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.
0:00:14 > 0:00:20'Every year, 20,000 people make the journey of a lifetime and opt to 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 > 0:00:31I was gobsmacked and I'd never realised that it would be the wow factor that it actually is.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37'Along the way, our brave self-builders will experience amazing highs...'
0:00:37 > 0:00:42We just never would've been able to afford to buy what we've built and that's why we built.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- '..and some frustrating lows.' - I've spoken to the council
0:00:46 > 0:00:48and they can help me pull it down. Simple as that.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52'If they can overcome the trials and tribulations,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56'they'll end up with the home they've always desired.'
0:00:56 > 0:01:02So if you're looking for your perfect pad, the question is simple. To build or not to build?
0:01:07 > 0:01:11'Coming up today, the lakeside lodge in East Yorkshire
0:01:11 > 0:01:14'giving its self-builders a few sleepless nights.'
0:01:14 > 0:01:17One of the biggest problems with self-build
0:01:17 > 0:01:19is what it does to your sleep patterns.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22I am not sleeping at all well.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26'How building their own home cemented a couple's love.'
0:01:26 > 0:01:30It was the one year I don't think we had a wrong word.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- Did we?- It went very well, yeah.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37'And my skills fitting plasterboard leave a lot to be desired.'
0:01:37 > 0:01:40No. I can see straight away, you're making a fundamental mistake.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51There's something just mesmerising about a lake in the middle of gorgeous countryside.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55And when Michelle and Lance Bramley took over the running of this fishing lake near Hull,
0:01:55 > 0:02:00they fell in love with the place hook, line and sinker and decided they wanted to make it their home.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04However, realising their self-build in such a beauty spot
0:02:04 > 0:02:07turned into ten years of trials and tribulations.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11But the Bramleys were determined that this dream would not be the one that got away.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17'For Lance and Michelle, managing the fishing lake
0:02:17 > 0:02:20'means they enjoy a workplace with a view to die for.'
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- Has there been anything on the top today?- Fingers crossed.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30'But this fishy business is more than just a living for the Bramleys.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35'They've been angling to live by the lake since buying it ten years ago.'
0:02:35 > 0:02:39What a spot! Go on, talk us through that.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44My ideal vision has always been a house by a lake surrounded by trees.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- So what did you think when you pulled up here?- That was it. Wow.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Michelle, sorry to keep carping on about this,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55sorry, but that's where you're going to live.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I haven't stopped smiling.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01It's just been a dream ever since we bought the place
0:03:01 > 0:03:06and hopefully it won't end in a nightmare. We'll have to wait and see.
0:03:06 > 0:03:12'But Lance and Michelle have already come through one nightmare. Planning permission.'
0:03:12 > 0:03:15What was it like when you heard that the appeal had been successful?
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- We both cried. - SHE LAUGHS
0:03:18 > 0:03:20You must have just been...
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Every time I think about that particular time...
0:03:25 > 0:03:27What can you say?
0:03:27 > 0:03:33Were there times when you thought, "Do you know what? Let's just give up and live in the local village
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- "and just work up here"?- Yes.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- There was, but it didn't last long, did it?- No.- Didn't last long.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44A few days later, you'd be sat there and there's birds flying around and you'd think,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- "Sod it, we'll have another go." - I'm not jealous of many people.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- I think I'm jealous of you two. - Thank you.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Look at it! And to realise your life's dream, as well.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57How long have you had that dream?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Since I was five.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Well, I say five, I could've even been younger than that.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07In my head, I've always lived by a lake
0:04:07 > 0:04:10surrounded by trees. HIS VOICE FALTERS
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Soft sod. THEY LAUGH
0:04:12 > 0:04:15'It's no wonder Lance is choked.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20'After that seven-year struggle, lakeside living is about to become reality.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26'The couple bought this 25-acre plot, including the lakes and the fishing business, in 1999
0:04:26 > 0:04:29'at a cost of £85,000.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33'And their home from heaven isn't costing the earth, either.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37'Their build budget is around £170,000.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40'That's an equivalent price to other detached homes in the area.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45'But what Lance and Michelle are getting is their own bespoke dream home,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47'a timber-framed, four-bed dormer bungalow
0:04:47 > 0:04:50'that's tailored to their specific design.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54'The house, which comes as a kit, will sit on top of a steel frame
0:04:54 > 0:04:56'one metre above ground level at the back
0:04:56 > 0:04:58'and four metres above water level at the front.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03'Basically, on stilts, which is all about forward thinking.'
0:05:03 > 0:05:07In 200 years' time, there's a one in 200 chance
0:05:07 > 0:05:09that it might flood.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11So that's why we've got to have it high up here.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17Hang on, so you are designing and siting a new build
0:05:17 > 0:05:20possibly with climate change in mind?
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- Yes. In 200 years' time. - For when the North Sea invades the rest of the land around here.
0:05:25 > 0:05:2930 centimetres lower, we're knackered. THEY LAUGH
0:05:29 > 0:05:33You're not. Your great-great-great grandchildren could be in big trouble.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Well, it looked amazing from the other side of the lake.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48From here, with the elevation, it looks better!
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- It's a good view, isn't it? - It's an amazing view!
0:05:53 > 0:05:56This side of the front is a patio
0:05:56 > 0:06:00with a lounge going to the front that side
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and on top of that, there's another patio
0:06:03 > 0:06:05and our bedroom leads out onto that.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10Ahh! So you actually open your curtains in the morning to that.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Yes.- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'The timeframe for the build is an ambitious eight to nine months.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22'But before the Bramleys can enjoy their room with a view,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25'Lance has some serious project managing to do.'
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Is that for budgetary reasons, or just because that's the kind of fella you are?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- You're like me, you just can't help it?- Budgetary.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- THEY LAUGH - Ah, fair enough.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40'Lance and Michelle have sold their previous home to fund the build
0:06:40 > 0:06:44'and they'll be renting until they can live by the lake.'
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- That might look nice grassed. - All that slope?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I bet you're good with a lawnmower. SHE LAUGHS
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Apart from paying for it, money's nothing to do with it. It's the lifestyle.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00It's just living the dream.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Could you have found somewhere already done
0:07:07 > 0:07:11with this kind of outlook for that money?
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Nowhere I know. - No. And you've been looking your whole life.- That's true.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31'A week after my visit work's underway, starting with digging trenches for the electricity cables.
0:07:31 > 0:07:38'To get connected to the grid would usually require digging up the road at significant expense.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41'Fortunately, Lance has found a cheaper shortcut.'
0:07:42 > 0:07:47Our neighbour has very thoughtfully allowed us to take the electric cable through his field
0:07:47 > 0:07:50and probably saved us a good few thousand pounds.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54And the rest of the concrete goes in.
0:07:55 > 0:08:01'Once the foundations are laid, Lance's main concern is over the steel-frame base.'
0:08:02 > 0:08:05All the concrete's been laid.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08What we've got to do now is undo these nuts on these bolts,
0:08:08 > 0:08:13take the template off and then waggle the bolts
0:08:13 > 0:08:16so when the steel frame is delivered,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20there's a bit of movement to allow for any errors in measurement.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Hopefully not too much.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26'As project manager, the buck stops with Lance.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29'And he has been doing all the measuring himself
0:08:29 > 0:08:32'so any problems and he'll know who to blame.'
0:08:33 > 0:08:38I've just finished measuring the height of the columns for the steel frame
0:08:38 > 0:08:40using a laser level and a piece of wood.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Hopefully, it's right. I've done it three times
0:08:45 > 0:08:50and it's taken me most of the day, so fingers crossed.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58'Project managers aren't cheap. They typically charge between seven and 15 percent of the total build cost.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03'But taking it on yourself can be a huge responsibility, as Lance is finding out.'
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Well, it's the big day tomorrow. Steel work's coming.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Now things are starting to move a bit, I'm starting to think
0:09:11 > 0:09:15a bit more about, "I've got this to organise, that to organise."
0:09:15 > 0:09:20Getting people to ring you back is a problem. You've got to be on everybody's backs all the time.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24'It's a massive day for Lance and Michelle.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28'It all starts here as the steel work arrives.'
0:09:29 > 0:09:32The steel's all starting to come in now
0:09:32 > 0:09:36and actually seeing it physically there, even though it's not up yet,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38there's a bit of a buzz going on.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43And I think I'm going to need something to calm down later on in the day.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46When the actual frame's up and you can walk out
0:09:46 > 0:09:51and feel the actual proper size of the frame and get the viewpoint you're going to get
0:09:51 > 0:09:54when you're stood on the balcony, that's what I'm looking forward to.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59You'll be up four metres in the air and looking right across the lake.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01You should be able to see just about everything.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Whoo.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10'And Lance is still a bit worried that he wasn't on his mettle when measuring.'
0:10:11 > 0:10:14My stomach's doing butterflies by the dozen.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19But I've every confidence in my measurements that it won't happen.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Well, a bit of confidence...
0:10:23 > 0:10:26'The first piece of steel is lowered into place.'
0:10:26 > 0:10:28First piece of steel going on.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Hopefully the rest will progress nice and quickly.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35'But the beams will be the big test of Lance's calculations.'
0:10:35 > 0:10:42The main one I'm worried about, it's from this column to that column, with it going down the slope.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Is everything going all right, then? - Well, yeah, so far.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54The columns are all sitting right. It's whether the beams fit in between.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58'If Lance has got it wrong, his lakeside self-build
0:10:58 > 0:11:02'could've hit choppy waters before it's truly set sail.'
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's the retirement dream of millions.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Lovely garden, potting shed and the chance to smell the roses
0:11:14 > 0:11:17after all those long years of working hard.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19But in Guisborough in North Yorkshire,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24one newly-retired couple had been nurturing a much grander plan - to build their own home.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30'For Alan and Anne Jackson, the idea of self-building
0:11:30 > 0:11:34'has been germinating throughout their 40 years of marriage.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38'Then, with time on their hands following retirement, it burst into bloom.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50'The result - a stunning five-bedroom home
0:11:50 > 0:11:53'which they built brick by brick in their old back garden
0:11:53 > 0:11:56'for £190,000.'
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I've always wanted to do this, so why not do it now?
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- I'll never get another chance. I was fit, everything was OK.- We'd talked about it all our married life.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07That was the ultimate, wasn't it?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10The ultimate was going to be build our own house.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14'Despite having a sizeable garden already,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17'they still needed to spend £7,000 on buying a chunk of land
0:12:17 > 0:12:20'next door to create enough space for the build to go ahead.'
0:12:20 > 0:12:24I wanted a big, lovely, red kitchen
0:12:24 > 0:12:26and I wanted a lovely big lounge.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- And a nice big bathroom. - And a lovely big bathroom.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32'To get all these lovely big things in,
0:12:32 > 0:12:39'the house had to be carefully squeezed in between a mains drain and an area of greenbelt land.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44'But just as they were about to start, a minor planning snag threw their schedule into a spin.'
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- Oh, it was really stressful.- Yes. - Cos we had bricklayers organised
0:12:49 > 0:12:53and we had to say to the bricklayers, "Sorry, we can't start".
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Well, that was their job for several weeks.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59And then we had a very wet spell when we dug the footings out
0:12:59 > 0:13:04and they were four feet deep in water, which we bailed out by bucket.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14'Despite the setback, Alan used his experience as a manager at a large chemical company
0:13:14 > 0:13:20'to keep the project bubbling along and saved £40,000 by acting as site manager
0:13:20 > 0:13:23'throughout the 11 months it took to build.'
0:13:23 > 0:13:29We've developed a very large, open-plan lounge. Nice view onto the rear.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35In summertime, all the cherry trees are in full blossom, so it's really beautiful.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It's grand and it's airy and it's just lovely.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41We did the ceiling height at eight foot, as well,
0:13:41 > 0:13:45to give a feeling of spaciousness. We're just overall delighted with it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51And, of course, look at this lovely bathroom.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Film star mirror.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Lovely deep bath. What more do you want?
0:13:59 > 0:14:03'Building from scratch meant the couple could throw themselves into contemporary design.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07'The floral flourishes and trappings of traditions of their previous house
0:14:07 > 0:14:10'have been replaced by clean lines and minimalism.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15'And being able to watch their dream home take shape
0:14:15 > 0:14:19'from the comfort of their old living room had practical benefits, too.'
0:14:19 > 0:14:23We're very lucky because the plot's just next door to our house, part of the garden,
0:14:23 > 0:14:28so we could run electricity cables from the old house, and the water, so it was easy.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33I used my garden hut as a storage for tools and the cement.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Every morning, I would get up, take the dog for a walk, get back for about 7:45,
0:14:37 > 0:14:43get the mixer going for the bricklayers then spend the whole day with them. It just went very well.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49'And the new house wasn't the only positive thing to come out of their self-build journey.'
0:14:49 > 0:14:54It was the one year I don't think we had a wrong word.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Did we? - It went very well, yeah. Very well.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Cos normally... - SHE LAUGHS
0:14:59 > 0:15:03And this is true, we didn't have a wrong word. And it's brought us together.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09- It changed...- Not that we were apart before.- No, but it changed our relationship in a different way.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- Didn't it?- Yeah. It made me appreciate Anne's skills and ideas
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- and I think she appreciated mine, as well.- But we've always worked together, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22We stood and went, "Yes! We've done it!"
0:15:26 > 0:15:31'Swapping bulbs and buddleias for a building has made huge financial sense for the Jacksons.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35'Their new home was valued at £650,000,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38'a saving of more than 70 percent
0:15:38 > 0:15:41'compared to buying a similar ready-built home in the area.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46'By choosing to self-build in their back garden,
0:15:46 > 0:15:50'Alan and Anne have saved a blooming fortune and got their perfect pad, too.'
0:16:01 > 0:16:03'Back in East Yorkshire,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06'it's the second month of Lance and Michelle Bramley's build.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13'And they're anxiously watching the construction of their home's steel work base.'
0:16:13 > 0:16:15That one. I'm still worried about that.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20'Having measured the foundations himself,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24'project manager Lance is now sweating over whether his maths is spot-on.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29'A fraction out and the steel base won't fit.'
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- That's good to see! - 'It's a huge relief. It appears Lance's calculations add up.'
0:16:34 > 0:16:38It looks as though it fits. We have one success, at least.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41'With one early hurdle successfully cleared,
0:16:41 > 0:16:46'they are already allowing themselves to dream about the finished house.'
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- It's unbelievable, isn't it? - They're a lot wider than I thought.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53I know. I know. Room for the kids at last.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- SHE LAUGHS - It's lovely. I can't wait.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Looks a bit more permanent now, doesn't it?
0:16:58 > 0:17:03You can actually think, "Oh, there's going to be a house on there soon".
0:17:04 > 0:17:10'But there are lots of bridges to cross before the Bramleys can enjoy this view from their own balcony.'
0:17:10 > 0:17:13The house will be arriving on the back of a big artic
0:17:13 > 0:17:19and they've told me that if it's really windy, the crane can't work so much.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23Seven to nine days, up and watertight and then the roofers come in.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28So by the end of June, barring the balconies,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31the outside of the house should look more or less finished.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35In theory.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39'A week later and work on site is moving up a level.'
0:17:39 > 0:17:44The scaffolding lads are getting on well with the job, it's coming together.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48I'm up on the scaffolding
0:17:48 > 0:17:51about the height of our bedroom balcony.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55So it just gives you an idea...
0:17:56 > 0:17:59..of the sort of view we'll get. I can't wait.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02It's like we're up in the treetops here.
0:18:05 > 0:18:11'But despite all the excitement, project managing is starting to take its toll on Lance.'
0:18:14 > 0:18:18I think one of the biggest problems with self-build
0:18:18 > 0:18:20is what it does to your sleep pattern.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Because even though everything's really gone quite smoothly,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25I am not sleeping at all well.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29And when I am sleeping, I'm dreaming about building.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Last night, I was doing the scaffolding
0:18:32 > 0:18:36and then I was in absolute terror
0:18:36 > 0:18:39because the design was all wrong of the house.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43But it wasn't the house we're building, it was a church we were converting.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45So I don't really know what's going on there.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51'Given Lance's new sleeping arrangements, it's no wonder he's having nightmares.'
0:18:51 > 0:18:56We've borrowed my dad's caravan and it's the darkest hole you ever want to live in.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00I can sit in there for two hours and feel depressed. But it's handy.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07'The couple do have a rental home to escape to, but staying on site does have its advantages.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10'It provides extra security for the build,
0:19:10 > 0:19:15'and if you can stand it for the total duration, it could save you thousands of pounds on rent.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21'It's the third month of building
0:19:21 > 0:19:24'and the Bramley's self-build is really about to take shape.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28'It's 7am and the team have arrived from Scotland with the timber frame
0:19:28 > 0:19:32'and building work can properly begin on the house.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37'But while the early start's not an issue for on-site camper Lance, the same can't be said for everyone.'
0:19:40 > 0:19:44The crane's a hour late, so it's slowed the job right down.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48I'm not happy. Not at all happy. Especially as I rang to confirm the time last week.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52'And the crane's not the only problem.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57'Lance has just discovered that some of the timber has been left north of the border.'
0:19:57 > 0:20:01We started unloading the wagon and we found out that
0:20:01 > 0:20:05the load-bearing frames that go in the middle
0:20:05 > 0:20:08weren't on the wagon, they're still in Scotland.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11They're getting round it. They're on their way back from Scotland
0:20:11 > 0:20:15to be delivered this afternoon, about six o'clock.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17So the crane driver's staying to get them unloaded
0:20:17 > 0:20:20so first thing in the morning, they can get things moving
0:20:20 > 0:20:26and hopefully we'll get caught up and it'll stop raining. THEY LAUGH
0:20:27 > 0:20:30'Not much chance of that.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35'But a spot of rain's not going to stop these determined Scotsmen.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39'Each super-insulated timber panel is precision engineered
0:20:39 > 0:20:42'to fit in a specific location on the foundations.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48'With an experienced crew, a house can come together at lightning speed, whatever the weather.'
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Ground floor done, barring the internals.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Spot on. HE LAUGHS
0:20:59 > 0:21:02That's the back door.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07That's the kitchen/family room. That's the lounge. Out onto the balcony.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I'll have to have a chair there and just looking down.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15So even in winter, you'll get a fantastic view.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18'This is mid-summer, but you wouldn't know it.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:23It's the end of day two in the big Bramley household.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27It's been absolutely horrendous weather today.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31And James and the crew have battled through torrential rain
0:21:31 > 0:21:34and, as you can see,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36all the roof rafters are on.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43'And as the workforce push to have the house up and watertight in just four days,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46'Lance has washing-up water on his mind.'
0:21:48 > 0:21:51I was putting the kitchen sink against this wall,
0:21:51 > 0:21:56which is...obviously facing plasterboard.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01But Michelle's insisted that the kitchen sink goes against this wall so she can look out
0:22:01 > 0:22:05while she's washing the pots. I might even do a bit of washing up myself.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13And this is the bedroom balcony.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17When we get up in the morning, this is what we'll see.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Right up in the treetops. Fantastic view.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26And no doubt we'll be having plenty of breakfasts up here first thing.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I've built it in my head a thousand times,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32but it's exceeded all expectations.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39And you could never visualise the views you're going to get without actually being there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45'Looking back at the house is also proving quite pleasing to the eye.'
0:22:45 > 0:22:50I knew it was going up this fast, but I just can't believe it until you actually see it.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53I must be going soft in my old age, definitely.
0:22:54 > 0:23:00I can't believe it. I get to bed on a night with a big smile. It's lovely.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09'With Lance focused on project managing the build...'
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Hi, Harry. How's it going?
0:23:11 > 0:23:16'..Michelle is shouldering the burden of running the fishing business on her own.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:21The general running of the business hasn't gone too bad. I have been stressed.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26The worst part has been if I've been going back to Lance and he's had a lot on his plate,
0:23:26 > 0:23:30so I've felt as though I've needed to do something to help him
0:23:30 > 0:23:35and then not being able to do anything cos I would have to get on with my work here.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41'But Michelle's role is every bit as important as Lance's efforts on the house.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44'By single-handedly keeping the business going,
0:23:44 > 0:23:49'she's crucially ensuring the couple's finances remain buoyant throughout the nine-month build.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57'It's July and I'm back lakeside
0:23:57 > 0:24:01'to see if all their hard work over the last four months is paying off.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08How's he been? Obsessed?
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- A bit, yeah. He talks about it endlessly. - SHE LAUGHS
0:24:12 > 0:24:16It's been hard work, but it's going to be lovely when it's finished.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- Yeah.- I've been quite stressed cos I've been doing this on my own
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- and Lance has been busy, but yeah, we're getting there. - I've had the easy bit.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30'There's no doubting this project is a real labour of love for Lance.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36'From this side of the pond, it certainly looks fabulous. Time I took a closer look.'
0:24:36 > 0:24:41I just like the way it's floating. It's great.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45'With the partition walls in place, it's now possible to visualise
0:24:45 > 0:24:47'how the finished home is going to look.'
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- It's almost a house! - It's taking shape.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'And the kitchen/diner is definitely a room with a view.'
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Just imagine, not so long now and you'll be sitting here,
0:24:58 > 0:25:02chilling out. This is your living room with that view.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Yes, it'll be lovely. - And you know what I want to see.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- It's got to be the view from the master bedroom.- Yeah.- Come on.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Well, I have to say,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23your house looks fabulous from the other side of the lake
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and the view just looks amazing from here.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- It is a good view, isn't it? - It's an amazing view.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- It does tick all the boxes. - It certainly does.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38'I am genuinely jealous.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42'Most people would pay a fortune for a home with vistas like these.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46'But halfway through, how are the finances looking for Michelle and Lance?'
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- Are you on budget? - Yeah, we're more or less on budget.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Some things have cost a little bit more, some things less, but there's been no nasties.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01'Despite all the stresses and strains that a project like this entails,
0:26:01 > 0:26:06'it seems it's not just a home that's been built up here over the past four months.'
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- Has it given you more confidence? Do you know what I mean? - Oh, definitely.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- I...- Definitely Lance.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- Because you're quite quiet.- Yeah. I can sort of speak to people now.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Getting on the phone to somebody, going visiting people, it doesn't phase me now.
0:26:22 > 0:26:28- Before I'd be, "You give them a ring". It's definitely improved my confidence no end.- Definitely.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31There you go. So once he's back in the business, your load will be eased!
0:26:35 > 0:26:40So, from here, timescales? You're getting stuck in. You can't be far off now.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45How many months do you think? How many weeks? Come on. Michelle wants to be in.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50- Let's put him on the spot while I'm here.- Where are we now? I would say...four months.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- He said that.- Yes.- Or six months.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57No! Too late now! We'll take your first answer, thank you very much.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08'When it comes to building a house,
0:27:08 > 0:27:13'there could be as many as 20 different trades involved to turn it from suitable plot to superb home.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17'I'm at Leeds College of Building
0:27:17 > 0:27:20'to get a crash course in some of these skills.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22'The more you do yourself, the more money you save.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30'Today's lesson will be in the art of plasterboarding.'
0:27:40 > 0:27:44We're going to take some plasterboards and fix it to this timber stud wall.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- All right. - From floor level to ceiling height.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51That bit doesn't scare me. I'm feeling a bit cocky at the moment.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54It's the stuff, the liquidy stuff you put on afterwards.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58The setting coat. We'll get to that a bit later on. You're saying you're cocky,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- let's get over the boarding part first, shall we?- All right, then.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08'So I've got all my school tools and I'm pretty confident of a boarding pass.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11'As long as I get it the right way round.'
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Ivory side out. Ivory side out.
0:28:15 > 0:28:21'Or I was before Wayne hit me with the plasterer's secret motto.'
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Always remember one of the most fundamental rules of plasterboarding,
0:28:25 > 0:28:30always span the joist and stagger your joints.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- I'll leave you with that, OK? - That's right, yeah.
0:28:33 > 0:28:39Always span the...joist and stagger your...joints.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43I'm right with him there. Clueless. There we go. OK.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47'Hopefully all will become clear after I've got this first board fitted.'
0:28:48 > 0:28:51OK, just be careful, cos it's not square there.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Again, one thing to remember, Simon, maybe you've gone slightly too far in.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00'After that cracking start, I'm regretting being so cocky.'
0:29:00 > 0:29:03You've got a plasterboard here flapping about. Tack it that side,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- tack it at this side, as well, and so on and so forth.- Got you. OK.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10'With the boards solidly screwed into the wall,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'looks as though I've worked out what spanning the joists meant.'
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- Go on.- 'Time to measure up for the next layer.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20'This plasterboarding lark seems fairly straightforward.'
0:29:20 > 0:29:24If that's 900 and I can get a 900 by 1,200 board in there...
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- No. Now, I can see straight away you're making a fundamental mistake. - What?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31'Wouldn't be the first time. You've guessed it.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34'Rather than one on top of the other, I need to stagger the joints.'
0:29:34 > 0:29:39'This helps strengthen the wall and reduces the risk of the plaster cracking.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Not so bad, guv?- That's absolutely perfect.- Got something right.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47'Because I'm not allowed to fit one directly on top of the other,
0:29:47 > 0:29:51'to get the boards to fit properly, I've got lots of cutting to do.'
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- This is the bit that looks good. - Snap it.- I love it! Makes you look like a professional.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- Brilliant.- Excellent.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- Push it this way a fraction, just to close this gap.- If you're going to have a gap, you'd rather...
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- I'd rather have it there because you'll put a standard skim bead on that angle.- Right.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- So, you want to push that and close that gap.- OK.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18'Just as I think I'm mastering it...'
0:30:18 > 0:30:22Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28'..Wayne raises the bar. Time to hit the roof.'
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- So, same principles apply? - Exactly the same principles.- Yep.
0:30:34 > 0:30:40'It's easy enough with two of us, but on the next board, I'm flying solo, or trying to.'
0:30:41 > 0:30:43I'm making a pig's ear of it!
0:30:43 > 0:30:47The actual wall isn't built true and plumb. It might be slightly out, so...
0:30:47 > 0:30:53- It's those brickies!- It is, absolutely.- It's always the brickies! - We always follow the brickies.
0:30:53 > 0:30:59'The buck smoothly passed, I now have to plane my ill-fitting board to size.'
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Doing one is fine.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07If I truly had to do a whole ceiling on my own...
0:31:07 > 0:31:10I think it's a young man's game, plasterboarding.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- All right, guv?- Looks fine. You?
0:31:16 > 0:31:20I'm not going to become a plasterer, I don't think. See how I get on. How've I done?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23There's no major gaps. You staggered the joints.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Fixings 150 mil apart.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30I would definitely say probably eight, maybe even nine out of ten.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35- That's a very, very respectable effort for your first time. - Oh! Cheers, mate!
0:31:35 > 0:31:39'Happily, the next time I see Wayne, we'll be getting plastered.'
0:31:45 > 0:31:49'In East Yorkshire, Lance and Michelle Bramley
0:31:49 > 0:31:52'are longing to live by the fishing lake they own and manage.
0:31:54 > 0:32:00'And after a painful seven-year planning process, the build has been relatively plain-sailing so far.'
0:32:00 > 0:32:05We've been lucky but I think, with a self-build,
0:32:05 > 0:32:10you've got to arrange it like a military campaign.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Everything has got to be ordered in your head.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15'It's an exciting day for project manager Lance,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19'because for him, it's all about the view.'
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Well, we're having the balcony fitted today
0:32:22 > 0:32:26so I can't wait to see that, but I'm keeping out of the way.
0:32:27 > 0:32:34I'm insulating all the pipework while they're doing that. Soon as they're done, I'll nip out and have a look.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Just the underneath to sort out now, Lance, so...- Ah, good. Good.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44- Has it all gone smoothly, then? - Yeah, spot on. Yeah. Great.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48The rail holds, so now you can do your push test.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Once you get that hand rail on it, it'll stiffen up.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54That's good, isn't it? I won't lean over here once the scaffolding has gone.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58It's too big a drop for me. I'm just going to be sat out here anyway
0:32:58 > 0:33:02with a glass of wine or a cold beer, depending on the weather.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08'While Michelle keeps the fishing business running, Lance has been on site full-time,
0:33:08 > 0:33:13'doing as much as he can, with a bit of help from the kids.'
0:33:13 > 0:33:17I always said if I had the money, I'd get one where they put it up for you
0:33:17 > 0:33:21and everybody else does the job. But I don't think it would feel the same, at the end of the day.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26I think it's more your house because you've put sweat and blood and tears into it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29With me, blood, cos I'm a clumsy so-and-so.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32If anybody gets the chance, I think they ought to go for it.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37'But there are times when even Lance gets that sinking feeling.'
0:33:39 > 0:33:44I just spent the last four or five days getting all the upstairs ready for the plasterboarders.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Absolutely knackered.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51I've been working till nine, ten at night from about half six, seven in the morning
0:33:51 > 0:33:57depending what time I get up. I'm lucky that I've been able to do this full-time. But by hell, it's tiring.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03I've just dragged the heat ventilation recovery unit up into the attic.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07It's a bit of a big box, as you can see.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12'The HRV unit will replace stale air from the bathrooms and kitchen with filtered fresh air.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16'By sourcing the unit himself, and designing the layout for the pipework,
0:34:16 > 0:34:20'Lance has saved a whopping £1,000.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26'However, a month later, it's time for a bit of turbulence.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29'There's a problem at altitude with Lance's balcony.'
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Well, I made a boo-boo.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Building regs does not allow anything that's climbable for children.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41I've talked to the building inspector and he's agreed that I can...
0:34:41 > 0:34:45This is a mock-up I did for him, to see if everything would be all right.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49It's galvanised so it all goes in. It's just to stop children climbing over.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56'The original balcony design would be fine on commercial premises but not for a family home.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59'Fortunately for Lance, this error is easily corrected.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04'But it's always worth checking with your local authority's building control department
0:35:04 > 0:35:10'to ensure additional features, such as this, adhere to all the latest building regulations.'
0:35:10 > 0:35:12I could have kicked myself. I was really annoyed
0:35:12 > 0:35:17cos I'm normally quite thorough in looking at things. But I just totally overlooked it.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21'A couple of months later,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24'the house is really starting to feel like a home to Michelle.'
0:35:26 > 0:35:30This is my daughter's room, Michaela. She's done all the decorating.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33This is my son Louie's bedroom.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37He's been doing the painting on the walls to match his duvet.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40And this is going to be our room.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45It's a bit basic at the moment, we've moved out of the caravan and put the bed in.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48What we'd have in here is the changing room,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52with a dressing table and a wardrobe there.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55And Paul is here busy doing the painting.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59'And throughout the build, helpful friends and family have been invaluable.'
0:35:59 > 0:36:03It's great that everyone has helped us. It makes a big difference.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Cos, erm, it's amazing how
0:36:07 > 0:36:11you think a job is going to take so long, but like with me tiling,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13my first bathroom took over me a week.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17And I thought a couple of days, foolishly, I'd have it done.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22'Lance has done a great job on the bathrooms.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26'But just when one task is completed, there's always another to tackle.'
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Delivery of the kitchen. We're getting to the final phase now.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40'Three months later, I'm back in East Yorkshire to see if Lance and Michelle have got everything done.'
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Well, something is looking very impressive.
0:36:48 > 0:36:54'And while the weather is hardly great, their new home manages to look absolutely fantastic.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59'The natural wood cladding means that the house really does blend in and complement its surroundings.'
0:37:02 > 0:37:08- Hello, hello!- Come in!- What a gorgeous looking home.- Thank you.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16'And there's been just as much devotion to detail inside the house.'
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- Come through.- Come through indeed!
0:37:28 > 0:37:32'From the down-lighting to the luxurious black granite work surfaces,
0:37:32 > 0:37:37'this kitchen-cum-family room, was always intended to be the focal point of the home.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43'Trouble is with this place, you can't help looking out of the window.'
0:37:43 > 0:37:49Because you can't see the edge of the lake this side, it feels like we're right in the water.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54It is quite deceptive, really. You feel as though you're over it.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59You see it in the morning when all the fish are topping, sat having your breakfast, it takes some beating.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03'Not all the rooms have been furnished yet.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07'Lance and Michelle are happy to be patient so they don't have to compromise on quality.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16'But the master bedroom, with its separate dressing area,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19'en-suite bathroom and treetop view from the balcony,
0:38:19 > 0:38:23'is high living like they've never seen before.'
0:38:24 > 0:38:29This is great. Another window here so it's not dual aspect, it's triple aspect.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34Every view is different. We've got woodlands, we've got lakes, fields, you've got your own balcony.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38HE SIGHS
0:38:38 > 0:38:40- SHE LAUGHS It's nice.- It's nice!
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Very nice, it's lovely.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55'The Bramleys bought most of their fixtures and fittings on the internet.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59'When it came to picking out the bathroom suite, Michelle adopted a trial and error method.'
0:39:01 > 0:39:07I went into the town and sat in a lot of the baths and felt for the shape,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and if it was a bit small for me, I knew it would be too small for the boys.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- You did? In your clothes, I hope? - Yes.- OK. OK.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25'There was a time Lance and Michelle thought this house would never be built.'
0:39:26 > 0:39:29How long was this in the planning process?
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- Seven years.- Seven years?- Yeah.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- Does that still bite or have you let it go now?- It's all gone.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- Are you pleased? - Just a bit. Just a bit.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Do you find yourself stopping on the far side of the lake and going, "Oh, hello"?
0:39:46 > 0:39:51- Yeah.- Do you?- Yes. It will wear off though, won't it?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Give us 20 or 30 years.- Exactly.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00'Lance's next important job is to return his dad's caravan,
0:40:00 > 0:40:04'a painful reminder of his self-imposed exile.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08'But the end result makes up for all those long days and sleepless nights.'
0:40:09 > 0:40:13What's been the best part for you, Michelle, of this journey?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17I think the moving in at the end,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21when all the family was together and it was lovely, wasn't it?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I was quite used to the peace and quiet, to be honest. THEY LAUGH
0:40:24 > 0:40:29'Project manager Lance hit his build target of nine months.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31'Time to see if the other figures add up.'
0:40:32 > 0:40:35So go on, then, how much have you spent?
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- £171,000.- £171,000?
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Hang on a minute. I'm sure you told me 170.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46But that includes table and chairs and...
0:40:46 > 0:40:49All right! I take the point, you are on budget.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57'So, it's cost Lance and Michelle £171,000.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01'That's on top of the £85,000 they paid for the plot
0:41:01 > 0:41:07'and fishing business ten years ago. A total spend of £256,000.'
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- We have had this place valued. - Mm-hm.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16Now, I've got to tell you, it doesn't include the commercial aspect.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18It doesn't include all your land.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23They think that this place would easily sell at the moment
0:41:23 > 0:41:27for somewhere between £380,000 and £400,000.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- Gosh!- Oh, that's nice.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- I'm surprised it's as much as that. - I am.- I must admit.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37I thought, maybe if we got what we'd spent, it would be lovely.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40That's even better, isn't it?
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Very pleasant surprise. We're not going to sell it, but...
0:41:45 > 0:41:49'And who would want to part with such a fantastic home?
0:41:50 > 0:41:52'For Lance and Michelle, self-building has saved them
0:41:52 > 0:41:55'at least £120,000,
0:41:55 > 0:41:58'and that's before factoring in their business.'
0:41:58 > 0:42:02Your results are staggering, I think.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06To be on budget, on time,
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- feels like it's been well worth it, doesn't it?- It certainly does.- Yeah.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- And did I mention the view? - THEY LAUGH Oh, is there a view?
0:42:14 > 0:42:17And before we go, we've got a little something for you.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22- There you go, there's a... - THEY LAUGH - There you go.- It's Hobbit's Hall!
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Well, it's just, kind of, reminiscent
0:42:25 > 0:42:28of that caravan life that you suffered, mate,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and also just something for the birds, as well.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- Thank you very much. - It's our pleasure.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39'So a new home to make the birds happy.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44'And I'm sure Lance and Michelle will be more than happy in theirs.'
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- This is a childhood dream. - It is.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Come true. That doesn't happen to people.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55It has now. Ever since...
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Well, as long as I can remember, it's house, by lake, surrounded by trees.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Perfect.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:14 > 0:43:18E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk
0:43:18 > 0:43:18.