SEMINAR THEATRE TALKS
The seminars at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2025 in Sandown Park will be split between the Seminar and Masterclass Theatres. 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:
Dream Home Realised: Essential Insights and Tips for Aspiring Self-Builders
Mark Stevenson – Self-Build Expert
Everyday at 10:30-11:05
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 Build Costs: Smart Budgeting and Financing Options for Self-Builders and Renovators
Tom McSherry - Finance Expert at BuildStore, Tim Phillips - Quantity Surveyor.
Every day at 11:15-11:50
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.
Mastering Planning Permission: Expert Guidance to Navigate the Planning System Successfully
Sally Tagg - Planning Expert.
Every day at 12:00-12:35
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.
Wow Factor Design - and How to Get it!
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd. Every day at 13:30-14:05
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.
From Old Home to Eco Home – How to Make Your Home Warm and Comfortable and Slash Your Fuel Bills!
Allan Corfield – Design Expert & MD at Allan Corfield Architects Ltd, David Hilton – Eco Expert at H&R Magazine. Every day at 15:45 - 16:20
Practical and realistic solutions for retrofitting an existing house to reduce running costs without compromising space and architectural character. This session looks at the options to improve the thermal performance of your roof, walls, floors, doors and windows, as well as how to seal drafts and manage ventilation whilst avoiding condensation and damp, plus a look at the best way to upgrade your heating system.
The Masterclass theatre will feature exhibitors who will demonstrate their products and share information from their areas 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 20 masterclasses to help you make up your mind. Below, we present our top 4 talks:
TOP 4 MASTERCLASS THEATRE TALKS:
How to maximise your solar and battery storage
28 Jun 11:00-11:20 – Eco Energy Environment
High-performance triple glazed windows – why they make sense
28 Jun 11:30-11:50 – Internorm Windows UK Ltd
VAT and the self builder
29 Jun 10:30-10:50 – Andrew Jones
Design to deliver: The power of bringing technology experts in early
29 Jun 14:00-14:20 - Richer Sounds
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 comes to the theatres with talks designed to inform you of the latest trends and advancements in home energy and help you make your home leaner and greener.
Home Energy Academy
The Home Energy Academy offers free advice at its Advice Centre to help you understand how to make the most of the energy in your home, save money on your bills, and reduce your carbon footprint.
ASK THE EXPERT
The Homebuilding & Renovating show in Surrey 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 Surrey 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.
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!
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.
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 almost 200 exhibitors in the Homebuilding & Renovating show in Surrey. 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. There will be companies that specialise in design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and much more. You can view the full exhibitor list here.
It wasn’t easy, but we have chosen the top 6 exhibitors you should visit when planning a Self Build venture:
TOP 6 EXHIBITORS TO VISIT:
Stand S756
Andrew Jones (The Vatman) Ltd specialises in processing VAT reclaims under a government scheme called VAT431. This scheme is designed to enable members of the general public to reclaim VAT they have paid on materials purchased to construct a new build property.
Stand S706
Internorm windows and doors allow you to create your individual living space by offering bespoke solutions tailored to your unique requirements. To find the ideal glazing for your project, you can choose from a wide range of colours, materials and accessories.
Stand S849
Made to Measure Bifold, Sliding, French & Entrance Doors & Bespoke Windows For UK Self-Builders, Home Improvers, Architects & Developers.
Stand S761
DIY Kitchens is a family-run manufacturer with over 40 years of experience, offering high-specification Innova kitchens directly to both trade and retail customers. With 16 state-of-the-art facilities across Yorkshire and two of the UK’s largest showrooms, they combine advanced technology and craftsmanship to deliver custom-made kitchens at competitive prices by cutting out the middleman.
Stand S771
MBC Timber frame specialise in designing and building energy-efficient timber frame buildings and passive houses across the UK. Our super-insulated, precision-engineered MBC Timber Frame buildings are at the forefront of innovation and design – all at an affordable cost. Perfect for you keen self-builders looking to benefit from huge energy savings.
Stand S545
With over 17 years of experience and a state-of-the-art showroom, New Wave AV integrate systems like lighting, audio-visual, security, climate control, and network connectivity to enhance comfort, convenience, and lifestyle in modern homes.
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 Surrey show, Allan will deliver two talks titled: “Wow Factor Design - and How to Get it!" (everyday at 13:30-14:05 in the Seminar Theatre) and “From Old Home to Eco Home – How to Make Your Home Warm and Comfortable and Slash Your Fuel Bills!" (everyday at 15:45-16:20 in the Seminar Theatre). Allan will also be available as a Design Expert in the Advice Centre.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar 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 completely 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
Are you going to the HBR Show in Surrey? 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 Surrey follow @acarchitects and @allan_corfield on Twitter.