Conventions & Shows

Conventions & Shows

This weekend I attended the Self Build Show in Millstreet, Cork. I missed the Citywest one in September so took a train ride or two down there to see what was on display. Most of the event was geared I thought more towards refit / renovate rather than building new but with some obvious overlap. But it depends how big a renovation or extension you're planning!

I found the show featured national and local suppliers so some of the show as it was local to Cork wasn't as useful as the Dublin one may have been to me but it was still worth attending.

Like most conventions I tend to tack around the outside once, before weaving my way through the inside paths to make sure I cover all the displays.

I talked to a few of the exhibitors about different products they had and picked up more than a few leaflets to take away. The dining hall was packed so I headed into Millstreet afterwards and got a lovely lunch in the Hotel there. The exhibition hall entrance is a bit of a walk around from where you park the car, or for me, an even longer walk from the train station! At least the nearer road entrance was open which saved me a few minutes.

Shows like this and the Ideal homes Exhibition were useful in that I got a chance to see cross sections of timer / concrete framed factory built houses and also different insulation options. The idea of sitting a house on top of dense polystyrene is interesting to say the least! I'm glad I checked both of the shows out altough don't feel the urge to go back. When starting out on the road to a self build though they are invaluable to getting a toe in the water for what's out there and to talk to Architects and other Professionals about your Project. That's the time to ask questions and listen to the advice given. It's a steep learning curve and there's no better way to spend a morning or afternoon. A contact you make here could become very useful later on.

Ideal Homes Exhibition - RDS every Spring & Autumn:
http://idealhome.ie

Self Build Exhibition - Shows in Dublin, Belfast & Cork:
http://selfbuild.ie/the-shows/

Each year there is also the opportunity to visit energy efficient houses in November:
http://www.nzeb-opendoors.ie
I've booked two for next weekend so will get another opportunity to find out more about the process and pitfalls and see what living in these homes is like.

In summary, explore & attend the shows that interest you and engage with the professionals there. You can usually get your teeth whitened for free in addition to a head massage while you wait!

Also send email enquiries to get answers to your questions. Each reply can open up more areas for you to consider or consolidate your knowledge. You can then refer back if you organize them for later review.