With the self build exhibition season getting into full swing, it’s a busy time of year for me. First up was the January show at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon, which was a great success. Next were Build It Live’s events in the south east and north west, which attracted almost 12,000 visitors across two weekends. In June, Build It Live will be returning to Bicester to develop the success of last year’s launch event.
It’s a real pleasure to be able to help readers and visitors with their queries at these events. It’s also quite a responsibility for us experts, as people rely on our advice and can often make important choices based on what we say. Every day is a fresh learning experience in the world of self build and renovation, and rarely a day passes when I don’t acquire knowledge of something new. Occasionally, I find out something that totally changes my understanding of a process or product, and I find myself giving different advice based on the new info I’ve gleaned. As a result, I realise that we’re not infallible and that even experts can get it wrong, albeit with the best intentions. In fact, it makes me recall an incident that occurred during my own build.
I moved into my self built home when the plaster was still wet in March 2002. The completion certificate was issued by building control in May that year. Between those two dates a new Building Regulation (Part M) was introduced covering inclusive access. It called for level thresholds, ramps up to the front door and a clear, level approach from the point of entry to the highway.