paint)
If you’re staying put and want comfort:
insulation / air sealing
HVAC maintenance or replacement planning
windows/doors for drafts
backup power options (if that’s a concern in your area)
If you want lifestyle upgrades:
decks/patios/pergolas
outdoor lighting
fencing
storage solutions
My favorite way to use a home show
Go for inspiration, get 3–5 solid leads, then come home and decide:
“Is this a ‘love where you live’ upgrade… or a ‘get top dollar’ upgrade?”
Both are valid — you just don’t want to mix the two without a plan.
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