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David Snell & Friends – Building Regulations

8th Aug 2009

David SnellIndustry expert David Snell returns to the National Self Build & Renovation Centre with a few knowledgeable friends to talk you through the nitty gritty of the rules and regulations which will affect your self build or renovation project.

You may have received planning permission to build or renovate your home, but if your local building control inspectors don't agree with the methods you are using then they have the power to stop your project in its tracks. The advice you receive at this weekend event will be invaluable in helping your project run smoothly.

Seminar Timetable (Delivered by David Snell)

Time

Seminar

11.00 – 12.00

Introduction to the Centre and Self Build Land & Finance

12:15 - 13:15

Open House - your chance to quiz the experts

13:30 - 14:00

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Design & Planning

14:15 - 14:45

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Choosing Trades & Materials

15.00 – 15.45

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Project Management

Introduction to the Centre and Self Build Land & Finance
Join our anchor speaker for a brief introduction to the Centre - what's here and what's in it for you. Covering everything from how the scanner system works, the educational journey and renovation house audio tour to the inspirational Potton Show home, why you should self build or renovate and the five core steps you should follow to achieve a profitable home. Don't miss this brief overview to help you find your feet.

Every year approximately 20,000 people will either build a new home or substantially renovate an existing but dilapidated house. Become reassured that the opportunity exists for us all and learn how to organise your finances right at the outset. As for plots and properties, these exist all over the country. Learn the basics of how to find them first and how to make an initial assessment of their viability.

Open House
Whether you’re considering either self building or renovating for a profit, you are bound to have many questions.  If so, be sure to attend the ‘Open House’ session – a relaxed and open environment which offers you the chance to share views and experiences and voice any concerns or questions, whilst benefiting from the panel’s expert knowledge.

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Design & Planning
Design, planning and budgets go hand in hand.  All must be in harmony for your project to be a success.  Whether new build or renovation, find out how to develop your ideas, select a designer and secure your planning consent.

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Choosing Trades & Buying Materials
Managing cost means managing the two things you pay for – materials and labour.  Find out how to save time in choosing your materials and suppliers and understand the process for identifying, selecting and appointing your builders.

Intro to Self Build & Renovation: Project Management
Could I really manage my own building project?  Thousands of people do at many different levels, and so could you.  But in making this decision you should learn what is really involved and how much time you will really need.

Ask The Experts

David Snell
With 45 years of practical and professional experience in property and self building, David is the acknowledged expert in his field. Contributing Editor to Home Building & Renovating Magazine, David can talk you through each stage of the self build & renovation process and help you understand how to achieve your dream.

Neil Davey
Neil is one of Buildstore's resident design and planning experts and as such is able to talk to you in-depth about the design process, gaining Planning Permission, and how to comply with Building Regulations throughout your project.

Local Authority Building Control (Alex Stickley)
A Building Control expert makes sure that a building meets with construction regulations which include: public health, fire safety, energy conservation and building accessibility. 

Building Control will:

  • liaise with architects, designers, builders and engineers on planning proposals
  • suggest ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of materials and energy use
  • carry out regular inspections at each stage of the build process
  • maintain records and issue completion certificates
A Building Control expert is also responsible for surveying potentially dangerous buildings that have been damaged by fire or bad weather. If necessary, they can approve their demolition.  The job has a lot of responsibility attached to it, and on all projects a building control contractor would need to take into account the implications of their decisions on contractors' time and costs. However, if they decided a building project was no longer meeting regulations, they could start legal proceedings to change or stop the work.

NAPIT (Richard Gould)
NAPIT is a Government approved Competent Person Scheme Operator holding registers of trade professionals within the electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation industries to meet the Building Regulations in England and Wales. It is important to note that if a self-builder or property developer wishes to get work done in any of these areas of the home, some work may need notifying to their local council and it is recommended they use a NAPIT registered contractor to complete the work. This will save them time and money and most importantly comply with laws and safety regulations.

What’s In The National Self Build & Renovation Centre

Centre imagesThe National Self Build & Renovation Centre is open to the public all year round, 5 days a week. 

EDF Energy Renovation House
A full-size model of a derelict Victorian terrace, with an audio tour walking you step by step through its renovation.  The Renovation House tour helps you visualise what can be done with what may initially seem a write-off; and will leave you filled with confidence to try it yourself.

Trade Village
The Trade Village is a permanent exhibition space, with over 240 supplier stands featuring a range of products from foundations to kitchens.

The Potton Show Home
A beautiful example of what’s possible with a self build.  Potton, the timber frame package build experts, have created this show home with a high-spec interior which should definitely inspire you to kick-start your project this year!

Education Journey
The audio education journey walks and talks you through the planning process of a self build or renovation.  Covering groundworks, foundations, materials, roof styles, brickwork and more, the Education Journey will provide you with a useful background knowledge of everything you need to be aware of, whether you’re planning to take on an architect or work with a package build company.


Selection of Experts
The Centre is open all year round, and we have a handful of in-house experts here on a permanent basis to give you independent advice.  Our experts specialise in planning and design, building techniques, and eco-building.

Potton Zone Studios
A fantastic example of what’s available if you’re looking to extend your home quickly and easily.  Designed for use as offices and playrooms, these garden studios can usually be fitted without even needing planning permission.

 

National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon SN5 8UB T: 01506 409 616 F: 01793 875111
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