Renovation A-Z
Those looking for guidance on renovation should come to our dedicated Renovation A-Z weekend hosted at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, where you will find expert advice and ideas for upgrading, improving and refurbishing your house. With presentations on avoiding the pitfalls and mistakes and understanding and interpreting your building survey, as well as a host of industry experts, including loft experts, architects, design and planning experts and project managers, you can learn everything you need to know to transform your property.
Feature Seminars
20 Top Property Botches
It’s easy to make mistakes, but it can be expensive to rectify them, especially when renovating. Of course, we’d never make the same mistakes as we show here…would we? In this unmissable feature seminar, Ian Rock shows us some of the classic howlers made by renovators and explains how you can avoid falling into the same trap. Watch and potentially save yourself time, money and embarrassment!
Understanding Your Survey – “Preparation, Preparation, Preparation”
A survey is essential when contemplating a renovation project. A property that looks like an excellent proposition at first glance can prove to be a money pit the minute the outer layers come off – and then the costs soar to budget-busting levels. No one contemplating taking on a serious renovation project should miss this presentation. We’ll show you why you should have a survey done, what areas it should cover and how to interpret it once you receive it.
Demonstrations
Stop That Leak! Damp Proofing and Tanking
Old properties and even some newer renovation projects can suffer from damp problems. While it may seem a daunting problem for experienced renovator and novice alike, help is at hand in the form of Sovereign Chemicals. Sovereign Chemicals are experts in all aspects of remedial damp work and in this demonstration, you’ll find out about the solutions they can offer for problems ranging from a simple damp patch to water cascading through a basement wall.
Rot ‘N’ Pests
So you are thinking of buying your renovation project and the survey points out problems with rotting wood and an infestation of woodworm. Don’t let it put you off straight away, because in this demonstration, leading rot and pest control experts Sovereign Chemicals will show you how you can control and rectify even the most severe infestations without breaking the bank.
Renovating the Roof
Roofs can be an expensive part of a renovation and there is the potential to save significant sums if you can avoid complete renewal. In this demonstration, you can see for yourself how Renotherm’s innovative spray applied polyurethane foam can be used to repair and insulate roofs, walls and floors.
Dealing With Subsidence
The mere mention of subsidence can strike fear into the heart of any potential house purchaser. However, help is at hand! Using their wealth of knowledge, foundations experts Abbey Pynford will explain what subsidence is, how it is caused, how to prevent it and the options available for resolving subsidence issues with potential renovation projects affected by subsidence issues.
Insulation Matters
Bringing an old property back to life and making it suitable for modern day living usually involves updating the insulation levels. No easy task on some properties where adding additional insulation internally can compromise available space. In this demonstration, Actis/Sheffield Insulation (tbc) will explain the benefits of their unique reinforced render carrier systems which can incorporate the insulation you need without compromising precious internal space.
Everything you need …Including the Kitchen Sink!
The kitchen you fit to your renovation project will have a massive effect on both the aesthetic ‘feel’ and the value of the finished property. Get the best tips and practical advice on design and planning for this important space from one of the leading providers of kitchens in the UK
Bathrooms to Get Steamed up about!
The choices available for fitting out your bathrooms can seem overwhelming. We can help you cut through the options to show you the very best of bathroom chic with ideas and inspiration with this demonstration from the best known provider of sanitary hardware in the country.
Weekend Self Build Seminars 1-5
In addition to the above, every weekend one of our anchor speakers will guide you through the basics of self build in our 5 part programme. From finding land and financing a project right through to choosing builders and buying materials.
Parts 1 & 2 - Can anyone do it? & Finding a plot or project
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.
Part 3 - Design, planning and making new space
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.Part 4 - Choosing your builders and buying your 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.
Part 5 - Project managing yourself with sub-contractors or a builder
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.