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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

Swindon, just off Jn. 16 M4 | SN5 8UB

Download the latest Visitor Handbook here.

Visitor information

Full calendar of events

View Full Events Calendar

Renovation Workshop

14/03/2026

Transform your home with confidence!

Whether you're extending your home, breathing new life into a tired property, or making energy-efficient upgrades, our brand-new Renovation Workshop offers expert-led advice and practical guidance to help you renovate smarter, more sustainably and within budget.

We have created this event for those who are interested in improving their homes to create more space, reconfiguring existing layouts, reducing energy bills or future-proofing for more accessible living.

Find out more
The NSBRC Guide to Self Build Projects

The NSBRC Guide to Self Build Projects

27/03/2026

Before you build your home, build your knowledge!

Thinking about embarking on a self build journey? We’re delighted to offer a comprehensive three-day course designed specifically for aspiring self-builders, with a range of experienced presenters covering everything from finding land to the finishing touches.

With over 10 essential topics covered, this informal yet engaging course makes full use of the outstanding practical exhibits at the Centre, taking a ‘fabric first’ approach to building. You'll gain the insights and confidence needed to plan effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and take control of your homebuilding project.

Whether you're just starting out, or perhaps need a refresher, this course will equip you with the knowledge to make your plans run smoothly.

Find out more
A person organising their finances at a desk

The NSBRC Guide to VAT Claims

28/03/2026

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.

You can reclaim VAT on most building elements and materials – but there are some exceptions and various rules to understand and follow. There are different things to understand depending on who is undertaking the work and this can be the cause of some confusion and unnecessary stress. That is why, working with a genuine, experienced expert, we’ve designed this half-day course.

Find out more

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

  • "Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about self-building or even small renovations."

    "Recently attended the renovation show - it was thoroughly enjoyable. Having the ability to speak to someone about projects or get into the nitty gritty of different building systems or technologies is better than trying to scrape the information from different websites. The new "Renovation House" was great to see - it's a house built to "older" standards, in a state of disrepair but made safe to be a learning exhibit. Our tour guide, Rob, spent 90 mins walking us through rooms in the house, talking about all the different things one needs to consider when tackling everything from a simple paint job up to roof repairs or floor rebuilds. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about self-building or even small renovations."
    Autumn Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "The place and the businesses there are both innovative and informative"

    "I attend every event I can manage at NSBRC. The place and the businesses there are both innovative and informative. I have got some great ideas and learned enough from the expert advice not to blunder into costly mistakes. Every industry should have this."
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "This is the place to go to learn all about the best approach for construction"

    "We have been to the NSBRC several times now and have learnt something new each time. If you are planning to do any sort of self build or renovation, this is the place to go to learn all about the best approach for construction and to navigate the field of renewable energy, heat pumps, insulation, air tightness, etc. The stands and exhibits cover just about everything you may want to ask and there are plenty of experts to give advice. We were so impressed that we have joined the Benchmark program and have signed up for one of the courses. Looking forward to our next visit!"
    NSBRC Benchmark member - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "I liked the chance to look at the installations, without any sales pressure."

    "This is a great place to visit is you are considering or working on a self-build or renovation project. There is free advice available, but not every day. We spoke to a retired builder, and we were given some very helpful advice around an outdoor office self-build project. It consists of an exhibition centre, like collection of stalls and installations, with training facilities. So it is quite commercial. The cafe is basic, and their vegan stuff had sold out the day before when we went. We visited during the week, not at an event, and the centre was very quiet. I liked the chance to look at the installations, without any sales pressure."
    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

  • "The Renovation course at the NSBRC is an absolute must!"

    "If you are thinking of a major renovation. The Renovation course at the NSBRC is an absolute must. Full of extremely useful information and delivered with passion and gusto by the presenter Rob"
    NSBRC Renovation Course attendee - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Arrived not knowing which route we were taking with our house and came away with all the ideas"

    "What a fantastic place. So much information for anyone who is looking to build their own house or renovate. We arrived not knowing which route we were taking with our house and came away with all the ideas we needed and what steps we needed to take, people we need to talk to, etc. Amazing resource and thoroughly recommend a visit."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Been again as our project progresses and once again invaluable."

    "A great resource for those looking to self-build or renovate - so many companies, their products and experts under one roof. We went on an exhibition weekend and it provided lots of opportunities to talk to experts, listen to short talks of interest plus all the staff from car parking to reception and cafe were all super helpful! Been again as our project progresses and once again invaluable."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "The place to go to learn"

    "A very interesting and informative day"
    NSBRC 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

  • "Would visit again."

    "First visit - found it very comprehensive, with something for everyone. Helpful and informative staff. Would visit again."
    NSBRC Visitor. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "We have always had good advice."

    "We have visited over the years. We have always had good advice from the trade stands and the way the whole building is carefully updated and new products introduced in the interest of we potential customers is very welcome . Hence our quite regular return ."
    NSBRC Visitor. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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."
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "An excellent day and was very well organised"

    "I attended the National Self-Build and Renovation Show at the NSBRC in Swindon on Saturday 17th May 2025. This was the Festival of Sustainable Homes event, this It was an excellent day and was very well organised. A massive thank you to Kristina and Katy who went out of their way to find the right person for me to talk to, who I'm planning to meet on site in Scotland. Being in the VIP area with the Benchmark program provided a base to sit and review the information I had found. A massive thank you to everyone at the centre who from my point of view made it a really useful and informative event."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "A very useful visit."

    "A very useful visit. We came away with lots of ideas and contacts with suppliers for our renovation"
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google 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

  • NSBRC Hosts Partner Forum Events for Exhibitors

    The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) recently hosted two Partner Forum events, bringing together our exhibitors for business updates, sector insights and valuable networking opportunities.

    The first forum, held in Blackburn, our ‘North’ edition, took place on Tuesday 10th March at Ultrapanel, home of the innovative 'Ultra Home' concept. The event opened with introductions from Harvey Fremlin and Helen Wildin, who welcomed attendees and provided an overview of their venue. In March, the team at the Centre are aiming to spend more time offsite to learn more about our partner’s offerings and latest news.

    Find out more

  • NSBRC Update: Work taking place in March 2026

    Exciting changes are happening at the centre! To make way for new exhibits, some of the old ones need to be taken down, which means building work will be taking place. This work will continue on weekdays throughout March, but we’ll still be open for visits as usual.

    Find out more
  • B Corp Certified - NSBRC Team Photo - EO Day 2025 - Go Ape

    Celebrating B Corp Month

    4/03/2026

    March is B Corp™ Month! - a celebration of businesses who are balancing purpose with profit. Throughout March, over 9,500 Certified B Corporations™ around the world, are sharing stories about how they’re making a positive impact on people, communities and the planet. The NSBRC is extremely proud to be a part of this global movement.

    Find out more