With the official onset of spring Wednesday, it's time to get serious about home maintenance and start making plans for any additional improvements as well. Generally, the largest investment we make, our homes, requires not only routine maintenance, but constant improvement if we are to increase their worth over time.

One way to jump start your plans is to visit the upcoming Building Industries Association of Northwest Indiana 8th Annual Home Improvement Expo at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point. Beginning Friday and through Sunday, you can tap the expertise of local professionals, do some comparison shopping and see firsthand some of the latest products for your home, all in one convenient location.

"As we're coming into the spring season, our focus definitely turns to the outdoors," said Dave Carr, of Carrson's Development and the current BIA president.

"The addition of patios, screened-in porches, sunrooms and even sheds or landscape improvements are just a few ways you can add to the enjoyment of your home during warm weather and also increase its value. At the same time, you may want to evaluate your winter utility bills and consider if its time to investigate adding some insulation, replacing windows and so on."

Now is the time to take stock of your ideas, snap a few "before" photos and get ready to discuss how you can get started on the improvements you want to make this year, keeping in mind that necessary routine maintenance, as well as other projects that improve curb appeal, upgrade key living spaces or select lifestyle renovations will increase the value of your home.

According to Carr, if you plan to hire a professional to assist you with anything from a few select aspects to all of a given home improvement project, keep in mind that this is their prime time to work and that their schedules quickly can fill.

The first projects you need to consider fall into the category of home maintenance and repair. These such areas as roofing, gutters, exterior painting, waterproofing, windows, furnace/air conditioning, electrical capacity and the yard. All of these are necessary to ensure a solid home structure and the efficient working of necessary systems.

Beyond these basics, you can start considering ways to improve your home's curb appeal and the possibility of updating key spaces, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, all of which are proven to increase value.

For example, the positive visual effect of a lush green and manicured lawn with complementary landscaping can set the stage for luxurious outdoor living throughout the temperate seasons, so you can enjoy just sitting and relaxing, playing with the kids or entertaining.

Kitchen and bath remodeling still rank among the best options for maximizing return on your investment. Everything from minor cosmetic improvements to major upgrades of counter tops, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, fixtures and appliances can contribute to making these rooms look brighter and cleaner.

When it comes to luxurious lifestyle projects, experts caution some improvements may not dramatically affect the bottom line, but must be weighed according to the years of satisfaction you will gain. For example, if people decided whether to install a swimming pool solely based on financial merit, logic dictates there would be far fewer pools in the region. However, many people simply like the convenience and luxury of a backyard pool. The same can be said for designated workout rooms, home theaters or even wine cellars.

There are, however, a few lifestyle trends that recently have translated into solid home improvement investments. These include easily accessible, extended-family, secondary suites, geared toward young adults who are taking longer to leave the family home, or aging parents who are moving in with their adult children; efficient, well-lit home office space prewired for computer networking; a centrally located electronic bonus room with built-in cabinetry, concealed wiring and soundproofing; and anything energy efficient or low maintenance from the installation of radiant heating along with new flooring, the addition of rigid insulation to exterior walls when siding is replaced or new energy-efficient windows that can be cleaned from the inside of your home.

If you've been considering one or more of these projects, then the BIA Home Improvement Expo is the place to be. You'll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with many of the area's most respected contractors, suppliers, landscapers, architects and even an interior designer. Financial professionals also will be on hand to discuss your options.

With more than 150 displays covering just about every phase of construction, including new homes, room additions, windows, doors, roofs, siding, decks and sunrooms, as well as enhancements such as appliances, lighting, electronics, cabinetry, flooring, and outdoor living, the BIA Home Improvement Expo will save you time and effort when it comes to laying out a comprehensive plan for completing your projects.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Attendees will have the opportunity to win door prizes, plus a $2,000 shopping spree, compliments of Grants Appliances, Electronics and More.

The popular Antique Evaluations, which was introduced last year, has been expanded and will be located in the 4-H Building this year. Concessions will be provided by Spuds 'n Moo & Hot Dogs Too in the Industrial Arts Building.

BREAKOUT

Admission to the BIA Home Improvement Expo is $5 for adults and $1 for children aged 3 to 12. Similar to previous years, Senior Discount Day is Friday, and seniors will receive $1 off admission. Plus, everyone can again receive $1 off admission throughout the event by contributing a canned food item, which will be donated to the Northwest Indiana Food Bank for distribution to local food pantries.

For more information, contact the BIA office at (219) 663-4475 or log on to www.bianwi.org.