Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2022 in Somerset – Preview
After a very successful show in Harrogate earlier this month, Homebuilding & Renovating is coming to Somerset. The Bath & West Showground will be open to self-builders on 19-20 November and will offer a variety of seminars and masterclasses that will allow you to develop your self build knowledge and learn about the wide variety of contemporary products available.
This article presents our top recommendations for you to get the most from the show, from the best seminars and masterclasses, to the top experts and exhibitors. So, if you are planning to build your dream home, this event will be the inspiration and motivation you need!
We know that being new to the world of Self Build can at times be daunting as there is so much information to learn. However, the more you learn, the better chance you have of a successful project. We have therefore created this guide, which is designed for the novice self-builder who is at the beginning of their journey. This guide will help you get the most out of the show and will support you in getting your Self Build project off the ground.
The two-day event will host over 120 exhibitors providing the opportunity to discuss your project face-to-face with some of the industry’s top specialists. There will also be almost 30 seminars and masterclasses in two different theatres. We have selected the top talks from the main theatres, and the top exhibitors you should speak to in order to get the most out of the show!
SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS
The seminars at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2022 in Somerset are divided between the Seminar and Masterclass theatres. For a prospective self builder, the most valuable seminars will be presented in the Seminar Theatre, where the Self Build experts will be delivering talks on all the important parts of the Self Build process. Below are our top picks for the Seminar theatre:
Top Seminar Theatre Talks:
A beginner’s guide to building your own home
Michael Holmes – Director of Content at H&R Magazine, Tom McSherry – Finance Expert at BuildStore. Everyday at 10:30-11:00
Interested in building your own home? Get an insider’s guide on how to get started – and decide whether it’s for you. We’ll outline the key steps, the main choices and considerations, along with a look at what it might cost – and how to finance it. They’ll give an honest assessment of the pros and cons and run through the key mistakes and how to avoid them.
How to get planning permission: the key to unlocking development potential
Sally Tagg – Planning Expert at H&R Magazine. Everyday 11:15-11:45
Understanding the planning permission process is a key element of getting a house built – but it can be difficult for amateurs to get to grips with. This seminar explains the process, what you’ll need to do, and how to navigate it. Presented by a leading self build planning consultant, you’ll learn how to maximise your chances of success.
Wow factor design – and how to get it!
Allan Corfield – Design Expert. Everyday at 12:15-12:45
Be inspired by this guide to how to make your home truly amazing through thoughtful, tried and tested design techniques. Our expert architectural designer reveals the must-have features to make your home special – both to look at and to live in.
How to make your home warm and comfortable and slash your fuel bills
David Hilton – Eco Expert at HBR, Allan Corfield – Design Expert at HBR – Everyday at 13:45-14:15
Practical and realistic solutions for retrofitting an existing house to reduce running costs without compromising space and architectural character and a look at the key principles of energy efficient home design for self-builders. This session looks at the options to improve the thermal performance of your roof, walls, floors, doors and windows, as well as airtightness and controlled ventilation to avoid condensation and damp.
Kitchen design guide – how to create your perfect kitchen
Michael Holmes – Director of Content at H&R Magazine. Everyday at 14:30-15:00
This inspirational seminar shows you how to plan your new space in order to avoid the common mistakes – and achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
The expert guide to renewables and energy efficient heating solutions
David Hilton – Eco Expert at H&R Magazine, Everyday at 15:15-15:45
Whether a new build or a renovation, our independent expert explains the pros and cons of the latest heating options from heat pumps to infra red, and how to choose the right system for your home. Plus a look at micro generation and battery storage to make use of off peak electricity and how to integrate solar PV with your heating system.
MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS
The Masterclass theatre will feature exhibitors who will demonstrate their products and share information from their area of expertise. If you are unsure which structural system is best for your project or which renewables will be appropriate for you; there will be 20 masterclasses to help you make up your mind. Below, we present our top picks:
Top Masterclass Theatre Talks:
Triple glazing: the best option to meet Future Homes Standard Part L
19 November 11:00-11:20 – Internorm
Underfloor heating and heat pumps: everything you need to know!
19 November 12:00-12:20 – Nu-Heat
How to fund your self-build or renovation project: a guide to stage payment mortgages
19 November 12:30-12:50 – BuildStore Mortgage Services
The time is now: why choose a renewable ground source heat pump?
20 November 11:00-11:20 – Kensa Heat Pumps
Low carbon biomass heating
20 November 12:30-12:50 – Windhager UK
The importance of good ventilation in a property and the advantages of MVHR
20 November 13:30-13:50 – Total Air Quality
ASK THE EXPERT
The Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Somerset 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 home building project you are at. Some of the experts available to meet in Somerset are:
Allan Corfield
Allan is a Chartered Architect and founder of ACA, the self-build architectural practice, working on one-off homes throughout the UK. His goal is to provide prospective self-builders 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.
David Hilton
David is an authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, with extensive knowledge in building fabrics, heating systems, heat recovery ventilation, emerging technologies and renewables, including heat pump technologies, Solar systems, biomass and also conventional heating systems. Often works with architects and house builders and designs and project manages appropriate performance tech and heating systems to achieve the healthiest outcome for every home.
Michael Holmes
Michael is Director of Content at Homebuilding & Renovating (Print, Digital and Live), Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), presenter of multiple property TV shows and author of Renovating for Profit (Ebury). Michael is one of the country’s leading property experts. He was presenter of Channel 5’s ‘I Own Britain’s Best Home’ and previously presented ITV’s ‘Don’t Move Improve’ and ‘Good Bid Good Buy’, as well as ‘Build, Buy or Restore?’ and ‘How to Build A House’ for Discovery RealTime.
Tom McSherry
Tom has worked in the financial services industry for 27 years – 14 of these, specialising in self build mortgages and finance at BuildStore, providing expert advice to hundreds of customers embarking on major homebuilding projects whether to live in, let or sell. Tom has completed two major homebuilding projects himself, and is widely regarded as a self build finance expert.
Tim Phillips
Tim Phillips is a Quantity Surveyor with almost 30 years of experience across the commercial and residential construction sector. He has worked on many varied projects in this time, for corporates, public bodies and private clients, managing multi-million budgets. For the past 13 years, Tim has worked on a freelance basis, whilst managing his rental property portfolio. He also has extensive experience of undertaking his own full-scale house renovations.
Sally Tagg
A planning expert with a successful track record of achieving planning permission for a wide variety of clients including individual self-builders and land owners seeking to unlock the development potential of their land. If you think that your project may be challenging in terms of achieving planning approval, or just want to give yourself peace of mind, consultation with Sally is recommended!
EXHIBITORS
There will be over 120 exhibitors in the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Somerset. Therefore, you will have the chance to explore the various products and services they have to offer, which can be useful in supporting your Self Build dream come true. There will be companies that specialise in the design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and much more. It wasn’t easy, but we chose the top 6 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
Top 6 Exhibitors To Visit:
Home Technology & Security – Stand 117
The Amica team believes in true home automation, a house that looks after you. Lights that turn on when you enter, and turn off after you leave. Water that shuts off when a leak is detected. Heating that learns each rooms heating & cooling curves, blinds that slowly open to gently wake you for the day ahead. All of these without ever touching a button or raising your voice. True automation is effortless. As a proud technology award winning company they strive to continue pushing the boundaries of modern technology in any home or business.
Finance, Insurance & Mortgages – Stand 413
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. 413 and check out what they have to offer.
Structural Systems – Stand 106
Fleming Homes has a long-standing presence within the UK timber frame construction industry. If you want to build a timber framed house, or still considering different alternatives, come to stand no. 106 and speak to their specialists.
Underfloor Heating Systems – Stand 307
Kensa Heat Pumps is one of the UK’s most popular ground source heat pump brands with an extensive range and award-winning heritage since 1999. Ideal for heating Self Builds and renovations Kensa ground source heat pumps can save you money on heating bills and maintenance. It will also generate a guaranteed quarterly income through the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI); seven years income for single builds, twenty years income for multiple units.
Heating – Stand 304
As a 2018 UK Customer Satisfaction Award winner and the only heating supplier awarded a Distinction from the Institute of Customer Service, Nu-Heat is the chosen supplier for thousands of discerning homeowners. Meet their experts on stand no. 304, and discover how our award-winning underfloor heating systems, unbeatable expertise in integrating renewables and bespoke system design can benefit your project.
Ventilation – Stand 118
Total Air Quality are independent, award-winning Ventilation Specialists, with 35 years’ experience in the industry. Their goal is to ensure everyone is aware of the importance of clean fresh air in the home. Speak to them at their stand no. 118.
The HBR Show boasts 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 homes.
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 influence the outcome of your project!
COVID-19 Information
The organisers are working closely with the Royal Bath & West Showground and their exhibitors to ensure that their visitors feel safe and have a great day (or days!) out at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Somerset. Here are the key measures that they’re putting in place. The measures sit within one of three categories: Controlled, Clean, Safe. Read more info here.
For more live tips on the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Somerset follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.