2013 Decatur Old House Fair To Be Held Feb. 2
By Gabrielle Dean, Decatur Old House Fair
“Something old, something new….” For many people, this saying conjures up imagery of spring weddings, but for the folks behind the annual Decatur Old House Fair it means another opportunity to refresh your older home while keeping all the vintage charm that you love.
Now in its fifth year, the Decatur Old House Fair is a unique opportunity for homeowners to learn about their options for renovating, expanding, and restoring all facets of their vintage homes. Whether you’re living the midcentury dream in an iconic ranch home, or nesting cozily in a shotgun-style mill town cottage, if you’re interested in building the kitchen or bath of your dreams, landscaping your yard, or concerned about lowering your heating bills, this event is for you! Visitors from across the southeast will converge on February 2, 2013 in the Decatur Courtyard Mariott Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Decatur. The professional expertise assembled at this event is unlike any other area historic home fair and right now, both Living Social and Groupon are offering fantastic deals on tickets for the Decatur Old House Fair.
Attendees can expect a variety of seminars and hands-on workshops, as well as the opportunity to meet with contractors and vendors with specialized expertise in older homes. Returning favorite seminars include “New Kitchens in Old Houses,” “Tax Incentives for Historic Houses,” and “Greening Your Old House.”
Also back are our popular wood window restoration and storm window workshops, as well as our “Short Bite” seminars on basic projects for the DIY-er, including “Paint 101” and “Electrical 101.” New topics this year include “Reviving Old Chimneys and Fireplaces” and “Protecting Historic Trees.”
There are other opportunities to explore and learn if you’re not ready to take the plunge into a project. If you can’t tell the difference between an American Foursquare and Foursquare ™, then our Style Bites are just what you need. In these short lectures, you’ll learn about the features that make your style of house unique. Don’t worry–we’ll have pictures available to help guide you to the appropriate style. If you’ve always wondered about your plaster walls, or encountered knob and tube wiring during a demolition, come to “Anatomy of an Old House” to understand the systems and appreciate the cutting-age technologies of the era that may still remain in your home. Check out our seminar on “Aging in Place” if you’re considering modifying your home to accommodate older or disabled individuals.
Whether your project list is ready to go or you’re just starting to dream, you can speak to contractors for all of your needs, including electrical, HVAC, roofing, fences and more. The fair provides an exhibitor hall, where you can study cabinet and flooring samples, or pick up the new throw pillow you’ve been eyeing for your living room makeover.
As you meander around the hall, you’ll begin dreaming of unlimited hot water from a tankless hot water heater, or toasting your toes in front of a cozy fire, courtesy of talented chimney mason Phillip Raines. You’ll meet potential architects for your master suite, learn about energy efficiency retrofits from Renewal Systems Solutions, and don’t forget to visit the M. Cary and Daughters Plumbers booth for exciting games and prizes! If your budget isn’t ready for a major project, you can also meet with one of the lending or real estate representatives to explore your options.
View the complete schedule of speakers, exhibitors, and more information on the Decatur Old House Fair website. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and don’t forget the discounts available from Living Social and Groupon. For additional information, contact Regina Brewer at (404) 371-8386 or regina.brewer@decaturga.com.
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