Planning a home renovation or build can feel overwhelming, but heading to a home show with the right preparation makes all the difference…
What to Bring to a Home Show: The Ultimate Planning Checklist
Heading to a home show without a plan can lead to sensory overload and a bag full of irrelevant flyers. To get actual value and actionable advice from builders, designers, and suppliers, here is what you should prepare and bring with you:
1. Visuals & Measurements of Your Current Space
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Rough Floor Plans & Room Dimensions: Bring basic measurements of the room(s) you are updating. Knowing ceiling heights, room boundaries, and wall lengths helps experts give realistic estimates.
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Photos & Videos: Take clear, well-lit photos and a quick 360-degree video of the space as it is today. Show adjacent rooms and entry points so designers can understand the traffic flow.
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Site Map or Survey (For Builds/Extensions): If you are adding an extension or building from scratch, bring a site boundary map or property survey.
2. Design Inspiration & Project Scope
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Design Mood Board or Digital Screenshots: Bring 5–10 images of styles, colors, materials, or layouts you love (e.g., a Pinterest board, Instagram saved folder, or saved images on your phone/tablet).
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“Must-Haves” vs. “Nice-to-Haves” List: Outline your project goals clearly. Distinguishing non-negotiables (like an induction cooktop or double glazing) from optional add-ons keeps conversations focused on what matters most.
3. Financial & Logistics Info
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A Defined Budget Range: You don’t need an exact figure, but knowing your realistic budget range (e.g., $\$30,000\text{–}\$50,000$ for a kitchen upgrade) helps experts direct you to products and services that match your price point.
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Target Timeline: Have a clear idea of when you want to start and finish the project, considering lead times for council permits, manufacturing, and trade availability.
4. Gear for Gathering Information
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A Backpack or Sturdy Tote Bag: You’ll collect brochures, product spec sheets, and material swatches (tiles, timber samples, fabric swatches).
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Notebook & Pen (or a Notes App): Jot down vendor names, stand numbers, contact details, and specific advice while it’s fresh in your mind.
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Portable Phone Charger: You’ll be taking photos of displays, scanning QR codes, and taking notes—don’t let a dead battery cut your day short.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes: Home shows cover massive exhibition floors; comfort is key if you plan to explore for hours.