The Winnipeg Renovation Show is back, and just in time to add some inspiration to those long, cold winter days.
This annual event is running from January 12-14, 2024, and is your premiere source for home improvement ideas, project inspiration and expert advice. Whether you’re attending with a specific project in mind or just looking for some inspiration, local home professionals have you covered. With 200+ booths to explore, unique feature displays to enjoy, and speakers to hear, plan to spend a few hours here!
It’s the perfect destination for a busy renovator. One-stop shopping means you can find everything you need to refresh your space, all under one roof. This event is also your chance to meet with industry professionals to talk about your home. Avoid the guesswork and meet local experts, because sometimes even DIYers need a little help. Whether you’re looking for quick advice from a stage presentation or project assistance from an exhibitor, this show is your source for home improvement inspiration and experienced advice.
Meet Sherry Holmes from HGTV’s Holmes Family Rescue
The feature presenter — who you just may have already seen on television if you’re a fan of DIY and home design — is HGTV and DIY Network’s Sherry Holmes, who will join a line-up of local favourites to deliver her insights to up your renovation game.
Want to meet her? The Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News is holding a contest for one lucky person to win two tickets to the show, front row seats, drink vouchers, and a private meet-and-greet with Holmes in person!
Sherry Holmes grew up watching, working and playing with her dad, Mike Holmes. As early as 16-years-old she began working behind-the-scenes of Mike’s breakout series, Holmes on Homes®. In 2008, Sherry decided to strap on her own tool belt and become a permanent member of Mike’s Make it Right crew. As a big supporter of youth who want to get into the trades, Sherry continues the family support to Skills Canada and World Skills. She also mentors young women through Conestoga College’s Jill of All Trades and acts as an Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Women Build Event, a program that calls on women to help build stronger, safer communities.
Through public speaking, media appearances and her social media influence, Sherry continues to change the face of Canada’s skilled trades workforce, demonstrating that women can bring an entirely new dimension to the construction industry that makes it fundamentally stronger from the ground up.
The Winnipeg Regional Real Estate News (WRREN) was lucky enough to catch up to the very busy Holmes prior to the show and ask her a few questions.
WRREN: How has the trend of multi-generational families under one roof changed your approach to home renovations?
Holmes: Many people are choosing to stay in their homes instead of moving, which provides the opportunity to re-examine the living space of their homes. Today’s economy is making it challenging for young people to get a head start, and aging parents need more care and assistance, so coming together in a multi-generational home is on trend.
Recently, when we’ve sat down with homeowners, we are often told they would like a space that is designed to spend time with family and friends. So big open kitchens with large islands are ideal for eating, gathering or even doing homework. You’ll be able to see a lot of this theme in the upcoming shows that we are currently filming.
My dad has always believed in making smart design choices and remodelling for the future. So, when the opportunity strikes, we renovate bathrooms to include some accessibility features, which include wide doorways, grab bars, shower benches and curbless showers. Whether the family needs it immediately or just something for the future, it’s essential to consider when remodelling a bathroom.
Basements are another space that can be transformed into separate apartments or in-law suites, an ideal solution for multi-generational homes. We’ve created some beautiful and functional basement apartments that benefit homeowners significantly. Whether they need it as a rental or an in-law suite for an aging parent, it is a smart renovation. Garden suites or laneway houses are becoming popular, too. We have yet to do a project like this, but it will be exciting to be a part of when we do!
Another feature we’ve been doing is making homeowners’ outdoor spaces more functional by creating zones. Zones for cooking and entertaining, with outdoor kitchens and patio areas to pools and hot tub areas. Great for large extended family and friends.
There are so many design options to consider when renovating a multi-generational home.
WRREN: You are a fan of smart locks. Can you explain their benefits and what to keep in mind when purchasing them for cold Canadian climates?
Holmes: I do! I love them! Smart locks are so convenient, practical and secure. Plus, being able to control everything via the app on my phone — I love that. I can check that the door is locked, lock the door from wherever I am and I can program it to auto-lock as a back-up. I know Winnipeg can get very cold so you need to find a high-quality brand that can hold up to harsh winters and frigid temperatures. The manufacturer of the door hardware is very important. After all, it has to do with security at the front door. I always want to see a built-in alarm feature on the smart locks. We have been installing the ones from Schlage for years.
WRREN: You have become a role model for women and girls wanting to get into the skilled trades workforce. What advice do you have for the next generation of women carpenters?
Holmes: Young girls need to know that they can do anything they set their mind to, and they can become carpenters. Some girls may have been exposed to woodworking through family members. I know my girls will since their dad is a carpenter and finishing framer, but for those that don’t have that exposure, I would always recommend starting with a carpentry foundation program, either offered at the high school level or looking to the trade colleges for pre-apprenticeship programs — these are a great foundation to understanding the basics, while offering real-life scenarios, employable and essential skills.
Also, organizations like Skills Canada and their provincial counterparts collaborate with high schools by offering innovative and hands-on programs, competitions and events, which improve the curriculum and expose students to the many career possibilities in the skilled trades and technology sectors. I would encourage any young female interested in learning more about a skilled trade to check them out.
Do you want to hear more from Holmes, along with the other experts featured at this year’s show? Plan to attend! Tickets are $13 for adults (13+) and $11 for seniors (60+), while children 12 and under are free. Save yourself $2 by pre-ordering your tickets online before January 11, 2024. The show hours are from noon to 9 pm on Friday, from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
If you are unable to attend this particular event, mark your calendars because next up is the 49th annual Winnipeg Home + Garden Show from April 4-7, 2024. Just in time for spring!
For more information, please visit winnipegrenovationshow.com or connect with them on social.
Photo Credit HDTV.ca