This year, you will also have the opportunity to have a free consultation with our experts and experience a Virtual Reality home walkthrough (stand F160).
This piece provides valuable suggestions to help you make the most out of the event, including attending insightful seminars and masterclasses, interacting with experts and exhibitors who will delve into essential aspects of Self Building. So, if you are planning to build your dream home, this event will be the inspiration and motivation you need!\
We are really excited to be back in London and help inspire the new generation of Self Builders.
We know that being new to the world of Self Build can, at times, be daunting and overwhelming 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 new 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 almost 250 exhibitors, providing the opportunity to discuss your project face-to-face with some of the industry’s top specialists. There will also be almost 50 seminars and masterclasses in three 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!
SELF BUILD THEATRE TALKS
The seminars at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2023 in London are divided between three stages: Self Build, Masterclass, 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 be delivering talks on all the important parts of the Self Build process. Below are our top picks for the Self Build theatre:
TOP 5 SELF BUILD THEATRE TALKS:
A beginner’s guide to building your own home
Jason Orme – Editorial Director 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. We’ll give an honest assessment of the pros and cons and run through the key mistakes and how to avoid them.
How to estimate and control build costs
Bob Branscombe – Building Expert at H&R Magazine, Everyday at 11:15-11:45
An expert guide to understanding build costs. 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 12:00-12:30
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.
Plotfinding secrets – how to find your dream property
Mark Stevenson – Self Build Expert, Everyday 13:30-14:00
Don’t give up on your self build dream because you’re struggling to find a site – join our expert land finder and discover the secrets used by developers and builders to find the best plots, often before they get to market. Learn how to assess a site’s potential and evaluate the pros and cons, the likely development costs and how to reduce development risk before proceeding with the purchase.
Sustainable Home Design and Construction – Moving Towards Net Zero
Allan Corfield – Self Build Expert at H&R Magazine. Everyday 15:00-15:30
Creating a low-energy, eco-friendly home starts with taking the right approach to architectural design and siting. We reveal the secrets to minimising heat loss and overheating by working with your design team from the start of the project. Our expert – an acclaimed designer of low-energy homes – gives an insider’s guide to the key principles and how to ensure your home performs well.
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 7 talks:
TOP 7 MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS:
VAT for self-build & conversions
22 September 11:00-11:20 – Andrew Jones The VAT Man
Low Energy Homes: how to get the design right
22 September 14:00-14:20 – AC Architects, Stand: F160
Triple glazing: the best option to meet future homes standard part L
23 September 11:30-11:50 – Internorm, Stand: E111
The secrets of great kitchen design revealed
23 September 12:00-12:20 – Kitchen DIY, Stand: F133
Selecting sliding doors for your project: 8 things you need to consider
23 September 15:00-15:20 – Minima Sliding, Stand: B11
Smart home automation – integrated technology to simplify your living environment
24 September 12:00-12:20 – Design Innovation, Stand: A121
Timber frame design and build: an overview of the benefits of timber frame as a build system and working with an offsite timber frame package provider to realise your project
24 September 14:00-14:20 – Fleming Homes, Stand: G133
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 5 talks:
TOP 5 HOME IMPROVEMENT THEATRE TALKS:
A guide to planning permission for home extensions and conversions
Sally Tagg – Planning Expert. Everyday at 11:30-12:00
The rules around whether you need planning approval for your home extension are pretty complex. Luckily, our expert reveals the rules and how to navigate them – 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.
The Kitchen Design Guide
Julia Kendell – Interior Design Expert. Everyday at 12:15-12:45
We all know how important kitchens are for living and eating as well as cooking. This inspirational seminar shows you how to plan the space in order to avoid the common mistakes – and achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Interior Design Inspiration
Michael Holmes – Director of Content H&R Magazine, Ally Dowsing-Reynolds – Dowsing & Reynolds. Everyday at 13:00-13:30
A beginners guide to interior design and interior architecture. From choosing surface finishes to lighting, wiring, kitchen and bathroom layouts, understand why interior design is about so much more than the finishing touches!
Upgrading your heating system: how to make the right choices when renovating, extending or updating
David Hilton – Eco Expert. Everyday at 14:30-15:00
There’s so much choice when it comes to heating systems: this guide aims to cut through the hype and give you the information you need to make an informed choice. Assessing the benefits of the different heat sources – from heat pumps, solar and all-electric systems to innovations in regular boilers, on-mains or off grid; underfloor heating and beyond, this seminar is a rare chance to get independent, expert insight.
Builders and Tradespeople: How to Find and Manage Them
Andy Stevens – Master Builder & Broadcaster. Everyday at 16:00-16:30
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.
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 London 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 London are:
JULIA KENDELL
With over 30 years’ experience as an interior design professional, property renovator and kitchen specialist, Julia specialises in interior transformations that uplift and energise to have a positive impact on wellbeing. Julia is best known as the interior designer on BBC1’s hugely popular DIY SOS, and has taken part in eight series, including a Children in Need special. Julia is also a regular on ITV1’s 60 Minute Makeover series, having been on the interior design team for nine series and ITV’s “Rebuild Our Home”, with Nicky Campbell.
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.
JASON ORME
Jason Orme is Editorial Director of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine and has worked in the Self-Build sector for 20 years. He has built and renovated several homes, self-building for the first time at the age of 28, and has recently completed a major renovation and extension project. He has advised 100s of self-builders and renovators on how to make their projects a success and helped to advise Government on Self-Build policy. He is a well-known broadcast expert on building and renovating homes and is the author of The Self Build Dream.
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!
BOB-BRANSCOMBE
Bob Branscombe is one of the UK’s leading Chartered Surveyors and with over 30-years’ experience in both self-build and construction, he still harnesses a long-time obsession with hands on self-building.
EXHIBITORS
There will be almost 250 exhibitors in the Homebuilding & Renovating show in London. 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 7 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
TOP 7 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Architect/Designer – Stand F160
Since 2009, ACA have worked on over 500 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 F160 to answer any questions and demo their state of the art Virtual Reality system.
Doors & Windows – Stand No. E121
Kloeber has offered homeowners and self-builders a range of bespoke glazing solutions, helping clients select the perfect doors and windows for their unique projects. Kloeber specialises in providing its clients with the full package, from the initial meeting and showroom visit to liaising with architects and builders involved in the project. The company can also offer a detailed site survey to guarantee a smooth installation carried out by its own in-house fitting teams.
Renewables/Microgeneration – Stand C133
Nibe value their Nordic heritage by reaping the renewable energy of nature, and by combining it with new smart technology, they can offer effective solutions that protect people and nature. Their wide range of products provides your home with cooling, heating, ventilation and hot water with minimal impact on the environment.
Ventilation – Stand D122
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 D122.
Doors & Windows – Stand No. I133
VELFAC is the UK’s leading supplier of composite aluminium/timber doors and windows specified for the system’s slim, uniform frames, distinctive, contemporary style, exceptional thermal performance, and cost-effective pricing. VELFAC glazing is installed in projects of every size and in every sector, including education, healthcare, commercial, and residential. VELFAC Direct also supplies windows and doors directly to private clients, who are often planning their own ‘grand design’ home.
Finance – Stand No. D141
A small team of 6 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.
Insulation & Damp Proofing – Stand H111
Building codes today demand buildings and structures to be built with greater energy efficiency by utilising continuous insulation. Nudura insulated concrete forms allow you to complete the building envelope with one building product for a stronger, more efficient structure. ICF’s give you the opportunity to build residential, commercial and a variety of other build projects while achieving the demands of todays, and future, building codes. For product and Technical advice or training, contact the Team at ICF Supplies Ltd, the UK’s leading authorised distributor of Nudura concrete forms.
ACA AT THE HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW IN LONDON
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 titled: “Wow factor design – and how to get it!” (everyday at 12:00-12:30 in the Self Build Theatre) and “Sustainable home design and construction – moving towards Net Zero” (everyday at 15:00-15:30 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 (F160), 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.
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 (Friday 14:00-14:20).
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar will take place on Saturday 2nd December, 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 costs £80 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 London? 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 London follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.
