Arrive with a Dream and Go Home with a Plan!

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make and whether you’re renovating, extending, improving or self-building, the decisions you make could last a lifetime. You may be at the beginning of your first building project – or have multiple projects under your belt. Whatever your situation, the planning stage is always the most important. Researching the options, finding out about the latest products and innovations and seeking advice from experts will ensure you achieve the home you’ve always dreamed of.

The planning stage can be a time-consuming process so attending an event where all the options can be found under one roof is a great way to start. The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the UK’s biggest self-build and renovation event, crammed full of advice, ideas, inspiration and innovations to help you create your perfect home. On at the NEC from 18 to 21 March, the Show features over 450 exhibitors, 112 free seminars and masterclasses, the Eco Home Show, Ask the Experts and Independent Advice Areas. There really is something for everyone! Visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk to find out about the comprehensive programme of events at the Show.

Embarking on any kind of building project can involve commissioning architects, builders and other sub-contractors. It also relies on private finance - a mixture of cash and mortgage. Before falling in love with a potential project, have a definitive budget in mind, then add 10% as a contingency – realising dreams is not an exact science and costs have a habit of escalating. You can get some great advice at the Show. Bring along your drawings, plans or just your ideas - there are Independent Advice Areas as well as experts offering one-to-one consultations on all aspects of building, renovation and finance.

Your building project may require planning permission and you will almost certainly need to comply with building regulations. To get planning permission your design needs to fit in to the landscape and local building pattern and you may need to do some persuading. You can get some great advice by visiting the Planning Portal stand where they will help you review your plans or ideas and give you general advice on planning guidelines. Visit www.planningportal.gov.uk to find out more.

Cutting down on energy bills and making your home as environmentally friendly as possible is still an important consideration for most homeowners. Visit the Energy Savings Trust stand or the Independent Advice Area and find out how you can save money and be kinder to the environment. There is also a specialist energy efficiency seminar stream at the Show including three daily in-depth seminars and 24 energy efficiency masterclasses focussing on specific products or services.

New at the Show this year is the Eco House, a cutaway structure built by Oakwrights demonstrating how your dream home design can accommodate eco-friendly products including solar heating, breathable walls, wind power and insulation.

The free seminars and masterclasses offer a fantastic opportunity to learn more from the experts. Are you interested in finding out more about how you can build your own home? Then attend Self-build secrets: The ten most important things to know before building your own home, a free seminar at 2.15pm every day. Do you want to make the most of your existing home? Then attend Renovation and extensions: How to successfully add space and value to your home at 2.15pm every day. Visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk to find out more about the 112 free seminars and masterclasses that run on all four days of the Show.

The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is on at the NEC, Birmingham from
18 to 21 March. The Show features over 450 exhibitors, 112 free seminars and masterclasses, the Eco Home Show, Independent Advice Areas and the chance to Ask the Experts. For more information and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk. Tickets are £10 in advance by calling 0844 5811377 or £14 on the door (children under 16 go free).