Spring Home show a haven for help: leave winter behind; start thinking about home projects.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska: This Month

Whether it's a deeply rooted ancestral need to change the surroundings of the cave, hut, cabin or home when winter fades--or simply the desire to break free from hibernation--spring is special for Alaskans who crave something new and different in their dwelling. It could be the honey-do list needs attention or the family agrees something must change in that smelly, dilapidated bathroom. Whichever it is, remodeling is most likely the answer.

As those with experience can tell, jumping into a remodeling job without the right help or know-how can be a surefire path to nightmare land. It can also end up costing more than if you hired help from the start.

One solution is the annual Anchorage Home Builders Association's Home and Remodeling Show. This month, the show is scheduled for March 16 to March 18 at the Sullivan Arena. In past years, the show has drawn more than 10,000 attendees and has provided an opportunity for people to meet a wide array of vendors, contractors and industry members to learn more about remodeling, financing and home building.

"We want the clientele coming through the door feeling that they are there to gather information," said Paul Rieland, events coordinator for the AHBA. "That's what it's about. That's also the reason we don't do sales."

Along with gathering experienced people in the business, the show provides the chance to attend seminars and discussions about topics ranging from roofing to home financing to "for sale by owner" opportunities. "We have 32 seminars," Rieland said, all part of the association's mission to educate.

The Anchorage Home Builders Association was established to represent the home building and remodeling industry and promote safe, affordable housing. The National Association of Home Builders, on Sept. 27, 1959, chartered the association under the name of Home Builders Association of Alaska Inc. The organization was formed to fill the void of adequate representation for the industry in Alaska. The original charter for the association covered the entire state.

By 1976, the economy and the industry in Alaska...