Home show returns with DIY focus in St. Charles

This weekend's Old House New House Home Show in St. Charles will cater to homeowners looking to remodel rather than rebuild.

Promoter Laura McNamara said there will be about 1,000 exhibitors, including several experts in home renovations and related tax incentives.

"With the economy the way it is, we recognize people are watching their budgets," McNamara, of Lisle-based Kennedy Productions, said. "The housing market has been hit really hard by the recession, and we've noticed people are renovating the spaces they have rather than moving. It's sort of an improve-instead-of-move mentality."

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Pheasant Run Resort's Mega Center on the 4000 block of E. Main Street.

Among the attractions will be exhibitors knowledgeable on government tax credits for improvements to windows, doors, roofs and insulation, as well as manufacturers of environmentally friendly products, such as geothermal heating and air conditioning and solar-powered fans.

Homeowners hoping to take on their own projects also can get some advice from professionals, McNamara said.

Lou "Mr. Fix-it" Manfredini will present a program on do-it-yourself home improvement projects at 1 p.m. Sunday. And Lenore Baigelman of Full Circle Architects in Northbrook will be on hand to discuss kitchen renovations.

"When money is tight, there's that willingness to try DIY," McNamara said.

Admission is $7 for adults, and free for seniors 62 and older and children younger than 18. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Organizers expect to draw 7,000 to 10,000 visitors, as in the past. "Our attendance has been holding strong," McNamara said.

For more information, call (630) 515-1160 or visit kennedyproductions.com.