The Government’s recent commitment to double the number of UK custom and self-build homes, driven by the Right to Build and the new Housing and Planning Bill, is set to bolster the self-build market and the country’s housing supply in 2016. In response, the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is gearing up its forthcoming event with over 450 exhibitors, 16 free seminars and over 50 masterclasses. The show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 14-17 April 2016, and sponsored for the first time by Velux, will also be launching a mobile app and guided trails, enabling visitors to maximise their visit.

Over 15 resident property specialists and TV personalities will be on hand to discuss all building and renovating queries, and leading companies will be presenting their latest ranges of services and products from a variety of industries including architecture; design; financial topics; kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; lighting; heating; ventilation; planning permission and much more. The show will be packed with advice and guidance and case studies will be present to talk about their experiences with consumers who are facing similar challenges throughout all stages of their projects.

In addition to free one-on-one advice, seminars and masterclasses, for the first time, the event will introduce a series of workshops which will offer up to 50 people the opportunity to attend immersive one-hour sessions on essential eco topics, featuring information on the recommended use of oak frames, underfloor heating, insulation, heat pumps and more. This new show feature will allow the audience to interact with the experts, as visitors will be required to send the panellists questions to ensure that people can access key information required to reach important decisions regarding their projects.

Also debuting at the Midland event will be the free National Homebuilding & Renovating Show mobile app which will personalise visitors’ experience, helping them to plan and guide their day through exclusive content. With multiple features throughout the exhibition, it will ensure that consumers make the most of their visit and won’t miss out on key aspects. The app will also notify users of exclusive offers during the exhibition and provide them with an interactive timetable for the relevant seminar and masterclass sessions.

Two of the UK’s most popular celebrity property experts, Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of More 4’s new ‘Building the Dream’ series, and Julia Kendell, interior design expert and co-presenter of ITV’s ‘Rebuild Our Home’, will make their anticipated comeback at the NEC event and will be available for 15-minute individual consultations. Their topics will cover ecological living, advising people how to reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the long-term, and design ideas, explaining to visitors how they can improve their homes with clever enhancements.

Velux, a leading manufacturer and supplier of roof windows and main sponsor of this year’s event, will advise visitors on the most efficient options for adding light and space into their home. The company’s representatives will showcase and explain the brand’s eco-friendly features, which will contribute to a well insulated, enjoyable environment.

The show’s resident DIY Doctor, Mike Edwards, will be hosting live demonstrations to inspire visitors to take matters into their own hands and take care of some of the key aspects of their projects without the help of a contractor. Tutorials on topics ranging from coating walls to installing insulation will help transform a home into a better place for living and encourage both men and women to roll up their sleeves, saving time and money.

The Advice Centre, a hub for one-on-one impartial guidance, is where self-builders can run their ideas past property specialists with years of practice in this field. Within this zone, visitors can head to the Ask the Architects area where they will receive first-hand knowledge and experience from reputable members from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). They will be able to advise on how to tackle building challenges and take plans from start to finish.

For those interested in 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s pro-eminent property specialists, the Advice Centre also features the Ask the Experts zone is a mandatory stop. Attendees will be able to discuss their plans with: Michael Holmes (editor-in-chief of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine); Jason Orme (editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); David Snell (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s self-build and plot finding expert); Douglas Kent (an expert in the care and repair of period properties); Bob Branscome (a chartered surveyor and builder); Chris Reeves (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s Legal Expert and a chartered builder and lawyer); Mark Brinkley (author of the Housebuilder’s Bible) and Andy Perkins (a renewable and sustainable heating expert).

Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £18 on the door (children under 16 go free). For further information visit www.national.homebuildingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 854 0503 (calls cost 7p per minute plus network extras).