Self Build & Renovation Courses - back by popular demand!

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Day 1: This first day of the course will take you through the first steps of successful self building and renovating.

Budgeting & Finance
This first session is dedicated to methods of raising finance and the importance of setting a budget and controlling costs throughout the project; the expert will also explain the principal costs associated with self build and renovation.

Finding & Evaluating Land or a Project
Finding a building plot or a suitable renovation project is never easy, but there are ways and means to find that elusive dream plot. In this session, Mike Hardwick will share with you the best techniques to help you find your building plot. Mike will also look at how to approach buying development land or a renovation project at auction and what to look for when assessing a potential plot, conversion or house in need of improvement.

Trades, Contracts & Tendering
Mike will discuss the best way to find tradesmen. This will include a summary of the trades you will be hiring, when you'll need them and what they do. He will also cover tendering for main contractors and individual tradesmen and how to assess their quotations.

Building Systems & Construction Methods
Using the fantastic life sized resources in the Centre, Mike will take you on a comprehensive tour of the build process, covering everything from clearing and setting up your site, laying the foundations and options for building the superstructure and roof.

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Day 2: On the second day of the course, our experts move attendees on to the next stages of the self build and renovation processes.

Design & Specification
This session will look at how to get the best design for your dream home. Do you need an architect? Which professionals will you need? How can you get what you want at a price you can afford? How should you approach the design process? This step by step guide will help you through the design process.

Planning Permission & Permitted Development
The Planning expert will explain the intricacies of the planning process, including the updated planning regulations and recent changes to permitted development rights. Find out how the planning system works and how you can optimise your chances of getting approval for your dream home.

Building Regulations
Our expert will explain about building control procedures and the importance of building regulations – what they are and what is required to comply with them.

Project Management & Site Set Up
Mike Hardwick looks at how to manage your project. Starting with the basic principles of managing the task and the people involved in your build, Mike will go on to look at setting budgets, basic contracting techniques, buying materials and site management. While every project will be different, some basics always remain the same and Mike will explain how to avoid the common pitfalls and have a safe build.

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Day 3: Day three sees our speakers move on to discuss the eco and sustainability elements of self build and renovation.

Eco Legislation
David shows you how to lessen the impact your project could have on the environment; he looks at the incentives available for using various eco technologies, comparative fuels costs and helps you understand how to calculate the payback terms. He'll also consider the latest legislative requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes and SAP ratings.

InternalServices, Heat & Energy Technologies
As efficiency and economy in the home are becoming increasingly more important, heat and energy requirements are becoming equally more complex. This module looks at the various internal services solutions available, from high pressure systems and water distribution configurations to fossil fuel solutions and renewables. All the options available, as well as the pros and cons of each, will be explored and put into context with the other elements of the building, to help you make informed decisions within the scope of your own project. David will look at everything from the design and operation implications of heat sources, like condensing boilers, solar systems, heat pumps, biomass & heat recovery ventilation to their compatibility with the various emitters, including under floor heating, radiators, skirting heaters and warm air systems.

Fixtures & Finishes: An Eco Slant
To wrap up the course, Dave will discuss the usage of low-tech eco options in your new home. These low-tech options include rainwater harvesting products, sun tubes and eco paints.

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