With the new year now well underway, thoughts are turning to all those home improvement projects put on hold over Christmas. If, like us, you have big DIY or building plans for 2015, you might be in need of a little inspiration ÔÇô and where better to get it than from the many home shows coming up!
Throughout the year, DIY Advice Online will be rounding up details of our favourite home, building and lifestyle events in the UK, starting with the winter months ahead. So get your diaries at the ready and start planning your year of DIY!
The Southern Home Show, Alexandra Palace, London
Start the year in style at the Southern Home Show, returning to the Ally Pally for the second time. Covering interior design, DIY, self building, renovation, energy efficiency and gardens, the show is a chance for visitors to take part in workshops and seminars, find products such as power tools, hand tools and building equipment and get tips from the experts. You can even bring along your plans and drawings to the advice area, whilst kids can get stuck in to their own DIY workshops!┬áJan 30 – Feb 1, ┬ú8 (children free),┬áhttp://www.southernhomeshow.co.uk
The Listed Property Show, Olympia London
If you live in a listed building, this oneÔÇÖs for you! Here you can chat to conservation officers, property regulations experts, planners and architects, as well as source specialist builders and suppliers of things such as windows, doors, paint and flooring. And donÔÇÖt worry if you live up north ÔÇô thereÔÇÖs another show in Harrogate in March!┬áFeb 14-15, free (register online),┬áhttp://lpoc.co.uk/property-show / @Listed_Property
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, Birmingham NEC
Ok, so itÔÇÖs not a home show exactly, but you might be surprised at the array of ideas you can glean for your home and garden here, not to mention inspiration for the outdoor lifestyle! Held during half term, this massive show is staged over several of the NECÔÇÖs huge halls and includes plenty of activities such as rock climbing, dog agility displays and discovery zones to keep the kids happy while you canvas opinion on essential outdoor style!┬áFeb 17-22, from ┬ú7 (children free),┬áww.caravancampingmotorhomeshow.co.uk / @CaravanCampShow
Wilton House Antiques Fair, Wiltshire
This independent and renowned annual fair is the one to visit if you like period pieces. From furniture, paintings, maps, silver, porcelain, glass, clocks and collectibles, your home will certainly stand out from the Ikea crowd if you invest in a unique antique or two. With more than 40 top class, vetted dealers setting up stall in the cloisters area inside the main house and in the old riding school, experienced buyers and novices alike are welcome.┬áFeb 27 – March 1, ┬ú5.50,┬áwww.wiltonhouse.co.uk
Ecobuild, Excel London
This trade event is the UKÔÇÖs largest built-environment show and is packed with interactive and innovative attractions, live demos and brand new products and techniques. Speakers in the Nature and Built Environment Hall include experts from conservation trusts, the British Bee KeepersÔÇÖ Association and the Grass Roof Company, whilst visitors can even earn a spot to pitch their eco retail solution to Marks & Spencer!┬áMarch 3-5, free (register online, no under 16s),┬áhttp://www.ecobuild.co.uk / @Ecobuild_Now
First Time Buyer Home Show, Business Design Centre, London
You can only dream of DIY if youÔÇÖre yet to put a foot on the property ladder, but this show can get you started. Home-owning hopefuls can get free advice from housing associations, lawyers, credit check firms and home builders, and although the experts on hand do tend to be a little London-centric, there is also information on first time buying outside the capital. TV property expert Nicki Chapman will chat to first-time buyers about their experiences, and thereÔÇÖs ┬ú5,000 towards a deposit up for grabs too!┬áMarch 7, free,┬áhttp://www.ftbhomeshow.com / @firsttimebuyer
Vintage Home Show, Victoria Baths, Manchester
Do you think kitsch is cool? If your style is old style, make a date with Discover VintageÔÇÖs next show, where thereÔÇÖll be 50 fabulous stalls selling everything from furniture and lighting to ceramics and textiles. With items from the 1930s to the ÔÇÿ70s, youÔÇÖll be sure to pick up timeless treasures to make your home the envy of the street!┬áMarch 15, free,┬áhttp://www.vintagehomeshow.co.uk / @VintageHomeShow
The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Birmingham NEC
Whether youÔÇÖre planning to build your dream home, add an extension to your current property or remodel your garden, this show is a one-stop shop of advice and bright ideas. The show features thousands of products on display, more than 500 specialist businesses, a planning clinic and experts from Homebuilding and Renovating magazine on hand to answer questions. Visitors can also book a free one-to-one consultation with an impartial expert at The Advice Centre – but hurry, as these slots are extremely popular!┬áMarch 26-29, from ┬ú12 in advance,┬áwww.homebuildingshow.co.uk / @MyHomebuilding
Ideal Home Show, London
ItÔÇÖs hard to believe, but this year marks the 107th Ideal Home Show! And, as befits the grand duchess of all home shows, the IHS has home improvement ideas, garden gadgets, terrific technology and heavenly homeware bursting from every room. Celeb experts include Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, money saving expert Martin Lewis, TV presenter and campaigner Katie Piper and gardening god Alan Titchmarsh, whilst there will be lots of food and drink-related attractions and even a catwalk and daily fashion shows! And with the show returning to its original home, where it was launched by the Daily Mail way back in 1908, itÔÇÖs sure to be one of the most special events yet.┬áMarch 20 – Apr 6, from ┬ú12 in advance, children free (ticket required),┬áhttp://www.idealhomeshow.co.uk / @ideal_home_show
Main photo: Steve Burden 
 
DIY neednÔÇÖt be hard work if you know the rules! Our handy hints donÔÇÖt cut corners but they do cut down on the work in the long term. If you want to start as you mean to continue, read on!
