If your plans this year include a renovation or other home improvement project, the 2025 Home and Remodelling Show is a must-visit.
Running Jan. 23-26 at the EY Centre and featuring more than 200 renovation, construction, landscaping and home decor experts, the event “will be the largest January Home Show in years,” says show organizer Rob Johnstone of Expo Media.
“(It’s) the perfect place to meet trusted local experts, shop products and services, get inspired for your next project, educate yourself on different home-related topics and have fun.”
Who’s on stage
Celebrity contractor and perennial home show draw Bryan Baeumler is on deck both Thursday and Friday. His topic this year: “Taking the guesswork out of home ownership. How to get there, and build real value.”
Baeumler always brings in a crowd and both entertains the audience with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and sneak peeks and educates them on home improvement best practices. He also likes to leave plenty of time to take audience questions.
There’s also a “Baeumler Approved” panel discussion on Thursday animated by Ottawa’s Ryan Branton, aka Contractor Ryan (Baeumler Approved businesses have a verified history of quality work and other qualifications and sign a code of conduct). The five-member panel of experts includes Richard Laroque from Vala Home Improvements, Dustin Poole of Dustin Design Drafting and others.
“We’ll be talking about all things renovation — the complexities involved, what to watch out for (when hiring a contractor),” says Branton. “It’s for anyone considering a renovation big or small. The panel will be answering questions on everything to do with renos.”
On Friday, Branton is back on stage at noon to tape a podcast with Stephen Weir from Baeumler’s organization on how to hire a contractor. Show visitors are welcome to sit in on the taping and may have a chance to ask questions afterward.
Presenters during the four-day show also include Amsted Design-Build’s Christopher Mulholland on maximizing the value of your property with an additional dwelling unit, Jacob Kirst from Lagois Design-Build-Renovate giving insider tips on choosing the right renovator, and others.
All Things Home columnist and owner of Decor Therapy Plus, Sue Pitchforth will bring visitors up to speed on bringing their own personalities into the design and decor of their homes.
And All Things Home co-owner Anita Murray will do double duty, hosting the stage throughout the show as well as speaking twice about what’s hot and what’s coming for Ottawa homes this year.
More at the 2025 Home and Remodelling Show
As always, the show features a cavalcade of exhibitors and the opportunity for visitors to learn more from them about everything from architectural design and kitchen, bath and other renovations to solar systems, roof replacement and patio interlock (yes, spring is coming — eventually).
Speaking with all the exhibitors can be thirsty work, but Perth Brewery is back on tap with a lounge and its handcrafted IPAs, lagers, ambers and seasonal beers.
If you’re not a fan of winter, stop by the giant indoor backyard oasis with hardscaping, pergolas, barrel saunas, trees and flowers for a foretaste of summer.
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, which recently opened its third Ottawa site, in Hintonburg, has a pop-up site at the show offering new and gently used home furnishings and decor at a fraction of the original price. All items have been donated and 100 per cent of profits go towards building affordable homes for local, low-income families.
Curated Finds Inspired For You — a Smiths Falls shop co-owned by Sue Pitchforth that carries specialty decor and other items — also has its first-ever pop-up shop at the show.
For more on the 2025 Home and Remodelling Show, visit ottawahomeandremodellingshow.com. While quantities last, you can email contests@allthingshome.ca for free tickets.
