Seminar Programme
Our experts will be at the show to help guide your project from foundation to finish.
Listen in to their real life experiences and hear how to avoid the
common pitfalls of self-build and renovation projects. You'll also find
the latest styles and most effective designs, planning applications and
understand building regulations, find how to make budgeting work for
you and discover which sustainable energies are best for your home.
All sessions are free and run daily - make sure you get there early to get a seat and avoid disappointment!
10.30-11.00
Beginner’s guide to self-build: discover the next key steps towards building your dream home
An essential overview of the self-build process and the choices you will face, from finding the right plot and getting planning permission, to design, and establishing a budget based on using either builders or DIY, and the size, quality and location of your new home. You’ll leave knowing which steps to take next.
David Snell, Author and H&R Magazine Contributing Editor
11.15-11.45
Extension design ideas: The fundamentals of successful extension and renovation
Discover the best way to add space and value to your home in the most cost-effective and space-efficient way. With inspirational examples of successful projects, learn how to unlock the hidden potential in your home by combining extension projects with remodelling work and loft, cellar and garage conversions.
Michael Holmes, Editor-in-Chief, Real Homes Magazine
12.00-12.30
How to choose the right heating system
Learn how to establish which heating system is best for your home based on your available budget, your lifestyle and your priorities, whether it’s saving money upfront on installation costs, investing long-term to reduce ongoing running costs, being green, or matching specific design requirements.
Tim Pullen, Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Eco Expert
12.45-13.15
Home design: The design process for your project explained step-by-step
Good design is the key to every successful self-build project, but how do you find the right designer and get the home of your dreams within your budget? This session explains the whole process step by step, from selection of designer and agreeing terms, to formulating your design brief, producing planning and construction drawings, through to the tender process and final delivery of the finished project.
Philip McCulloch and Adrian Neville, ASBA Architects
13.30-14.00
Save up to 50% on your build costs
Discover how to build your new home on a tight budget without sacrificing quality or size. Learn how factors such as your choice of materials, fixtures and fittings, design complexity, scale and effective project management all influence construction costs.
Barry Sutcliffe, Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Building Expert
14.15-14.45
Inspirational design ideas for kitchens and bathrooms
How to create your dream kitchen and bathroom by extending and remodelling. Learn the fundamental design rules that will ensure you get the very best use out of your available space and avoid the common layout errors. Plus: great examples of successful projects and how to replicate them.
Michael Holmes, Editor-in-Chief, Real Homes Magazine
15.00-15.30
From old house to eco house – how to cut your fuel bills in half
Discover the best ways to improve your home's energy efficiency, including a look at the Green Deal for Scotland, where and how to add insulation, and how to prioritise your budget to make the maximum cost savings.
Tim Pullen, Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Eco Expert
15.45-16.15
How To Finish On Time and On Budget
Discover the secrets of successful self-build or renovation project management, including how best to utilise your own time and skills to drive down costs and improve efficiency. Learn how to find and manage reliable builders, schedule your project, manage payments and more.
David Snell, Author and Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Contributing Editor