Preparation, Preparation, Preparation!

Basic Building Blocks is the ideal weekend for those first-time builders who have a thirst for knowledge.  As any self builder or renovator will tell you, preparation and planning really are the keys to success: swot up before you start to make sure you know the ins, outs, and everything in between.  If you need to know more about finding land or a renovation project, budgeting, project management, managing trades, choosing materials - or in fact anything related to self build, renovation, conversion, or extending – then this is the weekend event for you.

Timetables

Seminars in Detail

Paul Richards – Design & Concept
One of the inital challenges you'll face is designing your project. Whether you do this yourself, or use a CAD designer or architect, there are several key elements you will need to consider. Paul will also advise you on exactly what information a designer needs in order to create the perfect home for you.
About Paul:
Paul, of Architecture Verte, has dedicated the last 22 years to designing and developing buildings and other innovative projects. Architecture Verte have a sound design ethos based upon green and sustainable thinking, combining traditional values with modern and contemporary design ideas.

BuildStore Experts – Financing Your Project
How do you fund a project during the credit crunch? Our expert will explain the different types of finance still available and give you the pros and cons of each. Find out the importance of cashflow during a project and how you can make sure you remain "cash positive". Learn from others - see examples of how other people financed their builds and see the results. Want to stay in your own home during the build? We can show you how.

Mike Dade – Pick of the Plots
Finding the perfect plot is every self builder's dream, and with more land available and at cheaper prices, now could be the best time to buy. Finding that perfect plot is not always easy, so prepare yourself for the 'hunt' with this seminar by Mike Dade, as he reveals his very own 'Pick of the Plots' from PlotSearch. In this interactive session, Mike shares his top tips on what to look for in a plot and, equally important, what to avoid. Mike will give his expert advice and take questions on the issues you'll need to consider when plot-hunting, including access, privacy, neighbours, wildlife, flooding and drainage, so come armed with all your plot problems!
About Mike:
Mike Dade is a Chartered Planning & Development Surveyor, planning consultant, author, writer and renowned speaker in this field. Mike runs his own specialist town and country planning practice and has published various titles including ‘How to Find & Buy a Building Plot’ and ‘How To Get Planning Permission’, Mike is a regular contributor to 'Build It' magazine and a regular broadcaster on national and local radio.

Mike Hardwick – Self Build Case Study
With no prior knowledge of the construction industry and holding down a day job during his own project, Mike is living proof that anyone with the motivation and self discipline to see a project through to completion can successfully self build their ideal home.
About Mike:
Since completing his own self build project in 2002, Mike is now a self build enthusiast.  As if to prove this point, he even went as far as to join the National Self Build & Renovation Centre team as our Specialist Self Build Advisor.

Paul Matthews – Trades & Materials
Sticking to a budget means keeping a tight reign on the main outgoings - namely labour and materials. Paul Matthews will talk you through how to identify, select and manage reliable tradesmen, and how to save yourself both time and money when choosing your materials.
About Paul:
Paul has years of experience in the construction industry, managing builders’ merchants and working as a TradeCard advisor.  His knowledge of trades & materials will help you in planning your project.

Charlie Laing – Project Management
Making the decision to manage your own project is not one to be taken lightly. In this seminar you can learn the basics of project management techniques, skills you will need to master, and whether you have the right temperament and personality to take on such a large challenge.
About Charlie:
Charlie Laing are experienced Project Managers.  At the event, they will be able to share their experiences with you, and advise you on the key issues to consider when thinking about running a project yourself.

Experts

Paul Richards
Paul, of Architecture Verte, has dedicated over two decades to designing and developing buildings and other innovative projects. Architecture Verte have a sound design ethos based upon green and sustainable thinking, combining traditional values with modern and contemporary design ideas.

Cen Davies
An experienced CAD designer who can bring your ideas to life.  Cen will help you see the details of your planned home and get a clearer idea of how it will look once built. 

Charlie Laing
As experienced project managers, the representatives from Charlie Laing  will advise you on the ins and outs of project management.

Paul Matthews
With plenty of experience in the building industry, and time spent as a TradeCard account manager, Paul is perfectly placed to discuss your requirements for Trades & Materials during your project.  Entirely independent, Paul will give you hints and tips on getting the best deals throughout.

BuildStore Building Experts
BuildStore’s own experts are here permanently, and are able to give independent advice on project management, self building or renovating, eco technologies, and planning and building regulations.

BuildStore Finance Experts
Whether you are an experienced self builder or renovator, or you are contemplating your first homebuilding project, securing the right type of finance is essential to ensure that your project is a complete success. Our team of in-house experts can explain how different types of mortgage and loans work, and also about BuildStore's own unique range of revolutionary mortgages anf finance packages, developed especially with self builders and renovators in mind.

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