Home Show opens with fresh trends in renovation, design and backup power

With extreme weather events and power outages, people are turning to the home show to explore alternative sources for their homes.

The 47th edition of “The Home Show” is underway, with almost 400 exhibitors showing off new trends for homes and yards.

The hosts want people to dream big. What are you looking for? Decoration, construction, landscaping, it’s all at the show taking place at Le Palais des congres in Montreal.

Spread out over two massive floors are the newest trends in renovation, interior design and outdoor living projects.

General manager of The Home Show, Robert Johnstone, says the experts are here to answer questions.

“Maybe you’re used to researching online, but you can’t quite understand exactly what you need. Come on down. There are no chatbots here. These are real humans you can talk to,” he said.

Many are inquiring about alternative power sources in case of power outages during ice storms.

Ben Polkki installs generators that can power part of a home for up to four days.

“Whether that be portable or home standby, it’s a great option to be able to protect your house and your family, your pipes, for instance,” Polkki said.

Units range from $10,000 to $20,000 installed, depending on the model.

Mike Sheehy installs generators in the Eastern Townships and says that with a higher chance of trees coming down, power outages last days rather than hours. He says his clients need electricity during outages.

“They have septic tanks. No water, no heating. A lot of them have a propane stove or woodstove, but no water, no toilets, no showers,” Sheehy explained.

Portable power packs start at $2,000. They are like big chargeable batteries for home back-up during outages. There are even solar generator kits for sun-powered electricity.

The Home Show runs until March 15.