Why the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a must-visit for any home renovator

Don't miss out on the chance to get hold of two free tickets to the show

Bedroom with stone wall
(Image credit: Future PLC)

Knocking down internal walls is often at the top of the wishlist when renovating your home, but it's not as simple as just grabbing your sledgehammer. If only there was somewhere you could go that would have all the renovation ideas and expertise to let you know if you're getting it right. Well, there actually is.

You can make sure you get it right by discussing your plans with an expert at the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which returns to Sandown Park, Surrey on 1 & 2 July, and prepare to transform your home with 2 FREE tickets worth £24*.

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Stone wall with white staircase

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Removing or altering internal walls isn’t usually a job that concerns the planners, although you will need to speak to a listed building's officer if the building is listed. You will, however, need to make a Building Standards application in most cases. You’ll also need to consult with a structural engineer. 

If you're not sure where to start when it comes to consulting a structural engineer you can speak to one at the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show for more guidance on your project.

Open plan kitchen with blue island

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Identify if it’s a load bearing wall

Some internal walls are fundamental to the structure of the house, whereas others simply divide up the interior space and are relatively straightforward to alter or remove. It’s key that you identify where a wall plays a structural role in your home. At the show, you will be able to meet builders & architects at the show who can help you to reconfigure the layout of your home.

Stone wall with white staircase

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Get the all-important layout right

Knocking down walls to create open-plan layouts bring many benefits, but there are a number of practical considerations to be made to ensure a successful scheme. Attend one of the many handy seminars at the show which will help you plan your project before you get started.

Whatever your project, get the tools and information you need to get started at the Southern Homebuilding & Renovating Show. If you act quickly you'll be able to score two free tickets. For the amount of expertise and inspiration you'll be getting for those tickets this is a must-have deal for any home renovators to snap up. 

Rebecca Knight
Deputy Editor, Digital

Rebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2022. She graduated with a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018, before starting her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. She fell into the world of homes and interiors after joining the Ideal Home website team in 2019 as a Digital Writer. In 2020 she moved into position of Homes News Editor working across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc and Ideal Home covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hack to the next big interior trend.