Seminar Programme

Hear from the experts from Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, who will help to guide your project from foundation to finish. Share their real life experiences and learn how to avoid common project pitfalls.

This year the Seminar sessions are sponsored by Forestry Commission Scotland, working to promote the use of Scottish timber and work with organisations such as The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, and Scottish Furniture Makers Association to support your local environment.

Sessions are daily and free to attend - make sure you arrive early and secure yourself a seat!

Take a look below for what we have in store for 2012:

10.45
Beginner’s guide to self-build: discover the next key steps towards 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 Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Contributing Editor

11.30
Extension design ideas: The fundamentals of successful extension and renovation
A guide to designing the extra space you need in the most cost-effective and space-efficient way, from remodelling and extending to loft and garage conversions, using real examples of successful extension and remodelling projects
Michael Holmes, Editor-in-Chief, Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine and Real Homes Magazine

12.15
Energy Efficiency - the ten best eco home investments you can make. How to save maximum money whilst helping save the environment!
Cut through the hype and discover which improvements you really need to prioritise to make your home greener and more energy efficient.   The pros and cons of the most popular eco features from upgrading insulation to smart metering, eco heating, solar panels, wind turbines and more.
Tim Pullen, Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Eco Expert

13.00
Budgeting: how to build a four bedroom house for under £150,000
Discover how to keep a lid on build costs. Learn how to work out your project budget and the cost implications of location, build quality and specification, scale, complexity and effective project management. Plus, an introduction to self-build mortgages.
Mark Brinkley, Author and Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Building Expert

13.45
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

14.30
Project management: How to finish your building project 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. Learn how to find and manage reliable builders, schedule your project, manage payments.
David Snell, Author and Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Contributing Editor

15.15
Modern construction methods: discover the fastest, cheapest and most energy-efficient way to build
Understand the key factors on which to make your choice of construction system, from design flexibility and energy-efficiency, to cost, build speed, and ease of use. This session looks at the pros and cons of timber frame, concrete blockwork, and modern alternatives such as structural insulated panels, insulated concrete formwork.
Mark Brinkley, Author and Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Building Expert

16.00
Oil, gas, electricity, wood… or nothing at all? A guide to choosing right system for your home
Learn how to establish which heating system is best for your home based on your priorities and budget, whether it’s finding the lowest installation cost, the cheapest ongoing running cost, the lowest CO2 output, the most space efficient or the best suited to your house type of design.
Tim Pullen, Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Eco Expert