FEATURE
Everything you need under one roof
Looking for guidance on your self-build? The National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon is the place to go for help with any aspect of a project, as Roseanne Field reports
T
he National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), located just off the M4 in Swindon, is a must-visit for any novice self-builder, providing all the advice you could need under one roof. The permanent exhibition centre is home to an array of experts and suppliers and plays hosts to a number of events throughout the year. The NSBRC, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, was launched by mortgage broker BuildStore in 2007. Since then it has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, many of whom return throughout their project for help, tips and advice. It’s believed to be the only facility of its kind across the whole of Europe, spanning 67,000 ft2
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Since November 2014 the NSBRC has been owned and operated by The Homebuilding Centre, an employee- owned business. Last year alone the centre is thought to have helped over 16,000 self-builders.
The centre is dedicated to serving a growing self-build market, with more and more people choosing to build their own house every year. “Around 13,000 people will take on a self-build project this year,” explains Harvey Fremlin, NSBRC managing director. “They benefit from a huge degree of choice; from where the house is located, how it is constructed, and the energy efficiency of the building fabric through to the level of finish they will enjoy once moved in.” Offering advice on everything from planning and finance to structural elements and design, a visit to the NSBRC is likely to prove invaluable. Alongside its regular events, the centre contains many features to guide and educate visitors towards real solutions to problems and ideas to make their projects work better. “There are several routes available to individuals wanting to design and build a bespoke, well finished, energy efficient home and the
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www.sbhonline.co.uk More than 220 suppliers and manufacturers have stands
NSBRC provides the knowledge and support people need to make an informed decision on which route is best for them,” says Harvey. “Our aim is to inspire, educate, and provide impartial advice.”
PLANNING & FINANCE
The NSBRC has elements to help self- builders through every stage of their project, starting with the things that need addressing before a foundation is dug or a brick laid. Finding a plot of land is the first hurdle to contend with, and one that many aspiring self-builders find themselves falling at. BuildStore’s PlotSearch is believed to be the UK’s largest database of land available for self-build, and has its own stand at the NSBRC to help those who are struggling to find a plot.
Another obstacle people often find themselves facing is how a project will be funded. While some are lucky enough to have the cash available for a
through every stage of their project
The NSBRC is designed to help self- builders
self-build, more often than not some form of mortgage or loan will be required. BuildStore also has a stand at the centre dedicated to financial planning, with a resident expert offering advice on the various types of funding available, from short-term loans to specialist mortgages.
july/august 2017
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