TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Now that spring is here, it's time to get going on all those outdoor projects you've been thinking about, but where do you start? Heading to a home and garden show can be a big help, but only if you go prepared. Here's more in this Angie's List report.
A trip to the home and garden show can give you some great ideas, and introduce you to dozens of contractors to find who fits your to-do list.
"I think it's a great place to start a relationship. Not everyone gets along and works well with everybody, so it's nice to start a relationship here, so you can talk with 35, 40, 50 different landscape contractors or whatever your project might be, and create that relationship," said show producer Donell Heberer Walton.
Look for a contractor who not only understands your project, but also shares your vision. Be sure to bring as much information as you can - including budget, space measurements, time requirements and most of all -- pictures!
"Take pictures of the area of your home you want to tackle with your project and take them with you. You can take them on a tablet, a laptop… and that way your contractor can really see what you are talking about," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
Landscape architect Tom Fellegy adds:"Everybody has pictures on their smart phones nowadays, which is so great, and it gives us just that little clip that will give us a lot of information. I mean, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that really is true."
And don't be intimidated by the massive, expensive exhibits you see at the show. Projects like that can be done in phases over years if your budget can't handle it all at once.
"Typically we like to say 'Dream Big,' and then we'll dial it back," said Fellegy.
Many of the contractors at these shows are familiar and friendly with one another, so if you want something done that they don't specialize in, they will often send you to the right company.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
