0:00:02 > 0:00:04We all dream of owning the perfect home,
0:00:04 > 0:00:09but finding a property that suits your wallet and your way of life isn't easy. I have a solution.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Stop searching for something to buy and consider somewhere to build.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19'Every year in Britain, 20,000 people build their own home.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25'And we'll be following some of them as they go from foundations to finishing touches.'
0:00:25 > 0:00:28It's certainly relentless. I'm getting time off for good behaviour.
0:00:28 > 0:00:34'Along the way, our brave self-builders will experience amazing highs...'
0:00:34 > 0:00:37It's been a dream. And it's starting to come together now.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39'..and some frustrating lows.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:42How many more things could go pear-shaped?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47'But if they can overcome the trials and tribulations,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50'they'll end up with the home they've always desired.'
0:00:50 > 0:00:54So if you're looking for your perfect pad, the question is simple.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57To build or not to build?
0:01:02 > 0:01:06'Coming up, a one-man self-build dream is proving to be a nightmare
0:01:06 > 0:01:08'for his reluctant wife.'
0:01:08 > 0:01:11At no point did he ask me if I wanted to move.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14It was time for me to make the only decision I've ever made.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18'The cutting-edge home in Wales that really has the wow factor.'
0:01:18 > 0:01:21I wanted to build something completely different
0:01:21 > 0:01:23and I think that's what we achieved.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25'And I get into a bit of a tangle
0:01:25 > 0:01:29'learning to fit underfloor heating at building college.'
0:01:29 > 0:01:32It's like wrestling with a boa. And I don't mean a feather boa.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43One of the Tees Valley Giants, an art installation which cost
0:01:43 > 0:01:46in the region of £2.7 million
0:01:46 > 0:01:51and has certainly divided opinion amongst the residents of Middlesbrough.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54But those big steel rings aren't the only construction in town
0:01:54 > 0:01:58which has caused some controversy, as I'm about to discover.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07'For many families, the decision to build a new home is the culmination of a shared vision,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09'the chance to finally get the home of their dreams.
0:02:09 > 0:02:15'But for the Guthrie family, it's a decision that's dividing rather than uniting them.'
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- Where am I sitting, Mam?- Just there.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23'William and Velia live with their teenage sons, William Henry and Charles, in Middlesbrough.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28'And together, they run a children's nursery in the town centre.'
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Absolutely. So it should be all right.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39'But convincing his wife that moving from their bungalow they've lived in for the past 18 years
0:02:39 > 0:02:43'to a brand new self-built home hasn't been child's play.'
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's a blunt question but a valid question. Whose idea was this?
0:02:47 > 0:02:49My wife's.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- It was not my idea, it was his. - Come on.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Who is telling the truth? - It was his silly idea. SIMON LAUGHS
0:02:56 > 0:03:00The way she said silly idea, I'm starting to think, William, it was your idea.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03It won't be the first time we've disagreed, but it's not a silly idea.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09I found a piece of land and pursued a gentleman farmer to sell it to me
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- and eventually he did.- So this plot of land wasn't even up for sale?- No.
0:03:13 > 0:03:19Every eight or nine weeks, I knocked on his door, until eventually he gave up and decided to sell it.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- He wore to poor man down. - Were you involved?- No. - I discussed it with her.- He didn't.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26At no point did he ask me if I wanted to move.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Four years he was courting this farmer and I wasn't involved.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32She's made every other decision in our marriage.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It was time for me to make the only decision I've ever made.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39'You can't beat a bit of loving banter, can you?
0:03:40 > 0:03:43'When William spotted a plot of land two miles away
0:03:43 > 0:03:47'in semi-rural Hilton, he couldn't resist making an offer.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52'His £175,000 bid was accepted
0:03:52 > 0:03:58'and despite Velia's reluctance, he pressed on with his dream to build an eco-home with a difference.'
0:03:58 > 0:04:02In 1990, I looked at a house which was made out of polystyrene
0:04:02 > 0:04:06and it had the wow factor and it was THE way to build,
0:04:06 > 0:04:12it's very energy efficient, which is very politically talked about these days.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15This is not a common build method, certainly in this country.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Not in this country, no, but it's very, very common on the continent.
0:04:19 > 0:04:26But for some reason, modern methods of construction haven't really got much foundation in this country.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Oh, very good!
0:04:30 > 0:04:33'William and Velia have budgeted around £175,000
0:04:33 > 0:04:37'to build the sizeable three-storey, four-bed detached house.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43'From the exterior, the house will look like a traditional red-brick home,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46'but that's just a planning stipulation.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49'The bricks will effectively be wallpaper.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53'It's the polystyrene blocks filled with concrete
0:04:53 > 0:04:56'that form the solid supporting structure of the house.'
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- So you're pioneering. Have you got a pioneering spirit? - It's only pioneering for Britain.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07It's pioneering as far as my wife's concerned, cos she's very worried.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11'For Velia, it's not the building system that's the real concern.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16'The reason she doesn't want to sell their current home and move is simple. The family.'
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- Come on then, Velia, who built this street? - It was actually my brother, Ernie.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- He bought a piece of land and had ten plots.- Right.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- And there's three bungalows along here.- You live in the end one.
0:05:32 > 0:05:38- The little one in the corner. - Who lives here?- This is my brother, Ralph, the head of the family.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- End one?- This is my sister, Carmelina, who lives there with her husband Peter
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- and she has four children. - So let's just recap.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50You're on the end, brother, sister.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- And we get to the end of the cul-de-sac. Is that where the family connection finishes?- No.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01If we get to the end of the drive here, you bear right, and then my sister Maria is just at the end.
0:06:01 > 0:06:07- This is like Little Italy.- That's what we wanted to call it cos we were going to put some gates on here
0:06:07 > 0:06:12and call it Little Italy. So lots of memories, really. Why on earth would I want to move?
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Does it worry you then, that, OK, I can see why you don't want to move,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- but it's kind of going to happen. - I know.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24From what I've seen in the past from this kind of project, you really do need to support each other.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Are you on board?- Not quite. SHE LAUGHS
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- Not quite!- I know why.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- I'm sure I will be. - Shall we go and see your sister?
0:06:38 > 0:06:43'Much as I understand the family ties, the move is only a couple of miles down the road.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47'Work started on site four months ago
0:06:47 > 0:06:52'and despite some horrendous weather, today being no exception,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56'project manager William has overseen the construction of the foundations.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00'The decision to invest £350,000 in self-building a new home here
0:07:00 > 0:07:04'could make serious financial sense for the Guthries.'
0:07:06 > 0:07:09So 350 grand for the whole build and looking at the house next door,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13it's going to be a very substantial detached property. Any idea,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17looking at the properties around here, what the equivalent would be?
0:07:17 > 0:07:23I think the money, paper value, and we're never going to get the benefit of it cos we intend to live here,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27but I would say approximately 7, perhaps 725.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32'With similar-sized houses in the area commanding around £550,000,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36'if William can keep the project on budget,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39'they'll save a staggering 200 grand compared to buying.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45'But it's not the only way this build will save them money.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47'Polystyrene is so energy efficient
0:07:47 > 0:07:51'that they'll save around £1,000 a year on heating bills.'
0:07:52 > 0:07:57We wouldn't expect any year, if heating bills didn't rise,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00to be above £170 per annum.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04On a house of this size,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07you would expect to be paying, let's face it,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- £250 a quarter.- Minimum.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16But what you're also getting, other than cheap heating, is a stronger home,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20a more durable home. I think it's a winner.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23'William's hoping to finish in another eight months,
0:08:23 > 0:08:28'bringing the total build schedule to 12 months.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31'Homes constructed using this method are often finished quicker,
0:08:31 > 0:08:37'but planning conditions require William to use traditional bricks to clad the house, adding more time.'
0:08:40 > 0:08:44It does seem really bizarre to build a house out of polystyrene and concrete
0:08:44 > 0:08:47with a concrete core so it has that strength
0:08:47 > 0:08:51and then to put a brick building round it that you don't really need,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54like a pseudo-building.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Well, I'm sure on the continent, they'd be just as puzzled,
0:08:57 > 0:09:02but we have to comply with the local authority's permissions
0:09:02 > 0:09:07and it is a requirement to comply with the neighbourhood,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09which necessitates bricks,
0:09:09 > 0:09:13and I'm sure the neighbours will be horrified when it goes up like an igloo.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17They're going to look out... "That wasn't in the planning permission!"
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- It'll look very white. - It'll look bizarre.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24'So the blocks might leave the neighbours dazzled,
0:09:24 > 0:09:28'but it's not the first shock they've had courtesy of William's build.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33'A workman managed to cut off the street's electricity supply on the very first day of construction.'
0:09:33 > 0:09:40The tipper wagon drove off with his tail up and took the cable down.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Well, you got to know the neighbours.- Quickly.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Make friends quickly. And they had oil-fired central heating, as well,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- and unfortunately, you need electricity to make that work.- Ouch.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55So I was very, very unpopular, I'm sure, but they put a brave face on.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- They were very good about it. - It's a learning curve.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03'As project manager, William will definitely be learning on the job.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05'It's build month five and it's a big day.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10'The polystyrene blocks have arrived from German
0:10:10 > 0:10:14'and work building the house up from the foundations is underway.'
0:10:15 > 0:10:18It literally was a 40-foot container wagon
0:10:18 > 0:10:21that was jam-packed full of the house requirements.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25But it was quite novel, having a house delivered in the back of a lorry.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31What you see here is about a tenth of the whole product that was delivered.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37'The rest of the blocks are being stored nearby and will be brought onto site when required.
0:10:37 > 0:10:43'They quickly and easily fasten together. In a few hours, the layout of the ground floor is visible.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50It's exciting times and dearly looking forward to moving in.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54'That may well be the case, William, but there'll be challenges ahead.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58'The biggest, convincing Velia to live in this polystyrene pad.'
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Many people choose to build their own house
0:11:07 > 0:11:11because they get something that is perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14For some, that means using a tried and tested design.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18But for others, it means doing something slightly more unusual.
0:11:19 > 0:11:25'There are some buildings that are so radical in design, you have to be told what they really are.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30'This, for example. Is it a James Bond set?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34'Or a top-secret spy station?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38'Or could it simply be a home?
0:11:42 > 0:11:47'Self-builders Andrew and Chrissy Sandbrook like to keep people guessing.'
0:11:47 > 0:11:53I just wanted to build something that's completely different and I think that's what we achieved.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58Something that's different, contemporary and enjoyable.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02We love the fact that there's no light pollution here.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Everything's very quiet and we just wanted to be out in the country.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14'The house sits in the heart of Britain's first ever area of outstanding natural beauty,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16'the Gower Peninsula in Wales,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20'and the couple wanted a home that would be equally stunning.'
0:12:22 > 0:12:27We knew exactly what we wanted and it was just a case of persuading the planners
0:12:27 > 0:12:29to buy into the dream more than anything.
0:12:31 > 0:12:37'From the clean lines of the interior to the clear views from the glass, this house oozes class.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43'There are three distinct wings, one especially for guests.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48'And the theme which links them all is light and space.'
0:12:48 > 0:12:51We wanted to create a space where we could entertain
0:12:51 > 0:12:56and thoroughly enjoy ourselves and be very private and secluded,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00but just to enjoy the elements of nature.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05'The plot cost £330,000
0:13:05 > 0:13:09'and they spent another £630,000 on the build.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'At first, they wanted a two-storey house on the site,
0:13:12 > 0:13:16'but after repeatedly being turned down by the planners, their breakthrough came
0:13:16 > 0:13:21'when they lowered their roof line and their contemporary design was given the go-ahead.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29'It took 19 months to build and Andy saved money by project-managing from start to finish.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39'And when it came to designing the master bedroom, they definitely thought outside of the box.'
0:13:39 > 0:13:42As you can see, we put a window above the bed
0:13:42 > 0:13:47where during the night, if there's a clear sky, you can look up at the stars.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Absolutely wonderful feeling. - 'And if you're tired of the stars,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56'there's always the retractable TV at the foot of the bed.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03'But there's certainly more compulsive viewing from the bedroom's balcony.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14'Moving on to the visitors' wing, the three guest bedrooms have individual themes
0:14:14 > 0:14:16'based on pewter, silver and gold,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19'and two of them are linked by a central bathroom.'
0:14:19 > 0:14:22This is a Jack and Jill bathroom.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25So it can be shared with the second bedroom.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29It has everything here, Jacuzzi bath, shower,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33and then we go straight through to the second bedroom.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38All the rooms have these high glass panels which create privacy but allow extra light.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44'This unique house has now been valued at around £1.5 million,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'which means they've saved themselves a massive £540,000
0:14:48 > 0:14:50'by opting to self-build.'
0:14:50 > 0:14:56It's not about the money, it's about creating your own dream home to suit your own lifestyle.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01And it's creating something unique
0:15:01 > 0:15:06and something that hopefully will leave a legacy to the Gower Peninsula.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11When you're involved in your own home build,
0:15:11 > 0:15:15you need that passion to see the end product finished.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21But I've enjoyed it and I would recommend it.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33'In Middlesbrough, William Guthrie is a man on a mission.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40'He's building his family a new house out of polystyrene blocks that will be filled with concrete.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46'But William's wife Velia isn't as enthusiastic about the build.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51'She doesn't want to leave the cul-de-sac where she's lived for the last 18 years
0:15:51 > 0:15:54'and where the neighbours are all close family.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02'William's hoping he'll win her round with a spacious three-storey, four-bed detached house
0:16:02 > 0:16:04'two miles from their current home.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09'Work's in full flow, assembling the polystyrene block walls.'
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Then you're going to cut it and put the shutter in?
0:16:14 > 0:16:20'And although the sun isn't shining, the dazzling white blocks means it's a dark glasses day for William.'
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Well, it's not just to look cool like Tom Cruise,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29it's to stop the glare of this white polystyrene.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33'But when his leading lady makes a rare appearance on site,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36'she's thinking this is mission impossible.'
0:16:41 > 0:16:44'Or maybe something for a younger audience.'
0:16:45 > 0:16:51You know the story about the three little pigs? I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow the house down!
0:16:52 > 0:16:54See?
0:16:54 > 0:16:58'And it's not just the polystyrene that Velia's picking holes in.'
0:16:59 > 0:17:04You're standing in the kitchen, I believe. It still doesn't look as big as the kitchen I have.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Well, that's quite extraordinary. This kitchen must be 15 metres long
0:17:09 > 0:17:13and five metres wide and it's a small kitchen? It's not a small kitchen.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16It doesn't look as big as the one we've got.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20If it gets any windier today, I'll be surprised if this is still standing by tomorrow.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27'Undeterred, William and his team continue to pile on the polystyrene.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33'And to definitely ensure the big, bad wolf can't blow this house down, it's filled with concrete.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45'Two weeks into the block building and the ground floor of the house is in place
0:17:45 > 0:17:48'and William's delighted with the progress.'
0:17:48 > 0:17:51We've managed to get up to first-floor height,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55so in eight or nine working days, we've built half a house.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57But the Germans, you know,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00when we sent them the drawings for the product order,
0:18:00 > 0:18:04they were telling us confidently we should be ready for the roof in eight days.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07But we're on a learning curve.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12But we have created half a house in eight days, so we're half as quick, which is pretty good.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18'William's two sons, Charles and William Henry, are on site, too.'
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Look as if you're enjoying yourself.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27'He's hoping they'll come round, even if their mum doesn't.'
0:18:27 > 0:18:32From the very beginning, you've both been very, very doubting as to the strength of this building.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Now we've got polystyrene on both sides and filled with concrete,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- haven't we, Charles?- Yeah.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42And do you not feel it's strong now?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Er, sort of.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52'Hardly a resounding thumbs up, but there's nothing like bedroom boundaries to spark enthusiasm.'
0:18:53 > 0:18:59Is my bedroom going to be halfway in between there,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01that end and there and then onwards?
0:19:01 > 0:19:06It'll be exactly half, yes. You'll have exactly the same space as your brother.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10It'll be really cool, you know? Absolutely really cool.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15'Into build month six and William's up to the first floor
0:19:15 > 0:19:17'and busy with his blocks.'
0:19:17 > 0:19:24We're forming windows now. That's in. Just got to put two here.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26'He's now doing much of the work himself to save money
0:19:26 > 0:19:32'and with the house nearly up to roof level, William's feeling rather presidential.'
0:19:32 > 0:19:36I think the neighbours are starting to wonder if Barack Obama's moving into the white house.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42I'm sure I've had every joke thrown at me over the past two or three months,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45but the biggest one is it hasn't blown away, has it?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Then finally you've got a five just to finish there.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52It's on.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57'And into the seventh month of the build.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04'The roof timbers are on and so is the midsummer heat.'
0:20:04 > 0:20:07It's like a sauna up here, boys, isn't it?
0:20:09 > 0:20:14'But William could be in hot water with his wife Velia over plans for the home's main staircase.'
0:20:14 > 0:20:21Velia did want this Hollywood staircase with a sweeping stair to it,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25but we've had to rein in her demands a little bit.
0:20:25 > 0:20:31She'll finish up with a super staircase, but it's going to have a turn in it as opposed to a curve.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35The curve didn't really fit the shape we were working with.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Curved staircases are rather expensive, as well.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Almost double the price.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47'So swerving the curving staircase will save William a massive £10,000,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50'but not a load of ear ache from his wife.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54'Ironically, concerns over money
0:20:54 > 0:20:59'are shaping Velia's attitude towards the new family home William's building.'
0:21:00 > 0:21:02I think it's been a battle of the wits, really.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06She is a constant worrier about finances.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12As a consequence, she hasn't had the fun and the involvement that perhaps she might have done.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17I've had that fun and involvement because I've been physically involved in the build of the house
0:21:17 > 0:21:20from the foundations to now.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24'So a lot of the decisions that I've made, I've made solo
0:21:24 > 0:21:29'because it's been very, very difficult to get an answer out of her
0:21:29 > 0:21:33'and I've realised I've had to take the bull by the horns and just do it myself
0:21:33 > 0:21:36'in the hope that she likes the end product. And I'm sure she will.'
0:21:36 > 0:21:40I want you to cut two sections off because we're creating a ladder.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45It's just a pity that we couldn't have had a lottery win at the beginning of the project
0:21:45 > 0:21:48to allay any financial fears she's still got.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53William will push the boat out,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56tie the noose around his neck as tight as he possibly can
0:21:56 > 0:22:00and he's done that since the day we were married, probably before.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03I'm the other way. I'm a lot more reserved and a lot more cautious.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07We probably wouldn't be living here if it hadn't been for William.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11We'd be still stuck in a little two to three-bedroom semi somewhere.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16So he's got his good points.
0:22:16 > 0:22:22'William will just have to keep chipping away. However, he's got another more immediate problem.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25'The site has been burgled.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29'The thieves broke into a secured storeroom and snatched valuable tools.'
0:22:29 > 0:22:31We've lost a fair bit.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Some tools of my own, the joiner's tools.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39'The break-in cost William £1,600
0:22:39 > 0:22:43'but it's not just the financial loss that's left him frustrated.'
0:22:43 > 0:22:46This house has been built on part of a farm.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50I knew the farm had rats. I didn't realise the rats were of the human kind,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54but we know they're out there. Not good news.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02'With more than £1 million lost to theft each week on UK building sites,
0:23:02 > 0:23:06'sadly it seems William's not alone when it comes to being a victim of crime.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11'It's build month eight and I'm back in Middlesbrough
0:23:11 > 0:23:14'for a butcher's at William and Velia's big white house.'
0:23:18 > 0:23:21How's it gone? Come on.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Erm, it's gone good. We're on budget. We're not on time, but we are on budget.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- The system, happy with it? - Very happy with the system.
0:23:29 > 0:23:35Bit disappointed now with the progress because I'm in the hands of everybody else.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39It would be nice to speed it along, but things will take as long as they take.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43'So things are moving slower than expected,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47'but has all William's hard work over the past few months managed to win Velia over?'
0:23:49 > 0:23:53He's been slaving over this place morning, noon and night, this beautiful big home.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Don't you try and tell me you're not excited.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- I'm not.- Velia!- I'm not.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06You're frustrated, she's still not happy. Oh, blimey, I don't...
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Divorce is in the air. - Recipe for disaster.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I know. I don't know where you go from here.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14I think there's only one way to go from here. Let's have a look round.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20Come on, young lady. Don't walk... She's trying to walk away now! Get in!
0:24:24 > 0:24:28'Inside, the large rooms are shaping up nicely, from the downstairs living areas
0:24:28 > 0:24:31'to the cavernous bedrooms in the loft.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36'But amazingly, one of Velia's grumbles is that there's a lack of space.'
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Right, Velia, come on. This is a big living room.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- Do you think it's bigger than the one we've already got? - Yeah. You know it is.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I think I would've had a much larger window over there.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Never mind that! You're determined not to say something positive. They are a lovely feature.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57'The two windows on the far wall that Velia says are too small will eventually flank a fireplace.'
0:24:57 > 0:25:02If you'd opened up those windows any bigger and then put a fireplace in the middle,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05the windows would've been disproportionate.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08In this wonderful, very warm house, we don't need a fireplace, do we?
0:25:08 > 0:25:13- You won't!- So therefore... - But it's still nice to have the focal point. You know that.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19'Upstairs, and when it comes to the master bedroom,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22'it appears you can have too much of a good thing for Velia.'
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Right, the master bedroom.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Now this is the make or break of the property surely for you, Velia.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36I think it might be a little too big. This isn't just the bedroom. Through there, there's a dressing room.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Oh, you haven't given her a dres...
0:25:39 > 0:25:43William! What woman wants a dressing room and walking through to an en suite?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45You're a disgrace!
0:25:47 > 0:25:52Listen up, ladies. This lady here has been provided with a fabulous, massive bedroom,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55views across the countryside, never-ending,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58own dressing room, walking through into her own en suite.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- Is that correct? That's how it's been designed?- Absolutely.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Fantastic selling point, Simon.- Agh!
0:26:06 > 0:26:13'She's a hard woman to please, but I sense that Velia might eventually come round to liking this new home.'
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Is it going to happen?- I don't know. - That's better than when I started.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- That wasn't a no, it was a don't know.- I think we've made progress.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22He keeps asking me. He's wearing me down!
0:26:22 > 0:26:24That's what I'm doing.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Listen, mate, on that note, I've got you going there,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29I'll leave you. See you later.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Lovely master bedroom. Smashing, that.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Ciao for now, eh?
0:26:42 > 0:26:47'If you're building your own home or just want to improve the one you're currently in,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50'trying your hand at DIY is a good way to save some cash.
0:26:52 > 0:26:58'But it helps if you know what you're doing, so I've been taking a crash course a building college.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03'Today I'm back in the plumbing department to get to grips with underfloor heating
0:27:03 > 0:27:05'with tutor Mark Cawood.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19'Now I've always thought underfloor heating is something you find in a football stadium,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22'but it's becoming more and more popular in family homes.'
0:27:22 > 0:27:28Today, underfloor heating. Now, me being the old-fashioned guy I am, I've never used this system before.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Does it actually make the room warmer?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33I think it's the comfort level in the room.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35The heat starts at lower level
0:27:35 > 0:27:40- and the heat level in the room is at a comfortable level.- And heat rises,
0:27:40 > 0:27:46so it's heating all the air above your head, whereas underfloor heating heats the room up to you.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- That's right.- It always looks like it could turn out to be a mess, though.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Once installed properly, it is a fantastic thing.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59- Right. You've just said it there, though. If installed properly.- Yes.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03'And while it might look scary, it's actually quite a simple system.'
0:28:06 > 0:28:10One pipe disappears into the floor, zigzags around the floor,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14then comes back and goes back into our return and then goes back to the boiler to be reheated.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19- Basically, they're your radiator ends.- Yes.- So you've got an in valve and an out valve
0:28:19 > 0:28:24and your underfloor heating coil, your loop,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- is just that, really.- It is, yes.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31OK, you've sold this to me. I'm quite keen to learn this system. What do we do?
0:28:31 > 0:28:34We're going to zigzag around our little demonstration rig.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Normally that would be laid on the floor.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40'So just to keep this nice and confusing,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43'I'm installing underfloor heating on the wall.'
0:28:43 > 0:28:48- Right, here we are. This is another thing you'll need, a bit of pipe. - Yep.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51On the bench, we've got our tools laid out, so help yourself.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55'To make things harder, Mark's making me go it alone.'
0:28:55 > 0:28:58How long are you going to give me?
0:28:58 > 0:29:04- Well...- Don't be tormenting me. Realistically?- You should be able to do that in ten minutes.- Ten minutes?
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- On your marks, get set, go.- Right.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14'With only ten minutes, I'll cut some corners and skip measuring and cutting the pipe to length
0:29:14 > 0:29:17'and get stuck straight in.'
0:29:17 > 0:29:22Blimey, Mark! I'm not even going to get the... What's that called again?
0:29:22 > 0:29:24I'm not even going to get one of them in!
0:29:24 > 0:29:28'Fitting the connector which attaches the pipe to the hot water supply valve isn't easy.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32'But I'm still feeling confident.'
0:29:32 > 0:29:35It's actually a simple thing. It's not as scary as you think.
0:29:35 > 0:29:41I thought, "Underfloor heating? Ohh, that modern, fancy stuff, I don't know whether I could do that."
0:29:41 > 0:29:45But it's fiddly but doable, I suppose.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49'I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut.'
0:29:49 > 0:29:51I'm off and running.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- No, I'm not! - HE LAUGHS
0:29:58 > 0:30:03Oops. You didn't see that then. Don't be giggling!
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Oh, eh...
0:30:10 > 0:30:15As if this isn't hard enough, I've got half the college standing over there sniggering.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Haven't you got things to do, you lot?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- How am I doing, Mark? - Five minutes gone.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34It's hard work, this!
0:30:34 > 0:30:36It's like wrestling with a boa.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38And I don't mean a feather boa.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40A minute to go.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Ow!
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Are things like this designed with little bits to catch your fingers on purpose
0:30:48 > 0:30:51just so you give up and get a proper plumber in to do it?
0:30:51 > 0:30:5330 seconds.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59'The heat is on but there's not going to be any coming from my system.'
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Time.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Can we just get my lad in? That's hard work, that.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10'If I'd cut the pipe to the correct length first,
0:31:10 > 0:31:13'it might have been easier to cut it as a plumber.'
0:31:13 > 0:31:15I just went for unrolling it like that.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Would you normally have measured out your length?- You would, yes.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24Yeah. You know how far you're going and what turns you've got, you would measure out your length.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28OK, guv, I didn't get it finished, but come on, a mark out of ten.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- I'll give you a five.- A five? A five?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Look at it! They're lovely lines.
0:31:33 > 0:31:39- OK, it's not connected so it doesn't work, but come on! - No, I'm afraid a five's a five.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48Thanks, Mark. It's lovely to break into a sweat. I see you didn't.
0:31:48 > 0:31:54You don't need underfloor heating if you're putting underfloor heating in, if that makes sense.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04'In Middlesbrough, it's build month ten and now it's clad in red brick,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08'William and Velia's polystyrene palace looks like any ordinary house.'
0:32:08 > 0:32:11We've now got a traditional-looking house
0:32:11 > 0:32:16that I think is as good as I thought it was going to be and more.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I think it's lovely. Absolutely lovely.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22I don't know how you can get passionate about bricks, but I have.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28'But William had hoped they'd already be moved in by now.'
0:32:30 > 0:32:33What I was in control of, which was the build of the polystyrene,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36went up very, very quickly.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39The minute you start making phone calls
0:32:39 > 0:32:41and having deliveries of this and that,
0:32:41 > 0:32:46one thing compounds another and before you know where you are, it's easy to slip behind.
0:32:46 > 0:32:52'The build is several months behind schedule. But William is determined to keep control of the budget.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56'And a bit of forward thinking meant spending a penny saved him a few pounds.'
0:32:59 > 0:33:04We were paying £21.50 loo hire and we saved that sum many months ago
0:33:04 > 0:33:09because I did the soil and surface water drains at the very outset of the build.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12'By fitting a permanent loo early,
0:33:12 > 0:33:14'William has saved around £100.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18'But every penny counts on a project like this, so why flush money away?'
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Here we are. It's rather lovely.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27'William's big concern is that wife Velia, who's keeping out of the way running the nursery,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30'isn't too keen to move from their current home.'
0:33:31 > 0:33:36Velia has visited the house, most definitely, but I think she visits it secretly
0:33:36 > 0:33:38cos this is one of her running routes.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42I must confess, I did have a sneaky little drive up there the other day
0:33:42 > 0:33:48I think she's hopefully slowly warming to it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55'Despite her reluctance to self-build,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58'it seems Velia's secretly proud of her husband's achievements.'
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Well, I would never tell him to his face,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05but I suppose by the time he gets round to watching this,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08he's done well.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11I don't compliment him very much or give him any praise,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14but he does push the boat out all of the time
0:34:14 > 0:34:17and will drive it and is driving it
0:34:17 > 0:34:21and he will realise his dream,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24which is to build this house in Hilton.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31'So does this mean she's coming round to the idea of moving house?'
0:34:33 > 0:34:37William wanted to do it, wants to do it, it's his project.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40I might have to move in with him.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45'By build month 15,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48'the interior fixtures and fittings are being installed.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51'For William, today could be make or break.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57'While Velia's involvement with the new house has been minimal, one of her few requests
0:34:57 > 0:35:01'was for a grand sweeping staircase. Space and money constraints
0:35:01 > 0:35:05'means William's come up with an alternative he hopes she'll love.'
0:35:05 > 0:35:12Velia's about to see it for the first time in about five minutes. I love it. I really do like it.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16'But will this be a stairway to heaven for Velia?'
0:35:16 > 0:35:20- You've been waiting for this, haven't you?- Mm.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25It's not quite what...I had in mind.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32'However, after a few tentative steps...'
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Do you think the bottom step could be bigger?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41'..Velia appears to be coming round.'
0:35:42 > 0:35:49When they're all finished, I'm sure the finished product will be lovely. I'm sure it will.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55'So maybe there's some hope, William. But it's still very much an uphill battle.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03'It's now build month 20
0:36:03 > 0:36:06'and I've heard the house should be just about finished
0:36:06 > 0:36:11'so I'm back in Middlesbrough for the final time to see how the Guthries have got on.'
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Even though this is a really imposing house-shaped kind of house,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19the handmade bricks give it a soft look.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22I like it. But it's not me that needs convincing, it's Velia.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33'The family, including Velia, are planning to move lock, stock and barrel in the next couple of weeks.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36'But for now, it's easy to see the grand proportions of the rooms
0:36:36 > 0:36:40'from the vast kitchen-diner through to the main living room.'
0:36:42 > 0:36:45It's really close, the finish is just around the corner.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48The quality of the finish looks great. Happy with that?
0:36:48 > 0:36:52I'm really happy with it. We've had to work within the confines
0:36:52 > 0:36:57- of what we've had to spend, but I think generally we've created a lot. - Yeah.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00'And while some of the rooms have been partially furnished,
0:37:00 > 0:37:05'this house will certainly feel more like home when Velia can put her stamp on it.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09'However, she's still not convinced about the entrance hallway.'
0:37:10 > 0:37:13The staircase. Simple but very effective.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- We happy with that? - THEY LAUGH
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Well, I... No, I wanted a grander entrance, you know?
0:37:21 > 0:37:26- She's disappointed. - A bigger bottom step and... - I should've done better.- Yeah.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- Have you had that feeling all the way through, William?- Every day.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Do you like the look of the place from the outside?
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Yes. Yes.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- It'll be better when it's finished. - Yeah, of course. The ground works need finishing off.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- But do you like the choice of brick? - Yes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50- Mm. See? William, she loves the place.- Absolutely, yeah. She's very positive.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53She is. On that positive note, let's have a look around.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59'Downstairs, the snug is anything but,
0:37:59 > 0:38:05'while the lounge is even more spacious with light flooding in from the large bay window.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10'There's also a separate dining room that leads on to a high gloss and granite kitchen.'
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Now, very important.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- The heart of the house, I guess, the kitchen.- Yes.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- Are we happy with this?- Mm.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Yes, I do like the kitchen.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24I very much like the granite.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- You do, don't you?- I do. - William! Velia likes the kitchen!
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- It was still a hesitant yes.- Hey, it doesn't matter. I think it's great. - A yes is a yes.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38We didn't know whether to have an island, and I'm pleased we chose not to
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- because I prefer spacious areas. - Yeah, definitely.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- So I think this...- That breaks up the space, anyway.- Yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- And that's the breakfast bar at the far side.- Yes.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- Really, really nice space. It flows very nicely into the dining room. - Yes.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00'Upstairs in the attic, sons Charles and William Henry made sure
0:39:00 > 0:39:03'the important things have been moved in already.
0:39:03 > 0:39:09'So far, Velia's been relatively upbeat about the home. But will it be ding-dong rather than ping-pong
0:39:09 > 0:39:11'when it comes to the master bedroom?'
0:39:11 > 0:39:15And the master bedroom. Now, Velia, last time I was here,
0:39:15 > 0:39:20I'm sure you weren't happy with this room for one reason or another.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23I thought it was probably too big.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- The master bedroom was too big? - Yes.- It's not, is it?
0:39:26 > 0:39:31Well... Yes, you're right, it doesn't look as big as it did feel
0:39:31 > 0:39:34this time last year when you were last here.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37You've got views over countryside, your own walk-in wardrobe
0:39:37 > 0:39:43- and en suite. You must be pleased with this.- Yes, it is nice.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46We just need a lot of furniture to go in it, I think.
0:39:48 > 0:39:54'The sizeable interior space has meant there's had to be a compromise when it comes to the back garden.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57'But the patio's still a great spot for soaking up the sun.'
0:39:58 > 0:40:01How has the experience been? Quite a long build.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06Yeah. We've been at the project about 20 months
0:40:06 > 0:40:09and former to that, you could argue,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13was wasted with two bad winters of build opportunity.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16So in reality, maybe 16, 17 months.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21- But a positive experience for you? - Very.- Velia?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Do you regret that at all, the fact that you did take such a back seat
0:40:24 > 0:40:27because you were so attached to the old place?
0:40:27 > 0:40:31Not regret it, but I do wish I'd had more input in the beginning
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- for the layout and the way it was designed.- That sounds like a regret.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39All right, then, OK. No, not regret. THEY LAUGH
0:40:39 > 0:40:43It will be nice moving into something completely brand new
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- because it's a long time since we've done anything at home, really.- Nice?
0:40:47 > 0:40:52- People would die for this house! - Yeah, it'll be nice.- Yeah.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58'Time to do the sums. The plot cost £175,000
0:40:58 > 0:41:03'while the final build cost has come in at around £205,000.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06'That's 30 grand over budget.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10'But what will William and Velia's impressive finished house be worth?'
0:41:10 > 0:41:13We've had a valuer nosing round the place.
0:41:13 > 0:41:19They think, because it's a very sought-after location
0:41:19 > 0:41:24in a very nice part of the area, Velia...
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Yeah, all right.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29If this was to go to market right now,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32you'd be looking somewhere between
0:41:32 > 0:41:35675 and 695.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38That's what you've said all along.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43'William might be cool about it, but opting to self-build
0:41:43 > 0:41:46'has saved them a massive £300,000.'
0:41:46 > 0:41:49I think the key is location.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52I think you're always protected, if you are building,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56to build in a location that can reward, if you're looking at resale.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01- We're not, as it happens, but... - No, we could move in for six months
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- and then sell it.- Don't you start!
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- Right, listen...- 675?
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Ah, now that's got you thinking, hasn't it?
0:42:10 > 0:42:14I think you're going to be very happy here. I think you've done a fantastic job
0:42:14 > 0:42:16and I've got a present for you. Stay there.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20- Oh, it's a...- It's our first plant.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25Listen, because we knew there was a certain amount of strife with this build,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28slight disagreements about whether you should move in at all,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32- we were going to give you an olive branch... - THEY LAUGH
0:42:32 > 0:42:36..but in the end, we thought we'd give you the whole thing.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39There you go. There's your olive tree.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- Put it where you will. - Thank you very much.
0:42:42 > 0:42:48- Congratulations. I think you've done a fantastic job.- Thank you. It's been worth all the trouble.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- WILLIAM LAUGHS - It has, hasn't it?
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- Lovely home.- Don't...
0:42:58 > 0:43:02Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:02 > 0:43:06E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:43:06 > 0:43:06.