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A recent poll showed 60 per cent of home improvers have been left feeling stressed after having workmen in their home. And as homeowners turn to improving rather than moving, this problem (and blood pressure around the UK) is set to rise. Home improvement store Wickes has just published a guide called ‘How to cope with building works’ in collaboration with a panel of tradesmen. This brilliant little guide offers expert advice on how to prepare your home, and yourself, before the work begins.

If you are working up to a self-build or renovation project for the New Year, get along to the National Self Build & Renovation Show (18-21 October 07). There is a packed programme lined up with seminars, product demonstrations, presentations and practical skills workshops from some of the industry's leading experts and professionals - a wealth of hints and advice to ensure your home improvements go without hitch. Tickets to the event are £8 per adult, and under 16's go free. And there is a two for one offer for readers.

If a Bank Holiday weekend of DIY has left you feeling hungry for more, you might be ready for the ultimate challenge: building your own home. Like anything else, cutting out the middle man saves a lot of money, and self building offers huge potential savings. Which is where the Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon can help. A temple to all ambitious DIYers, it offers reams of free advice with educational displays, advice centres with experts on hand, an interactive Renovation Zone, two audio tours/guides, plus weekly seminars, live demos and events.

If a Bank Holiday weekend of DIY has left you feeling hungry for more, you might be ready for the ultimate challenge: building your own home. Like anything else, cutting out the middle man saves a lot of money, and self building offers huge potential savings. Which is where the Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon can help. An temple to all ambitious DIYers, it offers reams of free advice with educational displays, advice centres with experts on hand, an interactive Renovation Zone, two audio tours/guides, plus weekly seminars, live demos and events.