Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2018 in Edinburgh – Preview
Following on from London, the Homebuilding and Renovating show is returning to Scotland from the 20th-21st of October. The Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh will host the show, which this year boasts over 130 exhibitors. This is an opportunity to develop your self build knowledge and the learn about the wide variety of contemporary products available.
With 8 Self Build lectures and 23 Masterclass talks, you can be sure that you will leave the venue inspired and better equipped to pursue your self build dream. In order to help you prepare for this event, we have created an article that will ensure you get the most out of your visit to the HBR show in Edinburgh.
If you have not come across our previous article regarding the HBR shows in 2018 – make sure you check it out!
This article presents our team’s top rated talks and masterclasses for self builders. It also includes a list of experts you should speak with and exhibitors that can assist with any decision regarding your self build, whether it be choosing the best construction system or the renewables for your new home.
SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS
The seminars at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2018 in Edinburgh are divided between two stages: Self Build and Masterclass theatres. The Self Build theatre will host a variety of experts, who will deliver talks on all the important aspects of the self-build process. Below we have detailed our top picks for the Seminar Theatre:
Top 5 Self Build Theatre Talks:
A beginner’s guide to building your own home
Mike Cruickshank – Self Build and Timber Frame Construction Expert, Everyday at 10:30-11:00
Discover how you can build your individually designed home and save up to 30% compared to buying a new house. Learn how to find a plot, get a self-build mortgage, work out what you can afford to build for your budget, develop a design scheme and decide whether to use a builder, manage the project yourself or get involved on a DIY basis.
Beginners’ guide to creating a low energy home, from Zero Carbon to PassivHaus
Allan Corfield – Self Build Expert at H&R Magazine, Everyday 12:45-13:15
The ‘fabric first’ approach to low energy home design and renovation explained. Understand the best ways to optimise insulation values, the importance of balancing airtightness, ventilation, thermal mass and solar gain, plus how to choose the right heating system including renewable energy options for heat and power.
Inspirational design ideas for kitchens and bathrooms
Michael Holmes – Director of Content at H&R Magazine, Everyday 14:15–14:45
How to create your dream kitchen 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 the essentials of successful bathroom design.
How to cut build costs without compromising on quality or space
Jason Orme – Editorial Director at H&R Magazine, Everyday at 15:00-15:30
Discover how to build or renovate your 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. Whatever your budget, this session will ensure you avoid waste and maximise value.
Self-build: The most common mistakes and how to avoid them
Allan Corfield – Self Build Expert at H&R Magazine, Everyday 15:45-16:15
Forewarned is forearmed! Learn how to keep your homebuilding project firmly on the rails by avoiding the most common mistakes and disputes when buying property, dealing with neighbours, designers, builders and suppliers, plus a guide on to how best to resolve difficulties if they do arise.
MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS
The Masterclass theatre will feature exhibitors who will showcase their products and share information from their areas of expertise. If you are unsure of which structural system is best for your project or which renewables will be appropriate for you, there will be different 23 masterclasses to help you make up your mind. Below, we present our top 7 talks:
Top 7 Masterclass Theatre Talks:
Harvest the power of nature to create the perfect indoor climate – understanding the benefits of renewable heating systems
20 October 10:30-10:50 – NIBE Energy Systems Ltd, Stand: 326
Smart Homes: What are they, and how do truly smart homes make your life easier?
20 October 12:00-12:20 – Smart Home Expert, Stand: 323
All you ever wanted to know about building your own home using structural insulated panels (SIPS)
20 October 13:30-13:50 – SIPS Industries, Stand: 246
How to fund your self-build or renovation project – a guide to stage payment mortgages
20 October 14:30-14:50 – Buildstore, Stand: 325
Heat Pump selection & installation for maximum heating performance & comfort
21 October 12:00-12:20 – Barres, Stand: 218
Interior and space planning: the importance of incorporating these into the early stages of your build
21 October 14:30-14:50 – Tangram, Stand: 213
Renewable Energy for self builders – how to get your home off the grid!
21 October 15:30-15:50 – LiveEco, Stand: 118
ASK THE EXPERT
The Homebuilding & Renovating show in Edinburgh offers the chance to get first-hand advice from many of the top self-build specialists in the UK. So bring your plans, ideas and any issues you have regarding your project to the Advice Centre. This is an amazing opportunity to get valuable information no matter what stage of your homebuilding project you are at. The following experts will be available in Edinburgh:
Allan Corfield
Allan is a Chartered Architect and ACA’s founder, the Self Build Architectural practice, working on one-off homes throughout the UK. His goal is to provide prospective self builder’s with the inspiration, support, and education they require to build their own cost effective, energy efficient, dream home. You can read more about Allan here.
Michael Holmes
One of the country’s leading property experts, presenter of multiple property TV Shows and the Chair of NaCSBA – the organisation founded to support self builders throughout the UK. His book, ‘Renovating for Profit’, is the definitive guide to home renovations that make a difference to the value of your property. Michael cannot be missed by any conscious self builder.
Jason Orme
Jason Orme was the long-time Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating and is now Editorial Director. He has been writing about self-build and renovation for 18-years and during that time has given advice to hundreds of people taking on major building projects to their homes. He is an expert on all aspects of building or renovating from construction systems and finding land to energy efficiency and dealing with builders and in recent years has advised the Government on ways to make self-building easier for everyone.
EXHIBITORS
There will be over 130 exhibitors at the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Edinburgh. You will have the chance to explore their wide array of products and services, which can be useful in supporting your self-build dream come true. There will be companies who specialise in design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and much more! It was a really difficult task, but we managed to pick the top 7 exhibitors you should visit:
Top 7 Exhibitors To Visit:
Ventilation, Stand No. 241
If you are considering the installation of a heat recovery ventilation system (MVHR), then a visit to stand no. 241 should be high on your ‘exhibitors to see’ shortlist. ADM Systems offer a full range of services such as CAD design and proposals, site surveys, compliance advice, complete installation by BPEC approved engineers and full ventilation system maintenance and aftercare packages. They also offer a ‘buddy’ service for self-builders installing their own heat recovery systems.
Bathrooms – Stand No. 372
Their expert installation department will transform your ideal concept into a reality. Through expert project management, their clients receive the highest standard of customer care and attention, at all stages of the process making your BAGNODESIGN experience a pleasurable journey.
Finance, Insurance & Mortgages – Stand No. 325
For the vast majority of self-builders getting a mortgage for building their dream home is a necessary mission. Buildstore offers mortgages for clients who are either building their own house, renovating or looking for a better rate on their current house while planning a project. Come over to stand no. 325 and check out what they have to offer.
Roofing – Stand No. 114
CUPA PIZARRAS offers a comprehensive range of roofing slates in different models, sizes and thickness’ suiting any individual design. CUPA PIZARRAS slate has been chosen by thousands of architects and roofers, covering some of the most iconic buildings around the world. Additionally, CUPA PIZARRAS has introduced an innovative CUPACLAD and THERMOSLATE range.
Kitchens, Flooring & Floor Structure – Stand No. 226
PORCELANOSA Group is a major reference on not only the Spanish but the international markets as well, operating in accordance with firmly consolidated values such as innovation and quality with a workforce made up of almost 5000 skilled professionals. Today, the Group’s eight companies offer a wide product range that includes lifestyle, kitchen and bathroom equipment as well as advanced building solutions for contemporary architecture.
Structural Systems – Stand No. 246
If you want to build a low-energy house and are wondering what construction method to adopt, The National Homebuilding and Renovating Show is an amazing opportunity to speak with the companies offering sustainable home building solutions and to find the best one for your project. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) offer a modern, cost-effective, environmental and energy efficient solution to building construction. Come to stand no. 246 and have a chat with their specialists to find out if SIPs is for you.
Furniture, Internal Decor, Paints & Finishes, Professional Services – Stand No. 213
Tangram works with clients and architects to specify and supply contemporary furniture, lighting, blinds and rugs. We’ve developed a diverse portfolio of manufacturers which have been thoughtfully selected based on their design, quality and reliability – the very best in European contemporary furniture, including: Silent Gliss, B&B Italia, Ligne Roset, Moooi, Flos, STUA, Vitra, Walter Knoll.
The HBR Show offers a plethora of information for a prospective self builder. The recommendations we have created are, in our opinion, the best solutions for people planning to build their dream home.
However, this doesn’t mean that the other seminars, experts or exhibitors are not worth seeing. Depending on the priorities of your project it may be more appropriate to attend other talks. It is worth the effort and time to prepare well for the show, as what you will learn will definitely influence the final outcome of your project!
Are you going to the HBR Show in Edinburgh? What seminars, experts and exhibitors are on your shortlist? Have you already been to one? What are your opinions? Was it helpful? Do you have any advice for others? Share your opinions in the comment section below!
For more live tips on the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.
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