Through the course of a home building project, whether it be a renovation, conversion or self build, you'll form relationships with a huge variety of people from local government officials through to plumbers. To keep your project moving fluidly it's vital that you manage all these relationships well. The Building Relationships event will explain all the people that will be involved in your building project, how to work with them for best effect and how to keep them on side. but if the worst comes to the worst, how to end the relationship professionally and with as little damage as possible to your project.

At the event, you'll find a combination of expert-led seminars, free one-to-one meetings with specialists, as well as case study seminars so you can see how other people have managed sometimes-problematic relationships with both tradesmen and professionals.

Be sure not to miss Bob Harris' seminar on Successfully Staying Together - one of the most important relationships to care for during a building project is the one with your partner! Hear Bob's tips on coping with the stresses and strains together to ensure that the home you build is a happy one.

Seminars At A Glance

Seminars In Detail

09.45 - 10.30	Walking Seminar	Mike Hardwick & Dave Hilton
Get here early for an honest appraisal of what's involved in the Self Build and Renovation processes, with useful tips which could make your own project that bit easier. The experts use the Centre's exhibits to explain various points and answer your questions.
10.30 - 11.00	Starting Out - The People Involved (rpt at 14.15)	Mike Hardwick
At the start of your project, finding the right plot of land or renovation project will be your top priority and getting people on side during this time could be the key to your success. This seminar will highlight the key players who can make or break your project - estate agents, neighbours, planners and building control to name but a few; and help you maximise your chances of finding the perfect site for your new home.
11.00 - 11.45	Case Study Seminar: From Mobile Home to Eco Dream	Paul & Ruth Charles
Paul and Ruth Charles lost their home 20 years ago and have since been living in a mobile home alongside their nursery in the Devon countryside. In 2008, they decided it was time to build a house, and opted to use German timber-framed package builder, Hanse Haus. Paul tells how, by working closely with Hanse Haus, they found that everything ran smoothly and hassle-free and they ended up with the eco house of their dreams.
11.45 - 12.15	Finance - Getting The Best Advice (rpt at 15.00)	BuildStore Finance Experts
For a smooth building project you need to be sure you receive the right financial advice and options. The experts in this seminar will explain where to go for help, how to get the best deal and how to work with your financial advisers throughout the project to keep them updated on your circumstances.
12.15 - 13.00	Successfully Staying Together	Bob Harris
It's no surprise that taking on a big project like a self build, renovation or conversion can take its strain on a relationship. Bob Harris, life coach and Master Builder, will talk us through a 'Solutions Focused' approach to project managing together.
13.00 - 13.30	Managing Tradesmen & Suppliers (rpt at 16.15)	Richard Pearce & Jan Grimshaw
When it comes to building, getting the most out of your relationships with merchants, builders and suppliers is as important as choosing the right materials. This seminar will show you how to make your relationships work for you, reducing costs and keeping your sanity at the same time!
13.30 - 14.15	Case Study Seminar: Renovation Highs and Lows	Lorraine Jones
A different renovation case study each day. Hear the highs and lows of these successful renovations, pick up hints and tips and understand how to get the most from your contractors.
14.15 - 14.45	Starting Out - The People Involved	Mike Hardwick
At the start of your project, finding the right plot of land or renovation project will be your top priority and getting people on side during this time could be the key to your success. This seminar will highlight the key players who can make or break your project - estate agents, neighbours, planners and building control to name but a few; and help you maximise your chances of finding the perfect site for your new home.
15.00 - 15.30	Finance - Getting The Best Advice	BuildStore Finance Expert
For a smooth building project you need to be sure you receive the right financial advice and options. The experts in this seminar will explain where to go for help, how to get the best deal and how to work with your financial advisers throughout the project to keep them updated on your circumstances.
15.30 - 16.15	Case Study - With A Little Help From Our Architect	Mark & Angela Woodhouse
Angela and Mark Woodhouse reveal how they went about building their dream home in Norfolk. With no prior experience of self build or the building trade, they are proof that with very little, or no previous building experience at all, it really is possible to build your own home and end up with a home you previously only dreamed about.
16.15 - 16.45	Managing Tradesmen & Suppliers	Richard Pearce & Jan Grimshaw
When it comes to building, getting the most out of your relationships with merchants, builders and suppliers is as important as choosing the right materials. This seminar will show you how to make your relationships work for you, reducing costs and keeping your sanity at the same time!
16.45 - 17.00	Walking Seminar	Mike Hardwick & Dave Hilton
Stick around for this honest appraisal of what's involved in the Self Build and Renovation processes, with useful hints and tips which could make your own project that bit easier. The experts use the Centre's life-sized exhibits to explain various points and answer your questions

Experts

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