January is the perfect time to kick off your self-build journey in 2025, and what better way to start the year than by attending the National Self Build & Renovation Show in Swindon? Taking place from Friday, 31st January, to Sunday, 2nd February, this unmissable event is ideal for anyone ready to turn their dream home into a reality.
After the holiday season, it’s the perfect opportunity to refocus on your homebuilding plans. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your project, this show will give you the inspiration, knowledge, and tools to make your self-build journey as smooth and successful as possible.
The NSBRC Show caters to every stage of a self-build project. Speak with leading industry experts, explore cutting-edge products, and access expert advice in a spacious, relaxed environment. From finding the right plot and financing your build to choosing the best construction methods and energy solutions, you’ll find everything you need under one roof.
This article will provide the top tips on getting the most out of the January NSBRC Show.
The National Self Build & Renovation Show is a ticketed event. Tickets are free when booked in advance, or £12 per person at the door. You can book them here. The show’s opening hours are 9 am-5 pm.
SEMINARS AT THE NSBRC SHOW
The National Self Build & Renovation Show will offer various seminars, one-to-one expert advice and case studies. The events will be split across two theatres: the Build It Theatre and the Sustainability Theatre. There will also be several live demonstration zones at the show, where exhibitors will be presenting their products and services, including our Virtual Reality demonstration sessions at the ACA stand (stand no. 63).
BUILD IT THEATRE
Build It Theatre will cover the key topics every self-builder needs to know, including finding land, budgeting, and planning. Below, you can see some of the most exciting talks taking place at the Build It Theatre:
Renewable Energy – Good Energy
Friday – 11:00-11:40
Explore the basics of renewable energy and how it can play a role in your self-build project. This session will provide an introduction to sustainable energy solutions to help power your future home.
Finding Land (Course Taster) – Mark Stevenson
Everyday – 11:45-12:10
Finding the perfect plot is one of the biggest challenges in self-building. In this session, Mark Stevenson, an experienced project manager and builder, shares expert advice on hunting for land and determining the suitability of potential plots. Gain valuable insights to kickstart your self-build journey!
Planning (Course Taster) – Mark Doodes
Everyday – 12:45-13:10
Planning permission is a crucial step in any self-build project. In this session, Mark Doodes will guide you through the planning system, sharing tips on preparing a successful application, avoiding common mistakes, and steering clear of costly pitfalls. Packed with real-life case studies, this taster will help you navigate the path to your perfect home.
VAT Reclaim (Course Taster) - Andrew Jones
Everyday – 13:15-13:40
One of the joys of self-building is the option to claim a VAT refund! If you're a DIY builder, building a new home or converting a non-residential building into a home you should qualify. We’ll discuss what you need to know.
Design – AC Architects (Saturday), Archi-Scape (Friday), Palmer + Partners (Sunday)
Everyday – 13:45-14:10
At the Saturday's session, Jenny Chandela, a specialist in Low Energy Home Design, discusses how to consider your low-energy targets early in your design process. Learn more about Fabric First, modern construction methods and some tips for an efficient build!
SUSTAINABILITY THEATRE
Sustainability Theatre will present a series of talks hosted by the exhibitors. Below you can see some of the most exciting events taking place at the Sustainability Theatre:
Building with Timber Frame – Fleming Homes
Friday – 10:30-10:55
Join Fleming Homes to explore the benefits of timber frame construction for your self-build project. Discover why this modern and sustainable building method is a popular choice, and gain insights into how it can help you achieve your dream home efficiently and effectively.
Finance & Funding – BuildStore
Everyday – 11:00-11:45
This session is dedicated to methods of raising finance and the importance of setting a budget and controlling costs throughout the project.
Case Study - Beautiful Barn Conversions – Frame Technologies
Saturday – 12:00-12:45
When Murray and Lucy decided to build a home using an existing agricultural building, all research led to timber. Hear first-hand about this stunning home, from the incredible energy-efficiency to the stunning features that were designed into the build to deliver the rustic farmhouse look and feel that they wanted.
Heat Pump Ventilation & Heat Recovery Ventilation – Total Home Environment
Friday – 13:00-13:25
If you’re making your home well-insulated and airtight, do you need a formal heating system, or could the HPV Series be the energy efficient solution for you?
Mechanical Heat Ventilation (MVHR) – ADM Systems
Saturday – 14:30-14:55
ADM Systems are one of the UK’s longest-established independent MVHR specialists. Operating nationwide, they offer a hands-on approach with services including design, surveys, supply, installation, and servicing. Learn more about their renowned "Buddy Service," which provides self-builders with on-site support to ensure success.
Windows & Doors – VELFAC
Saturday – 11:30-11:55
Discover how to choose the perfect windows and doors for your self-build project with VELFAC. This session will cover design, energy efficiency, and functionality, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your dream home.
Solar & Battery Storage – Eco Energy Environment
Saturday – 13:00-13:25
Learn how solar panels and battery storage can power your self-build project sustainably with Eco Energy Environment. This session explores the benefits of renewable energy, helping you create an efficient and eco-friendly home.
LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
There will be several live demonstration zones at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, where the exhibitors will be presenting their products and services.
Virtual Reality – Allan Corfield Architects
Everyday – 11:00 and 14:30, Stand 63
ACA will be hosting Virtual Reality sessions at our stand no. 63 which will show visitors the capabilities of VR and how it can help in the design process. You will be able to walk around and fully appreciate the external design and internal spaces of a virtual house in unbelievable 4K clarity!
Home Cinema – Living Home Tech
Everyday – 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00, Stand 96
At the Home Cinema demo, visitors can experience the ultimate in-home entertainment. See how cutting-edge audio-visual technology can transform your living space into a cinematic masterpiece. From immersive surround sound to crystal-clear visuals, the experts will demonstrate the possibilities for tailoring a home cinema setup to your needs, whether it’s for movie nights, gaming, or streaming.
THE NEW BUILD TOUR & RENOVATION HOUSE
Join the NSBRC experts for an in-depth, guided tour of the centre’s Educational Zones; the New Build Zone, which walks you through each key stage you’ll encounter in a Self Build, and the Renovation House, a dilapidated 1920s property showing the before/after of the home renovation process.
EXHIBITORS
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has over 200 permanent exhibitors, and many of them will be present at the show to provide expert advice to visitors. You will have a chance to learn about the various products and services they have to offer, and how they can benefit your project.
There will be exhibitors who specialise in construction, covering areas such as design, renewables, exteriors, interiors, financial services and many more.
CONSULTATIONS WITH EXPERTS
The National Self Build & Renovation Show will give you a unique opportunity to book a one-to-one slot with architects, planning experts, project managers, structural engineers and other specialists in the Professional Services Hub. This will provide you with a chance to discuss your project and learn what products and solutions will best meet your expectations.
The selected experts will be able to help you with:
- Architectural Design
- Planning
- Building Control
- Project Management
- Eco Design
- Heating Systems
VISIT OUR STAND AT THE SHOW
Our experts Jenny and Pearl will be available at our stand (no. TV63) to speak to you about your project and demonstrate our renowned Virtual Reality system. The VR sessions will be at 11 am and 2.30 pm on both days of the show.
Jenny will also deliver a very interesting talk (1.45 pm on Saturday at the Build It Theatre) on the role of the integrated design team, where she will discuss how to select your team and when to engage them.
SELF BUILD SEMINARS WITH ACA
The ‘How to self-build successfully’ seminar will take place on Saturday 12th, April , 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 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.
Top 3 tips for making the most of your visit to the National Self Build & Renovation Show:
- Bring your plans, drawings and sketches – it will help the experts and exhibitors give you the best advice.
- Arrive early! There is a packed programme of talks, demos, case studies and tours. The show starts at 10am each day and you’ll want plenty of time to browse over 200 exhibitor displays.
- Don’t be shy to ask questions! Many experienced representatives will be on hand to answer your questions and offer support based on their experience.
Visiting the National Self Build & Renovation Centre is beneficial for anyone who wants to build their dream home and should be in the calendar of every conscious self-builder who wants to prepare thoroughly for what will be the biggest investment in their life.
The NSBRC is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 17:30, Sunday 10:00 – 16:30.
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB
For more information visit: www.nsbrc.co.uk.
