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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
The NSBRC Guide to Project Management

The NSBRC Guide to Project Management

7/06/2025

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.

Find out more
NSBRC | Trade Village

Market Day

13/06/2025

Join us for the next NSBRC Market Day!

On the second Friday of every month, many of our exhibitors will be at their displays to engage with you during our informal and relaxed ‘market days’.

Enjoy networking with like-minded individuals and discover the latest innovations and solutions from industry experts as you explore a diverse range of products and services without the ‘sales’ pressure.

Whether you're just starting out on a self build, or are looking to improve your existing home, our exhibitors are here to share their knowledge and assist you in making informed decisions for your project.

Every Market Day features a free guided tour of our new build educational zone with our technical advisors.

Find out more
A person organising their finances at a desk

The NSBRC Guide to VAT Claims

14/06/2025

Your claims don't have to be taxing!

One of the many reasons to self build is that you can claim back your VAT. Under VAT Notice 431, any new dwellings are entitled to Zero VAT on materials and labour.

Find out more

Advice for your self build journey

Around 13,000 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

  • May Trade Village Newsletter 2025

    31/05/2025

    Our Trade Village is home to more than 200 permanent exhibiting partners, selected for their reputable and relevant services and their expertise in the self build and renovation community. Join us at upcoming events to meet our friendly exhibitors and explore their fantastic stands during your next visit!

    Keep reading to discover the latest offerings at the NSBRC...

    VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE NSBRC

    Find out more

  • Move or Renovate? Harvey Fremlin weighs in on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box Live

    If your current home no longer suits your needs, should you move - or improve? It’s a dilemma millions face, and Money Box Live on BBC Radio 4 tackled the issue in its latest episode (first broadcast on May 7, 2025).

    Felicity Hannah was joined by key voices in the property and renovation space, including Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of The National Self Build & Renovation Centre. Using his insight into the self build & renovation industry, Harvey offered guidance for homeowners grappling with this decision.

    Find out more

  • April Trade Village Newsletter 2025

    30/04/2025

    New Partners & Upgraded Stands Edition

    We are proud to introduce some of our newest exhibitors and fresh, upgraded stands at the Centre. Our partners are experts in self build and renovation, and are highly engaged in this community. Visit our upcoming events to meet them and explore their amazing displays!

    Keep reading to discover the latest offerings at the NSBRC...

    VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE NSBRC

    Find out more