As part of the Government’s Right to Build initiative, the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act will enable regional authorities in the UK to assess demand for custom and self-build homes in their area and ensure the delivery of sufficient building plots to meet local demand. For those considering the self-build route, the annual Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by The Underfloor Heating Store, is marking its anticipated return to Sandown Park, from 25-26 June 2016, to help consumers succeed in their property ventures.

With over 220 exhibitors, 24 free master classes and 500 advice sessions on essential topics which can tackle any problem, from funding a remodelling project to implementing the latest intelligent security systems, the event is set to help put visitors’ ideas into motion through a step-by-step approach.

Over 12 resident property specialists will be on hand to discuss all building and renovating queries at the Advice Centre 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.

The Underfloor Heating Store, the event’s main sponsor this year and the UK’s largest supplier of electric and water underfloor heating systems, will be present recommending to homeowners the most cost-effective and tailored services for their property. For every visitor who visits its stand, the company is running an exclusive competition for a chance to win a £1,000 voucher to purchase products to create a warm, energy-efficient home.                                                                   

Combining traditional materials with contemporary ones that can add a distinctive touch to any home, Oakwrights Design Consultation Service offers free 20-minute consultations to those who want to find out more about its bespoke oak framing and encapsulation service. It will provide insight around the best practices using oak materials, blending traditional skills with innovative technology.

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

To tackle the issue of obtaining planning permission, Sally Tagg and her team of experts at the Planning Clinic will advise those with a building or renovating project in mind how to make an application and jump through all the hoops in the process. The Foxley Tagg specialists will update visitors on the latest rules, regulations and caveats to be aware of, saving self-builders time and money.

For those interested in 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s pre-eminent property specialists, the Advice Centre also features the Ask the Experts zone. Attendees will be able to discuss their plans with: Michael Holmes (director of content for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine and Real Homes magazine); Jason Orme (editorial director of Centaur Media’s Home Interest portfolio including Homebuilding & Renovating and Real Homes); David Snell (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s self-build and plot finding expert); Sally Tagg (expert on planning permission); Bob Branscome (chartered surveyor and builder); Chris Reeves (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s Legal Expert and a chartered builder and lawyer) and Tim Pullen (expert in sustainable building and energy efficiency in the home).  

Standard show tickets are £8 in advance or £12 on the door (children under 16 go free). For further information visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/surrey