Knowledge Is Power!

There were over 600 vendors at this show, and I'm usually not real comfortable at these types of events because I think everyone's trying to hard-sell you.

Especially if you don't already know much about their product... then the sales pitch is usually "Oh, our product is the best on the planet. You'd be crazy to look anywhere else."

...But not this time!

It Makes A Difference If You Know What You're Talking About

This time, I was armed with a million and one questions (in my head), and I was focused. With our new log home in mind, I concentrated my efforts on fine-tuning our options for the following:

• roofs
• decks
• underdecking
• basement walls
• variable width wide-plank flooring
• windows & doors

Having a fairly narrow focus like this made the show so much more meaningful this time. Usually, I just wander aimlessly at events like this... because we haven't been "ready" to consider things like poured walls vs pre-cast basement walls, metal roofs vs architectural shingles, composite decks vs pressure-treated wood decks, wood vs aluminum clad windows, and full-glass vs half-glass doors before.

Plus, I did some homework before I went, and I even called a couple of the companies directly to get a better idea of what they offer and how their product is different from their competitors'.

I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar

Trust me when I say... I didn't accept "free samples" or brochures from anyone other than the vendors mentioned above. Yet I still came home with 2 full bags jam-packed with fliers and samples of decks, roofs, basement walls, flooring, doors, and windows.

The biggest thing I learned: When you have some idea of what you want (or are willing to consider) for your house, it's so much easier (and more FUN!) to "grill and be grilled" by the vendors!

I think I actually intimidated some with my questions.

For example, I actually knew what I was talking about when it came to composite decks. The 2 composite decking manufacturers at the show were MoistureShield and TimberTech. I like them both... a lot. (More on that later.) But since I knew what I wanted and had some pretty detailed questions for these vendors, I think I caught them by surprise sometimes.

In fact, most of the vendors I visited with had to refer me to "the guy who really knows" of the crew at hand. Because the first person I spoke with usually didn't know the answers to my questions.

Between you and me, I've found that the ones who are the most eager to pounce on you and try so hard to "sell" you are usually the least experienced salespeople and the least knowledgeable about the product, in general. Whatever that says...

So anyways... I love that I got it straight from the horse's mouth for each of the products I was most interested in. I truly got tons of valuable information at this event. Who knew?

I will admit though... in some areas, I was not nearly so well-versed as say my husband would have been. I mean "pre-cast basement walls" and "roofs" just aren't as exciting as "decks & patios" are to me. But I did my part and got the info so Jim can scrutinize it, and call them for more information.

The Vendors I Liked Best

If you're interested, the vendors I trusted most and got the most valuable information from (and the ones we will ultimately consider using in our log home) are:

TimberTech -- composite decks and patios

Undercover Systems -- "underdecking" protection to keep decks & patios under porches or balconies dry

Superior Walls -- pre-cast basement wall & foundation systems

MoistureShield -- composite decks and patios

A&R Roofing -- for their line of CertainTeed asphalt shingles and metal roofs

As for the windows, doors, and flooring... I mostly just collected brochures & contact info, because each will require a separate visit to the manufacturer (or a full-inventory showroom) in order for us to make an informed decision -- and be able to take advantage of any upcoming sale prices.