Saturday, April 12, 2008 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Walter Reed Community Center 2909 16th St. S. Arlington, VA 22204 Free Parking and Shuttle at Arlington Career Center--- 816 S. Walter Reed Dr.

On Saturday, April 12 more than 60 exhibitors will be on hand to offer valuable information, products and services to local homeowners who will benefit from the convenience of one-stop shopping for a wide variety of home improvement solutions.

The 2^nd annual Arlington Home Show & Expo is being presented by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) in partnership with Arlington County’s Housing Division. “We are organizing this event as a service to local residents because so many of them are interested in improving their homes,” said Jim Whittaker, CPRO’s Executive Director. “Plus, this is a great way for some of our local businesses to offer their services to potential new customers.”

Area contractors report a mini-boom in remodeling activity in Arlington, Alexandria, and other close-in communities. With the mature housing stock and high property values here many homeowners are seeing the benefit of expanding and/or renovating their existing homes rather than move further out to get more space. For these folks the Arlington Home Show is a convenient way to learn about remodeling kitchens and baths, finishing or waterproofing basements, replacing windows and doors, building a deck, as well as flooring, carpeting, painting, and paving solutions. The show will also include professionals who can assist homeowners with electrical, heating and cooling, home security systems, and more.

As another service to the community each exhibitor has been screened to ensure that they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. "We only want to bring quality contractors and manufacturers to this Show," said Jorge Laura, of Arlington County’s Housing Division.

In addition, with high energy costs and growing environmental consciousness people here are especially interested in finding ways to make their homes more energy efficient. “We’re especially pleased to have so many exhibitors this year that can provide green remodeling solutions,” Whittaker said.

As a bonus, representatives from Arlington County’s Fresh AIRE initiative, which is working in a variety of ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will distribute free compact fluorescent light bulbs to the first 250 attendees to stop by their booth.

The show will also include a variety of classes/seminars on subjects of interest to residents and landlords.  These classes include "7 Common Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them" at 10:15 am, "How to Finance Your Remodeling Project" at 10:30 am, "The Nuts and Bolts of Tenant-Landlord Law" at 11:00 am, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Remodeling" at 11:30, "Saving Money With New Windows and Doors" at 12:30 pm, "Green Residential Remodeling" at 1:30 pm, "Obtaining Your Residential Building Permit" at 2:00 pm, "How to Remodel Your Kitchen" at 2:30 pm,  and "Green Building for Health and Profit (with Spanish translation) at 3:00 pm. Exhibitors from Arlington County and area non-profits will also be available to offer valuable advice and assistance to those who attend.

The Walter Reed Community Center also offers a wonderful playground for children, and local favorite Big Daddy’s BBQ will be cooking up savory treats just outside the Show’s entrance. So, bring your friends and family to the FREE Arlington Home Show & Expo for what’s sure to be an enjoyable time.

Overflow parking and a free shuttle will be available at the Arlington Career Center, 816 S. Walter Reed Dr.

Special thanks go to the following 2008 Home Show Sponsors whose support helps to keep this event free to the public: