In anticipation of the energy price cap increase in April 2023 to over £3,700, the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show (23-26 March 2023, NEC, Birmingham) is putting energy-saving solutions centre stage. The biggest ever line-up of housing experts under one roof will be responding to visitors’ concerns and questions about how they can future proof their homes to improve energy efficiency and create energy sources to help them reduce rising fuel costs.
TV presenter, writer and chartered surveyor Marianne Suhr of BBC2’s ‘Restoration’ programme and the Discovery series ‘Project Restoration’ will front the show, imparting her knowledge and expertise on retrofitting and insulating period houses to improve their thermal efficiency. ‘DIY SOS’ and ’60-minute Makeover’ star Julia Kendell will also be sharing her Kitchen Design Guide, with her advice on how to plan the space to avoid common mistakes and achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
The Ask the Expert zone houses a leading rostrum of experts who will offer guidance to visitors on how to make the most of the energy in their homes, save money on bills and reduce their carbon footprint. During the Home Energy Hour, industry leaders from the Home Energy Academy will be talking on topics including How to make an old house warm; Renewable energy beginner’s guide, and Building with ICF to save time and money.
As well as providing a chance to find out about innovations in new and energy-efficient heating technologies, the show will allow visitors to experience thousands of products from over 400 exhibitors. Experts in the Masterclass and Seminar Theatres will also present on topics ranging from A beginner’s guide to building your own home; How to estimate and control build costs; Wow factor design and how to get it; Sustainable home design & construction; Extension design guide; From old home to eco home, and much more.
The Advice Centre will provide opportunities to book free one-on-one sessions with the biggest cast of property experts, architects, planners and builders under one roof. This includes Marianne Suhr and Julia Kendell; Allan Corfield, design expert, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Andy Stevens, master builder and broadcaster; David Hilton, eco expert, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Mark Stevenson, self-build expert; Michael Holmes, director of content, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Sally Tagg, planning expert, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Tim Phillips, quantity surveyor; Tom McSherry, finance expert, Buildstore, and Richard Hawkes, architect, Hawkes Architecture.
The Tricks of the Trade Theatre will feature industry experts from DIY Doctor, who will present tips on working successfully with tradespeople as well as live demonstrations on handy DIY jobs such as hanging a door, how to skim plaster and more.
