What's on at Build It Live for self builders? Build It Live 2024

There’s never been a better time to create the home of your dreams. At Build It Live, you can find the products, advice and inspiration you need to create a property that suits your needs down to a T. Our next exhibition will take place in Maidstone, Kent, on 4th and 5th February and will provide a whole weekend of guidance for self builders.

From help with securing a plot, to free, one-to-one appointments with self build, project management and eco experts, the show aims to be as practical and informative as possible. Take a look at the line-up, and all the things self builders seeking the perfect patch of land can see and do over the course of the weekend.

LAND ZONE

Learn how to hunt down and secure the perfect plot at Build It Live. From seminars about assessing a plot’s potential to land and planning experts, we’ll teach you how to obtain your dream piece of land. In additional, Build It Live South East will also have a dedicated Land Zone – brought to you by PlotBrowser. Here, you’ll be able to discover the various routes to finding the right plot and view a gallery of live and available plots, ready to be secured. You’ll also be able to obtain information about the latest serviced plot projects across the UK.

BROWSE BUILD SYSTEMS

From timber frame specialists, to design and build package companies, SIPs suppliers and brick firms, Build It Live will feature companies from all the key structural systems. There to answer your questions and help you make the right choice for your home, these suppliers are there to guide you in the right direction.

SELF BUILD SEMINARS

Build It Live offers a range of free seminars, each presented by experts from the self build sector. Each session focuses on specific problems and choices that self builders face every day. This year, topics include: ‘A step by step guide to self build’, ‘Designing your dream home’, ‘The perfect way to build your home – plus the great build systems debate!’ and ‘How to find land and getting planning permission’.

BUILD COST CLINIC

Build It Live features numerous dedicated clinics, including the Build Cost Clinic. Book an appointment to discuss your project with one of our qualified estimators, to better understand how much it will cost to build the home of your dreams. They can also talk you through Build It’s Estimating Service, whereby your house plans will be converted into an accurate estimate of labour and materials, down to the last roof tile!

SELF BUILD TRAINING TASTER SESSIONS

Pop along to various taster sessions of our Self Build Virtual Training courses. Run in partnership with Potton’s Self Build Academy, this interactive series will give you the detailed know-how to successfully realise your dream home. Covering topics including where to start your self build journey to choosing the right structural system, these short, 20-minute taster sessions are presented by Build It’s expert contributors and Potton’s highly experienced self build team.

SELF BUILDERS' OWN STORIES

Self Builders’ Own Stories is an opportunity to hear from people who have already completed a self build project. Hear real self builders talking about how they went about creating the home of their dreams. Learn from their mistakes, hear their top tips and ask them questions about their experiences.

THE NAKED HOUSE

Step inside a fake house in the centre of the exhibition hall. The Naked House is a first-fix cutaway home, inspired by the choices we made for Build It’s Self Build Education House. From ICF blockwork to roofing, floor joists, windows and more, the Naked House will give you an unrivalled insight into what it takes to build your own home.

ECO ADVICE

From our eco expert, Nigel, who’ll be on hand all weekend taking private appointments, to our new show feature, the Sustainable Building Products Pavilion, Build It Live is the perfect place to find all the eco products, environmentally-friendly materials and eco advice you’ll need to create a healthy, earth-conscious home.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

The Ask Our Experts lounge will offer you the chance to speak to an architect about your project, but you’ll also be able to meet a selection of architectural practices in the exhibition hall. Take a look at their past projects, speak to them about your design goals and perhaps even hire them to take on your scheme!

HEATING ESSENTIALS

As well as heating suppliers covering everything from ground source heat pumps to underfloor heating, you’ll also be able to visit the Heating Advice Clinic. Here, you’ll be able to meet an industry expert, who can help you decide on the best heating system for your home.

BASEMENT BASICS

You’ll also be able to visit the Basement Advice Clinic for impartial advice on what you need to know to successfully add a basement to your self build. Our expert will have all the knowledge, so don’t forget your plans – and your list of questions!

What’s on at Build It Live for Self Builders Seeking a Plot?