The National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon has been launched by BuildStore, the company behind the TradeCard discount and PlotSearch services for self-builders.
The Centre is effectively a permanent exhibition, with 220 companies taking stand space.
In the UK an estimated 20,000 people a year build their own property and BuildStore’s Tim Doherty estimated the market value at £6.6bn. Up to 300,000 people undertake renovation work.
“And we believe the Self Build Centre will help give more people the confi-dence to enter the field, with all the products and advice they need under one roof. We expect up to 30,000 visitors in year one.”
The most prominent exhibit at the Centre is a new Renaissance range timber frame house from Potton Homes. The company’s sales and marketing director Joe Martoccia said self-build held major potential for timber construction, particularly due to its environmental credentials. “We send a questionnaire to potential self-builders asking them their priorities for a new home. Environmental performance is now fourth on the list.”
Among the other companies with a presence are Wolf. Its highlights its timber and metal web easi-joists, WolfWin roof design software and KeyBuild wall panel system.
“This puts our products on the front line to reach self-builders,” said Paul Flounder of Wolf. “And they’re also featured in the special roof and demo zones in the Centre.”
Norbord‘s Sterling OSB, Caberwood MDF and Caberdek also get double exposure, shown on its display and in the Potton house and the Centre’s lecture theatre.
Other exhibitors include James Jones & Sons, Brill Hardwoods, Premdor and timber frame specialists Welsh Oak Frame, Oakwright, PlatzHaus, WeberHaus and the Swedish House Company.
