The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) has announced the full lineup of expert speakers for the Build Better Stage at the WNC Build and Remodel Expo, taking place March 21–22 at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center.
The WNC Build and Remodel Expo gives homeowners and homebuyers an opportunity to explore ideas, connect with trusted local experts, and learn more about building, renovation, and home improvement. As part of the event, the Build Better Stage features short, practical presentations on topics ranging from modular construction, radon safety, and home financing to bird-friendly landscaping and future-ready home design. Sessions are included with Expo admission and run throughout both days of the event.
“Education is a huge part of what makes the Expo valuable,” says Jessie Edington, Events Manager for BABRM. “These sessions give homeowners access to trusted local experts who can break down complex topics in a way that’s approachable and actionable.”
Build Better Stage Presentation Schedule
All presentations take place on the Build Better Stage at the Davis Event Center.
Saturday, March 21
10:30–11:30 AM – Fund That Project: Comparing Your Financing Options
Paul Heathman of HomeTrust Bank joins Carolyn Hargus and Nancy Duggan of the Carolinas Real Estate Investors Association for a moderated panel led by Kyle Parks of Parks PR. The session compares traditional mortgages, construction loans, HELOCs, and hard money lending to help homeowners evaluate financing paths.
11:30 AM–12:30 PM – Designer Showcase: Meet the Designers
Natalie Miller of Sherwin-Williams joins Designer Showcase creatives Lyn Mabry and Lindsey Kehres to discuss the Colormix® 2026 palette and the design decisions behind this year’s styled vignette installations.
12:30–1:30 PM – What Are Modular Homes & How Are They Built?
Carla Parvin of Build Modular in Asheville explains how modular homes differ from stick-built construction, outlining the building process, customization options, timeline, and key considerations.
1:30–2:30 PM – Radon 101: What Homeowners in WNC Need to Know
Kimi McBurney of Carolina Radon discusses how radon enters homes, testing methods, regional risk factors, and mitigation systems designed to protect household health.
2:30–3:30 PM – Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow: A Place to Call Home for Every Age
Brian Daniel of Scroggs Construction Services introduces aging-in-place principles and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist guidelines that support long-term accessibility and comfort.
3:30–4:30 PM – Mold, Health & the Home: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Dylan Hunt of Green Home Solutions explains how mold develops, health risks associated with exposure, and prevention and remediation strategies for safer indoor environments.
4:30–5:30 PM – The Importance of Framing Art and Memorabilia
Jean Stryker of BlackBird Frame & Art covers aesthetic and preservation framing techniques that protect artwork, photographs, and meaningful keepsakes.
Sunday, March 22
11:30 AM–12:30 PM – 32 Grail Street and Cappadocia: A Preservation Story
Jessie Landl of the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County shares how two historic Asheville properties—32 Grail Street and Cappadocia, both in the East End/Valley Street neighborhood—were rehabilitated through partnership with the Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust, creating new opportunities for long-term community stewardship and affordability.
12:30–1:30 PM – Environmentally Friendly Landscaping and Native Plants
Steve Pettis of NC State University Extension discusses native plant selection, invasive plant removal, and landscaping practices that support biodiversity, pollinators, and wildlife.
1:30–2:30 PM – Designing a Bird-Friendly Home and Yard
Danielle DiBella-Lenaway of Blue Ridge Audubon, joined by UNC Asheville students, presents practical strategies for bird-safe windows, responsible lighting, feeder placement, and habitat design.
2:30–3:30 PM – Building with Clarity: Comparing Cost-Plus and Allowance-Based Models
Greg Grooms of Blue Pinnacle Homes compares cost-plus and allowance-based pricing structures and explains how each affects budgeting, transparency, and final project costs.
Beyond the Build Better Stage presentations, the Expo floor will feature dozens of exhibitors showcasing products and services for building, remodeling, and home improvement. Attendees can explore the Designer Showcase, a curated exhibit of styled interior vignettes inspired by the Sherwin-Williams Colormix® 2026 palette, offering a closer look at emerging color trends, materials, and design ideas from creatives across Western North Carolina.
New to this year is the Pawrade of Homes, a workforce development initiative from the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students from ten Buncombe and Henderson County high schools were challenged to design and build doghouses using an identical set of materials, giving them hands-on experience with carpentry, design, and construction fundamentals. The finished doghouses will be displayed during the Expo and entered into a raffle benefiting the Builders Association’s workforce development efforts.
The family-friendly event also includes kids’ activities, food trucks, and special appearances — including Mr. Moon, the Asheville Tourists’ mascot.
“The goal of the Expo is to give homeowners and homebuyers practical guidance and connect them with trusted local experts,” says Edington. “But it’s also about creating an event that’s enjoyable for the whole family.”
Become an Exhibitor at the WNC Build and Remodel Expo
A limited number of exhibitor spaces remain available for businesses looking to connect directly with homeowners and homebuyers exploring building, remodeling, and home improvement projects across Western North Carolina. Companies interested in becoming exhibitors can learn more and reserve space here.
Plan Your Visit to the WNC Build and Remodel Expo
The WNC Build and Remodel Expo takes place Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center in Fletcher. General admission is $10. $5 for seniors 65+, military, first responders, and educators. Free for kids 12 and under. Ticket purchases cover entry for both days.Additional information is available at wncbuildandremodel.com.
