Get ready for one of the most important events in UK home construction! The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is coming to NEC Birmingham from March 20 to 23, offering a golden opportunity to expand your knowledge about self-building and explore contemporary products. Visit Stand J133 for a free consultation with our experts and a Virtual Reality home walkthrough.
This piece 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 2023 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
Wow Factor Design – and How to Get It!
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd. Everyday at 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 – Eco Expert at H&R Magazine. Everyday 13:30-14:00
Whether a new build or a renovation, 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.
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd. Everyday 14:00-14:30
Learn how to create a truly low-energy, eco-friendly home. Discover the critical role of architectural design in shaping energy efficiency, from optimising building form and orientation to harmonising with the landscape. Our acclaimed expert in low-energy homes will share insider strategies to minimise heat loss and prevent overheating, ensuring your home remains comfortable throughout the year. Gain valuable insights into the key principles that lead to outstanding performance and minimal running costs.
Mark Stevenson – Self Build Expert. Everyday 14:30-15:00
Our expert reveals the most frequent errors made by self-builders, from budgeting mishaps and planning oversights to contractor issues and design flaws. Learn practical strategies to sidestep these mistakes and keep your project on track. This essential seminar is perfect for anyone looking to build their dream home with confidence and efficiency. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights!
Building Regulations 101: A Beginner's Guide for Self Builders and Renovators
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd. Everyday at 16:00-16:30
Navigating the UK's Building Regulations can be daunting, but our experts will simplify the process, explaining key requirements and compliance tips. Learn about crucial aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, your responsibilities as client; and more. This session will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your project meets all legal standards, avoiding costly mistakes and delays. Don't miss this opportunity to build with confidence and success!
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:
VAT Reclaim for Self-Builders
23 March 10:30-10:50 – Andrew Jones The VAT Man
Low Energy Homes: How to Get the Design Right
21 March 12:30-12:50 – AC Architects
Building with Timber Frame' The Essentials
21 March 11:00-11:20 – Fleming Homes
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
20 March 11:30-11:50 – ADM Systems
Building Regulations - What They Mean For Windows
23 March 11:30-11:50 – Velfac
How To Fund Your Self-Build or Renovation Project: A Guide to Stage Payment Mortgages
23 March 12:00-12:20 – BuildStore
Underfloor Heating & Heat Pumps: Efficient, Low Temperature Heating for Your Home
21 March 13:30-13:50 – Nu-Heat
SIPs Explained: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Building Your Own Home Using Structural Insulated Panels
21 March 15:30-15:50 – 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 8 HOME IMPROVEMENT THEATRE TALKS:
A Guide to Planning and Permitted Development for Home Extensions and Conversions
Sally Tagg – Planning Expert. Everyday at 11:00-11:20
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
Designing Your Dream Kitchen: Expert Tips and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Julia Kendell – Interior Design Expert. Everyday at 13:00-13:30
Discover how to plan your kitchen space effectively to avoid common pitfalls and achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Our experts will guide you through essential design principles, from layout and functionality to style and finishes. Learn practical tips and innovative ideas to create a kitchen that perfectly balances living, eating, and cooking. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your kitchen into a stunning and functional heart of your home.
Inspirational Bathroom Design Ideas
Jo Dyson– Design Expert. Everyday at 14:30-15:00
Discover the latest trends and innovative ideas to transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat. Join us as we explore cutting-edge designs, smart storage solutions, and the best materials to elevate your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're planning a complete overhaul or a simple refresh, you'll leave with plenty of inspiration and practical tips to make your dream bathroom a reality.
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
Transform Your Garden: Garden design guide for renovators and home improvers
Lucy Wilcox – Garden Designer. Everyday at 12:00-12:30
Innovative Interior Design Ideas To Transform Your Space
Julia Kendell, Interior Design Expert – Heating & Eco Expert. Everyday at 13:30-14:00
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:
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.
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 7 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
TOP 7 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Architect/Designer – Stand J133
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 J133 to answer any questions and demo their state of the art Virtual Reality system.
Ventilation – Stand G141
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 G141.
Doors & Windows – Stand G131
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 D200
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.
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 (J133), 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 (21 March 12:30-12:50).
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar will take place on 12th April 2024 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!
For more live tips on the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Birmingham follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.
