Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Article Source: Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Last Updated: 18 April 2024 10:56

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by timber-frame specialists Fleming Homes, returns to the SEC on May 11-12 2024.

You can register for 2 free tickets, worth £24* - by following this link: glasgow.homebuildingshow.co.uk

With so much to see and do, how do you get the most out of your visit?

As show sponsors and seasoned exhibitors, Fleming Homes has designed and delivered over 2000 bespoke timber frame homes. We asked MD Sarah Mathieson what her top tips are for visitors to this year’s show.

Sarah said ‘No matter what stage your project is at, self-build shows are fantastic places for inspiration and information gathering. However, if you don’t want to experience the event as a mind-boggling panoply of options, it’s good to come prepared. My advice would be:

Do your homework
The Homebuilding & Renovating show provides a list of exhibitors on its website, which enables you to research them online before you get there. Make a list of those companies you want to meet, download a floor plan, and highlight the location of the stands you want to visit. Remember to pick up a free show guide when you arrive.

Book ahead
Self-build shows are great opportunities to meet the people behind the companies you’re interested in. Many businesses set aside time for one-to-one meetings, so instead of waiting around at busy stands to speak to the people you want to, contact them in advance and book a time slot.

Sort your seminars
From timber frames to triple glazing, costing your home to switches and sockets, there will be a masterclass or seminar designed to make self-building easier. With a wide range of topics to choose from and an excellent lineup of experts, check out timings in advance and plan your day around the talks that will help fill in your knowledge gaps.

Compare and contrast
There’s no better way to compare products and services from different providers than when they are all together under the same roof. Take time to compare the various companies, what they offer, and anything else that matters to you, such as ethos. Shows are a great way to get a sense of how companies treat their customers!

Be bold
Exhibitors are there to meet YOU; don’t be shy! Get stuck in, tell them about your self-build project, and find out how they can help you. If you already have plans drawn up, take them with you.

Don’t get weighed down
Glossy brochures are hard to resist, and it won’t take long before you find yourself lugging around a significant weight. Make sure you wear comfy shoes and bring a rucksack, or invest in a bag on wheels. Better still, look for QR codes or visit websites when you return home.

Be good to yourself
Shows are tiring: there’s a good chance you’ll walk further than you thought possible under one roof and be reeling from all the information you have absorbed. Factor in some treats to keep you going. Whether that’s your favourite takeaway at the end of the day or regular stops for coffee and cake, don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done!”

*Saving based on two full priced tickets. Offer ends 3pm 10th May. Children aged 16 and under go free.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!

Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city

An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!

Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative

Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.

Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year

Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.

Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry

STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse

Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.

Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness

Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season

Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.

Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi

Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.