This year, you will also have the opportunity to have a free consultation with our experts and experience a Virtual Reality home walkthrough at stand 422.
This article shares practical tips to help you get the best experience from the event, from engaging with experts to exploring exhibitors covering all key areas of self-build. If you’re planning your dream home, this show could be the inspiration you’ve been looking for!
We are really excited to be back in Edinburgh and help inspire the new generation of Self Builders.
Starting out in the world of self-build can feel daunting, with so much to take in at once. But the more knowledge you gain, the greater your chances of success. That’s why we’ve created this guide, specifically for first-time self-builders at the very beginning of their journey. It’s designed to help you make the most of the show and give you the support you need to kick-start your self-build project.
The two-day event will host over 100 exhibitors, providing the opportunity to discuss your project face-to-face with some of the industry’s top specialists. There will also be over 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 2025 in Edinburgh are divided between two stages: the Seminar and the Masterclass theatre. For a prospective self builder, the most valuable seminars will be presented in the Seminar theatre. There, 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 5 SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS:
Beginner's Guide to Self Build: Essential Insights and Tips for Aspiring Self-Builders
Tom McSherry – Finance Expert at BuildStore and Mike Cruikshank – 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.
How to Get Planning Permission: The Key to Unlocking Development Potential
Planning Aid Scotland. Everyday at 11:00-11:30
Understanding the planning permission process is key to a successful self-build or renovation project - but if you are not familiar with the system it can be difficult and frustrating to get to grips with. This seminar explains how the process works 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 11:30-12:00
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.
Bathroom Design Masterclass
Michael Holmes – Director of Content, H&R Magazine. Everyday at 15:00-15:30
Transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat with expert design insights and practical tips. This masterclass will guide you through the essential elements of bathroom design, from layout and functionality to selecting the right fixtures and finishes. Learn how to create a space that combines style and comfort, maximising both aesthetics and practicality.
Upgrading Your Home Heating ' Your Options Explained
David Hilton – Heating & Eco Expert at H&R Magazine. Everyday 15:30-16:00
If you are extending, renovating or just upgrading an old house to make it more comfortable and reduce running costs, our independent expert explains the pros and cons of the latest heating options from heat pumps to infrared, 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.
TOP 5 MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS:
Building Better With Timber Frame: Key Insights
4 October 12:30-12:50 – Fleming Homes
Why Do I Need a Structural Engineer?
4 October 13:00-13:20 – AC Structures
Mastering Your Self-Build With SIPs
4 October 14:00-14:20 – SIPS Industries
Essential Dos and Don'ts for Self-Build VAT Reclaim
5 October 10:30-10:50 – VAT Reclaims by Andrew Jones
How To Fund Your Self-Build or Renovation Project: A Guide to Stage Payment Mortgages
5 October 12:30-12:50 – BuildStore
HOME ENERGY HOUR
Designed to help you improve the efficiency of your home. With all-new theatre sessions and eco-energy focused experts at the 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 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. Some of the experts available to meet in Edinburgh 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 almost 30 years – half 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.
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. Michael has undertaken over 30 building projects including two self-builds and is currently renovating a grade II listed farmhouse.
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.
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.
EXHIBITORS
There will be over 100 exhibitors at the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Edinburgh. 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:
Get Your Free Tickets For The HBR Show In Edinburgh Now!
TOP 5 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Stand 422
Since 2009, ACA have worked on over 550 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 422 to answer any questions and demo our state of the art Virtual Reality system.
Stand 423
Since 2021, AC Structures (ACS) has delivered structural engineering services on over 190 projects across the UK, ranging from one-off homes to large-scale developments. With extensive expertise in Modern Methods of Construction—including Timber Frame, SIPs, and ICF—we provide innovative, efficient, and reliable engineering solutions tailored to your project. You’ll find them at Stand 423, ready to answer your questions and share how our expertise can help bring your self-build or development to life.
Stand 304
At Fleming Homes, our purpose is to help you create an amazing home that is just right for you. Each one of the timber frame kit homes our award-winning team has manufactured since 1986 has been bespoke, a one-off home created to meet the exact requirements of the self-builder. Putting you at the very heart of your project, you will find us there for the journey – not just for your timber frame.
Stand 414
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.
Stand 200
A small team specialising in processing VAT claims under HMRC reclaim system called VAT431, previously called VAT DIY Reclaim. They make the process very simple, hassle and stress-free for every self-builder. A team member will visit you to collect your invoices and ask a few basic questions. Do not worry about where you are in relation to us, we service your area with regular visits. We will accept your paperwork in whatever format you have used throughout your build.
Allan is a permanent member of the HBR Show team and regularly delivers his talks at the shows. At the London show, Allan will deliver two talks, and will also be available as a Design Expert in the Advice Centre.
We have our own stands (ACA - 422, ACS - 423), where we will advise visitors on their project and demonstrate our state-of-the-art virtual reality system. We will also be available for free architectural and structural engineering consultations through the team at ACS.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to Self-Build Successfully’ seminar will take place on Friday, 7th November 2025, in our office in Dalgety Bay and will be hosted by our talented team of self-build experts.
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 is absolutely 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 management
- 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 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? Let us know!
For more live tips on the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.
