The National Self Build & Renovation Centre can offer you lots of advice and solutions to help you get the most out of your property, for the best return. Whether it's space to cater for a growing family, a home office, a granny annexe, or a garden room, there are solutions to make the most of an existing property without having to move house to get the extra space. If these improvements are done correctly, they can also help to boost the appeal and value of your property.

The Making More Space Weekend will include a packed programme of presentations, demonstrations and one-to-one consultations with some of the industry's leading experts and professionals, that will ensure you walk away with the confidence and knowledge to unlock the potential in your home. From planning and building regulations compliance, to designing and building new living space, visit this event to learn all you need to know to help make the most of your home, including help with planning, budgeting, Permitted Development, selecting materials, finding reputable tradesmen and making your home more energy efficient.

On top of all this exciting activity, you'll also have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of Roto's new Designo range of German quality roof windows, which enable maximum headroom and are easier to use. Unfortunately the unveling of Ultraframe's new Verandah has had to be delayed, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Don't miss the chance to win a copy of Ian Rock's fantastic book Build Your Own House - The Complete Step-by-Step Manual! See below for more information

Don't miss out: get your free tickets for Making More Space now!

Seminars At A Glance

Time	Topic	Speaker
09.15 – 10.00	Walking Seminar	Mike Hardwick
10.15 – 11.00	Know Your Rights: Permitted Development	Alex Blake
11.30 – 12.15	Unlocking Your Home's Potential	Opinder Liddar & Trevor Avery
12.45 – 13.30	BuildStore's Guide To Funding & Budgeting	David Murphy & Mike Hardwick
14.30 – 15.15	Managing Your Project	Mike Hardwick
15.45 – 16.30	Preparing For The Upturn: Adding Value	Ian Rock

Seminars In Detail

09.15 - 10.00	Walking Seminar	Mike Hardwick
Walking seminars offer a great overview of all the topics you need to consider when thinking about extending your home. The experts will take a small group of visitors on a tour of the permanent exhibits and exhibitor stands, discussing foundations, construction methods, roofing and eco technologies - though the exact content of each tour is different depending on visitor preferences
10.15 - 11.00	Know Your Rights: Permitted Development	Alex Blake
If you want to extend your home then you may be surprised how much work you can do without needing Planning Permission, using your Permitted Development Rights. Alex Blake will introduce the planning system and advise what you can and can't do to your home - covering topics like conservatories, garage conversions, extensions and loft and basement conversions.
11.30 - 12.15	Unlocking Your Home's Potential	Opinder Liddar & Trevor Avery
Design & Planning - from the architect's perspective! Opinder and Treveor will speak about how you can make the most of design ideas and opportunities in order to make more of your home. They will discuss the fundamentals of a successful extension or conversion project and will also advise how to work with your architect to get the best use out of the space you already have.
12.45 - 13.30	BuildStore's Guide to Funding & Budgeting	David Murphy & Mike Hardwick
These experts will introduce you to methods of raising funding for your project, letting you know what options are available and what could work best for you. They'll also be looking at budgeting for your project, helping you understand how to estimate build costs and assess the financial feasibility of the work you'd like to carry out.
14.30 - 15.15	Managing Your Project	Mike Hardwick
Our Self Build & Project Management Expert takes to the stage to delivery a fantastic and extremely useful seminar on how to manage your building project successfully. Within this seminar Mike will cover sourcing and working with tradesmen, buying materials, how to plan your project, timescales you should work to and their top tips for a successful project.
15.45 - 16.30	Preparing For The Upturn: Adding Value	Ian Rock
Celebrated author Ian Rock will look in detail at how you can actually add value to your home, and focus on the most affordable ways to do it. Did you know that a loft conversion may cost around £15,000 but it's generally agreed that it could add a huge 15-20% on to the value of the house? Ian will go into detail on this and the other options you have available to you, helping you weigh up what's affordable, what's possible and what's a good investment.

Experts

Architect Opinder Liddar & Trevor Avery Get design ideas and more information on what an architect could bring to your building project. Attic Conversions Digby Rowsell If you'd like to convert your existing loft space into a more useable living area, speak to loft conversion expert Digby to determine costs, timescales and the scale of the job. Basements Mike Edwards Whether it would be digging a new basement or converting an existing one, Mike will be able to give you advice on how much it could cost and where to start! Builders Merchants Dave Kerley As a representative of the Wolseley Group of builders merchants, Dave can give you practical advice on keeping materials costs down and how to work with your merchant to acheive the best pricing possible. Building Control Richard Stubbs Once you've got your plans together and have permission to build, you'll need to work with Building Control to ensure you are building to the correct standards. Natural Light Velux: Project Daylight Velux' specialist will advise you on bringing more natural light into the home Planning Alex Blake Alex will be able to answer all your questions regarding the planning process. Project Management Charlie Laing Our Project Management experts will help you understand every stage of the building project, from choosing your bricks through to finding reliable tradesmen. Roofing U-Roof U-Roof are specialists in providing modular (or flat pack) steel roof frames perfectly suited for house extensions, loft conversions and 'flat to pitch' conversions. Talk the team here about making changes to your roof line and understand everything that's involved. Roof Lights Roto If you're thinking about converting your loft space then speak to Roto about their range of roof lights, opening up the room to more natural daylight. Self Build Mike Hardwick If you think you may want to go one step further and build and entire new home for yourself then talk to self build expert Mike about what's involved.

Top Tips for Adding Space & Value

1) Build an extension. Extending an existing property is a cost-effective means of creating new space without having to move. Most properties that have not already been modified have Permitted Development Rights attached. Depending on the type of property, an extension of 10-20% of the external dimensions of the property can be built without formal planning approval. However, it's advisable to check with your local authority, and remember that building control approval will always be required.

2) Build a conservatory. Conservatories (up to a certain size) outside the heated envelope of the house may be allowed under Permitted Development Rights, negating the need for formal planning permission. There are some inspiring new styles on the market but choose carefully when it comes to heating and ventilation; a poorly designed conservatory can be unbearably hot in summer and freezing cold in winter.

3) Transform wasted space. Older properties in particular can have large areas of space which can be put to good use. Large bedrooms will always benefit from the addition of en-suite bathrooms. Clever designs allow en suite shower and wet rooms to be fitted into a remarkably small floor area, so even smaller rooms can benefit. The space under the stairs is ideal for a small cloakroom, a w.c. or a study/office area.

4) Outdoor Living. Make the most of your outdoor space, by adding decking or a patio to create an outdoor seating area. Folding doors are a great way of bringing internal and external space together. They can be easily incorporated into a new build design, but remember that if added in as part of a renovation project, you need to support the wall above. If you have the space, you could also add a garden room.

5) Convert your basement. If your back garden is too small for an extension, consider a basement conversion; it's a great way to add space and value, as you are literally adding another level to your house. Cost-effective basement conversions have been made possible and more popular thanks to improvements in damp proofing and water ingress management techniques. Converting an existing cellar is the easiest and cheapest option (around £15,000), but you can also dig out a new basement to get an ever larger footprint (around £80,000).

6) Convert your loft. If your roof pitch is above 35 degrees, you may be able to convert your loft into habitable living space. Loft conversions provide the best value for money and return on investment. Expect to pay in excess of £15,000 for a standard loft conversion; you could add 15-20% on to the value of your home.

7) Convert your garage. Some integral garages seldom play home to a car, and are full of all kinds of clutter. If you do have alternative parking then a garage can be converted, usually without planning permission, into any number of things e.g. a home gym, bedroom, or an office. However, while the additional space can add value to a home, don't forget that in some areas, off-street parking is also hugely valuable.

8) Add a balcony or roof terrace. Converting your loft or building an extension also gives you an opportunity to add a balcony or roof terrace; however, you will need to make sure that they are specifically approved in your planning, and by building control, as they have an external impact on the property. Alternatively, a Juliet balcony with double doors that open fully is an easier option. To incorporate an inconspicuous balcony, build in a full-height folding roof light such as those made by Velux as part of its Cabrio range (pictured).

9) Go open plan. Modern living styles have moved inexorably towards bigger space, communal areas and family living. Always take professional advice before knocking down internal walls to ensure that supported structures are not compromised. Also, remember that while open plan is great for couples and young families, older children and adults may also need some space to themselves, so keeping some additional space, such as a snug or study available is always a good idea.

10) Invest in clever storage solutions. By having a good spring clean and general de-clutter you can probably get back some additional space. Make the most of every nook and cranny with bespoke or integrated storage solutions that neatly hide away belongings, and maximise free living space. There is lots of furniture that now incorporate hidden storage, such as beds, sofas and coffee tables.

Dont't Miss

The chance to win a copy of either of Ian Rock's fantastic Haynes books; Loft Conversion Manual or Home Extension Manual

Loft Conversion Manual

Loft conversions are a great way to add valuable living space to your home and significantly boost your property's value. But creating new rooms in your roof can mean making major structural alterations, and raises important questions. How can you tell if your loft is suitable for conversion? How much of the project can you do yourself? Expert guidance is now available in the Loft Conversion Manual, which explains the whole process in plain English and step-by-step colour photographs. From designing layouts and finding the right contractors right through to snagging and completion, this guide will make converting your home a smooth and successful process.

Home Extension Manual;

We've all heard the horror stories. Inexplicable delays, unfinished work, skyrocketing costs and bizarre excuses. Rogue builders putting you and your family at risk of serious injury. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Whether you plan to employ a building contractor or tackle some of the works yourself, the comprehensive new Haynes Home Extension manual by Chartered Surveyor Ian Rock will show you how to stay firmly in control, resulting in a high-quality extension, completed on time and within budget. From foundations and drainage through to snagging and completion, this step-by-step will cut out the stress and trauma of extending your home. Each chapter is devoted to a key part of the build, with every stage explained and backed up with hundreds of colour photos showing real building projects as they progress.

Attend the 'Adding Value' seminar at 3:45pm each day of Making More Space for the chance to win one of five copies of either of these two fantastic books! (Five of each to be given away each day - state your preference on the answer sheet).