If you are planning a home project this year, the Novi Home Show can save you a lot of time. But the homeowners who get the most out of it are usually the ones who show up prepared.

In this Hire It Done conversation, Elizabeth Wyss broke down why the Novi Home Show continues to be such a valuable event for homeowners and what people should do before they walk through the doors.

Here is how to make the most of the Novi Home Show this year.

Know the Event Details Before You Go

The Novi Home Show runs April 24-26, 2026 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi.

Hours are:

Friday: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM

Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Kids under 12 are free, and if you cannot use the ticket text offer, you can also go to novihomeshow.com for discounted tickets.

Walk In With a Project List

The biggest mistake homeowners make is showing up with a vague idea and no priorities.

Elizabeth and Adam both made the point that the clearer you are, the better the conversations become. If you need a roof, windows, a deck, a water system, or a kitchen remodel, write that down before you go. Better yet, bring photos and rough measurements.

That gives you a much better shot at getting useful ballpark guidance and a much faster read on which contractors actually know what they are talking about.

Use the Show to Interview, Not Just Browse

The Novi Home Show is not just a place to collect brochures. It is a place to compare real companies face-to-face.

That matters because it gives you a lower-pressure first conversation. You can ask questions, compare communication styles, and decide who you may want to invite to your house later. That is a much better starting point than jumping straight into multiple in-home sales appointments with strangers.

Look Beyond the Main Project

One of the more useful reminders in the episode was that the Novi Home Show is broader than many homeowners expect. Yes, you will find roofing, siding, windows, decks, kitchens, baths, plumbing, electrical, and landscaping.

But you will also see manufactured homes, landscaping displays, small Michigan businesses, family activities, product demonstrations, and seminars. Sometimes the most useful thing you find at a show is something you were not originally planning to look for.

Make Time for the Seminars and Extras

Elizabeth talked about the packed seminar schedule, MSU Extension, family-friendly activities, landscaping inspiration, and the chance to hear Adam live on how to find a contractor you can trust.

That matters because the event is not just about booth traffic. It is also about education. If you can spend a few hours there instead of rushing in and out, you will usually get far more value from the day.

Do Not Rush the Decision

A home show can move fast. Booths are busy. Specials are everywhere. The energy makes it easy to feel like you need to decide immediately.

Do not do that.

Use the show to narrow the field. Then follow up, review proposals, ask better questions, and move forward when the company, the scope, and the budget all line up. That is how you turn the show into a smarter buying process instead of an impulsive one.

Final Takeaway

The Novi Home Show can be one of the smartest places to start your contractor search if you use it intentionally.

Show up with a list. Bring photos and measurements. Ask better questions. Compare fit, not just pricing. And give yourself enough time to use the event for what it does best: helping homeowners make better decisions faster.