Excel show for DIY fans

Then the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the Excel Centre which runs from September 19 to 21 should point you in the right direction.

The show was first staged in 1992 and is aimed at self-builders, renovators and home improvers.

The Excel show features ideas on loft conversions, extensions and creating an open plan kitchen. It also offers advice on building homes from scratch.

Tickets cost £8 if booked before 3pm on September 18 and the price on the door will be £12. Doors open from 10am to 5pm on each of the three days.

Call the ticket hotline on 0871 945 4546.

Things to do

• The eco friendly section gives tips on renewable energy and how to reduce CO2 emissions and increase natural light. Included in this section of the show will be a stand called “Lighthouse by Potton”, the first UK-built carbon-neutral house to meet the top level for sustainable homes, right.

• Look out for energy efficient and heat reflective glass which is perfect for conservatories and windows, according to manufacturer Reflex. The firm is offering a 20-year warranty on its windows, which have 99 per cent UV protection. Reflex will be launching a DVD of its product at the exhibition.

• Fed up with your boring old doors? Then check out JB Kind which has new additions to its Doors in Vogue 2007 catalogue. These include a “supreme quality” American White Oak Flush Door. The doors come in any size and wood types, at “reasonable extra cost”. Find out more on stand 327.
  
  
• As we all know, builders love tea and the exhibition has the tea to get construction workers flocking to your door.
  The Make Mine a Builders tea is the only tea approved by the building trade, so it must be true. You can try it for yourself at Excel. Just head for stand 445.