‘Build It Live’ returns to Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire on the weekend of 2 and 3 October 2021. This live show is the UK’s most practical self build and renovation event and has everything you need under one roof to ensure your next renovation, extension or self build project is a complete success!
Fuelled by the pandemic, many households are rethinking how they increase space and create new areas suitable for work and leisure. New this year is a dedicated extensions clinic designed to help you get the best out of a home extension.
The last 18 months have been a huge challenge for anyone looking to undertake a project to create their dream home. Self builders and renovators have had to make big purchasing decisions without the benefits of face-to-face advice, or the ability to visit showrooms and physically test out products like sliding doors, eco products and smart home systems in person.
This event is all about meeting experts and hundreds of reputable suppliers all in one place. It’s also a great opportunity to see the latest design innovations and try out products and materials in person. Build It Live brings you free expert- led seminars, workshops and demonstrations designed to help you achieve project success.
Build It Live is organised by Build It Magazine and the Bicester show takes place in association with Graven Hill – the UK’s first large-scale self-build project with over 1000 self build plots. At Bicester, you’ll be able to visit the Graven Hill Zone for information on their scheme – or to reserve a plot! Head to the Seminar & the Workshop Theatres to hear live talks dedicated to explaining the exciting options of self and custom-building on Graven Hill. Book free one-to-one appointments with the team, to ask the questions that are important to you.
Visitors to Build It Live can participate in:
Ask Our Experts
Experts from Build It Magazine will be on hand all weekend giving FREE impartial guidance on any part of your self build, renovation or home extension. Don’t miss your chance to tap into the knowledge and experience of expert professional planners, architects, project managers, sustainability specialists and more. Their independent advice could save you £1,000s on consultancy fees! So, bring your plans, ideas and questions along and make sure you get to the show early to book your one-on-one appointment.
What’s on at Build It Live Bicester?
Extensions Clinic (new for 2021)
Find the answers you need to make the most of your budget and add space, value and the wow factor to your home at our dedicated Extensions Clinic. From planning permission through to design ideas, specification decisions and getting real value for money, an expert team of architectural specialists will be on hand to guide you through the process and help you identify the best ways to achieve your goals.
Heating Advice Clinic
Our Heating Advice Clinic helps you decide on the best heating system for your home. Do gas boilers still make sense? Are heat pumps low-carbon? Can woodburning stoves be eco-friendly? Get the answers to all these questions and more.
The Naked House
Our first-fix cutaway home is inspired by the choices made for Build It’s Self Build Education House (find out more and book a visit at www.buildit.co.uk/ourhouse). From ICF blockwork to roofing, floor joists, windows and more, the Naked House gives you unrivalled insight into what it takes to build your own home.
Basement Advice Clinic
Building a basement is a cost-effective way to create high-quality space without eating up prized garden space – not to mention beat the planners. Yet it’s all-too-often overlooked in the UK. Head to our Basement Advice Clinic for impartial advice on what you need to know to successfully build, extend or convert a basement.
Graven Hill Zone
Build It Live Bicester takes place in association with Graven Hill. With over 1,000 plots available, this is the UK’s first large-scale self build scheme. It’s also the location of Build It’s own real-life project. Head to the Graven Hill Zone to learn more, reserve your plot, attend live expert talks, and hear from self builders who’ve completed their homes.
Build Cost Clinic
Want to get to grips with budgeting for your project? Then head to the Build Cost Clinic to book an initial consultation with a qualified, experienced estimator who can help you better understand how much it will cost to turn your plans into the home of your dreams. Their advice will help you focus your design and specification choices, better understand builders’ quotes and could even save you money!
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are now on sale from the website. The standard ticket price will be £12 per person. Children under 16 are admitted free with an accompanying adult.
Open Saturday between 10am and 5pm and Sunday between 10am and 4.30pm. Tickets are valid on either day or can be used to attend on both days.
For further information and to book tickets visit www.builditlive.co.uk
When purchasing tickets, all paying visitors will have the opportunity to purchase a 12 month subscription to Build It for just £19.99.
Tickets are now on sale for Bicester Heritage on 2 and 3 October 2021 and for next year’s show at the Kent Event Centre in Detling on 5 – 6 February 2022.