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Keen to research your next self build, home extension or renovation project? Need specific advice or want to learn some hands-on skills?
There’s a wealth of events out there to help you make a success of your scheme – including our advice and inspiration-packed Build It Live shows.
Here’s our pick of key events on now for self builders and renovators:
Oakwrights Open Day
When: 3rd or 4th July 2026
Price: FREE
Where: Herefordshire
Oakwrights’ Herefordshire open day will give you the opportunity to visit several locations showcasing the oak frame experience, so you can fully immerse yourself in how your oak frame would be built. Our expert craftspeople will guide you through the day, explaining the process, whilst also answering all of your questions. The tour will visit the head office, workshop, showroom and a newly-finished oak frame home.
Guide to VAT Reclaims
When: 4th July 2026
Price: £95
Where: NSBRC, Swindon
You can reclaim VAT on most building elements and materials – but there are some exceptions and various rules to understand and follow. This course, hosted by Andrew Jones the VAT Man, is designed for private individuals creating a new dwelling for themselves or a direct family member, and not for someone doing a HMO or a developer building to sell. It covers various project types, rates, timeframes and techniques.
Introduction to Gardening
When: 26th July 2026
Price: £85
Where: Walworth Garden, London
This one-day course guides you through the approaches and essential knowledge that will help you to become a successful gardener, designed for those with little or no gardening experience, and especially those hoping to begin gardening at home in their houses, balconies, or gardens. The course covers growing media, compost and soil, pruning, pests and diseases, what to grow that’s easy and why.
Finding a Viable Building Plot
When: 8th September 2026
Price: £40
Where: Virtual
Delivered by Mark Stevenson, former Chair of NaCSBA, this Build It virtual training course focuses on one of the biggest hurdles to self building: finding a plot. Learn where to look, how to narrow your search parameters, what to look for in a good building site – and what to avoid – and how to assess whether the plot you love has genuine planning potential to accommodate your tailor-made new home. Put yourself a step ahead and become a plot hunting pro with this expert in-depth masterclass!
Build It Live South West
When: 12th and 13th September 2026
Price: £12
Where: Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Meet 100s of key suppliers, source the right materials for your project, attend free seminars, workshops and demonstrations, book one-to-one sessions with industry experts and buy yourself a plot of land, all under one roof at Build It Live!
Winning Planning Permission: How to Maximise Your Chances of Success
When: 8th October 2026
Price: £40
Where: Virtual
Ready to submit your planning application? Delivered by Build It’s planning consultant, Julia Riddle, this course will arm you with the knowledge and strategies you need to win the permission you want. Covering everything from when you need planning permission through to how to apply, factors that will affect planning decisions and insider tactics to maximise your chance of success – this session is a must if you want to move forward with your project!
Planning Approved: Move Your Project Forward
When: 27th October 2026
Price: £40
Where: Virtual
So you’ve gained planning permission for your dream home – what next? With decisions coming thick and fast, this next stage brings a host of challenges for self builders. In this Build It virtual training course, former chair of NaCSBA Mark Stevenson leads you through the key steps you’ll need to tick off the list. From developing the design into a buildable reality through to finalising surveys, preparing your plot, managing budgets and quotes, and how to assemble the right building team.
What You Can Achieve Without Planning Permission
When: 1st December 2026
Price: £40
Where: Virtual
Hosted by Build It’s professional planning consultant, Julia Riddle, this course covers the home renovation and extension projects you can complete without formal planning consent. This in-depth training session takes a deep dive into the rules and restrictions around no-planning projects – from extensions and loft conversions through to energy-saving upgrades, replacement doors and windows, outbuildings, internal works and more.
Project Management Routes & Steps to Success
When: 10th December 2026
Price: £40
Where: Virtual
In this Build It virtual training course, our MD Calum Taylor arms you with the tools you need to successfully manage a project – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. This course covers everything from deciding how involved you want to be through to effective scheduling, budgeting and cashflow, assessing quotes and contractors, managing build quality, avoiding common project management mistakes and more.
Do you have an event you think we might be interested in sharing with our readers? Email us the details!
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Hallo, i’ve just joined, and i wonder how you can submit relevant events for inclusion in this list please? Thankyou
Gemma
Hi Gemma. Thanks for your question – I’ve now added our email address to this page so you can get in touch with the team if you have an event you think may be relevant to our readers.
Chris (editor, Build It magazine)