Driving down costs at the Improve Your Home Show

Habitat ReStore, open at Riverside Centre in Lisburn, is the first of its kind in Europe. ReStore is the low-cost DIY store that sells donated new and used building supplies and home improvement materials at 50-75% of the normal retail value.

Taking place on 12th-13th October, this year’s Improve Your Home Show will be officially opened by BBC’s ‘DIY SOS’ and Habitat Ambassador, Julia Kendell. The ReStore stand at the show will provide visitors with ideas and inspiration but all within a shoe-string budget.

As part of the new partnership, this year’s show will also feature a Habitat ReStore drop-off hub where families can bring left over home, building and garden materials and donate them to the store.

Self Build Ireland Limited, which runs the highly successful annual Self Build & Improve Your Home Show in Belfast, Dublin and Cork, is the company behind Improve Your Home.  Company Director, Brian Corry, was present at the launch.

“The Improve Your Home Show is now in its third year and, despite the recession, has continued to grow year on year. It meets the demand for ideas and products from everyone who wants to improve rather than move.

Having Habitat ReStore on board this year provides a new dimension and offers homeowners a means to not only improve their home at an affordable price, but also the chance to help Habitat and reduce waste.”

This year’s show, in association with Phoenix Natural Gas, will have over 100 exhibitors, live demonstrations and zones including the Phoenix Gas Village, kitchens and bathrooms, interiors, gardens, energy and technology. It’s a must visit event for every homeowner.

Dianne Whyte, Corporate Relations Manager for Habitat Northern Ireland, said

“The success of ReStore since its launch has exceeded all our expectations; it’s become a real hub for our work. With more and more local families struggling to make ends meet, by selling donated materials at affordable prices they can now afford to make essential repairs or improve their homes for less.  It’s a win-win for everyone, with tons of useable materials being diverted from landfill and with the funds raised we’re helping families in need globally with new and improved shelter.”

The show is open on Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th October from 10am to 6pm.  Entry is £6 at the door or use the promotional code “HABITAT” at www.yourhome.ie for half price tickets. For further information about Habitat ReStore visit www.habitatni.co.uk