The Salt Lake Tribune Home and Garden Festival is right around the corner! So is spring, of course — they timed it that way.

The annual home and garden show is a sign that warmer weather and sprouting daffodils are on their way.

It’s not just plants that make your property beautiful though — it’s your home too. Or, rather, it should be your home.

Many houses emerge from winter the worse for wear. Drooping gutters, peeling paint, loose railings and sagging porches make a home look sad and neglected. Planting geraniums in cheerful pots won’t help (although it may temporarily lift your mood). You’ve gotta do some dirty work. Or at least hire someone else to do it.

IT’S WHAT’S ON THE OUTSIDE THAT COUNTS

What single part of your home comprises the most square footage? The exterior. Many homeowners neglect this part of their house and focus on their kitchen countertops or their bathroom basins, and these are nice, but they’re small, and most people aren’t going to see them.

Dozens of people (or even hundreds, depending on the amount of traffic on your street) drive by your house every day. Maybe your home just blends into the landscape — one of many unassuming ranches. Or maybe it stands out. But why does it stand out?

Because of its manicured lawn and fresh paint job? Or because of the inflatable Santa you still have out front and the exterior door trim that’s rotting because the holes in the rusted gutters allow the snowmelt to drip on it every day?

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE

As a homeowner, you must pay attention to the big things and the little things, or you risk curb un-appeal.

Come down to the home show and get some ideas for some changes you can make this spring, and later down the road as well.

While you’re there, check out some other vendors who can help you improve your home’s wow factor, including:

  • Garage door installers

  • Landscapers

  • Door and window manufacturers

  • Roofers

  • Pool and patio installers

  • Fence and deck builders

  • Hardscape masons

And don’t forget about the inside of your house. Stop by booths featuring these craftspeople:

  • Interior remodelers

  • Cabinet makers

  • Electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors

  • Countertop installers

  • Closet builders

  • Tile layers

  • Fireplace builders

  • Lighting specialists

Show hours are noon to 10 p.m. Friday, March 11; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 12; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 13. Admission for adults is $11, but it’s $9 if you buy your tickets online ahead of time. Seniors get in for $8, and kids 12 and under get in free!

The show is being held at the South Towne Exposition Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy. There’s plenty of free parking for everyone. For more information, go to their website.

Come down to the Salt Lake Tribune Home and Garden Festival this year and stop by and see us, the professionals from Renovation by Burbach, at booth 229 — you’ll be glad you did!