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The National Self Build & Renovation Centre

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is the UK's only permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice & support. Established in 2007, and owned by our employees since 2014, we have helped over a quarter of a million visitors create better, sustainable homes or extend and improve their existing property.

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Visitor Information

We believe people deserve better homes.

We can help you create a better, more sustainable home by delivering on our three key promises:

We’ll inspire you by showcasing the very best building methods, innovations and technologies.

We’ll inform you with our expert helpdesk and range of shows, workshops, and educational courses.

We’ll always offer impartial advice you can trust.

The NSBRC is open six days a week for visitors. Our standard opening hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 17:30pm | Sunday 10:00am - 16:30pm

Download the latest Visitor Handbook here.

Visitor information

Full calendar of events

View Full Events Calendar

Passivhaus Workshop

21/11/2025

The Passivhaus standard is designed to deliver comfort, quality and lower running costs, in any type of building. We spend most of our time indoors, so buildings play an important part in our health and wellbeing.

The most successful and cost-effective way of achieving Passivhaus is by incorporating the standard before your designs are complete. It’s also useful if the Passivhaus elements are included in your planning application.

Take advantage of this free workshop and ensure you have the right team behind you for your Passivhaus home. This workshop will offer a full timetable of seminars, question time sessions and live guided tours from the NSBRC technical experts.

Find out more
The NSBRC Guide to Project Management

The NSBRC Guide to Project Management

29/11/2025

We’re with you every step of the way!

This classroom-based course is a must for anyone embarking on their first homebuilding project. Led by qualified Architect and experienced Construction Project Manager, Lucy Nylander, the day offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of project management, including build sequencing and management options.

You’ll gain essential budgeting skills, learning how to manage expenditures, navigate insurances and warranties, and understand VAT reclaim processes.

The course also dives into trades and materials management, providing guidance on sourcing and pricing, setting up contracts, maintaining quality control, and ensuring efficient procurement.

Finally, site preparation will be covered in detail, with a strong focus on management, health and safety, and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way.

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The NSBRC Guide to Renovation Projects

The NSBRC Guide to Renovation Projects

29/11/2025

Renovate the past & build your future!

Delivered by Independent Heating and Energy Consultant, Rob Bohm, a leading authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, this session is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage your renovation project effectively.

Rob brings a wealth of expertise in building fabrics, heating systems, and energy-efficient design. Throughout the course, you'll gain practical insights into every stage of the renovation process—from planning and project management to working with the right trades.

A highlight of the course includes a guided tour of the NSBRC’s unique Renovation House, where theoretical concepts come to life in real-world examples. Whether you're tackling a full-scale renovation or a smaller project, our training is tailored to help you make informed, sustainable decisions every step of the way.

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Advice for your self build journey

Thousands of people self build their own homes in the UK each year. Self built homes are typically bespoke, with layouts designed around your needs and lifestyle, and provide a high level of finish. With a focus on build quality, self builders enjoy houses that are energy efficient, often far exceeding building regulations. Discover how we can help you begin your own journey towards building a better home.

View Self build resources

Advice for your renovation journey

Renovating or extending a house can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It can provide you and your family with additional space, reduce your energy bills and with careful planning, it can also be a shrewd investment. We’ll help you understand the options available to you, the various stages of a project, and typical pitfalls to avoid, so you can create your own dream home.

View Renovation resources

As an independent, employee-owned business, the NSBRC is a proud member of the following associations:

Testimonials

  • "up to date information on alternative technologies and good honest advice"

    "Very useful and informative. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The talks were very interesting and on point. Good to have up to date information on alternative technologies and good honest advice as one size does not fit all. Anything from ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, mechanical ventilation heat recovery and solar energy and storage. Facilities on site were cafe, toilets (all of which were immaculately clean and tidy) and large car park. The staff were very attentive to visitors needs and requirements. We had a very enjoyable day and will be returning for future visits. Well worth a visit if you have a project (small or large) in mind."
    Eco Workshop Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "the free (informal and friendly) workshops give you everything you need to know"

    "This place is such a special resource for anyone building a house or extending their home. I can’t stress enough how important it is for self builders to get facts and information from experts and not Twitter! The free (informal and friendly) workshops give you everything you need to know and have experts there for 1:2:1 help. So far I have ‘interrogated’ them on VAT reclaim, solar panels and batteries, underfloor heating, heat pumps, glazing, steel roofing, project management, suppliers, superstructure choice, drainage… the list goes on. Go and see - you won’t be disappointed!"
    Eco Workshop Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "a warm, receptive, supportive and non-sales-pushy approach"

    "Exceptional. One year in to finding land as an aspiring self-builder, the quality of in-person and virtual training, and ready access to professionals at the centre is beyond brilliant. Harvey and his team and the expansive range of professionals he sources to provide advice have a warm, receptive, supportive and non-sales-pushy approach to engaging and guiding us with making big and often expensive decisions. Harvey's family-like, kind team and fully present leadership approach is reassuring and refreshing in this competitive property space. Well done Team NSBRC!"
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "best source available to those wishing to self build"

    "This is probably the best source available to those wishing to self build. [the] team have a fantastic “can do” attitude and make you so very welcome. If you are thinking about self build or renovation/extension of your property then this is the place to go. And it is FREE! Cannot recommend enough. Thank you Team NSBRC"
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "first port of call for guidance and advice"

    "As complete novices and newbies this was a great introduction. It provided a starting point on things to consider should we chose to embark on a self build journey. We now know where our first port of call will be for guidance and advice. I’d recommend anyone thinking about dipping their toe to go here first."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "a positive and helpful day out"

    "Fantastic to meet expert traders that are passionate and knowledgeable about their products and the environment and are willing to help fill in the gaps! We had a positive and helpful day out and came home inspired to crack on with more of out eco renovation."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "people willing to share their expertise and guidance"

    "Lots to look at and explore but most importantly a whole host of people willing to share their expertise and guidance. We will be back as one day was just not long enough."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "so much to see and learn"

    "An excellent resource, so much to see and learn, from building types, systems, materials and designs as well as suppliers that deal specifically in the self build niche. Well worth not just one visit, but I suspect I will be making many visits as my project moves through the stages. Highly recommend."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "excellent place to visit for ideas"

    "Excellent place to visit for ideas, seeing what products are available, and talking with knowledgeable trades people."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "amazing resource"

    "We are back and forth to the Centre at the moment, as we plan and learn about how to do our first self build. I consider we are extremely fortunate to have this amazing resource close enough (90 mins away) to use and we are also attending a number of their courses, both in person and online, all of which have proven invaluable in steering us through this maze. Amazing team of people, passionate about what they do."
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "such a wealth of building knowledge and information"

    "Such a wealth of building knowledge and information, open to the public and should be an essential place to visit for anyone considering or planning any form of building work whether DIY or through a contractor. Thoroughly recommend it"
    Phil A. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "the information gained has been immense"

    "I have visited the centre several times, both when they have a major show and recently when almost entirely empty. The information gained has been immense. The opportunity to touch [products],open, close windows & doors etc. has enabled me to make choices for my new build."
    Rose H. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Well worth the trip"

    "Well worth the trip. Most of the stands had lovely and engaging reps…the displays of walls and foundations are excellent to see and (to help) appreciate the anatomy of houses."
    Haroon R. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Amazing place to discover all types of builds"

    "Amazing place to discover all types of builds and accessories for building. Especially new eco products on the market."
    Andrew C. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Facebook Review

  • "Highly recommend this venue & the events they hold there"

    "Well organised with a great variety of all your self build & renovation requirements. Highly recommend this venue & the events they hold there"
    Debbie R. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Facebook Review

We work with some amazing partners...

One of our three key promises is to inspire you by show-casing the very best building methods, trends and technologies.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is proud to be home to over 200 permanent exhibitors, chosen for their respected and relevant offering, and their knowledge and understanding of the self build and renovation community.

We encourage you to engage with our exhibitors. As you will discover, they can cover every aspect of a building project, from foundations to flooring, walls to windows, roofing to renewables and much, much more…

View all exhibitors

The latest from the NSBRC:

View all News stories

  • We’re Proud to Be Named Sustainable Business of the Year! 🌱

    We’re thrilled to share that The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has been awarded ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ at the 2025 TBE (The Business Exchange) Awards!

    The awards evening took place right here at our own venue in Swindon - using our spacious and unique setting to celebrate the incredible achievements of local businesses across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Somerset.

    Find out more

  • We've officially launched our Brand New Retrofit Zone at the Centre!

    We have now officially opened our inspiring new Retrofit Zone, a hands-on exhibit showing homeowners exactly how to upgrade their homes for better comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. If you’re looking to make your home cosier, cheaper to run and kinder to the planet, then this is a must-visit exhibit!

    We were delighted to have local MP, Sarah Gibson, join us to cut the ribbon at the new exhibit’s official launch on Friday 7th November - just hours after we took home the title of ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ at The Business Exchange Awards 2025. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to helping build better, sustainable homes, and doing better, sustainable business.

    Find out more

  • Our MD Harvey Fremlin Shortlisted for ‘Employee Owner of the Year’ at EO Awards

    We are delighted that our fantastic MD Harvey Fremlin has been shortlisted for 'Employee Owner of the Year' in the prestigious UK Employee Ownership Awards! 👏🌟 Harvey has led our team of employee-owners since 2014 with incredible passion & vision and has taken the business from strength to strength over the past 11 years.

    The awards, hosted by the eoa and sponsored by Baxendale Employee Ownership, recognise businesses and individuals who drive effective EO practices and empower employee owners to unlock Great EO impacts.

    Find out more