0:00:02 > 0:00:05We all dream of owning the perfect home but finding a place
0:00:05 > 0:00:08that suits both your wallet and your way of life isn't always easy.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Well, I have a solution.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Stop searching for something to buy and consider somewhere to build.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17Every year 20,000 people make the journey of a lifetime
0:00:17 > 0:00:19and opt to build their own home, and we'll be following
0:00:19 > 0:00:23some of them as they go from foundations to finishing touches.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24It's certainly been relentless.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27You don't get any time off for good behaviour.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Along the way, our brave self-builders
0:00:30 > 0:00:32will experience amazing highs.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Like you say, it's been a dream.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36And it's starting to come together now.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37And some frustrating lows.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41How many more things can go pear-shaped?
0:00:42 > 0:00:45But if they can overcome these trials and tribulations
0:00:45 > 0:00:49they'll end up with the home they've always desired.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53So if you're looking for your perfect pad, the question is simple.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56To build or not to build?
0:01:02 > 0:01:05When the best-laid plans go awry, the self-builders
0:01:05 > 0:01:08in Leeds with serious problems with their planning permission.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Spoke to a guy at the council.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13He just says if I've diversified from the plans
0:01:13 > 0:01:15then I've got to go back and build it as the plans were passed.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18They can help me pull it down if I have to pull it down.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19Simple as that.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22The eco build in Dorset that's poles apart.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26A quick way of getting downstairs.
0:01:26 > 0:01:32And stone me, it's not easy building walls at building college.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36It's impossible. I'm starting to dislike this task already.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Ah, what a view. God's own country.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Now, what would you pay to live in a property
0:01:47 > 0:01:51that was afforded such a grand vista from every room?
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Sadly, such places are difficult to find.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59However, Karl and Lesley Greaves discovered just such a gem in Rawson near Leeds.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Only one problem, though, as far as they were concerned,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06the main eyesore spoiling their glorious outlook was their home.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10So they made the very bold decision to keep the view and build something new.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16This is Karl and Lesley Greaves,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19with their two children Marshall and Saffron.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Oh, and their pet dog, Chester.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25The Greaves family have embarked on the biggest adventure of their lives,
0:02:25 > 0:02:30knocking down their old house and building a brand new family home.
0:02:31 > 0:02:37This was a little three-bed house, sat on a hill with just the most fantastic views,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and this is why we bought this.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44And then the intention was a couple of extensions,
0:02:44 > 0:02:49but three and a half years later, this is it, no house but now the new house.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52This is the beginning, I suppose, of our dream home.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Karl's no stranger to rolling up his sleeves and getting stuck into a bit of building work.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04He's an electrician by trade, but he's putting his business on the back-burner
0:03:04 > 0:03:07to project manage and labour on the 11-month build.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- That will have to go round there the same, to match that door. - Course it will, and that.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15And when Lesley is not sorting Karl's accounts,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17she's on site with a calming cuppa for the crew.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23Despite some early weather delays, work's been motoring along
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and, three months in, the ground floor is almost complete.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29The last two or three weeks, it has flown up.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33I can't believe we got to this stage. It's pretty exciting.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Really exciting, actually.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42With this home flying up, I'm visiting site to check on progress so far
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and sample one of Lesley's famous builder's brews.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- Ha ha, I timed that right. - Mm. Morning.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- Yes, are you all right? - Welcome to my glamorous kitchen(!)
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- It's gorgeous, isn't it(?) - It is. Hmm.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- This is the nerve centre. - This is the nerve centre.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Without me making this... - Things would grind to a halt. Everyone knows that.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08- I'm keeping everybody happy. Sorry, would you like one?!- Yes, please. If you don't mind.- No.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09LAUGHTER
0:04:09 > 0:04:13With service like that, I bet the builders are parched!
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Finally, with cuppa in hand, I can find out more about the build from Lesley
0:04:17 > 0:04:19as Karl cracks on with the work.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- You really get the impression here. - It's coming along nicely. I'm really pleased.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26I've been to many sites now.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29On some of them, there is an old building that isn't worth having.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33But, you are living in a perfectly good house.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Yeah, I suppose we were. But when we found this house, it was the view.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- The view sold it to us. - It's amazing. - Absolutely great.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45It was a big decision. Many, many discussions. "Shall we, shan't we?"
0:04:45 > 0:04:49Now I can see it going up, I feel we've done absolutely the right thing.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Karl and Leslie are building a large, five-bed, three-storey detached house,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58clad in reclaimed stone to blend in with neighbouring properties.
0:04:58 > 0:05:04A balcony with folding patio doors will dominate a front facade heavy on glass
0:05:04 > 0:05:06to soak up the sun and the views.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12The plot and the original house cost £330,000.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16And Karl and Lesley have allocated a further £300,000 for the build,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20taking their total estimated budget to £630,000.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Although designing their perfect home wasn't easy.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Even though it's a new building, it is a traditional-looking build.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31- Was that always the plan?- No.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33It was not our intention.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35When we first decided to build our house,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- we decided we'd like contemporary. - OK.
0:05:37 > 0:05:44But our architect came up with a plan that looked like an aircraft hangar.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48So contemporary for us, actually, it was just too modern.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51It wouldn't have sat well. It's really hard.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54You think, "Design your own house, really easy." But it's not.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00- All we knew was that we wanted huge windows to absorb the view.- Yeah.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04So it took a long time to actually get the final design and get it right.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08The look is how people will judge you, your neighbours, the world at large,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- and anyone who visits you. - That's right.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12It won't be to everyone's taste, but hopefully it will be ours.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- I think it's looking handsome. - It is handsome. It's quite a butch house.- It is.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21It's a good, solid thing. Talking of butch, we are going to see the man.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Absolutely! - Let's go and find him.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- How do.- Perfect.- Perfect, you're saying. A perfect day.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- You look like a happy man. - HE LAUGHS
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- It's coming on. - Indeed it is.- Are you pleased?
0:06:41 > 0:06:45So far, yeah. It's... well, as it should be.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51You do, you look confident. You look very confident.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56It's your trade, but, a big difference now for both of you.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01It isn't just a renovation or bits and bobs here and there, this is the full bit.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04It is. I've never done anything like this before, on this scale.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09It's a case of choosing the right people to do a job, which hopefully I have done.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12And it's going according to plan, because I've got the right people in.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Simple as that. That's the secret behind it all.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Do you feel, as a couple, an extra stress
0:07:18 > 0:07:22because it's your own home you're building, or more pleasure? Go on.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- It's a bit of both, isn't it, Karl? - We used to argue every now and again.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30It's now... It's now more now than now and again!
0:07:30 > 0:07:33While this build might create the odd disagreement,
0:07:33 > 0:07:39if the Greaveses can handle the emotional roller-coaster ride, the rewards could be massive.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45To find a similar site with these glorious views,
0:07:45 > 0:07:49with the house you will end up with, what would you be looking round here?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52I spoke to an estate agent friend and he...
0:07:52 > 0:07:58We're in unknown territory, because to work on a square footage price at 5,000 square feet,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02we're saying £260 per square foot, over £1 million.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05But, in the village, there isn't anything like that.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Suffice to say, you simply couldn't have afforded to buy?- No.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10Not at all.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15If the finished home does hit the magic million-pound mark,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18the projected outlay of 630,000 on plot and construction
0:08:18 > 0:08:23mean the decision to self-build will be well worth it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26But this house isn't going to build itself.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Time to let Karl get back to business.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Anyway, I think I've kept you long enough here. It's about time...
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- The coffee's cold. - Back to the office.- Absolutely.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Cheers, Karl. I'll let you get on. Perfect it is, he said.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47By doing a lot of the work himself, Karl's knocked thousands off his labour bill.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52It's build month four and, today, it's family-heating bills that Karl's concerned about,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55filling the gaps between his insulation boards.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00I see these gaps as where money's leaking out, as in heat.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Probably a bit of a overkill, but...
0:09:06 > 0:09:09..The Germans do it, and if it's good enough for them,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11it's good enough for me.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Insulation is the most important energy-saving feature you can install,
0:09:17 > 0:09:23so a few hours' hard graft plugging the gaps will definitely save money in the future.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28While Karl plugs on as normal, building his home with a view,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32there is actually big trouble looming on the horizon.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38In November last year, the council, the girl from the council, I said to at the time
0:09:38 > 0:09:43I'd decided now to do it in stone as opposed to stone render and cedar clad.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47And assured her I wanted to put the games room on this side,
0:09:47 > 0:09:52because of a building regulations issue over a fire coming up through the staircase.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55She said to me, "Not a problem, we just need to see your stone sample."
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Everything was great.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01She says, "Send it in as amendments on your planning." So we did that last November.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03On Friday this week, they've said no,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06they're not accepting that, it's to be built as per the drawing.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10As the build has developed, Karl has made changes to his original plans.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14But deviations from the drawings need to be approved by planning.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19So I spoke to a guy at the council.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21He says if I've diversified from the plans,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24basically, I've got to go back and build it as the plans were passed.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26As I said to him, "What does that mean?"
0:10:26 > 0:10:30He said, "You've to take it down and rebuild it as it should be."
0:10:31 > 0:10:36So I'm now... I don't know where I'm going, but I'm continuing.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40And they can help me pull it down if I have to pull it down.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45It's as simple as that, because I've got no other option than to carry on.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Because I can't afford to knock it down.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52Karl and Lesley will have to submit a brand-new planning application
0:10:52 > 0:10:55and hope the changes to the original design will be passed.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57They've already demolished one house,
0:10:57 > 0:11:02while building their dream home with a view could turn into a nightmare that they didn't see coming.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12If you go down to the woods today in Dorset, you're in for a big surprise,
0:11:12 > 0:11:18because tucked away among the trees near Lyme Regis is a fabulously futuristic eco-home.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22However, building this house from scratch was certainly no picnic.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31With its bold architecture and sumptuous open-plan layout,
0:11:31 > 0:11:37this five-bedroomed woodland retreat is the realisation of one man's self-build dream.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45For owner Callum Bremner, who lives here with his wife Jane and family,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48life wouldn't be the same without it.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52I wanted to build a house myself. I wanted to build something that would be unique
0:11:52 > 0:11:55and would be to our requirements.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59We didn't want to compromise on what the spaces were and how we'd live here.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05We wanted it to be open-plan. We want it to be places where the kids could escape to
0:12:05 > 0:12:10and also an area where Jane and I could be close most of the time
0:12:10 > 0:12:14without loads of doors and windows and walls covering us.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19For Jane, the most important part was that it enabled the couple to find their spiritual home.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24We took a long time looking for the plot and we were lucky to find it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I've actually lived here all my life
0:12:26 > 0:12:32and I used to walk past the entrance to the plot for many years of my life.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34But I didn't know this place was up here.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39So when it came the market, we were very fortunate to hear about it in the first place.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Although the house is in the middle of a protected woodland,
0:12:42 > 0:12:46it's also a stone's throw from the seaside tourist hotspot of Lyme Regis,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49which meant the land didn't come cheap.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53The plot cost the couple £400,000
0:12:53 > 0:12:56and they set aside £300,000 for the build.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Callum designed the house, using a steel and timber structure,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04with plenty of environmentally-friendly features to suit the location.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11These include a solar-heating system and rainwater harvester.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Callum, who's an instructor in outdoor pursuits,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17decided to save cash by taking a sabbatical
0:13:17 > 0:13:19and project managing the build himself.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24He didn't set himself a deadline, but soon realised he had a mountain to climb.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30Initially, I thought it was achievable within a reasonably short period of time
0:13:30 > 0:13:36and then, after a month, I realised it would be a long period of time and it was hard graft.
0:13:36 > 0:13:44I remember some days I was absolutely caked in mud and it was hard work.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47The project took two and half years
0:13:47 > 0:13:51to complete, but, amazingly, came in £20,000 under budget.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54A feat few self-builders can boast about.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57He achieved this by opting to do most of the work himself
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and not using main contractors or builders.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I would say 90% of everything we did on the house
0:14:04 > 0:14:06was done without contractors.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10So that was where the big money saving was for us, definitely.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Not surprisingly for a house surrounded by trees,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16one of the main features is a wood-burning stove.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The fire is probably the focal point in this area.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24It's a huge wood burner that provides all the heat for the radiators
0:14:24 > 0:14:27throughout the house and also our hot water.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35OK, if we come on to the stairs, the stairs were the big design thing.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37We wanted to make it special.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41What we tried to do is the curves of the kids' bedrooms,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44we tried to duplicate with the curves of the stairs.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47And that was the difficult bit. And it did work well.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50But if you want a quicker way down,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Callum's playful design has given the house another option.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58When we designed the house originally, with the kids involved,
0:14:58 > 0:15:04they wanted a fireman's pole, so when we built the house, we said, "Yeah, why not?"
0:15:04 > 0:15:08So we built the fireman's pole. The kids use it all the time.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Probably not as much as they have done years ago. And it's, well, I'll show you.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16A quick way of getting downstairs.
0:15:25 > 0:15:30With properties on the South Coast changing hands for millions,
0:15:30 > 0:15:36the Bremners have a house they would never otherwise have been able to afford.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Their home has recently been valued at £750,000, which means
0:15:41 > 0:15:44they saved upwards of £70,000 with the decision to self-build.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48But Karen says once in a lifetime is probably enough.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It's weird, because you don't switch off from it.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58There is never a weekend where you can go, "OK, that's it, I won't even worry about it now."
0:15:58 > 0:16:05That's it. It's finished. But it isn't like that. I think the day I switched off was the day we moved in.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22In Leeds, Karl and Lesley Greaves love their view.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25But they didn't like their home.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28So they knocked it down and they are building another one.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31A five-bed, detached home complete with balcony
0:16:31 > 0:16:36and central glass atrium so they can soak up the stunning scenery.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38It's month five, and electrician Karl
0:16:38 > 0:16:41is project managing and labouring on the build.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46The house is looking great, but that's the last thing on Karl's mind.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51He has big worries over his planning permission.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53As well as the changes to the original plans,
0:16:53 > 0:16:58the council have now received several complaints about the removal of trees from the garden
0:16:58 > 0:17:01and, crucially, that the new house appears much bigger
0:17:01 > 0:17:05than the one Karl and Lesley had approval to build.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Well, what a day!
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Today being Monday, the council have just been
0:17:12 > 0:17:16with an enforcement officer to try and close the site down
0:17:16 > 0:17:20due to the fact the neighbours have complained that they think the house is too big.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22So, the council turned up today,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25tried to close the site down until they can get somebody in
0:17:25 > 0:17:29to assess the project, measure it and make sure everything's OK.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Karl and Lesley did show their plans to the neighbours
0:17:32 > 0:17:34before they started building.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36You're not obliged to do it,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40but keeping the locals in the loop should improve your chances
0:17:40 > 0:17:45of a harmonious build, although Karl's PR offensive didn't pay off.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Frustrating, frustrating.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Well, I think it's just a waste of time and energy
0:17:51 > 0:17:54that they're expending, because all they had to do was come round
0:17:54 > 0:17:59and see what I'm doing and realise the changes I have made are for the better.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Not just for myself but for them.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04It's just basically the facade to this side
0:18:04 > 0:18:07and the balcony changes and the fact I've changed the windows
0:18:07 > 0:18:10from long slotted ones that look over my neighbours
0:18:10 > 0:18:14to slotted windows at a high-level so nobody sees it.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17I don't see them, they don't see me.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22But Karl can at least be confident about the dispute over whether the house is too big.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25As far as the size is concerned,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27we've not changed the size of the building.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29The height, the size, it's exactly as it should be.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33That's why we're going on and we are carrying on up.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37But it's not necessarily the size that matters and by continuing
0:18:37 > 0:18:41without planning permission, Karl is taking a big gamble.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44If the planners don't approve his alterations,
0:18:44 > 0:18:45the result could be disastrous.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53The worst case scenario I've got is that these bifold doors on this side
0:18:53 > 0:18:57should have been on this side so I'll have to take all this wall out.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00This wall here should have been rendered on the drawings
0:19:00 > 0:19:03so I'll have to render all that stonework
0:19:03 > 0:19:06and my balcony shouldn't have been curved.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08It should have been angled to the side
0:19:08 > 0:19:11so it means taking the balcony out again
0:19:11 > 0:19:15which, at the moment, stands at about four or five grand.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I've already spent more than I should have done
0:19:17 > 0:19:20on the original drawings so to go back to them,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23I've not even thought about it. I don't want to think about it.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28To get their new design approved, Karl and Lesley have had to start
0:19:28 > 0:19:33from scratch and submit the entire planning application all over again.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38The next vital stage will be another site visit from the council to view the house.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41These plans have gone in and then tomorrow
0:19:41 > 0:19:44I've got the planning officers all coming round
0:19:44 > 0:19:49with a view to where we go from here so fingers crossed for tomorrow.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Hopefully they're on my side, because what I'm doing I feel is common sense.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56But even after their visit, Karl will have to wait anxiously
0:19:56 > 0:20:00for several more weeks before the planners make their decision.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05It's build month six and Karl and Lesley still don't know
0:20:05 > 0:20:08if they have planning permission.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Whilst it isn't illegal to continue building, it's a risk.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15If permission isn't granted, they'll have to rebuild the house
0:20:15 > 0:20:17in accordance with the original plans
0:20:17 > 0:20:19costing time, money and stress.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24Today, the house is ready for the installation of the rafters that will form the roof.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I'm one of the most important people on site - without this,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31no-one can get through the day. This and fig rolls.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35But with concern over steel measurements,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39what's needed more than tea and biscuits is a calculator.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42So what's that measurement there?
0:20:42 > 0:20:46Takeaway 500...155.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48What have you got?
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- < What did you have?- 330?
0:20:52 > 0:20:56It's a calculation conundrum that could be problematic.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58The measurements on the plans are different
0:20:58 > 0:21:02to the actual size of the steel, which means they won't fit.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05But Karl is taking this mix-up in his stride.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11The measurements from there to there on the drawings
0:21:11 > 0:21:14are not what is actually on site
0:21:14 > 0:21:17so we've just got a bit to chop off there.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19You can chop bits off, but you can't add bits.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25And he is sure of at least one thing, it's not his fault.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32You've got five metres 500 and I got five metres and 50.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I think somebody's punched the wrong number.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36(Not me.)
0:21:36 > 0:21:39A quick recalculation and the problem's fixed.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43The teams start to raise the roof, which makes all the recent stress
0:21:43 > 0:21:46start to seem worthwhile to Karl.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47Perfect.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49It's amazing, isn't it,
0:21:49 > 0:21:53how it comes together just from a few steels going up. It takes shape.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00In the week that follows, a fresh problem arises.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05This steel is six inches too high.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08This point in the steel should have been equal
0:22:08 > 0:22:10to this point on the wall plate.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15So when our timbers go on top here, that raises us another six inches.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19This means the roof will be higher than his planning permission allows.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24With all the planning issues and unhappy neighbours, this is one problem Karl needs to solve.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26After some fresh calculations,
0:22:26 > 0:22:31Karl has a solution that turns out to be better than the original plan.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36What we are having to do now is put the timbers in the steel here.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Running in line with that, which will then make it
0:22:39 > 0:22:42so that all our original heights are all kept
0:22:42 > 0:22:46and then this steel beam which was going to hang underneath
0:22:46 > 0:22:49is now within the roof's void, so we've lost this beam.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53Where we were going to have to build a wall off this to hide it,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57we now can move our walls and make rooms better and more usable.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00The steel beams will now be hidden in the ceiling
0:23:00 > 0:23:05rather than protruding, giving more space in the upstairs bedrooms.
0:23:05 > 0:23:12What we first thought was going to be an ocean-going gigantic disaster
0:23:12 > 0:23:13turned out to be...
0:23:13 > 0:23:15um...
0:23:15 > 0:23:19a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, as it were.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22As I say, don't panic, we're not on the Titanic.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Two weeks later, I'm back on site to find out how Karl and Lesley
0:23:29 > 0:23:33have been coping with what has become an extremely stressful build.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35I'm keen to find out if the planning department
0:23:35 > 0:23:40have reached their decision on the alterations Karl and Lesley have already made.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42We've done the changes
0:23:42 > 0:23:44and I explained why we made the changes we made.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48We altered windows and various bits and pieces.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51We've got planning in for all these changes,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53which got refused last week.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56We are carrying on and we're just going to put planning in again,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58because they're not bothered about the house
0:23:58 > 0:24:00or the garage we're trying to get built.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03It was more to do with the garden levels and the planting.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07So they'll have to submit a third planning application
0:24:07 > 0:24:09to obtain full permission.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12This one with regards to their landscaping.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15However, there is still the thorny issue of their relationship
0:24:15 > 0:24:17with the neighbours.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Is there anything you would have done differently on that front?
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Would you have gone to the neighbours beforehand or chatted to them?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27We did.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31When we decided that that was the house we were going to build,
0:24:31 > 0:24:32Karl went round to every neighbour
0:24:32 > 0:24:36in close proximity and said, this is it.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38This is what we're doing, have you got any objections,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40before we actually put them in.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Do you think as well now people are starting to see
0:24:43 > 0:24:47what the house looks like, because it is going to be very impressive,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49the stonework is a very impressive thing,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52do you think they are starting to go actually...
0:24:52 > 0:24:55We've had some really good feedback generally.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58People walking at the bottom of the garden, looks fantastic.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Neighbours up the street have really been interested
0:25:01 > 0:25:04and have wanted to wander down and have a look.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07We certainly love it. Well, I do.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10But Karl is obviously a bit too close to the project
0:25:10 > 0:25:12to get all soppy on us.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15It looks fantastic.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18You must be really proud, Karl.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Well, it's just as it is on the drawing.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Never mind just as it is on the drawing. No, it's not.
0:25:25 > 0:25:33That's a very, very solid looking, imposing kind of handsome house.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Drawings aren't like that.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Once it's in-filled because it's all dug out,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41it's still out of the ground, as it were, that will
0:25:41 > 0:25:46make it more planted, because at the moment it just looks massive.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52I think that's what the neighbours were alluding to.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53Don't say that too much.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57How long then, go on? I know you don't want to.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- Don't put him under pressure. - I like putting him under pressure.
0:26:01 > 0:26:06Let's say it takes another two months to get the windows in.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Then I probably think another couple of months,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12three months after that, so five months.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17Oh no! I thought it was August 31st.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20I've caused a domestic, haven't I? I'll leave you to discuss that.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22I'll see you around.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Two months. I'll give it two months.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32What's that, the marriage?
0:26:37 > 0:26:39If you're self-building,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43then being a dab hand at DIY is a good way to save money.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46But you definitely need the know-how
0:26:46 > 0:26:50so I'm taking a crash course in classes at building college.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54So bricks are a breeze, but if I do ever build an entire house,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57what if like Karl and Lesley I fancy the more traditional look?
0:26:59 > 0:27:03It's stonework today with that slave driver, Malcolm Boyle.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Just a little bit different today.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Stonework is becoming more common. People like the traditional look, more rustic.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21As you're a semi-expert now, you're almost there, a semi-professional,
0:27:21 > 0:27:25we'll let you loose on the trowel without too much direction from me.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29What do you mean too much direction? You keep getting off anyway.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Well, you know, it's called distance learning.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Sometimes you step back and let the student carry on by themselves.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39This is actually artificial stone made of concrete.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42The blocks come in set sizes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45As much as it seems that bricks-wise we want all the joints
0:27:45 > 0:27:50to be in line, with stonework we want the joints not quite to be in line.
0:27:50 > 0:27:51We want a random effect throughout.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54The good thing if you'll notice on this wall itself,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56we've got three different sizes.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58The ratio of two of each will always fit in.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02The task for you today is to get each one fitting in
0:28:02 > 0:28:06without the joints being in line and making sure there's no straight joints.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08As if my work with a trowel wasn't good enough,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11now you've given me some maths thrown in as well.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13I think because you've got to use your brain as well,
0:28:13 > 0:28:18we might need to give you a little bit longer time on this one. I'll give you 10 minutes.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- OK.- See you in 10.- Here we go.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27So it's easy. There's big stone, little stone and medium-sized stone.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32Always a bit of this first. Told you, don't know why.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Two of each makes one row,
0:28:34 > 0:28:39but my vertical mortar joints shouldn't be in line with any others.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43OK. Common sense tells me that if you've got
0:28:43 > 0:28:45a small one and a long one,
0:28:45 > 0:28:50if we start with a middle-sized one, it should get me going in the right way.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54I've just noticed something. Malcolm's staying.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57He must be worried.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00It must be expensive, this stuff, if he's around.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05I think he's doing pretty well, actually. Two minutes and he's got one laid.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09I think I preferred... What did you call it, distance learning?
0:29:09 > 0:29:10I think I preferred that.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16Speaking of distance, I'm getting muddled with my measurements.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22That's no good, is it? Naughty boy.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Ah, this joint would be in line with the one two rows below.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- I'm guessing that joint's going to be...- Oh, no!
0:29:31 > 0:29:33And now the row directly below.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38There's a classic straight joint. Excellent, well done, that man.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41The way I'm going, no stone will be left unturned.
0:29:41 > 0:29:42It's impossible.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46I'm starting to dislike this task already, Malcolm.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48I prefer bricks, they're all the same size.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51It's a good job we only decided to give you three different sizes
0:29:51 > 0:29:53to work with, isn't it?
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Did you say you had to use two of each?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58If you don't use two of each, you're either going to end up
0:29:58 > 0:30:01with a big gap at the end or basically it won't fit.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06You've now got two minutes left.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- I've got myself down a hole, haven't I?- Yeah.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- You know we were talking about using two of each?- Yeah.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- You've actually put three of the same in.- Oh, no!
0:30:17 > 0:30:20I've got to concede defeat any moment now.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Well, I don't think I'm going to have any choice, am I?
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- OK, then, Simon, that's your time up, I'm afraid.- No, hang on.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Seriously, last one. I'll give you another 20 seconds.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Um...
0:30:32 > 0:30:36Give me as long as you want, it's not going to fit.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- I guess my joints were too big, where the?- Yeah, that's good. It's well spotted now.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44It would've been better if you'd spotted them a little bit earlier.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47With my building reputation dropping like a stone,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49time for some lateral thinking.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54There you go, mate. Plumb.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55Fantastic.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Where there's a will there's a way.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59HE LAUGHS
0:30:59 > 0:31:03I don't know who laid those bottom two courses but have you seen the gap they left?
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Go on, score me.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08On the stonework, I think you've just let yourself down a little bit
0:31:08 > 0:31:11and I think you're down to a five on that one.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18I started off quite confident about my brickwork, certainly,
0:31:18 > 0:31:20when I started with you.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22And now, having done three days with you,
0:31:22 > 0:31:24I'm never going to touch a brick again.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Can we have that in writing, please?
0:31:27 > 0:31:28HE LAUGHS
0:31:33 > 0:31:35In Rawdon, it's build month seven
0:31:35 > 0:31:39and Karl and Lesley are building a family home with views to die for.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42It could end up being worth the best part of £1 million,
0:31:42 > 0:31:46although the invoices do feel never-ending at times.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Anything to report, Karl?
0:31:49 > 0:31:50I'm skint.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52SHE LAUGHS
0:31:52 > 0:31:56But Karl and Lesley have a bigger problem than construction costs -
0:31:56 > 0:32:01they're still waiting to hear if the third planning application they've submitted
0:32:01 > 0:32:05has been approved by the council's planning department.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10Despite the lack of a decision, Karl's ploughing on regardless.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13We're building a house now with no planning permission.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I'm just doing what I have to do to get it finished.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I'm too far in now to start worrying about it.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23But the uncertainty, coupled with the complaints he's received,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26has left Karl fed up and frustrated.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29You presume, like, you're building your own house
0:32:29 > 0:32:33it's going to be your dream, you're going to take a year out, be here every day
0:32:33 > 0:32:36and just enjoy it. It just became a nightmare
0:32:36 > 0:32:39because the neighbours are literally doing my head in.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43It's build month nine and, after lots of anxiety and stress
0:32:43 > 0:32:45over their planning permission,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Karl and Lesley have received a decision from the planners.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Hey hey, it has been passed, so we're dead chuffed.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55It means we can crack on and get the house finished.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57It's a huge relief.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Coupled with a relaxing holiday, it seems all the stress of this build
0:33:01 > 0:33:04has once again been replaced by enthusiasm.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07We landed about 11 o'clock at night and we got straight in the car
0:33:07 > 0:33:10and came down here just to look at it.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- We were that excited, weren't we? - Yeah.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Not that Karl totally switched off while he was on the beach.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19As much as you wanted to be there and you felt you needed to be on holiday,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23I couldn't wait to get home, to be fair. I'm never ever like that, ever.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28So the decision to keep building hasn't backfired,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31but two extra planning applications
0:33:31 > 0:33:35and architects' fees have cost an additional £1,000.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Not to mention all the hassle and tension, too.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43It's been so exciting doing this
0:33:43 > 0:33:47that it's almost put a downer on it on occasions, hasn't it?
0:33:47 > 0:33:48It really has.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52You have days when I've walked down the drive and thought,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56"I'm not sure about this house now. It's not how I envisaged, I don't like it."
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Now this is done I'm quite pleased with how it's turned out.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05It's build month 11 when Karl, and particularly Lesley,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07had hoped to be in their new home.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10But the house is still not finished and the family are still living
0:34:10 > 0:34:15in a rented cottage, which is an extra cost on their build budget.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18For every month we're paying £1,000 rent,
0:34:18 > 0:34:22you know, that's another part towards another bathroom,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24so we can get those better things
0:34:24 > 0:34:27but it's whether or not it's right for the kids coming
0:34:27 > 0:34:29and moving into a building site.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35It's £12,000 and counting on the rent.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38But now the windows are fitted and the house is watertight,
0:34:38 > 0:34:44electrician Karl has sparked into life working inside the house.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49You become obsessed with things on a daily basis,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52like I obsessed about stone before we started building it,
0:34:52 > 0:34:57and now we're obsessing about bathrooms and kitchens.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Thick worktops with a pale unit and a pale floor.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04And you introduce your other colours with your dining room chairs
0:35:04 > 0:35:06or a piece of art on the wall or,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09you know, a brightly coloured sofa or...
0:35:10 > 0:35:13So maybe interior design's not exactly Karl's thing,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17but Lesley is in her element.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21I'm looking at wallpapers and sofas and things now.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Obviously not telling Karl yet.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25But it is, it's really getting exciting.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Feels more like a home now.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31By build month 12, there's some way to go before Lesley will be
0:35:31 > 0:35:35kitting out the interior. The main staircase is going in, though.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38And to keep costs down, Karl's ditched plans for an expensive
0:35:38 > 0:35:41curving stairway for something more modest.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45The elliptical staircase was £21,000,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49this is eight, so, no-brainer, really.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54But does this substantial staircase saving of £13,000 mean Lesley can
0:35:54 > 0:35:58splash the cash on her dream kitchen?
0:35:58 > 0:36:02- Kitchens are just so expensive. - They are, aren't they? - For a pile of wood.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Well, it's, like, 19 units coming in at £19,000,
0:36:06 > 0:36:08hence, they're £1,000 each.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- It's just...- Can't afford it.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- It's not a case of we can't afford it.- It's not that.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19- We can afford it.- We can't justify spending that amount of money.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22And also, if we did spend that amount of money on a kitchen,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25it would be a fantastic kitchen and it would be just what we wanted,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28but, you know, the stairs might end halfway down.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- You'll have to jump the last three. - Oh, no, not the ladder again!
0:36:39 > 0:36:42So have Karl and Lesley gone for a stairway to heaven
0:36:42 > 0:36:44or ended up with a kitchen calamity?
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Three months later I'm back in West Yorkshire
0:36:47 > 0:36:48and eager for a final look.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Some properties, such as Karl and Lesley's,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55are apparently all about the view.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59But, you know, in my view, the house itself looks stunning.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Karl and Lesley set themselves a challenge to build a house
0:37:06 > 0:37:10which could hold its own against its magnificent surroundings.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17This spectacular success story has certainly stepped up to the plate.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- Hiya. May I?- Come on in.- Beautiful. This place looks great.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29With five bedrooms and four bathrooms,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31this is stylish living on a grand scale.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35And there's no doubt this energetic electrician has built a house
0:37:35 > 0:37:37with an incredible buzz
0:37:37 > 0:37:38from the glorious balcony
0:37:38 > 0:37:40to the ultra-sleek kitchen cum family room,
0:37:40 > 0:37:44this place is in a league of its own.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45Wow!
0:37:46 > 0:37:50This is just amazing.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53The view speaks for itself, but what a living space.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- Are you happy, Lesley? - Extremely happy, yes.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57It's a fab space,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59favourite room in the house for me, definitely.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04- I can see why. Karl?- Yeah, well, as long as the wife's happy, I'm happy.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09It has exceeded my expectations, just this room alone.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11It's just wonderful.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Love it, absolutely love it.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18The lounge is still a work in progress and,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20after rushing to complete the build,
0:38:20 > 0:38:25they're taking their time to make sure they get it right.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28In here we've sort of got the carpet, got the fire.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Normally I'd be thinking about curtains but I haven't yet.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34From the outside all the way through to the inside
0:38:34 > 0:38:37there's kind of a modesty and understatement about the way
0:38:37 > 0:38:41you've built the place and about the way now that you're designing
0:38:41 > 0:38:44the interior. That's fair to say, isn't it?
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- There's nothing flashy.- Yeah. - No, we're not really.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49No, it's about quality
0:38:49 > 0:38:53and all the design, really.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59It's clear Karl and Lesley are starting to feel at home here
0:38:59 > 0:39:02and Chester's fitting in nicely with the surroundings, too.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06But no time for us to 'paws', I want to see what else there is,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08including Karl's fabulous stairs.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12And, wow, have these turned into a work of art.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16There aren't many staircases with a view like that, though.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Upstairs the bedrooms and bathrooms still require a bit of TLC,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22but the couple's attention to detail means
0:39:22 > 0:39:25they're still determined to keep the quality high.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29Are you getting to the point where there are a few little bits
0:39:29 > 0:39:32that are still works in progress
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- around the place that you just wish it was done?- Yeah.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39Of course, I wish it was done, but I need time to go out
0:39:39 > 0:39:43and, me being me, obsess about the bits that we're going to finish them with,
0:39:43 > 0:39:46because I won't choose something for the sake of it.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51No. We've spent a long time over picking everything, haven't we?
0:39:51 > 0:39:54But at least the end is now in sight
0:39:54 > 0:39:55and, over the next few months,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58they can begin to complete the finishing tasks,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01such as the games room and spare bedroom.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02Has it all been worth it?
0:40:02 > 0:40:06The couple bought their plot and original house for £330,000
0:40:06 > 0:40:10and estimated £300,000 to complete the house.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14So far they're over budget by £19,000.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17So, with a total spend of £650,000,
0:40:17 > 0:40:19has it made financial sense?
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Now, as you know, there's been a valuer
0:40:22 > 0:40:24- having a nose around your place. - Yeah.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27And the valuation they've given this property,
0:40:27 > 0:40:32they have said that they would be happy to value this place
0:40:32 > 0:40:34at £1.1 million.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35Gosh!
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- Sold.- I'm not buying it!
0:40:39 > 0:40:40- Come on, that's good.- Wow.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- That's fantastic, isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47It's a wonderful space, absolutely wonderful. Love it to bits.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- You know, I really do.- I will one day, when we've finished it.- Yeah.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57That's an enormous saving of £450,000
0:40:57 > 0:40:59compared to buying an equivalent home.
0:40:59 > 0:41:05And it's testament to Karl's hard work and Lesley's determination to go for broke.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- You can now stand in this space and say, "I did this."- Yeah.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13There must be a great sense of achievement in that.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- There is.- There is. And I also think, in 100 years' time,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- I won't be sat in this house. - That's true, isn't it? - It'll be here long after me.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Building your own house feels to me
0:41:22 > 0:41:25almost to be like achieving immortality, in a small way.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- Does that make sense?- Yeah, is does. - A legacy.- That's right, yeah.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30This'll be mine.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Karl and Lesley have steered their way through
0:41:34 > 0:41:35a few planning nightmares,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38from deviations with their original design
0:41:38 > 0:41:43to objections from the neighbours, but are their battles with red tape finally behind them?
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Part of the planning that we actually did eventually receive
0:41:48 > 0:41:51excluded the garden because of what's called
0:41:51 > 0:41:53raised levels and platforms,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- which... I have raised my levels and my platforms.- Yes.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59We had to to have a garden we would spend any time in.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03So I've now got to put full planning in again for my garden.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08But I know them all by first name now, so I can just say, "Look..."
0:42:08 > 0:42:10"Hello, Karl, are you all right?"
0:42:10 > 0:42:12"Remember me?"
0:42:12 > 0:42:13There you go. So, even at this point,
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- your dealings with the Planning Department are not finished? - Oh, no.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Listen, that reminds me, I've got a present for you that might be pertinent.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22Won't be a minute.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24It's not a new sofa?
0:42:25 > 0:42:28I just thought, with your story being what it was,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31that you might appreciate this.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33THEY LAUGH
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- That's fab.- Lovely. Thank you very much.- That's lovely.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40You just haven't got that bit there quite right.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41THEY LAUGH
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- That's fab. - This is a very, very handsome house.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47You've kind of done that very clever trick
0:42:47 > 0:42:50of having a very traditional looking property and, inside,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52a really contemporary home.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Yeah, that's what we aimed to do.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- He's not bad when he pulls his finger out.- No, he's done very well.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00I haven't got fingers left!
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Subtitles by Red Bee Media.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14e-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk