DAPHNE, Ala. — Handymen and home builders, get ready! The 2008 Home & Product Showcase, presented by the Baldwin County Home Builders Association, will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center.

Over 60 exhibits with product advisers will be present to answer technical questions about their objects, according to organizers.

“You’ve got new products, seminars and demonstrations. Not only is it a great time to see what’s new in the building industry, it’s also a great opportunity to ask questions to knowledgeable representatives of that product,” Fran Druse, executive vice president of BCHBA, said.

Home theater, heating and air conditioning, building supply and contractor companies will be among participants at the event, according to organizers.

The show will also feature products such as tankless water heaters, solar panels and Blu Wood lumber — that is, wood with blue coating that protects against fungi, insects and moisture, according to the BCHBA.

“We do it (the exhibition) so that we can show the general public all the new products that can go into building a home, Druse said.

New home owners, more and more, are getting educated before making an investment, she said.

“They research it (products); they want to be able to see it, touch it and ask questions about it. A lot of people bring their blueprints to the show,” she said.

Seminars will include decorating trends, landscaping with local vegetation and question-and answer-panels on starting points for home building and remodeling, organizers said.

“Mortgage brokers and contractors tell you how to choose what fits your lot and lifestyle”; businesses don’t sell items at this sort of event, she said.

“It’s not a selling event — like you bag things up and take them with you. Businesses demonstrate the products there in the booths,” she said. “It’s all under one roof. Whatever you’re doing to improve the quality of your home, you can learn about the products here.

“It’s one stop shopping.”

FOR MORE ON THE HOME & PRODUCT SHOWCASE, SEE INSERT IN THE FEB. 27 DAPHNE BULLETIN.