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Major Self Build and renovation show returns to Peterborough

Millions of Britons are dreaming about or planning to build their own home. And those living in Peterborough can learn more about how they can achieve their dream home with the return of a major exhibition, SelfBuild & Design East.

Millions of Britons are dreaming about or planning to build their own home. And those living in Peterborough can learn more about how they can achieve their dream home with the return of a major exhibition, SelfBuild & Design East. Hosted by SelfBuild & Design magazine, the show will be held at the East of England Arena from 3 – 4 March 2018, and provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about the concept of a self build and research materials and services. Visitors can take advantage of one-to-one sessions with specialist experts such as architects, planning and project management consultants, while successful self builders who have already realised their dream home will be available to talk to. Exhibitors from leading construction and fit-out companies, designers, finance companies, heating and energy specialists and windows and doors suppliers will also be on hand to offer advice and inspiration.

Throughout the weekend, there will be a host of free seminars and masterclasses covering everything from finding a building plot and securing finance, to the various methods of construction. ‘Self build puts you in control,’ says SelfBuild & Design Publisher and Show Director Peter Johns. ‘It lets you build the home you want where you want it. In theory you can save money by undertaking part of the work yourself, cutting out the developer and builder profit margins, re-claiming VAT and controlling the specification. Many self builders invest those savings in a higher specification – perhaps utilising eco features that will ensure low running costs.’

‘A common misconception is that self build is just for those with practical building skills,’ adds SelfBuild & Design editor and speaker at the show, Ross Stokes. ‘This is not the case. Many self builders employ builders and sub-contractors to tackle the work while they themselves act as project managers, sourcing and supplying materials which can save a huge amount on the total cost of a project. Some prefer a ‘turnkey’ approach, where all the work is undertaken by a single contractor to their specification. Others take on an existing building such as a barn, old cottage, or tired bungalow, and remodel it into their dream home.’

A recent Ipsos MORI poll commissioned by the National Self and Custom Build Association (NaCSBA) found that one in seven (14%) Britons expect to research or plan how to build a home for themselves in the next 12 months. The survey also found that around one in 50 (2%) expect to buy a building plot, obtain detailed planning consent, start or complete construction work on their own new home during the coming year or so. The Government has recognised the potential in the self build sector, setting themselves an objective to double the value of the custom and self build market by 41% by 2020. In a bid to boost housebuilding and address concerns about affordability, legislation has been passed to make more individual and serviced plots available for those wanting to build their own homes.

As part of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, local authorities are now required to help find land for those who have an interest in building their own home. This is done through the Right to Build register. The East of England has been identified as a potential growth area for self build, with local authority and custom build schemes planned or already in place to meet local demand. SelfBuild & Design East launched in 2017 to meet the needs of the region and has gained significant support from local and national companies including 2018 headline sponsors and Cambridgeshire based bespoke glazing specialists, Kloeber.

The award-winning company has a vast range of high-end products including bifold, sliding, French and front doors. They also offer windows, roof lights and fixed glazing elements. Potton Homes, who have a show home centre in St.Neots, will be hosting a self build hub at the show offering design and planning appointments and advice for those with a plot of land on how to fast track their project.

SelfBuild & Design East at the East of England Arena (3–4March 2018) 

● For more information about the show visit www.selfbuildanddesignshow.com/east

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