0:00:02 > 0:00:05We all dream of owning the perfect home. But finding a place that suits both your wallet
0:00:05 > 0:00:07and your way of life isn't always easy.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08I have a solution.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Stop searching for something to buy and consider somewhere to build.
0:00:13 > 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.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23We'll be following some of them as they go from foundations to finishing touches.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Along the way, our brave self-builders will experience
0:00:27 > 0:00:28amazing highs.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30It's magic, it really is.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33If you're not careful, I'll throw my hat in the air.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36And some frustrating lows.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38We've lived off every last resource we've got.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41We'll just have to beg, steal and borrow for that last few thousand.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45But if they can overcome these trials and tribulations.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48We are getting the house we want on the plot we like
0:00:48 > 0:00:49and the two are coming together.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53They'll end up with the home they've always desired.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57So if you're looking for your perfect pad, the question is simple -
0:00:57 > 0:01:01To Build Or Not To Build.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Coming up - the airline pilot's self-build
0:01:09 > 0:01:12in Surrey that's in for a bumpy ride.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14All the pipework for the kitchen is over there
0:01:14 > 0:01:16in the extension we haven't got planning for,
0:01:16 > 0:01:17Can you imagine not getting planning?
0:01:17 > 0:01:20This self-built home in Cambridgeshire
0:01:20 > 0:01:22that's a real barnstormer.
0:01:22 > 0:01:23I've always wanted to build a house
0:01:23 > 0:01:26and it was a golden opportunity to do that.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29And can I master the plaster at building college?
0:01:29 > 0:01:32If you ever get me round to do any plastering in your house,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35I would highly recommend taking the carpets away.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Today, I'm in the heart of leafy if slightly damp Surrey to meet
0:01:43 > 0:01:46a self-builder whose bid to build a dream family home
0:01:46 > 0:01:47is really taking off.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Airline pilot Chris McHale his project managing his self-build
0:01:51 > 0:01:53from his very own control tower.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57So, will it be a smooth flight or will he hit turbulence along the way?
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Chris McHale is a man used to living the high life.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07An airline pilot for the past 16 years,
0:02:07 > 0:02:12his jet-setting job has taken him all over the world.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15But when captain Chris isn't up, up and away with work,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19he's at home spending time with wife Claire and kids Andrew, Jonathan and Anna
0:02:19 > 0:02:23in the gorgeous Surrey green belt close to Gatwick.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Homes in this part of the world sell for millions
0:02:27 > 0:02:31but canny captain McHale is masterminding a first-class family house
0:02:31 > 0:02:33on an economy-class budget,
0:02:33 > 0:02:36all to be built in his own garden
0:02:36 > 0:02:39and controlled from his summer house.
0:02:39 > 0:02:45We bought the plot about five years ago for a princely sum of £405,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- With a perfectly good house on it? - Yeah, it's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Aesthetically not the best but... - It's beautiful.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Built in 1955.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55While the old place might be dated,
0:02:55 > 0:02:59what they intend to replace it with will be completely desirable.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02With the help of an architect, they've designed an oak
0:03:02 > 0:03:05and soft wood-framed five bed home that combines
0:03:05 > 0:03:09a traditional exterior with contemporary design on the inside.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13The focal point of their whole plan is the so-called great hall,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16where seven metre high arches will create a huge light-filled
0:03:16 > 0:03:18lounge area for all the family to share.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20It's a marriage of old and new, isn't it?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Yes, it's a sort of design feature.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26We wanted something that was modern and that our family could live in
0:03:26 > 0:03:28and was a sensible way to live,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31but where you've got a bit of character as well.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35But building this fabulous family home is definitely going to be
0:03:35 > 0:03:39a challenge as the McHales' budget is relatively modest
0:03:39 > 0:03:41given the size and scale of the project.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46We've got a build budget and that's all we've got - £300,000.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49We'll be in for about £705,000 in total.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52The immediate figure that jumped out at me there is
0:03:52 > 0:03:57to build something of such beauty, £300,000, that sounds quite tight?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59You must have been holding on to the reins?
0:03:59 > 0:04:03We've been very, very careful. I'm project managing it.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06I've gone out to each particular company
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and managed to negotiate the various parts of it.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11In doing so, I saved a fortune.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16By dealing direct, Chris has knocked around £20,000 off the cost
0:04:16 > 0:04:19of the frame alone before work even began.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24His key to saving success - don't be embarrassed to ask for discounts.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28A building like this - and you're really going for a quality finish and a quality build -
0:04:28 > 0:04:32you would almost think the price that you're quoted
0:04:32 > 0:04:35would be the price, you don't believe in that at all?
0:04:35 > 0:04:36I don't, actually.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40I'd never associate high quality with excessive cost.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45I think you can achieve high quality, a very high quality finish,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47for a reasonable cost.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50I don't think you can have it cheap, cheap, cheap,
0:04:50 > 0:04:51but you can certainly be careful.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Every pound's a prisoner, so for every quid you save,
0:04:54 > 0:04:59it adds up to 100 quid and then 1,000 and then we're in tens of thousands.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Remind me never to try to do business with Chris.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It wouldn't be a good idea. I'm going to lose, aren't I?
0:05:04 > 0:05:07If Chris can keep on top of the budget,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10then choosing to self-build their home could pay off big-time
0:05:10 > 0:05:13compared to buying a property in this area.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Typical values of this, we've had three agents round,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and the values have ranged with the lowest we've had
0:05:19 > 0:05:22being £1.55 million.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24The highest ones about 1.75.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27So that's a massive saving.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31It's a significant saving but ultimately we are doing it
0:05:31 > 0:05:35because we want to build something that suits our lifestyle and our family.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It's great that we're building a lot of equity into it
0:05:38 > 0:05:40but that's not the primary reason.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45In between his busy flying schedule, Chris will project manage
0:05:45 > 0:05:49the 10-month build while Claire will take sole charge on the home front
0:05:49 > 0:05:52whilst also juggling her job as director of a pharmaceutical company.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56For both of them, this is a big undertaking.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01We both work full-time, we've got three young kids and, ultimately,
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Chris takes the stress of the build on
0:06:03 > 0:06:07and I take the stress of the three kids and the job and the house
0:06:07 > 0:06:09and him and the dog.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I'm very much hard work.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15The bottom line is we are trying to build a beautiful family home
0:06:15 > 0:06:19which we can hopefully live in for the next 20 years
0:06:19 > 0:06:21as our young family grow up, really.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25The family are building right next to their existing bungalow
0:06:25 > 0:06:27and will live on site during the build.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Then, they'll demolish it when the new home's finished.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32But this project will not be straightforward.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Chris only has planning permission to replace the old house
0:06:35 > 0:06:37with a new property of similar size.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42However, the one he's planning to build is actually 40% bigger.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43To get round this, he's applied
0:06:43 > 0:06:46for secondary planning permission for an extension
0:06:46 > 0:06:50off the main hall that will house the kitchen and a separate lounge.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52It's an enormous gamble.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55If the planners say no, Chris will only have half a house
0:06:55 > 0:06:59and the McHale family meals might be microwaved ones for the foreseeable future.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05It's build month one, and the McHale big build
0:07:05 > 0:07:09is cleared for departure in the depths of winter.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12With builders often quiet at this time of year, Chris found a company
0:07:12 > 0:07:15who could start straight away and he was able to knock
0:07:15 > 0:07:19around £5,000 off their ground works bill compared to starting in spring.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27But there is a reason many people don't choose to start in winter. Bad weather,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29and it's already had an impact.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34We've lost a lot of time due to poor weather. The guys are trying to make up time now.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39It's very hard, obviously, with it being sticky, it's like glue.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42They have had quite a few cave-ins.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Every time it caves in, you've got to use more concrete.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48More concrete is more expense and more expense means the budget
0:07:48 > 0:07:54that I have is obviously going to have to accept that extra spend.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59That's when I get stressed, when I start to waste money due to things that are outside my control.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06The additional cement costs Chris an extra £600
0:08:06 > 0:08:11and he'll just have to hope the weather holds until the ground works are complete.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17Into build month two and while the guys make muddy progress on site,
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Chris and Claire are in Wales
0:08:19 > 0:08:23watching their timber-frame being made using traditional techniques.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Working this wood by hand is a real skill and requires precision
0:08:27 > 0:08:29and meticulous measurements.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32By build month three, the foundations are finished
0:08:32 > 0:08:34and the scaffolding is in place
0:08:34 > 0:08:36for the oak and softwood frame's construction.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Chris is looking forward to the next big stage of the build.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45The timber-frame erectors have just arrived, the frames aren't here yet.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47It's all quite exciting, really.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I'm a little bit nervous as to whether it's all going to fit but I'm sure it will.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57And it doesn't take the frame company long to transform the site
0:08:57 > 0:09:01from a scaffolding skeleton into something resembling a house.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08The rapid progress in just 10 days certainly impresses Chris.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12I didn't expect the frame to have gone up so rapidly.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16It's great to see this dream suddenly be on your doorstep, which of course it is.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19But halfway through the frame going up,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22there's a massive issue for Chris to deal with.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24The main problem we've got at the moment is the oak frame,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26this beautiful oak frame,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30doesn't actually fit on the foundation that it's been designed for.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32These are the three main oak sections.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36At high-level, roughly three metres, we've got these wall plates.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39These wall plates connect the vertical legs together.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42The problem we've got is the third bay, this one,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44the wall plate is 200 mm too long,
0:09:44 > 0:09:49which essentially means the whole frame structure is 200 mm too long.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53A mistake with the plans means the frame doesn't fit correctly.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It's engineer to go into precise slots, or pads,
0:09:56 > 0:09:58already fixed into the foundations,
0:09:58 > 0:10:04so the smallest inaccuracy could result in disastrous consequences for the whole structure.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08If they don't sit entirely on the pad,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11there's a possibility that we could have cracking
0:10:11 > 0:10:15and the roof could start to shift, which is obviously no good.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It's not just a simple question of chopping 200 mm off.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19All these joints are made by hand.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22They're hand-carved and they're quite intricate.
0:10:22 > 0:10:28In order to shorten the whole bay by 200 mm is actually a fairly big job.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32In fact, we've got to shorten five separate oak beams by 200 mm.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Sorting it out will take time and cash
0:10:35 > 0:10:37and project manager Chris is not a happy man.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44It is immensely frustrating because I am the project manager, the buck stops with me.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47I have to keep everything going, I've got to keep all the trades employed.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51If I don't, it's going to end up costing me money
0:10:51 > 0:10:53and I can't afford to burst the budget.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55To rectify the problem,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58some of the beams have to be altered on site for them to fit properly.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Correcting the mistake costs £1,500
0:11:01 > 0:11:05but after a meeting between the frame company and his architects,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Chris ultimately doesn't have to pick up the tab
0:11:08 > 0:11:11because the error was not his fault.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15With a strict £300,000 budget to stick to,
0:11:15 > 0:11:20Chris is determined to hold on to every pound at each stage of the build.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Ah, retirement.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30A time to take things easy, relax, sit back
0:11:30 > 0:11:33and enjoy all that extra leisure time you have definitely earned.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35But when engineer John Price finished work,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38he decided to ditch the pipe and slippers
0:11:38 > 0:11:42and do something far more exciting instead, like build a new home.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48In the picturesque Cambridgeshire village of Meldreth,
0:11:48 > 0:11:52houses in its conservation area are guaranteed a premium price.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56The traditional is highly valued here,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58and when mature building plots come up for sale,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00they need to be handled with care.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06So step forward retired engineer John Price and his wife Jill.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Not content to put their feet up and relax during their golden years,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14their decision to self-build has led to a lovingly-crafted new home.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20This plot came up for sale just about the time I retired.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22I've always wanted to build a house
0:12:22 > 0:12:24and it was a golden opportunity to do that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29To satisfy the planners,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31the new property was designed to blend in
0:12:31 > 0:12:33with the surrounding agricultural barns,
0:12:33 > 0:12:35with large windows to replicate cart doors.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Inside, all that glass lets the light flood in,
0:12:42 > 0:12:44especially into the home centrepiece,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46the gorgeous kitchen diner.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51This is our kitchen dining room where we probably spent
0:12:51 > 0:12:53about 10% of our budget.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58It's much better actually than I expected, to be honest, because I thought
0:12:58 > 0:13:01when we came to the kitchen we might be getting
0:13:01 > 0:13:04a bit low on funds and wouldn't be able to have what we wanted.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06I have more than I want in here so that's excellent.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11The downstairs is completely open plan
0:13:11 > 0:13:14and was designed with a family and grandchildren in mind.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18Something which also influenced a rather special feature in the lounge.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21One of the intriguing things about this fireplace is that
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Jill was aware of a tradition from years ago
0:13:24 > 0:13:28where it was lucky to include children's shoes when you built a fireplace.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32So we've got six pairs of little boy's shoes in there,
0:13:32 > 0:13:36except the oldest of the boys is 21, and it was rather difficult to get his size 13 down there.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Nevertheless, we succeeded.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43This is very nice. We've got an East and West aspect.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45It's very light everywhere, it's warm of course,
0:13:45 > 0:13:50and it's ease because we can just drift from place to place.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54The plot cost £300,000 and came with a bungalow
0:13:54 > 0:13:56which the couple lived in during the build.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59But that had one very big catch.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02As their new home got bigger, Jill had to suffer
0:14:02 > 0:14:05while their bungalow got smaller as John began demolishing it
0:14:05 > 0:14:07room by room to make more space for the new house.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11So many of my friends said, you know, "You must be mad.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14"Most people are going on cruises or going round the world
0:14:14 > 0:14:16"and you're in your home here doing this."
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Or downsizing. - Or downsizing, that's right.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22But why conform to the norm?
0:14:22 > 0:14:27As an engineer, John's built up a lifetime's experience
0:14:27 > 0:14:30of overcoming obstacles and the four years he devoted
0:14:30 > 0:14:32to building this home threw up quite a few.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36I realise that things aren't done in five minutes
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and it's just a question of, in some cases,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41plodding away at a long and tedious task.
0:14:41 > 0:14:42Getting yourself through it
0:14:42 > 0:14:46and then there's something more interesting at the end of it.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I was sort of quite sure that he would manage things,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53to the point that sometimes I wish he would ask for a little bit of help,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56but he's a very determined man.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01And that determination has led to some stunning financial rewards.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06John, who's 70, built the majority of the house himself
0:15:06 > 0:15:09with the odd bit of help from his 84-year-old mate Michael.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13The DIY route meant they saved a fortune on labour costs
0:15:13 > 0:15:17and the build was finished for a bargain £127,000.
0:15:17 > 0:15:23Although even that was a bit more than John wanted to spend.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25He wished he could have done it for £100,000.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I had actually hoped for something slightly less than that, but still.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Add the build cost to the 300 grand plot cost
0:15:34 > 0:15:37and John and Jill managed to get themselves a splendid house in a conservation area
0:15:37 > 0:15:40for a modest £427,000.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44We've got a very good mixture.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47A big house, a very reasonable building cost,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50a lovely-looking house and a modern and efficient house inside.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56With his bold barn now valued at £750,000,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00John and Jill's home is proof that doing it yourself really can make sense.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Back in Surrey, it's four months since Chris and Claire McHale
0:16:16 > 0:16:21began construction of their timber-framed five-bedroom house.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26So far, only half a house is being built.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Planning permission for the extension hasn't come through yet.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31As you can see,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35the site is not as active as it has been in the last eight weeks.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We are now waiting for planning permission for the second phase,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41which is what we see just behind me here.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Chris laid the foundations and installed drainage
0:16:43 > 0:16:46for the extension when the footings for the main house were being done.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48The kitchen and all the pipework
0:16:48 > 0:16:52which is already underneath this floor, this is a block and beam floor,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54which is not going to be easy to take up now.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56It would be a major job to take it up.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59All the pipework for the kitchen is actually over there
0:16:59 > 0:17:01in the extension, which we haven't got planning for.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Can you imagine not getting planning?
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Getting all the foundations done at the same time saved him money,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10but the lack of news from the planning department is making him nervous.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14There's obviously a little bit of a worry that they could turn round
0:17:14 > 0:17:18and say, no, you can't have your extension,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20which would be quite a disaster.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22But I'm sure that we're going to be all right.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26You've got to calculate your risks and I'm pretty sure we'll be OK on this one.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28If he isn't granted planning permission,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31he could be forced to dig up the foundations.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33That would be extremely expensive.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38Even worse, it would mean their new house would have no space for a kitchen.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Chris is confident his gamble will pay off but for the moment,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47the decision is out of his hands.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50For now, he's concentrating on what he does know.
0:17:50 > 0:17:56At the moment we've spent about 55 grand so far.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01That's the timber frame, oak frame and the floor.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04So we are well within budget.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11A month later, and after some serious nail-biting,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16Chris receives some news from the planners about his extension.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21We've had some fantastic news today.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24We've just got notification that the planning permission
0:18:24 > 0:18:27for the second part of the building has been permitted.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31That permission has just come through today which is superb news.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36It's a huge relief.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40With planning permission approved, not only can the family complete their house,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42they can also have a house complete with a kitchen.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47But while Mum and Dad might have been stressing about the new home,
0:18:47 > 0:18:52the kids are enjoying their new toys on their very own building site.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Hello.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Are you the JCB driver?
0:18:56 > 0:18:59SHE LAUGHS
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Three-year-old Anna is happy to get stuck in
0:19:01 > 0:19:05but have the long hours on this project taken their toll on Claire
0:19:05 > 0:19:09as she holds down a high pressure full-time job and makes sure family life runs smoothly?
0:19:09 > 0:19:14I think anybody who builds a house or goes into a situation like this,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17you've got to anticipate there will be stress on both sides
0:19:17 > 0:19:20because I can't understand where Chris is coming from,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22some of the pressures he's under.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Obviously, he's on the frontline of the whole build
0:19:24 > 0:19:27but then he totally forgets what the pressures are like
0:19:27 > 0:19:32trying to look after a young family, having a full-time job, running a house
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and making sure he's got a shirt ironed to go to work.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39It's the basics that he totally forgets still have to carry on.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45For the McHales, pulling together as a family is essential to the success of this project.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Luckily, we balance each other really well.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51In the fact that, he takes responsibility for one side of it
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and I take responsibility for the other.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57We complement each other. I'm sure he wouldn't say that.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01I'm sure he would say he has to do absolutely everything, you know.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Yeah, right(!)
0:20:04 > 0:20:07There's no doubting Chris's commitment to the build.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10Hi, Mark, how are we getting on, mate?
0:20:10 > 0:20:14You've put some dye in this mortar like we've put dye in all the other stuff?
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Yeah.- Lovely, lovely.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20And despite all the disruption, his family are backing him all the way.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22He isn't doing it just for himself.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25He's actually doing it for me and for our family
0:20:25 > 0:20:27and, yeah, really proud of him.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32It's high time I dropped in on Chris and Claire's home to find out
0:20:32 > 0:20:34whether this self-build is a flight of fancy
0:20:34 > 0:20:36or still has its feet on the ground.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41With first officer Claire busy at work,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44the captain's flying solo for my visit.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Seven months into the build, despite the early setbacks,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Chris is delighted with progress.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54This thing that you got to remember about this as well, Simon, it's quite a rapid build.
0:20:54 > 0:20:59We only started this last December and we lost about six to eight weeks
0:20:59 > 0:21:02with poor weather, so this has got a real trot on at the moment.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- I'd say it's even got a bit of a canter going. - You're racing, aren't you?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09This build might have stumbled rather than galloped
0:21:09 > 0:21:13if planning permission for the kitchen extension hadn't come through.
0:21:13 > 0:21:19Remind me, you started this build knowing full well
0:21:19 > 0:21:24you were starting to build without a kitchen.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26That's correct.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30We did have a bit of a fall-back plan if we didn't get the extension.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34We'd obviously have to put the kitchen back into the great hall,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37as we called it, but that would have been a bit of a partial success.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40I was fairly confident that come hell or high water
0:21:40 > 0:21:42we would actually get the extension.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45We might have had to go to appeal which would have slowed it down by nine months.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47It would have driven you mad.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48It would have driven me mad,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50but we looked at the comparables down the lane.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54What we've achieved here, we've done quite well,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57don't get me wrong, but it's like horse racing.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59You've really got to study the form and we did our homework.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03We knew it was likely on the balance of probabilities,
0:22:03 > 0:22:05it was likely we were going to get it.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Shall we have a canter round? - Come on then, old boy.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11And we're off and into the newest part of this new build.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Chris is fitting out his new house with the very latest technology.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Oh, come on, come on, you're up to something here.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21It's a few little boy's toys, really.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26What we've got here is one of the lighting panels that we're going to be using.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29This one here, for instance, is £2 - 2,500.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32If you want to press those light switches there,
0:22:32 > 0:22:37you can actually use it to set moods.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Even when he's not in his cockpit, Captain McHale will have
0:22:40 > 0:22:44plenty of switches to command on his home lighting control panel.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50From technology back to tradition and this is another new room.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51This is the snug.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Do us a favour! It's about the size of a Welsh chapel.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58I think it's all right.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03I think this is relatively cosy in comparison to the great hall.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08Chris is totally devoted to getting a high-end finish for his new family home.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It's admirable, and for him, exhausting.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13I was sat in bed this morning, having my toast,
0:23:13 > 0:23:15and I thought,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18how many jobs am I actually doing concurrently at the moment?
0:23:18 > 0:23:23I made a quick list, actually. I'm currently running about 30 separate elements of the project
0:23:23 > 0:23:26so it's like having loads of balls up in the air
0:23:26 > 0:23:27and not enough hands to catch them.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29But you've got to keep the balls up there.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37But he's investing every ounce of energy into building this house
0:23:37 > 0:23:41and with Claire having to do double duty, is it a sacrifice worth making?
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Are you spending enough time with your kids or do you have to
0:23:45 > 0:23:47say to yourself, get through this
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- and what I'll provide for the kids at the end of it will be worth it? - Of course.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53They realise they're not spending as much time
0:23:53 > 0:23:56with their dad as they should be, but I'll be there for them
0:23:56 > 0:23:58in two or three months when this is complete.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01They'll be enjoying the snug, the cinema room
0:24:01 > 0:24:03and all those good things.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10It sounds to me like Chris and Claire's kids have an awful lot
0:24:10 > 0:24:12to look forward to, and not just getting their dad back.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16But with everything he has to juggle, has he dropped any balls on the budget?
0:24:16 > 0:24:21We're on budget, yeah. So far we've spent about £132,000.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23This is where we are with £132,000.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Chris, can I just stop you there?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28That's incredible.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29I don't think so.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34Honestly, I've seen builds of exactly the same size as this
0:24:34 > 0:24:38using similar building process to this, twice the money.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42I could have spent three times the amount that I've done and still be in the same position.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Would I have achieved anything better? I don't think so.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50I am still completely staggered that you have spent 130 grand to date.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52132.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55And that proves the point. Let's see the rest of it.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Chris's tireless dedication to getting the best possible price
0:24:59 > 0:25:03for everything on this project is a credit to him.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06However, one of his latest deals is proving to be a pain.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11And now starting to look like a house, dear boy. Windows are going in.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- Yeah, good old windows. - What do you mean good old windows?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17We've had a few problems with these, actually.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22- These were actually a bit of a bargain.- You do surprise me(!)
0:25:22 > 0:25:24We've had a couple of contractual problems.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28It's all to do with these little horrible white plastic blocks here.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33Those little white blocks which no-one else would notice at all whatsoever.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I can notice them and it's driving me mad.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38That's the problem, isn't it?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Once you get a detail like that in your head,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42you've got to get it sorted because you will
0:25:42 > 0:25:45spot them forever even if no-one else ever notices them.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47I can't compromise on the aesthetics of it.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48They've agreed to remove them.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Is this a frustrating time now?
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It is, yeah, because we've reached that part of the build
0:25:53 > 0:25:56where there's a lot going on but there doesn't seem to be anything happening.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Lots of pipework going in, lots of wires.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Once you get your boards up and that sort of stuff, suddenly it will fly.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07We'll see a change with the glazing in the great hall which is going to be in two weeks' time.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Once we get the underfloor heating system in
0:26:09 > 0:26:12and we've got the floor screeded, that will be a big change.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- Have you still got the energy?- Yeah.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I look forward to coming back and seeing that stage
0:26:18 > 0:26:23and also just seeing it without those little plastic blocks there.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Into build month eight
0:26:27 > 0:26:30and the McHales' family home is really coming on.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33The substantial glazing goes into the gable end
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and the house is emerging from the building site around it.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37Here she is in all her glory.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Front door's missing at the moment.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43A minor detail, Chris. Inside, the walls have been plastered,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Chris has laid the underfloor heating himself
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and some of the concrete floors have gone down too.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51The McHales' dream home is cruising along at the rate of knots
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and it looks like they might have a great house on the horizon.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00It's quite a miserable day today but when the sun's shining,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02she's quite sparkly.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11From building brick walls right through to wallpapering,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15if you're self-building then it's helpful if you know some of the basics.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25So I'm at building college to learn some of the construction trades,
0:27:25 > 0:27:29and the one I'm worried I won't be mastering is plastering.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33I've already been to boarding school and now for the job I've been dreading.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34It's time to get plastered.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Well, you plaster boarded the wall and made a very good job too.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51If we were to put plaster on straight onto that plaster board
0:27:51 > 0:27:55with no reinforcement on these, when it dries, the water evaporates
0:27:55 > 0:27:57and it will shrink into there and instantly crack.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00We first have to reinforce the joints.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Reinforcing the joints is done with self-adhesive tape.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- That's me for the day then! - I don't think so.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11That's the easy bit
0:28:11 > 0:28:14and now we're ready to put a setting cord on the plastic board.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17First, we need to mix the plaster.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Pour the plaster powder into the water,
0:28:22 > 0:28:26you'll mix it with the stick to get the biggest lumps out and then
0:28:26 > 0:28:31you'll use your potter to plunge it to get a nice creamy consistency.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Surely in the 21st century they would have automated this.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Is it hard work?
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Only cos I'm idle, though. And lo and behold.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47To be honest, Simon, I don't really know why you did it that way
0:28:47 > 0:28:50because it's much, much easier with what we call a megamixer.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53We just put it on, press the button and it will mix it for you.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Yeah, yeah, but look at the muscles on this now, you see, you weakling.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Ever get the feeling you've been set up?- We'll wet the trowel.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Before we can hit the wall with the fruits of my unnecessarily hard labour,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10we need to wet the tools and wet the spot board my plaster will sit on.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12That's lovely, we'll use that.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Then after some sleight of hand a magician would be proud of.
0:29:15 > 0:29:21You've got to take it off, take a little bit off.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Wayne gives me what I'm convinced is a deceptively easy looking demo.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29Trowel with a slight overlap, up you go again.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31- My go.- It's your go now.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36So, where am I going?
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Look at the difference. Look at yours.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41I'm losing faith already here.
0:29:41 > 0:29:47And my confidence is not the only thing that's hitting the floor.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Don't worry about it.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53You did say you wanted the floor plastering as well, didn't you?
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Wayne jumps in to bail me out but the plaster's starting to set
0:29:56 > 0:29:58and time is of the essence.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I'll tell you what I'm good at - making tea.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03But unfortunately, there's no escape.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Squeeze it on, that's what the man said.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10I dropped most of it on the floor.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13If you ever get me around to do any plastering in your house,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16I would highly recommend taking the carpets away.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20The bad news is this is just the first coat,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22so I need more help from Wayne.
0:30:24 > 0:30:30For me, plastering is the art form of building.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32When you see it done well, I still stand in amazement.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39A lot of jealousy and a bit of bitterness.
0:30:39 > 0:30:40Come on, get on with it.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43What's this down here?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Oh, Wayne, lad!
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- I left that, Simon, purposely to see if you'd notice.- Lucky I was here.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55So the first coat is done and a little bit later it's time for the finishing touches.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Right, we've been trowelling up for the last hour.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03I've been hard at it and Wayne's just been reading the sports pages
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and that kind of stuff. Or was that the other way around?
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Time for the next stage.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13We may be just going to throw a little bit more water on, just to smooth it out.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15We don't want too much of a polish of it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17We just want a nice matte finish.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Decorators don't like too much of a polished finish
0:31:19 > 0:31:22because when they paint it, it streaks a little bit.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- Just give it a flick? - A little flick of water.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29A bit too much but it's a first attempt. Come across.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Oh, lovely.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36You must have a sense of achievement now there, Simon.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39That's a lovely wall is that. You've made a tremendous effort.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43I suppose Wayne has to be complimentary.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45He's done most of the work.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Come on, then. Be honest.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50All in all, give me a score.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51I'd have to give you up into the nines.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56So a dubious 9 out of 10 but I will happily take it.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59While I'm no plaster master, I am an expert at pushing my luck.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01You're such a nice fella,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04I'm going to let you clean up all this mess we made.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Simon!
0:32:15 > 0:32:17It's build month 10 and back in Surrey,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Chris and Claire's family home is really coming on.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Inside the centrepiece great hall,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26project manager Chris is revealing the latest new fixture.
0:32:26 > 0:32:32OK. These are the piece de resistance in terms of bespoke joinery.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33Folding sliding doors.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35We've had these made purposely for the job
0:32:35 > 0:32:39because this opening is about five and a half metres.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47These are just wonderful. They just glide across. They open all the way.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51The massive doors are certainly impressive.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56While in the kitchen, Chris is getting all excited about his gadgets.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I'm actually going to integrate all the appliances
0:33:00 > 0:33:04such as dish washers, wine chillers, macerators,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06all the toys, basically.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10We're even having a special hot water tap and the hot water tap
0:33:10 > 0:33:13will give you instant hot water so you no longer need a kettle.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Hopefully, I won't have to wait long for a cuppa next time I visit them.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19But if he's thrilled with his kitchen appliances,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Captain Chris is losing it when it comes to his loo.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32This is again a beautiful piece of technology. Up she comes.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Just watch how gently she closes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Beautiful.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49So Chris is flushed with success.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53But has juggling work, family and project managing
0:33:53 > 0:33:56this big build seen his energy levels take a nose dive?
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Yes, it's still fairly tiring.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03The difference is everything we're doing now, we are seeing it.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08We're seeing a change in the build. That's quite uplifting.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12It's quite reassuring that the work that's still going into it,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14we are actually seeing something now.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16It makes me smile every time I go into the building
0:34:16 > 0:34:20because I think, wow, this is what I actually envisaged ages ago
0:34:20 > 0:34:22and I can actually see it happening now.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23It's build month 12 and,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27almost a year since starting to build their dream family home,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30the McHales are still living in their old bungalow.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Even though they are preparing for the final approach,
0:34:33 > 0:34:38there has been a recent spot of turbulence with the tiles.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42These beautiful tiles here, Italian polished marble.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46We got them delivered about five weeks ago.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48The delivery company drove the lorry forward
0:34:48 > 0:34:51and dropped the tiles off the back in the pallets,
0:34:51 > 0:34:53resulting in quite a few being damaged.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58And that wasn't the only bit of trouble a tired-looking Chris has had with his tiling.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02We then employed tiler number one.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04After about three days,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07I realised some of his tiles were not particularly straight.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09He's not used to people pointing out imperfections
0:35:09 > 0:35:15in his work and to cut a long story short, after the end of the week,
0:35:15 > 0:35:17he decided he wasn't going to work here any more.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22Tiler number two could talk the talk, told me he's brilliant and so on and so forth.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25He started the job and as you can see behind me,
0:35:25 > 0:35:29this is some of his fantastic tiling.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31The grout lines don't line up.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36Having invested considerable time and energy creating the perfect family home,
0:35:36 > 0:35:41Chris wants every aspect to be right, or at least every tile to be in a straight line.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45So, the dilemma I'm in at the moment
0:35:45 > 0:35:47is do I pull a lot of the tiles off the wall,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50not only damage the tiles but the wall as well,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53so it's going to slow us down even more.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55I don't know exactly what I'm going to do.
0:35:55 > 0:36:00If I've got to redo the bathrooms, it's going to cost me about £6,000.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03In the end, Chris realises that even he will have to compromise
0:36:03 > 0:36:06on this part of the build and decides to stick with
0:36:06 > 0:36:08the current tiles to keep his costs under control.
0:36:10 > 0:36:11Three months later,
0:36:11 > 0:36:14I'm back in Surrey to check in with the McHales for the final time.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18It's 14 months since airline pilot Chris and wife Claire
0:36:18 > 0:36:21took to the controls of their self-build home.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24They've had to juggle full-time jobs
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and raising a family throughout the build,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29so will they have managed to keep this ambitious project on course?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35I am dying to find out whether Chris and Claire
0:36:35 > 0:36:39have managed to create their grand vision on a very, very tight budget.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Here we go.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45And while work is still continuing on the landscaping,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49the first signs are that the McHales' jumbo building has really taken off.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55With its Scandinavian-style timber cladding,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58it clearly looks at home in this woodland plot.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- Hello, hello.- Hi, Simon. - Give us a hand over.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07What a beautiful place!
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Inside, the scale of this house hits you immediately.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17With its reception hall, great hall and five bedrooms,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19the amount of legroom just isn't an issue.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- This is stunning.- Do you like it? - Do YOU like it?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Oh yeah, I know. It's fantastic, I really love it.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30I'm really pleased.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34It's a fabulous space. Makes me happy every time I walk in here.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38The bold design of the great hall
0:37:38 > 0:37:41sets the tone for the rest of the house.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Where once the family was crammed into its dingy bungalow,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47here they are awash with space and that's something
0:37:47 > 0:37:51that's got the couple's children, Anna, Andrew and Jonathan jumping for joy.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59All three of their bedrooms are on the ground floor
0:37:59 > 0:38:02along with Claire's pride and joy, the hand-made kitchen diner.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10I really love it. It's where we spend so much of our time.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15The family are in here, it's just such an amazing space for cooking.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18For me, it's just absolutely everything.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Chris set out without full planning permission for the extension
0:38:22 > 0:38:26that houses the kitchen which is definitely a risky thing to do.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Planning is always a very contentious issue.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38I walked a long time on a strategy to maximise the size of the house.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43Yeah, but if it hadn't paid off, you'd have been in big trouble.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47I'd have been... What's that word...? Without a paddle.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54That's right, but I calculated the risks and weighed it up
0:38:54 > 0:38:57and luckily for us, it worked.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04Their gamble paid off in spades and this is a great family space.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Downstairs there's still some finishing off to do.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09This room will eventually be the snug.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15But upstairs, Claire and Chris have created a haven they can escape to.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Beautiful. Master bedroom, but not too ostentatious.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Quite simple but bright and spacious
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- which is what we were looking for. - Lots of light coming in.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Walk-in wardrobe.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Wandering through I see to the en suite. Fantastic.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40And even a view of your garden here. Absolutely gorgeous.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43It's a little area of sanctuary
0:39:43 > 0:39:46where we can lock ourselves away from the kids.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47It's wonderful.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Although the house is exactly what they wanted,
0:39:52 > 0:39:57there's still a few wistful thoughts about the bungalow they left behind.
0:39:57 > 0:40:03It was so sad when it went, because we had all the kids there
0:40:03 > 0:40:05and that's their first home.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10It's sort of destroyed now which is a bit sad but obviously...
0:40:10 > 0:40:14It kind of makes a void just a bit, doesn't it? I bet it does.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17In a way, the old house is always going to be here
0:40:17 > 0:40:19because the old house is now the new drive,
0:40:19 > 0:40:24so it's all been crushed up and we drive over it every day.
0:40:24 > 0:40:30And that's just typical of Chris's determination not to let anything go to waste.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34When it comes to the cost of this family home, how will the sums add up?
0:40:36 > 0:40:39The plot cost £405,000.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42A last-minute splurge on their kitchen has meant
0:40:42 > 0:40:46the original budget of £300,000 stretched to £325,000.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51That brings the total project cost to £730,000.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53But when it comes to a valuation,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55has the McHales' build stalled on the runway
0:40:55 > 0:40:59or been a jet-propelled success?
0:40:59 > 0:41:02As you know, we've had an estate agent give this place the once over.
0:41:02 > 0:41:08They think this place has a market value of around £1.65 million.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- Fabulous.- Pretty good.- Fabulous.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21By my reckoning, that brings you in just short
0:41:21 > 0:41:24of making a million quid in just over a year.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29It's not just about the money.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34It's about the experience of actually building a house from scratch for you.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38For me, it's been the experience of being able to get a house that's
0:41:38 > 0:41:41specifically made for our family.
0:41:41 > 0:41:47You know, you can't put that into money, really.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Achieving such a stunning financial return has been down to
0:41:52 > 0:41:57Chris's shrewd bargaining skills on every aspect of this house.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59From the foundations to the fixtures and fittings.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02And as a souvenir, I've come with a gift he might like.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Just as a little memento of the whole process,
0:42:06 > 0:42:12you said something very early on and I think you've been true to your word.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15This is a keepsake for you both.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- That's really kind. - That is fantastic.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22If you take care of the pennies,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25the pounds will take care of themselves and we've very much
0:42:25 > 0:42:28done that on this project, but without compromising quality.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32I would agree. That's for you.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Pick a spot to put it up but I completely agree,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37you have not compromised quality.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40And vision as well, I think the style of this place works fabulously.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Really, you should both be proud of yourselves.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Yeah. I think we are. I'm very proud of Claire as well.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50She's had to put up with me for the last 14 months working fairly hard.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Without her support, I wouldn't have been able to do it, so we work very well as a team.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01So, for pilot Chris and his family crew, this fabulous project
0:43:01 > 0:43:05has definitely reached its final destination - cloud nine.
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