Self Builders’ Own Stories
Self Builders’ Own Stories is an opportunity to hear from people who have already completed a self build or renovation project. Hear real self builders and renovators talking about how they went about creating the home of their dreams. Learn from their mistakes, hear their top tips and ask them questions about their experiences. Take a look at the projects that were discussed at previous shows and head back here soon for an update on the Bicester schedule. You can also take a look at some more real self builder projects, via Build It’s dedicated website.
Meet Craig and LB
Oak frame self build
Craig and fiancée LB are in the middle of self building their dream home in Herefordshire. Having overcome a tricky planning process, their new oak frame Oakwrights property is currently at second fix stage. The structure is in place, meaning the details are now being carefully crafted; recent work includes internal plastering and bathroom tiling. Learn about how this young couple are juggling full time jobs with self building their dream home – aiming to move in before they get married.
Hear Build It’s story
Self Build Education House
Build It’s innovative Self Build Education House is a real-life house, designed solely to inform and inspire people who want to create an individual home. Hear about our self build journey from the design and planning phase including the decision to maximise space with a full basement-which steered us towards building with insulating concrete formwork (ICF)-to the completion with eye catching details such as a feature staircase. The finished build in Graven Hill, Bicester is now open to visitors.
Meet Clive & Linda
Package home in the country
Clive and Linda Parry have moved out of busy Bromley and self built their dream home in the country. They’d taken on some fairy major renovations in the past, but this was their first project built from scratch, so they did thorough research to get prepared, reading magazines like Build It and visiting self build shows. Impressed by Hanse Haus, they decided to buy a turnkey package; the property arrived on site in sections and the main structure was assembled within just five days. There were some hurdles along the way, but the project came together smoothly and the couple are thrilled with their light-filled and energy-efficient new home.
Meet David & Debbie
Accessible family home renovation
When David and Debbie Sesay were looking for a property better suited to family life with a child with special needs, they decided the best solution was to transform their own home. The architect-led project has completely rearranged the property’s layout. A rear extension hosts a sociable open-plan kitchen-dining-living space, connected to the garden with wide spans of glazed doors. The original living room is now a bedroom and wetroom for the couple’s son. Upstairs a loft conversion hosts a new master bedroom, ensuite and dressing room. The result is a contemporary home that’s both stylish and practical. The architect for this home, Architects Atelier was shortlisted for the 2019 Best Accessible Home category in the Build It Awards.
