Get ready for one of the most important events in UK home construction! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is coming to NEC Birmingham from March 19th to 22nd, offering a golden opportunity to expand your knowledge about self-building and explore contemporary products. Visit Stand K143 for a free consultation with our experts.
This article provides valuable suggestions to help you make the most out of the event, including attending seminars and masterclasses and interacting with experts and exhibitors. Whether you're planning to build your dream home or are new to self-build, this event will provide inspiration and motivation.
We're excited to be back in Birmingham and to inspire the new generation of Self-Builders. This guide is designed for beginners and offers support to kickstart your Self-Build project and make the most of the show.
The three-day event will host over 300 exhibitors and almost 50 seminars and masterclasses in three theatres, providing face-to-face discussions with industry specialists. We've selected the top talks and exhibitors you should engage with for maximum benefit from the show!
SELF BUILD THEATRE TALKS
The seminars at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2026 in Birmingham are divided into three stages: Self Build, Masterclass, and Home Improvement Theatre. For a prospective self-builder, the most valuable seminars will be presented in the Self Build theatre. There, the Self-Build experts will deliver talks on all the important parts of the process. Below are our top picks for the Self-Build Theatre:
TOP 8 SELF BUILD THEATRE TALKS:
Beginner's Guide to Self Build: Essential Insights and Tips for Aspiring Self-Builders
Mark Stevenson – Self-Build Expert. Everyday at 10:30-11:00
Explore the advantages of self-build and learn how you can save an average of 30% on the cost of a bespoke, individually designed home. This session will guide you through the essential steps, from finding the perfect plot of land to selecting an architectural designer and choosing a build route that fits your needs. We'll examine the pros and cons to help you determine if self-build is the right path for you.
Mastering Your Self-Build Budget: Cost Control Strategies and Smart Borrowing For
Your Build
Tim Phillips – Quantity Surveyor, Tom McSherry – BuildStore . Everyday 11:00-11:30
Successful Project Management: How to Complete your Project on Time and on Budget
Andy Stevens – Builder and Broadcaster. Everyday 11:30-12:00
One of the UK's best-known builders reveals their tips on how to find, hire and work with the best main contractors and tradespeople. What should you look for, and what can you do to avoid difficulties? What do they expect from you? We explain the secrets of a successful relationship.
Sally Tagg – Planning Expert at Homebuilding &Renovating Magazine. Everyday 12:00-12:30
Understanding the process and politics of the planning system is a key element of any self build or major home improvement project and it can seem like a complicated and unpredictable process. This seminar explains the key stages, what you'll need to do, and how to navigate your way through the system. Presented by a leading self build planning consultant, you'll learn how to maximise your chances of success.
Allan Corfield – Design Expert and Architect at H&R Magazine. Everyday 12:30-13:00
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, including the key principles for creating a 'healthy' and 'sustainable' home.
Andy Stevens – Builder and Broadcaster Everyday 13:00-13:30
One of the UK's best-known builders reveals their tips on how to find, hire and work with the best main contractors and tradespeople. What should you look for, and what can you do to avoid difficulties? What do they expect from you? We explain the secrets of a successful relationship.
David Hilton – Self Build Expert. Everyday 13:30-14:00
This session cuts through the hype and helps your establish a clear set of priorities for your project that will help your choose between gas, oil, or electric heating, which renewables makes sense from ground and air source heat pumps so solar pv, plus the options for controlled ventilation, heat recovery and air conditioning.
Landscape Design: A Beginners Guide to Creating Your Dream Garden from Scratch
MarieAnne Messenger – Landscape and Garden Design. Everyday at 15:00-15:30
Join our expert-led session to master the essentials of landscape design, tailed for those creating a new garden from scratch. Gain insights on planning your garden layout, optimising sunlight, and understanding soil types. Learn to enhance views, strategically place drives, and design paths and surfaces. Transform your blank canvas into a stunning outdoor oasis with practical planting tips.
The Masterclass theatre will feature exhibitors who will demonstrate their products and share information from their area 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 over 30 masterclasses to help you make up your mind. Below, we present our top 8 talks:
TOP 8 MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS:
Essential Do's and Don'ts for Self Build VAT Reclaim
21 March 10:30-10:50 – Andrew Jones The VAT Man
Assembling Your Design Team
19 March 11:00-11:20 – AC Architects
From 'Can I Build?' to 'Here's how to Build Here'
21 March 11:30-11:50 – Fleming Homes
Building Airtight? Ventilate Right!
19 March 13:30-13:50 – ADM Systems
High Performance Triple Glazed Windows: Why They Make Sense
21 March 11:00-11:20 – Internorm
Why do I Need a Structural Engineer?
20 March 11:30-11:50 – AC Structures
Underfloor Heating & Heat Pumps: Efficient, Low Temperature Heating for Your Home
20 March 12:30-12:50 – Nu-Heat
Mastering Your Self Build with SIPs
22 March 14:30-14:50 – SIPS Industries
HOME IMPROVEMENT THEATRE TALKS
The Home Improvement theatre will feature talks that will help you upgrade and make finishes to your home that you will be proud of. We have listed below our top 8 talks:
TOP 7 HOME IMPROVEMENT THEATRE TALKS:
Extension Design Guide
Michael Homes- Home Improvement Expert at 10:30-11:00
From kitchen extensions to loft conversions, make sure your new space is a success with this inspirational guide to successful home design. Understand the key principles that will ensure your home works around the way you want to live. Avoid the common mistakes and explore how your approach, both to the exterior and interior design, can make the difference between success and failure.
A Guide to Planning and Permitted Development for Home Extensions and Conversions
Sally Tagg – Planning Expert. Everyday at 11:00-11:30
The rules around whether or not you need planning approval for some or all of your extension or conversion project are complex. Our expert explains how the system works and how to navigate it - and if you do need a form of planning approval, how to apply. We'll look at the rules for conversion projects, from lofts to barns, and how to approach prior approval.
From Old Home to Eco Home - How to Slash Your Fuel Bills
Marianne Suhr – MRICS, SPAB Lethaby Scholar. Thursday & Friday at 11:30-12:00
Practical and realistic solutions for retrofitting an existing pre-1900s house to reduce running costs without compromising space and architectural character. An acclaimed expert in the field explains how to renovate a period property and incorporate high levels of insulation and the latest renewable heating technologies - even in a listed building.
Ideas for Adding Space Without Extending: From Loft, Garage and Cellar Conversions, to Maximising Small Spaces
Jo Dyson- Renovation Expert. Everyday at 12:30-13:00
This session explores innovative and stylish design ideas to transform your loft into a functional and beautiful space. From maximizing natural light and creating clever storage solutions to choosing the perfect layout and finishes, our experts will provide you with the inspiration and practical advice you need to make the most of your loft conversion. Whether you're dreaming of a new bedroom, office, or living area, join us to unlock the full potential of your home's uppermost space.
Innovative Interior Design Ideas to Transform your Space
Julia Kendell – Interior Design Expert. Everyday at 13:30-14:00
A a captivating series where our host, Julia, interviews a new interior designer each day, uncovering their unique insights and creative processes. Dive into the world of design as we explore their best ideas and tips, offering you exclusive access to the minds shaping today's interiors. Learn how to apply these innovative concepts to your own projects, transforming your space with expert guidance and inspiration.
Upgrading Your Home Heating ' Your Options Explained
David Hilton – Heating & Eco Expert. Everyday at 15:30-16:00
Clever Ways to Reduce Costs When Building an Extension
Tim Phillips – Quantity Surveyor. Everyday at 16:00-16:30
HOME ENERGY HOUR
Designed to help you improve the efficiency of your home. With all-new theatre sessions and eco-energy focused experts at our Advice Centre, there’s no better place to figure out your home energy goals.
Home Energy Hour
The Home Energy Hour is a brand-new feature at the show and comes to the theatres with talks designed to inform you of the latest trends and advancements in home energy and help you to make your home leaner and greener.
Home Energy Academy
The Home Energy Academy is another new addition to the show. The academy will help you to understand how you can make the most of the energy in your home, save money on your bills and reduce your carbon footprint with free advice at their Advice Centre.
ASK THE EXPERT
The Homebuilding & Renovating show in Birmingham 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. Some of the experts available to meet in Birmingham are:
MARIEANNE MESSENGER
Award winning designer MarieAnne is founder of Studio MA. Offering a distinctive approach to spatial transformation, this unique design service specialises in both interior and landscape design, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
With a holistic vision and a passion for thoughtful, functional aesthetics, the team brings together creativity and expertise to craft beautifully integrated environments.
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.
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.
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 300 exhibitors in the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Birmingham. 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 design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and much more. It wasn’t easy, but we have chosen the top 5 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
TOP 5 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Architect/Designer – Stand K143
Since 2009, ACA have worked on over 650 projects across the UK, including small extensions, one-off homes and large housing developments. ACA’s designs are all low energy, built around the Fabric first approach. We use modern methods of construction such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF). We are also Certified Passive House Designers. We will be on hand at stand K143 to answer any questions.
Finance – Stand F150
BuildStore began life in 1998 as the Self Build Advisory Service, offering land-finding support and brokering specialist mortgages for self builders. Recognising that traditional lenders didn’t fully understand the needs of self-build projects, they developed the award-winning Accelerator mortgage, specifically designed to support self builders through the funding stages of their build.
Since relaunching as BuildStore in 2000, the company has evolved into a comprehensive hub for the self-build market—supporting customers at every stage of their journey, from finding land and securing finance to making informed decisions about design and materials, helping make self build more accessible for aspiring homeowners.
Doors & Windows – Stand D157
Internorm is Europe’s leading architectural window brand, known for its innovation, craftsmanship and design excellence. Its extensive range includes bespoke triple-glazed timber–aluminium, uPVC and uPVC–aluminium windows, alongside lift-and-slide systems, French doors and entrance doors, all manufactured to the highest standards.
Engineered for exceptional thermal performance, acoustic comfort and security, Internorm products are particularly suited to low-energy and Passivhaus homes, as well as self-build and renovation projects—delivering quality you can both see and feel in every detail.
Construction – Stand E161
Fleming Homes has been creating bespoke timber frame homes for self builders since 1986, with every project tailored to meet the exact needs of the client. Their award-winning team combines decades of experience with internationally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and STA Assure accreditation, ensuring a high level of quality and reliability.
Offering support from design, planning and building regulations through to manufacture and on-site erection, Fleming Homes provides a comprehensive service to take projects through to the wind and watertight stage—working alongside self builders every step of the way to help bring their vision to life.
Construction – Stand G127
SIPs Industries was established in 2000. As the longest established SIPs company in the UK we provide a complete SIPS design, manufacture & installation solution under one roof. Whether you are planning a new home or development or a commercial or institutional build, you need your new building to be both comfortable and energy efficient. The high level of insulation in SIPs leads to low heating costs and a high degree of comfort.
ACA AT THE HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW
Allan is a permanent member of the HBR Show team and regularly delivers his talks at the shows. At the Birmingham show, Allan will deliver three talks titled: “Wow factor design – and how to get it!” (everyday at 12:30-13:00 in the Self Build Theatre), “Practically Passive: Expert Tips On Sustainable Home Design” (everyday at 14:00-14:30 in the Self Build Theatre), and “Building Regulations 101: A Beginner's Guide for Self Builders and Renovators” (everyday at 16:00-16:30 in the Self Build Theatre). Allan will also be available as a Design Expert in the Advice Centre.
ACA and ACS will have our own stand (K143), where we will advise visitors on their project and we will also be available for free architectural and structural engineering consultations. Also, Jenny Chandela, our architect running the ACA office in the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, will discuss designing low-energy homes in the Masterclass Theatre (19 March 11:00-11:20) and Paul Chambers (ACS) will discuss the importance of a structural engineer (20 March 11:30-11:20).
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar will take place on 11th April 2026 at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and will be hosted by Jenny.
This one-day course gives you practical advice and guidance from a panel of established experts in their fields of expertise, ready to impart their knowledge and experience to you. The course registration cost is FREE and includes lunch, refreshments, a full day of expert advice and opportunities for individual consultations.
SOME TOPICS THAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINAR:
- Project feasibility
- Your project team and the design process
- Project delivery options
- Future home standards and construction systems
- Renewable systems integration
- Virtual reality demonstration
To find out more about the event and the experts and to book your place, click the button below.
Are you going to the HBR Show in Birmingham? 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!
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