Explore the Ultimate Treehouse at the Raleigh Home Show

Ever since the fictional Swiss Family Robinson created their residence amongst the branches, kids (and kids at heart) have fantasized about building the ultimate treehouse. At the Raleigh Home Show, guests can escape the show floor and explore a custom treetop mini mansion, designed and built by RB Landscaping. Members of the RB Landscaping team will be on site at the Raleigh Convention Center to answer questions and help visitors create their own treetop hideaway.

Thinking about branching out on your own with a treehouse? Before you start, here are some tips from Raleigh Home Show guest and host of the PBS series This Old House, Kevin O'Connor. Kevin recently completed a treehouse for his own family, and offers this advice:

• It's not about the house, it's about being up in the trees. Sometimes a simple platform is all you need.
• Trees grow almost as fast as your kids. They will get wider and taller quickly; plan accordingly.
• Building a treehouse is fun. Building one with your kids is more fun. Take your time, drag it out, and get the kids involved.
• If you build it, they will come - the neighborhood kids that is. Get ready for visitors because lots of kids will want to play in your treehouse. The more the merrier, I say.

Kevin O'Connor appears at the Raleigh Home Show on Friday and Saturday. Kevin will bring Raleigh audiences the biggest and best projects from This Old House and share never-before-aired videos and photos from the archives and his private collection.

The Raleigh Home Show takes over the Raleigh Convention Center September 11-13, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets when you connect with us on Facebook. Take advantage of this exclusive deal now, and get ready for tons of home improvement tips and ideas (whether your home is on the ground or in the trees) this weekend!

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER
SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2015.

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Catch Kevin O'Connor at the Raleigh Home Show

With a growing number of Triangle residents rehabbing older homes, Kevin O'Connor will be at the Raleigh Home Show sharing tried-and-true secrets from inside the many seasons of the original PBS hit series This Old House. As the show's host, Kevin will bring Raleigh audiences the biggest and best projects, and share never-before-aired video and photos from the PBS archives and his private collection.

But before he gets to Raleigh he's answered a few of our questions to give folks the inside scoop of what to expect from him at the show, and the experiences he's had leading up to this fall. Check out our brief interview below.

MPE: What can guests expect to see at your presentations at the Raleigh Home Show?

Kevin: "I will share a sneak peek of the upcoming season of This Old House, which includes the restoration of an 1850s Shingle Style Victorian home and the building of a new reproduction New England farm house. Both projects are rich in historical details. On one we'll save the old property, while on the other we'll reproduce it. I will also dig deep into some of the best tips, do's and don'ts, and greatest transformations of everyone's favorite room: the kitchen."

MPE: What is the craziest thing you and the crew have unearthed when renovating on This Old House?

Kevin: "We found an old cannon ball lodged into the side of a 150-year-old Greek revival house during one renovation. The project was less than five miles from the historic Lexington and Concord battle sites of the Revolutionary War, and while we couldn't confirm the origin of the cannon ball, in my mind it surely came from British guns as they retreated back to Boston Harbor."

MPE: What is the number one pieces of advice you have for first timers when it comes to renovating and older, historic home?

Kevin: "Your project will take longer and cost more than you expect. Nobody can see behind walls and when you renovate an old house there's lot of trouble behind those walls. Be ready for the unexpected, stay flexible and creative, and enjoy the ride."

MPE: What is the biggest issue with renovating an older home?

Kevin: "The ravages of time. Time takes its toll and brings with it all sorts of problems - rot, decay, sagging walls, and peeling paint. As much as I love an older home, there's plenty about 'older' I don't like. Older pipes and wires are no fun. Older plaster is messy, older insulation is ineffective, older furnaces and boilers are inefficient. When you renovate, so many of these things need to be changed without taking away the charm, and that can be a challenge."

MPE: There are so many great old homes in the South, including in Raleigh. What do you love about Southern architecture and homes?

Kevin: "Porches. Porches. And porches! There is nothing more inviting than a good porch and the South has them in abundance. It speaks to a way of life that tries to beat the heat, but also about Southern culture - open, friendly, and welcoming."

Kevin will be appearing live at the Raleigh Home Show September 11th & 12th, don't miss him! The Raleigh Home Show is the place to find the latest home decor trends, garden ideas, and home improvement and renovation experts. Sage wisdom and fun stories from Kevin O'Connor is just one of the many reasons to join us at the show.

Don't have tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook page. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see y'all there!

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER

SEPT 11-13, 2015.

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Straw Bale Gardening: A Revolutionary Way To Grow!

Find innovative products, new ideas, practical advice, and great deals with hundred of experts all under one roof at the KC Remodel + Garden Show.

And when it comes to gardening, there is nothing more innovative than Straw Bale Gardening! Don't have the right soil or looking for a new way to garden? Create a Straw Bale Garden. Joel Karsten will show you how when he appears on the Fresh Ideas Home Stage in the Governor's Hall on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Growing a successful vegetable garden is difficult enough if you have terrific soil to plant your garden in, but with poor soil it can be virtually impossible. Straw Bale Gardening allows anyone, even those with the worst soil conditions, to grow a terrific garden that is productive and much less labor intensive. For anyone with difficulties bending over or doing the heavy work that is usually involved in turning the soil and digging to plant and harvest crops, the raised height of the Straw Bale Garden makes those chores obsolete.

Harvesting potatoes means simply knocking over the bale at the end of the season and picking the potatoes up, no digging required. Weeding will also become a thing of the past; there are no weeds in a Straw Bale Garden. Stop spending money buying containers, building raised beds, and buying special planting mixes. With minimal maintenance you can get maximum production through Straw Bale Gardening. It will completely change everything you thought you knew about gardening - plus, it is so unique all your neighbors will be talking!

Don't forget to check the entire schedule for the Fresh Ideas Home Stage. Kevin O'Connor, host of the award-winning PBS series This Old House and Ask This Old House will share practical home improvement, renovation, and restoration advice, as well as hilarious stories from 35 years of the original DIY show when he appears on the Fresh Ideas Home Stage Friday and Saturday.

The KC Remodel + Garden Show, the region's largest event of this kind (with over 500 exhibitors), takes over the American Royal Center, February 6-8, 2015. Buy your tickets in advance to receive the best discounts - right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets via Facebook. And don't forget, Friday is Hero Day at the show. All active and retired military, fire, and police personnel will receive free admission to the show on this date.

FEBRUARY 6 -8, 2015.
AMERICAN ROYAL CENTER.

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9 Things You Might Not Know About Kevin O'Connor

Kevin O'Connor is set to take the stage at the Home + Remodeling Show on Friday, January 23 at 7pm and Saturday, January 24 at 11am and 2pm. Can't wait to see this home improvement expert and the host of PBS' This Old House at the show? Check out our quick interview with Kevin below - it should tide you over until his appearances this weekend.

Marketplace Events (MPE): Are you on social media?

• Kevin O'Connor (Kevin): "Twitter: @KevinOConnorTOH and  Facebok: This Old House"

MPE: What three items do you always keep in your tool belt?

• Kevin: "21 oz hammer, my speed square, 25 foot tape measure."

MPE: What was your first job?

• Kevin: "Washed dishes at a restaurant - and was darn good at it!"

MPE: What famous figure inspires your career?

• Kevin: "Bill Gates - great philanthropic figure."

MPE: Describe your design style in five words or less.

• Kevin: "Traditional with clean and bright feel."

MPE: What is the most challenging part of your job?

• Kevin: "Turning someone who is great at their job into a person that will do well on television."

MPE: What is your favorite design or garden-related app?

• Kevin: "Houzz - it is an aggregator of photos."

MPE: What is your favorite organizing tip?

• Kevin: "Keep at it and stay on top of it."

MPE: What is your design or gardening pet peeve?

• Kevin: "Don't like sinks in islands."

The Home + Remodeling Show is on at the Dulles Expo Center from January 23- 25, 2015. With hundreds of exhibitors, local renovation experts, designers, and more, it is the home improvement event of the season. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 via Facebook and take a friend or family member to the show.

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
DULLES EXPO CENTER 

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Kevin O'Connor Is Coming To The Home + Remodeling Show

Back by popular demand, Kevin O'Connor, host of the Emmy-award winning This Old House returns to headline the Home + Remodeling Show, January 23-25, at the Dulles Expo Center in the Washington, DC suburb of Chantilly, Virginia. This is a milestone year for This Old House as it commemorates its 35th year on the air. The first home improvement reality series in the history of television begin its broadcasting in 1979, featuring expert home renovations for national audiences.

Kevin, along with his four brothers and two sisters, grew up on various job sites led by his father, a civil engineer. Years later, he remains an avid home enthusiast. When Kevin, a lifelong fan of This Old House, and his wife, Kathleen, became overwhelmed by their long to-do list, they sent an email seeking help from the Ask This Old House experts. To their surprise and delight, the House call served as Kevin's first screen test to become the new host (the third host in the history of the pioneer home improvement series).

Kevin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the College of the Holy Cross in 1990 and a Master's of Business Administration degree from Boston University in 1999. Most recently Kevin worked for the Bank of America as a Senior Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Group and before that in the Sports Finance Group at Fleet Bank. Originally from New Jersey, and an avid traveler, Kevin lives with his wife and three children in a home north of Boston.

Nominated for an "Outstanding Service Show Host" Emmy Award in his debut season, Kevin O'Connor has been appearing at the host of This Old House since 2003. He also serves on the editorial board of This Old House magazine, published by This Old House Ventures, Inc.

He told us that this anniversary season will feature the renovation of an 1850 Greek Revival rowhouse in Charlestown, MA, and a 1966 Colonial Revival in Lexington, MA. But what Kevin was most excited about is the new home that was built for a wounded Iraqi War Veteran. Part of the "Homes for The Troops" project which builds accessible, mortgage-free homes for deserving veterans who have returned home with injuries, missing limbs, and paralysis. Kevin says that the home, constructed in Hopkinton, NH, was built for SSG Matthew DeWitt and his family. DeWitt sustained devastating injuries that resulted in partial amputation of both arms. The "Home for The Troops" house was designed to include keyless entry, raised countertops, accessible storage, touchless faucets, and raised garden beds that make life easier for DeWitt and his family to raise two songs.

Kevin will talk about this home and the others from the 35th anniversary season as he takes the stage at the Home + Remodeling Show on Friday. January 23 at 7pm and again on Saturday, January 24 at 11am and 2pm. Don't have tickets yet? Buy now and save. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 23-25, 2015.
DULLES EXPO CENTER

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Tips On Chickens, Cold Air, And Going Clutter-Free From PBS' This Old House

Where do homeowners turn for DIY inspiration? One of the most popular standards has been PBS’s This Old House, which is celebrating 35 years of being the longest-running and largest home improvement show on television. Emmy-nominated host Kevin O'Connor has been on the front lines for many of the funniest and most memorable shows throughout their history. This Old House was the first of its kind and still holds the largest numbers of viewers. They expanded their scope to include a magazine and web site full of helpful archived articles on everything from fixing a disaster to making your space sparkle.

Here are three timely ideas that will help readers get into the home improvement spirit in 2015. 

1. How To Build A Better Chicken Coop - That's right, backyard chicken-keeping is a growing trend, even in Oklahoma City. With organic all the rage, one can't get more free-range that simply walking out of the back door for fresh eggs for your omelet. Yet you don't want an unsightly chicken coop to ruin the aesthetic of your property. Find out how to create an attractive chicken coop for up to three hens here.

2. How To Stop Cold Air Leaks In Winter - Brrr. Oklahoma has seen its share of Old Man Winter this season, and he's likely to hang out for awhile. “This Old House” provides ways to keep your home warm (and save on energy costs) by fixing cold air links with this helpful video.

3. Start The new Year With An Organized Closet - If one of your New Year's resolutions is to learn how to control clutter chaos, why not start with the room where you start and end your day – your closet? No need to wait for spring cleaning. An organized closet not only saves time and stress in the mornings, but it becomes an oasis away from a hectic home schedule. Get the know-how here.

With hundreds of helpful articles covering indoors and out, readers are sure to find what they are looking for to tackle home improvement projects in the new year. Get more tips and lessons at this year’s Oklahoma City Home + Garden Show, January 16-18 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. Kevin will share more memorable moments live at the show, and homeowners can learn the latest trends, innovative ideas and expert remodeling and gardening tips. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals.    

JANUARY 16 - 18, 2015.
OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK

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Getting REAL with Kevin O'Connor of PBS' This Old House

Don't miss Kevin O'Connor of PBS' This Old House this Saturday at our Denver Home Show! 

For years Kevin has been helping homeowners with their home reno and remodeling projects.  Of course, Kev has learned a thing or two about the process, like always inspect the roof and the foundation before buying, and don't underestimate the amount of work a project may take. 

 We recently got to interview Kevin, check out our quick Q&A below... 

• What three items do you always keep in your tool belt?
• 12 oz hammer – my speed square – 25 foot tape measure
• What was your first job? 
• Washed dishes at a restaurant  - and was damn good at it!
• How were you discovered?
• Wife and I fixing up our house – wrote letter to TOH – they had started Ask this old house, filmed a segment and was asked to host This Old House
• Most memorable career moment to date?  
• Working on a row house in DC noticed that the Lincoln memorial was being renovated.  Was invited by designer to climb up on scaffolding and  got eye to eye with Abe Lincoln
• What famous figure(s) inspires your career?  
• Bill Gates  - great philanthropic figure
• Describe your design style in five words or less. 
• Traditional with clean and bright feel
• What was your first ever DIY project?  
• Go cart when I was 6 years old and missed a block party and recognized that we are who we are by age 6
• What design/gardening trend or item are you coveting this season? 
• Design trend is moving away from the white kitchen 
• What is your favourite room in your home and why? 
• Living room because it has three doors that I can close – it has a comfortable chair and a fireplace
• The last item you bought or crafted for your home?  
• Just purchased a zip line for the kids in the yard – to go with the tree house 
• What’s your personal mantra? 
• Be bold 
• What is the most challenging part of your job?  
• Turning someone who is great at their job into a person that will do well on television
• What is your favourite design or garden-related phone app? 
• Houzz – it is an aggregator of photos
• What is your favorite organizational tip?  
• Keep at it  and stay on top of it
• What is your design or gardening pet peeve?  
• Don’t like sinks in islands 

Catch Kevin O'Connor at our Denver Home Show March 14 & 15, 2014. 

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::SHOW GIVEAWAY::

Audience members at Kevin’s presentations will have the opportunity to win one of 2 Festool drill kits worth $400!  Don’t miss out on your chance to win this exclusive giveaway!  

MARCH 14-16, 2014

NATIONAL WESTERN COMPLEX

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Spark Your Spring Renovations at the 2014 Buffalo Home Show!

We've survived a wicked winter in Buffalo and spring is now just around the corner! There’s no better time or place to be inspired to tackle home improvement projects than at the 2014 Buffalo HomeShow! The doors open on Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. and visitors will have a chance to talk to close to 300 exhibitors, see expert presentations on home renovation projects and  learn how to make your home the star of the show at the Interior Design Association’s “White Room Challenge.” 

We have nearly 60 new vendors this year including: Decks By Design; Fiddler Roofing; Marie’s Sewing Center; Tiles with Style and many more!

Here is a rundown of what you can expect on the Main Stage at the Buffalo Home Show this weekend:

Saturday, March 8:

Noon – Judi Laird – Learn about color psychology and how colors in your home can impact your mood an behavior. Judi has studied color psychology at the University of Salzburg and will talk about how color and light can affect everything from sleeping habits to your metabolism to your biological clock.

1 PM – Kevin O’Connor  - The host of PBS’s “This Old House” and “Ask This Old House,” will share his unique perspective on the rebuilding efforts after superstorm Sandy and offer homeowners tips on storm-proofing their own homes.

2 pm - Buffalo Hardwood presentation

3PM  Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Growing Tropical Plants in Snowy Buffalo Not everyone is able to keep plants in a Victorian greenhouse. We will share some tips and tricks on how you can keep tropical plants thriving in our snowy climate. 

4 PM – Kevin O’Connor

5pm - SPCA Serving  Erie County

6PM - All Star Energy

Sunday, March 9:

11 AM – Sally Cunningham - Western New York has nearly 1000 gardens that are open to the public throughout the year and she will share with you some of the best of our region, and will help you look at gardens with new eyes.

Noon – Judi Laird

3pm - Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens  Miniature Moss Gardens Explore the fascinating world of tiny green moss plants. Discover the unique characteristics of different species and learn how to best care for mosses so they can flourish!

4pm - All Star Energy Presentation

5PM - Rochez School of Irish dance

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TWO WEEKENDS ONLY MARCH 7-9 & 14-16, 2014

BUFFALO NIAGARA CONVENTION CENTER

 

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Up Close and Personal with PBS’ Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor

This year, we're thrilled to have Kevin O'Connor appearing LIVE on stage at our Indianapolis Home Show (Jan 25) !

Years ago, Kevin O’Connor never imagined he would become the longtime host of a successful home improvement television show. While renovating his first home, O’Connor ran into a few unforeseen problems and sought the help of Ask This Old House experts. A few months after a guest appearance on the show, and much to his surprise, the Ask This Old House team called O’Connor to offer him a hosting position. O’Connor had one goal beginning his first season on Ask This Old House, which remains consistent today — To accurately represent the crew’s work and show everyday homeowners that old problems can be repaired with innovative solutions.

4 Questions with Kevin O’Connor

Q: What interests you most about home improvement?

A: For me, I like to roll my sleeves up, really dig into the project, and make saw dust. I love the home improvement process and seeing it through to completion. Although I began as an amateur on the show, I’ve learned a lot and continue to learn something new every time I’m on the job site.

Q: What is your favorite project around the home?

A: I’m actually working on a new project right now. It’s a tree house for my three kids. Eventually, the tree house will be equipped with a wrap-around deck, zip line, and solar power. Over the years, I’ve collected scrap-building material from our show’s job sites, and I’m reusing it to build something on my own. 

Q: What are some of the most innovative building designs you've seen?

A: A quirky design I encountered while hosting was an egg house. The structure was made of concrete, and it used some of the most non-conventional building materials. Personally, innovation is so much more than external design. It’s all about building smarter and more efficient homes that can withstand all types of elements.

Q: What piece of advice do you hope the audience at the show walks away with?

A: I want the audience to be confident in starting new projects in their homes. If you want to improve something, you need to dive in and get your hands dirty. If you encounter bigger problems, you can always ask for help but remain part of the process. You will learn so many valuable skills by being involved.

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Catch Kevin O'Connor at our Indianapolis Home Show on Saturday, Jan 25. 

::SHOW GIVEAWAY::

Audience members at Kevin’s presentations will have the opportunity to win one of 2 Festool drill kits worth $400!  Don’t miss out on your chance to win this exclusive giveaway!  

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FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE & SAVE! 

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