Experts show how to make best of the homes we have

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2009/05/11

THANKS to the problems of the past year in the financial world, hundreds, if not thousands, of homeowners in this country are viewing property in a new light.

Rather than moving many are now giving serious thought to improving, extending or renovating their homes. Recent research from Clydesdale Bank showed that 73 per cent of Scots spend holiday weekends carrying out DIY.

As a result of this upsurge of interest, this year's Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow later this month could be the busiest ever.

The two-day exhibition, running from May 16 to 17 and sponsored by the Electricity Safety Council, already has more than 140 companies lined up to exhibit the very latest innovative products and services.

Twenty per cent of these exhibitors are taking part for the first time.

If you have been considering taking the independent route into home ownership, under the one roof you will be able to uncover hundreds of varied design ideas - and quickly learn that self-building is not necessarily a do-it-yourself exercise. Most self-builders bring in professionals to look after the project.

Those wanting to remain in their existing home but in need of more space can learn about the variety of ways in which you can increase your accommodation or alter your home's internal layout.

Or you may simply want to update your kitchen, especially as the experts say it is possible to have a new kitchen in a small house for as little as £1,500 to £2,000 plus fi tting.

Then again, it might be your bathroom which you feel should be updated. The bathroom, so the experts point out, could be transformed for as little as £500 However, the show, very much an annual event for home lovers, is not simply a collection of displays. During the two days a series of free seminars and masterclasses are being planned which will provide useful information on topics such as how to keep a close watch on the timescale of the project and, importantly, how to manage finances.

One of the biggest hurdles for homeowners wanting to undertake such a venture can be the all-important matter of planning permission.

Again, the show will have experts on hand to provide guidance, explain the right way to deal with the authorities and ensure you steer clear of planning problems which could slow down your project. Altogether a total of 36 free seminars and masterclass sessions are being planned to provide those attending over the two days with as much helpful information as possible.

The exhibition will include a wealth of ideas for those becoming involved in renovating, extending, improving or self-building for the first time as well as builders and small developers keen to discover the latest information and newest ideas for their business.

Not surprisingly, with the show being sponsored by the Electricity Safety Council, energy efficiency also carries a high priority this year.

Apart from improving the quality and comfort of life at home, and reducing fuel bills, energy-saving products add value to a property.

According to the Energy Savings Trust, the average added value for a well insulated house can be as much as £10,000, with two-thirds of buyers looking beyond cosmetic improvements to factors such as the condition of a boiler or the quality of the home's windows.

But, whether you are inexperienced or experienced in home improvement and renovation matters, if you have ideas, drawings or plans drawn up to bring a new dimension to your home, visitors are being encouraged to bring these along to the show to obtain an expert viewpoint.

Tickets cost £5 if purchased in advance or £8 on the door with admittance free for children under 16.

Information:
www.scotland.homebuildingshow.co.uk; 0871 945 4546