Atlanta Home Show targets wide range of domestic challenges

The show’s main focus, however, is on the more cosmetic aspects of home life, including products, services and professional advice on complete renovations or piecemeal re-dos of kitchens, baths, bedrooms and landscapes. Home Show director Michael Schoppenhorst said the big trend this year is evidence that more people are ready to embrace green solutions.

"I think its gotten to a point where green products work as well as non-green products and are becoming more affordable," he said. “We’ve got more exhibitors talking about solar energy than we’ve had in a long time, including presentations on how affordable residential solar is with tax credits. I’m amazed at the different products that qualify for it."

Water is also part of the energy-efficient buzz on the show floor.

Toilets with dual-flush systems use less water when necessary, but being able to choose between flush No. 1 and flush No. 2 typically requires purchasing a new toilet. Plumber Michael Schuster will be at the show promoting and demonstrating the $25 drop-in tool he invented that he said could save Atlanta homeowners big on water bills.

“You don’t need to use a full tank of water to flush the toilet 80 percent of the time,” Schuster said. “We state as an average that you can save over $100 a year, but with Atlanta having the second-highest water rates in the country, the return on investment would be a month or two.”

The show also includes an interactive fire-safety house, cooking and wine demonstrations, children's activities, a see-through house and a roster of guest speakers including HGTV personalities Joe Washington, Tonya M. Williams and Jodi Marks.

Fall Atlanta Home Show

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Adult tickets are $10. Free for children 12 and younger, and adults 65 and older. Two-day pass for $15.

Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-798-1997, www.atlantahomeshow.com .