Home building expo returns to Minneapolis after pandemic pause

Some people spent the weekend checking out ideas for renovations at the fourth annual Home Building and Remodeling Expo in Minneapolis.

The event is back for two weekends at the Hyatt Regency Hotel after COVID-19 put plans on hold last year.

The pandemic pushed people to spend more time at home and contractors said the home remodeling business is booming.

“Yesterday was amazing. It was a lot of people here and lots of traffic. I think because of COVID and everything going on, people want to get out the house and do home improvements,” said Roshay Ciavarella, a sales representative for 22nd Century Roofing.

Thousands of people are expected to come to the expo.

Organizers said this expo will give anyone the tools they need to remodel or build from the ground up.

Hundreds of exhibits packed the showroom as patrons walked through the site to browse home building and remodeling options.

Some attendees said checking out the designs in person makes it easier to make a decision.

Attendee Carol Larson said spending more time at home drove her to shop for new kitchen floors.

“I love it. I love to have a lot of comparisons. It saves me from running around,” Larson said. “I think the pandemic with people at home gives them a better assessment of how functional your home is.”

The expo will be back next weekend on Feb. 4 from 2-7 p.m.; Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 18. Get more information on the expo here.

Attendees will be reimbursed parking in the Hyatt parking garage connected to the building with a parking slip and event ticket at the expo entrance.