THE SELF BUILD THEATRE
13:30
Heating Your New Home: The Future Homes Standard, Heat Pumps and the Road to Zero Bills
Big changes are coming for new homes— and the clock is ticking. From March 2027 the Future Homes Standard takes effect, meaning only homes with planning permission before that date can fit a gas boiler, and even then installation must be completed by March 2028. Our heating expert explains exactly what this means for your project and how to choose the right low-carbon system, from air and ground source heat pumps to solar PV, battery storage and smart controls. Plus, an introduction to‘ Aim for Zero’: whether to manage your own electrotech or hand it to an energy company offering zero-bills guarantees of up to ten years. Join us to futureproof your new home. David Hilton- Eco Expert
14:00
Creating a Low-Energy Home: Using Sustainable Design Principles
Learn how to create a truly low-energy, eco-friendly home. Discover the critical role of architectural design in shaping energy efficiency, from optimising building form and orientation to harmonising with the landscape. Our acclaimed expert in low-energy homes will share insider strategies to minimise heat loss and prevent overheating, ensuring your home remains comfortable throughout the year. Gain valuable insights into the key principles that lead to outstanding performance and minimal running costs. Paul Testa- Energy Expert
14:30
Real Life Projects: What It’ s Really Like to Take On a Self-Build or Renovation
What’ s it really like to build or renovate your own home? Join Michael Holmes in conversation with real project owners as they share their journey— from finding a plot or property to moving in— with an honest breakdown of what it actually cost. Hear how they navigated planning, chose their build route and managed builders and budgets, plus the setbacks they didn’ t see coming and what they’ d do differently second time around. With real numbers, real photos and lessons you won’ t find in any guidebook, this warts-and-all session is essential viewing. Bring your questions for the live Q & A! Michael Holmes- Home Improvement Expert, with Tim Crump
15:00
Create Your Dream Garden: The Essentials of Landscape Design
Join our expert-led session to master the essentials of landscape design, tailored for those creating a new garden from scratch. Gain insights on planning your garden layout, optimising sunlight and understanding soil types. Learn to enhance views, strategically place drives, and design paths and surfaces. Transform your blank canvas into a stunning outdoor oasis with practical planting tips. Charlie Nelson- Landscape & Garden Designer
15:30
The Top 10 Self-Build Mistakes: And How to Avoid Them!
Our expert reveals the most frequent errors made by self builders, from budgeting mishaps and planning oversights to contractor issues and design flaws. Learn practical strategies to sidestep these mistakes and keep your project on track. This essential seminar is perfect for anyone looking to build their dream home with confidence and efficiency. Don’ t miss out on these invaluable insights! Mark Stevenson- Self-Build Expert
16:00
Building on a Shoestring: How Design Decisions Make or Break Your Budget
There’ s a reason most mass developer homes look the way they do— they’ re designed to be cheap to build! In this eye-opening session, our expert reveals how the biggest cost decisions are made at the drawing board, long before a builder sets foot on site. Discover how size, shape, materials and specification drive your budget, why building simple and building small pays off, and how siting, topography and buildability affect the bottom line. Learn why investing in sustainability and clear, welldeveloped drawings saves money in the long run. Join us to design smarter and build better— for less. Allan Corfield- Design Expert
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