Home shows are like a candy store for homeowners, except instead of yummy chocolates, you’re surrounded by windows, bathrooms, sunrooms, kitchens, roofing, gadgets, and people asking, “So… what projects are you thinking about?” every twelve feet. It’s exciting. It’s also a lot.
And if you’ve ever visited a Joyce booth, you know we love this environment. Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths has been a home show vendor for many years, and we keep coming back because it’s one of the best ways to help homeowners get real answers in one place.
Home shows let you compare options, see products up close, and talk face-to-face with experienced pros. Whether you’re just gathering ideas or you’re ready to plan a project, our team is there to share helpful guidance, walk through your goals, and make sure you leave with clarity, not confusion.
With a little strategy, you can walk out with real answers, useful contacts, and a plan, not just a tote bag full of brochures you’ll never open. Here are my best tips for navigating a home show like a pro.
1) Wear tennis shoes (seriously)
This is not a “cute boots” event. This is a “ten thousand steps and a conversation marathon” event.
Most booths don’t have seating, and even the ones that do aren’t guaranteed to be available when your feet start filing complaints. Comfortable sneakers keep you moving longer, thinking more clearly, and asking better questions.
Quick tip: If you’ll be there more than an hour, assume you’ll walk the equivalent of a small hike, but indoors, under bright lights, with free pens.
2) Eat before you arrive
Most shows have food and drinks, but they can be pricey depending on the venue, and the lines can be long.
Eating a solid meal beforehand keeps your energy steady, makes you less likely to rush, and helps you stay focused when you’re comparing options. You’ll make better decisions when you’re not hungry and annoyed.
Bonus move: Bring a water bottle if the venue allows it. Talking all day dehydrates you quickly.
3) Remember: information is free
This is the whole point of a home show. You’re not “bothering” anyone by asking questions; you’re doing it right.
Even if you’re not ready to commit today, you can learn a ton just by asking smart questions like:
- What makes your product different from the typical options?
- What should I watch out for when choosing a contractor?
- What’s the realistic timeline for a project like mine?
- What does “warranty” cover, and what doesn’t it cover?
- If something goes wrong, what happens next?
The home show is basically a research lab with better lighting. Use it.
4) If you’re serious about a project, get 3–5 quotes
If you’re truly planning to move forward, don’t settle for the first booth that has a friendly salesperson and nice photos.
A solid range is 3–5 quotes. That’s enough to compare:
- pricing
- product quality
- installation approach
- warranty coverage
- professionalism and communication
You might be surprised. The best option isn’t always the cheapest, and the most expensive isn’t always the best. A sufficient sample size helps you spot patterns and avoid being boxed into a single pitch.
Pro tip: Ask each company what’s included in their quote (materials, labor, permits, disposal, etc.). Comparing apples to apples is everything.
5) Bring family or friends and make it fun
Home shows can be more enjoyable with backup. Bring your spouse, a friend with a good eye, or a family member who asks the kind of questions you forget to ask.
They’ll help you:
- keep track of details
- compare booths more objectively
- stay grounded if a pitch gets intense
- make decisions faster when you’re tired
Plus, it turns the day into a mini outing instead of a chore.
A simple “game plan” for your visit
If you want a quick way to structure your time, here’s a low-stress approach:
- Do one full lap first (no stopping, just scanning)
- Mark your top booths
- Return for deeper conversations with your shortlist
- Collect quotes and next steps
- Leave before you’re fried
Your future self will thank you.
Final thought
A home show can be the fastest way to go from “we should really do something about this” to “we know exactly what to do next.” Wear the shoes. Eat first. Ask the questions. Gather your quotes. Bring a buddy. And leave with a plan.
And if you don’t have the opportunity to attend a home show, no worries. Joyce has been a home show vendor for many years, which means we’ve had thousands of conversations with homeowners just like you, comparing options, answering questions, and helping people sort through what actually matters for comfort, budget, and long-term value. If getting to a show isn’t in the cards, we’ll bring that same “home show” experience to you with a free in-home consultation so you can see options, talk through ideas, and get straightforward guidance and pricing for your home without the crowds.
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