Coming Soon: Minneapolis Home & Garden Show

Home and garden enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Minneapolis Home + Garden show is coming your way for two weekends of inspiration and practical advice from more than 1,000 experts. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this must-attend event.

What Is The Show?

The Minneapolis Home + Garden show is one of the largest in Minnesota and features landscaping companies, remodeling contractors, interior design companies, plus more all at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Spanning over two weekends (March 30th - April 1st and April 6th - 8th), you’re sure to find great deals and shopping experiences all related to your home, including remodeling, decor, and gardening.

Show Highlights

In addition to all the great home and garden vendors come other great perks of attending the show this year. During the first weekend, catch Paige Davis of TLC’s Trading Spaces on the main stage as she shares her best design tips. You can also tour the Timeless Contemporary Idea Home, a 1,000 sq. foot house built by EPS Homes. Walk through to find everything from custom cabinets, innovative built-ins, the newest in furniture designs and lighting, plus more modern, yet classic designs. (Basically, your brain will be buzzing with new ideas for your home).

In outer news, seven of the most talented landscapers from all over Minnesota will be displaying their expertise in the Feature Gardens. This year’s inspiration is “Doorway to Spring,” so expect blooming flowers, outdoor BBQs, and (fingers crossed!) warm weather.

And as a new addition to the show this year, visitors can now enjoy the Family Zone. From experience demos, DIY-workshops for kids, and other fun activities, there’s plenty for the whole family to do. Plus, it’s a great area to keep your children entertained while you talk business.

Benefits of Attending

The biggest benefit of attending this show is the potential savings on all your future home and garden projects. It’s no secret that remodeling, and even redecorating, can cost a pretty penny. During this two weekend event, you’ll have plenty of time to shop, compare, and save with hundreds of experts. The best part: they’re all under one roof.

Tips On Getting The Most Out Of The Show

This show has already set you up for success with it’s long roster of vendors, interactive displays, and cost-saving benefits. However, there are helpful hints so you don’t get overwhelmed. Before you actually go to the show, make a list of products and services you’re interested in. With all the vendors, you’ll be tempted to stray off track–don’t! This show is only two weekends long and there’s lots to see. You don’t want to get distracted and leave without seeing what you came for. Check the list of vendors that are attending to start, and then cross reference the event schedule to prioritize. And most importantly, ask questions! The vendors are there because they want to talk to you, so take advantage.

Important Questions to Ask

With some many great options, it’s important to remember the pressing questions you need to ask potential contractors. You’ll have plenty of people to choose from, but typically you’ll want to compare at least three candidate and their responses to ensure you’re making the best decision for your home.

First question you have to ask: “How long have you been in this business?”

Generally, the longer someone has been in business, the more the chance they have worked through most of the tricky issues that inevitably pop up during renovations and remodeling. Plus, they’ll most likely have a longer list of references to double check with. If your instincts are telling you to go with someone with less experience, start them off with a smaller project first. If you’re satisfied with their work, move them on to something bigger and more technical.

The second question: “Do you have a license?”

The answer to this should be a hard “Yes.” Cities all have different requirements on what credentials a contractor needs, so make sure that yours has gone through all the necessary steps.

Third: “What is the timeline for completion?”

Be sure to get as specific an answer as possible. Of course, unexpected problems might arise, but an experienced contractor should have a good understanding how long a project will take. You’ll also want to be aware if your contractor has any other projects they are working on and how that can affect your schedule.

Fourth: “Do you have insurance?”

Again, things happen. No company starts a job wanting to break something, but with construction comes risk. If your contractor is insured, you’ll have peace of mind incase anything in your home does break during the renovation process.

And the fifth and final most important question: “Can you provide a list of references?”

When (not if) you ask this question, and your potential contractor goes silent, you’ll know they are not the person for the job. In the home remodeling world, references are truly the most concrete way of ensuring your contractor can get the job done well and in a timely manner.

Additional Event Information & Costs

The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show is from March 30 - April 1 and April 6 - 8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Kids 12 and under are FREE for family weekend (March 30th - April 1st). Showtimes and tickets can be found here. Also, for a limited time there are discount one-day tickets available here.