Renovation A-Z
Those looking for guidance on renovation came to our dedicated Renovation A-Z weekend hosted at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, where they found expert advice and ideas for upgrading, improving and refurbishing their homes. With presentations on avoiding the pitfalls and mistakes and understanding and interpreting building survey’s, as well as a host of industry experts, including loft experts, architects, design and planning experts and project managers, visitors were able to learn everything they needed to know to transform their properties.
>> Download the daily timetable for Saturday and Sunday to see what went on.
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, visitors were able to 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, in this demonstration, leading rot and pest control experts Sovereign Chemicals showed 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, visitors were able to see for themselves how Renotherm’s innovative spray applied polyurethane foam could be used to repair and insulate roofs, walls and floors.
Everything you need …Including the Kitchen Sink! (Sunday only)
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. Visitors during the weekend were abot to 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
Cracking & Masonry Failure (Saturday only)
Highly regarded structural repair specialist, Helifix Ltd, gave a presentation on the causes of cracking and masonry failure and how to cost-effectively overcome these problems with its modern methods of repair and reinforcement. Its stainless steel systems provide fully concealed, non-disruptive, reliable solutions (as seen in the Renovation House here in the Centre) that are covered by Helifix’s professional indemnity insurance.
Reclamation Yards – Renovation Heaven! (Saturday only)
Sometimes, modern replacement materials just aren't a good enough match for your renovation project. To keep a certain vernacular style, to maintain historic integrity or simply to ensure that your new extension blends seamlessly into the existing structure, a trip to the reclamation yard may be the only answer. There is a roaring trade in reclaimed materials, with anything from slates and tiles and gutters, to bricks chimney pots and garden ornaments salvaged and given a new lease of life. There are some things to remember though, not least that you will need to ensure you buy enough material for each job, including wastage, as you might never find a close match elsewhere. Visitors found out about how to source, use and benefit from reclaimed materials in this fascinating demonstration from Minchinhampton Architectural Salvage Company (MASCo).
Renovate with reclaimed materials and reclaim our future! (Sunday only)
Why don't you choose to re-use? Re-use building materials on your renovation project - with massive carbon benefits and material savings to be had, support small reclamation yards so that we can maintain the face and character of our streets whilst building a future for our children.
Building Defects in Period Properties
The mere mention of defects or subsidence can strike fear into the heart of any potential house purchaser. However, help is at hand! With his wealth of knowledge, Geoff Hunt, Building Surveyor and Building Pathologist, took visitors through the most common building defects you will encounter in a period property and how to prevent or cure them. He also explained what subsidence is, how it is caused, how to prevent it and the options available for resolving subsidence issues in your potential renovation project.
Renovation & Self build seminars 1-5
In addition to the above, one of our anchor speakersguided visitors through the basics of renovation & self build in our 5 part programme. From finding a project and financing it right through to choosing builders and buying materials.
Part 1 - Can anyone do it?
Every year approximately 20,000 people will either substantially renovate an existing but dilapidated house or build a new home from scratch. Visitors found out why people do it and if renovation or self building was right for them. They also learnt how to organise their finances and get the budget right from the outset.
Part 2 - Finding a plot or project
Often cited as the hardest part of renovation or self building, finding the right project or that perfect plot can be difficult. However, renovation properties and potential building plots exist all over the country. Visitors were able to learn the basics of how to be the first to find them and how to make an initial assessment to assess viability.
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, visitors found out how to develop their ideas, select a designer and secure planning consent.
Part 4 - Choosing your builders and buying your materials
Managing cost means managing the two things you pay for – materials and labour. Visitors were able to find out how to save time in choosing materials and suppliers and understand the process for identifying, selecting and appointing their 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 visitors learnt what is really involved and how much time is really needed..
