“We’re seeing a lot more people staying in place right now, and remodeling what they have,” said Mike Fox with Ace Home and Hardware in Marshall. Fox said he thought factors like interest rates were encouraging people to stick with their current homes instead of building new ones. Fox said a lot of customers were also looking at outdoor living projects, and products for outdoor activities like grilling.

Organizers of the home show said they were anticipating a total crowd of about 2,500 people over three days. On Friday evening, about 450 people came out to the show, said Aaron Ziemer, general manager of Marshall Radio. The show also set a new record for vendors, with a total of 77 businesses taking part, he said.

On Saturday, interior designer Betsy Lavin was one of the vendors who said they were seeing a lot of people interested in remodeling their homes instead of building new.

“People are really aware of cost,” Lavin said. However, she said she thought remodeling costs had come down from the highs of two or three years ago.

Ardis Truwe spoke with interior designer Betsy Lavin at the Marshall Home Show. Truwe said she was looking for ideas for a home she hoped to be able to build.

Fox said that while some construction supply costs appeared to have leveled out, others were still high, like a lot of metal products. Fox said labor costs had also gone up in the past couple of years.

When it came to interior design, Lavin said, “I think people are really looking for a very natural and comfortable design, that’s functional.”

Ardis Truwe was one visitor who said she was looking at building a new home, and was checking out the home show for ideas. But Truwe said she was focused on making sure the house was the right size for her needs, and she was being mindful of cost. She said she had a maximum budget number in mind, that she wasn’t going over.

Vendors said the Marshall Home Show was a good opportunity for them to connect with potential customers.

“We try to showcase a variety of the things we have,” Fox said.

“The home show is a good opportunity for the community to get out and see what’s out there,” said Adam Rigge, who was at the show with Southwest Tree Treatment.

“I’m loving it,” said Leah Madsen, owner of the Velvet Paw mobile grooming service and a first-time vendor at the home show. “I’ve met lots of people who were interested, and lots of pet owners.”