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 three-day event will host over 250 exhibitors providing the opportunity to discuss your project face-to-face with some of the industry’s top specialists. There will also be over 40 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 Harrogate 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 5 SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS:
Beginner's Guide to Self Build: Essential Insights and Tips for Aspiring Self-Builders
Mark Stevenson – Self-Build Expert. Everyday at 10:30-10:55
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.
Mastering Build Costs: Smart Budgeting and Financing Options for Self-Builders and Renovators
Tom McSherry – Finance Expert at BuildStore and Tim Phillips – Quantity Surveyor. Everyday at 11:00-11:25
An expert guide to budgeting and financing your self build project. Covering everything from high level budget planning to the latest on labour and materials prices, this seminar will also help you work out how to predict and manage costs, understand where there is scope to make savings without compromising quality and how to ensure that your project is completed on budget.
Wow Factor Design - and How to Get it!
Allan Corfield – Design Expert. Everyday at 12:00-12:25
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.
Ideas for Adding Space Without Extending - from Loft, Garage and Cellar Conversions, to Maximising Small Spaces
Allan Corfield – Self Build Expert at H&R Magazine. Everyday 14:30-14:55
This session offers innovative design ideas to optimise space in your home, creating a sense of 'space and light.' Learn to recycle 'dead' areas and convert unused spaces like lofts, garages, and cellars. Our expert will provide practical advice on maximising natural light, clever storage solutions, and efficient layouts. These strategies are perfect for extenders, renovators, and self-builders aiming to make small homes feel more spacious.
Upgrading Your Home Heating - Your Options Explained
David Hilton – Eco Expert at Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine. Everyday 15:30-15:55
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 Airtight? Ventilate Right!
31 October 14:00-14:20 – ADM Systems
Mastering Your Self-Build With SIPs
High-Performance Triple Glazed Windows - Why They Make Sense
1 November 11:00-11:20 – Internorm
Building Better with Timber Frame: Key Insights
1 November 12:30-12:50 –Fleming Homes
Essential Dos and Don'ts for Self-Build VAT Reclaim
2 November 10:30-10:50 – Andrew Jones the VAT Man
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 Harrogate 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 Harrogate are:
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..
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 Philips has been a Quantity Surveyor since 1994 and has spent over 20 years with a leading national main contractor. Tim has extensive experience across the corporate, public and private sectors, successfully managing budgets in excess of £25m. Tim also writes as a build cost expert for 'Homebuilding & Renovating' magazine
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 250 exhibitors in the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Harrogate. 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 who specialise in design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and much more. It wasn’t easy, but we have chosen the top 7 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
Get Your Free Tickets For The HBR Show In Harrogate Now!
TOP 5 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Stand A131
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 M231
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.
Ventilation – Stand M373
ADM are one of the longest-established independent MVHR specialists in the UK. Operating nationwide and with a hands-on approach, we provide a range of services from 2D and 3D design, surveys, supply, installation, commissioning and balancing and servicing as well as our well renowned'"Buddy Service" which provides the self-builder hands-on support on site.
Windows – Stand B137
Internorm is a strong family business. From the birth of the UPVC window to the production of timber/aluminium windows and to the high-tech and high-design innovations nowadays, Internorm is setting standards Europe-wide. Continuous technological further development and continual new innovations make Internorm a pioneer in the brand.
Finance – Stand B331
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.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to Self-Build Successfully ’ seminar will take place on Friday 7th November 2025, at our main office in Dalgety Bay and will be hosted by our talented team of self-build experts.
This FREE 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 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 Harrogate? 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 Harrogate follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.
