0:00:00 > 0:00:02We all dream of owning the perfect home,
0:00:02 > 0:00:05but finding a property that suits both your wallet
0:00:05 > 0:00:09and your way of life isn't easy. Well, I have a solution.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14Stop searching for something to buy, and consider somewhere to build.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Every year, 20,000 people make the journey of a lifetime
0:00:18 > 0:00:21and opt to build their own home. We'll be following some of them
0:00:21 > 0:00:24as they go from foundations to finishing touches.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25It's certainly been relentless.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28You don't get any time off for good behaviour.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Along the way, our brave self-builders will experience
0:00:31 > 0:00:34amazing highs.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37It's been a dream and it's starting to come together now.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39And some frustrating lows.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43How many more things could go pear-shaped?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47But if they can overcome these trials and tribulations,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50they'll end up with the home they've always desired.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52So if you're looking for your perfect pad,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54the question is simple...
0:00:54 > 0:00:57to build or not to build?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03On today's show...
0:01:03 > 0:01:06We follow the professional builder
0:01:06 > 0:01:10taking a tiring busman's holiday to build his own home.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12It is a wearing process. You keep thinking,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15we'll get to the next stage and then I'll put my feet up.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19The self-builders in Sheffield who finally realised a lifelong ambition.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23You put your heart and soul into it for such a long time.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26I think it's lived up to my dream. Yeah, definitely.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29And I'm learning plumbing at building college
0:01:29 > 0:01:33where it's clear I should pipe down and pay more attention.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35More pipe!
0:01:37 > 0:01:42We all know that when it comes to property, location is crucial.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Many people find what they hope will be that very special place
0:01:46 > 0:01:49only to discover that whilst they love the delightful neighbourhood,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53the res is not quite as des as they'd hoped.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Whilst many may choose to look elsewhere,
0:01:55 > 0:02:00braver souls opt to stay put and go for a far more dramatic option.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02This is Scott Nicholls and Emma Robinson.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05They've always had their heart set on having a home here
0:02:05 > 0:02:09in the picturesque Bedfordshire village of Felmersham.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Two years ago, that desire became reality
0:02:12 > 0:02:15when they bought a 19th century one-bedroom stone cottage
0:02:15 > 0:02:21in the heart of the village for £185,000.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24But they soon realised that while the location was fantastic,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26their historic home wasn't.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32The old house has got quite a lot of problems.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It's very small, built for a different era really
0:02:35 > 0:02:36and it's very damp.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37No central heating.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41It's absolutely freezing cold with only a back boiler.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Someone had built an extension on it in the Sixties
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and it had just been really poorly done.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48It's come to the end of its natural life.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Scott and Emma originally intended to extend their cramped cottage,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55but they were devastated when the planners turned down
0:02:55 > 0:03:00the application because it would look out of place in the village.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04Remarkably, they advised Scott and Emma to tear down the whole lot
0:03:04 > 0:03:09and design something new that was in keeping with the surroundings.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11And that's exactly what they intend to do.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13The new five-bed detached home
0:03:13 > 0:03:16will be three times the size of the old place
0:03:16 > 0:03:20and match neighbouring properties built in local stone.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22While it will be traditional on the outside,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25this place will be packed with the latest green technology
0:03:25 > 0:03:29to boost energy efficiency to the max.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Scott hopes to build this stunning family home in under seven months
0:03:33 > 0:03:35and for around £200,000.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41We wanted to build a low-energy house that looked
0:03:41 > 0:03:46like a conventional stone house in one of those little villages
0:03:46 > 0:03:49just to prove that it doesn't have to be a modern, avant-garde,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51all glass, all concrete looking box
0:03:51 > 0:03:55to have the sort of really low energy consumption that we're aiming at.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07A builder by trade, Scott had the confidence
0:04:07 > 0:04:10to take on the job of the demolition by himself.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13He's worked in the family construction business for the last 14 years
0:04:13 > 0:04:18and has opted to take a break from building other people's homes to concentrate on his own.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23But just because he's a professional doesn't mean this is going to be a smooth ride.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Whenever we build something, you see things you don't like
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and you say, well, it's their house, it's their decision.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33But if we don't like anything, it's obviously going to be down to us
0:04:33 > 0:04:37and the buck stops here. Obviously, it's my money at risk as well.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39If there's any problems in the footings...
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Normally, if it's a customer's house and we find bad ground,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47then they have to foot the bill. Obviously, in this situation, we do.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51While Scott's on the job building,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55saleswoman Emma's on the road working
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and day dreaming about the finished house.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Really looking forward to having a large kitchen
0:05:01 > 0:05:03so we can have friends over.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07I love to have people in the house and entertain
0:05:07 > 0:05:10and I can't wait to have the ability to have people over to stay.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Having wilfully flattened their home,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16the couple will live with Scott's parents
0:05:16 > 0:05:19for the duration of the project.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Let's hope Emma gets on with the in-laws.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Seven months is a long time to play happy families.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29That won't be the only relationship under pressure
0:05:29 > 0:05:34and I'm in Felmersham to meet the builder and his demanding client.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Right then. Come on, tell us what's going on. Explain to us.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42What we have is...
0:05:42 > 0:05:46This is a biggish single garage down here,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49leading to a utility room behind.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52This is a kitchen diner.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54That's where the sink'll be, that's the sink waste.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56This is the kitchen?
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Yeah, that is the beginnings of a kitchen.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Are you happy with the position of the sink?
0:06:01 > 0:06:05There's going to be a window here where I can look out onto the street.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Isn't that worrying, a view across to the pub?- Very.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Turnaround, clients. What are we looking at a now, builder?
0:06:12 > 0:06:18Um... There's a set of treble opening patio doors at the end
0:06:18 > 0:06:22looking out onto the garden, dining room...
0:06:22 > 0:06:24and there'll be a log burner there-ish.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26And then this will all be kitchen cupboards
0:06:26 > 0:06:29with a little peninsular unit to separate the two off.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33And whose idea was it to have this really opened-through view
0:06:33 > 0:06:37so you can look from the front to the back of the house clean through.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Funnily enough, I think we've always been keen on a kitchen-diner.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44You can have friends in the dining room sitting around
0:06:44 > 0:06:45and somebody'll be cooking.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- We're always at the kitchen in parties, frankly.- Definitely.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51For me though, the real party piece of this home
0:06:51 > 0:06:53will be its environmental credentials.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Is that quite important to both of you,
0:06:55 > 0:06:59the fact that you're doing this in a sustainable way?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01The house has been designed to be an eco house,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04it should have a very low space heating demand.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08It should generate a lot, if not all of its own electricity,
0:07:08 > 0:07:09have some solar thermal on the roof.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11We also have a rainwater harvester.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16It's dug into the ground already and it'll collect the rainwater
0:07:16 > 0:07:21and flush the toilets so we won't be on the meter for things like that.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Installing these eco features
0:07:24 > 0:07:30will add approximately £20,000 to Scott and Emma's build budget.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33But, with new initiatives such as the ability to sell any excess
0:07:33 > 0:07:36electricity they generate to the National Grid,
0:07:36 > 0:07:40the couple's investment should begin to pay back almost straight away.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45We think if we put the amount of solar electricity on the roof
0:07:45 > 0:07:49that we want, we could possibly get up to two mortgage payments a year.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- Say no more. - It's a holiday.- Absolutely.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57It certainly is a holiday. And you'll need one after this.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01'While Emma can escape the mud back to her day job,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03'this is unlikely to be a summer of fun for Scott.'
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Do you think the builder feels more or less pressure
0:08:09 > 0:08:11because he's building your home?
0:08:11 > 0:08:15More. Definitely more.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Yeah, it's there and we're under time pressure,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21because obviously on this there's no-one else picking up the bill.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23We're under a lot of pressure that way.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Not only that we're going to be living here,
0:08:25 > 0:08:29so we need to get the finish right and we need to do it quickly.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32You mentioned you got to get on with this, get it finished,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34get on with it.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38We should check out the local, shouldn't we? Enjoy, see you later.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41'The next stage is preparing the foundations.'
0:08:42 > 0:08:45However, these ground works provide the odd shock
0:08:45 > 0:08:47for both Scott and his neighbours.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49We've just finished doing
0:08:49 > 0:08:54our first day's proper foundation.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56A little bit traumatic because of that.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59That's a joint mains electricity cable.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02When we dug around it it went pop
0:09:02 > 0:09:06and everyone up the street spent the night without any power.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08So we're not that popular at the moment.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11It's all fixed and we've got some footing in, which is good.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Building sites can cause no end of disruption,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18so keeping your neighbours onside is crucial.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21After all, you're going to end up living next door.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Busy saleswoman in the week, come the weekend,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Emma's job is on site giving Scott and the team a hand.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36And many hands make light work of the heavy concrete floor beams.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Into the second month of the build
0:09:42 > 0:09:44and activity on site is a little less frenetic.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47However, a decision about his window supplier
0:09:47 > 0:09:49is causing Scott to get stressed.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54The initial company we wanted to use for the windows,
0:09:54 > 0:09:59took a very long time to get our quote back.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02So I went out to someone else.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05But the window specification is slightly different which means
0:10:05 > 0:10:08the openings in the building are slightly different,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10so everything's been rejigged.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13By switching supplier, in mean Scott's windows are now
0:10:13 > 0:10:17a different size to the spaces he's allowed for them.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19And not knowing the exact measurements
0:10:19 > 0:10:23could ultimately hold up the build.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Bearing in mind if you going to start stonework on Monday,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28we need to know the size of the frames for then
0:10:28 > 0:10:31because some of the door frames and full-length windows
0:10:31 > 0:10:32come down to where we're now.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35So it's something we need to know now, which means
0:10:35 > 0:10:39getting information from other people, which is always a nightmare.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45There's at least one thing that's lifting Scott's mood.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Getting ready for the first bit of super-duper insulation
0:10:49 > 0:10:53we're putting in which is a load-bearing blown glass
0:10:53 > 0:10:56which goes in the brick course to stop the cold coming up
0:10:56 > 0:10:59or all the warmth going down from the house.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03It's quite a new product in this country so we're excited.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06We're getting it tomorrow, I think.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11At £1,000, that one row is 25 times the cost of normal breeze blocks,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14but insulation is probably the most important,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17energy-saving feature you can install and any additional cost
0:11:17 > 0:11:21should eventually be outweighed by future savings.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Those reduced heating bills are a long way off
0:11:23 > 0:11:28and with self-building there's only one way to keep on budget.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Just have to work longer, harder and quicker.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So I've got loads of extra money at the end.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35So I can have my posh kitchen.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46The chance to build your own home is often
0:11:46 > 0:11:49the result of years of planning and dreaming.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Growing up in Sheffield, paper company director,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Paul Ferne's childhood ambition was to become an architect
0:11:55 > 0:11:58and build his own perfect place.
0:11:58 > 0:11:5930 years later,
0:11:59 > 0:12:03he's finally been able to fulfil at least one of those lifelong desires.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08This anonymous looking bungalow in a Sheffield suburb
0:12:08 > 0:12:12may not appear that special, but this place is anything but ordinary.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Because this is the house that led to one young man
0:12:15 > 0:12:18realising his dream to design and build
0:12:18 > 0:12:20his own fantastic family home.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27And boy, after more than 30 years of waiting, how he's pulled it off!
0:12:27 > 0:12:31For Paul, his wife Cathy and their daughter Maddy, the vision
0:12:31 > 0:12:33he planned at the bottom of his parents' garden
0:12:33 > 0:12:36has paid off spectacularly.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40They lived in it for about 32 years. They sold it to us because they had
0:12:40 > 0:12:43permission to build a house in their back garden.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46And we then started altering the plans on that house
0:12:46 > 0:12:48to build the house that we wanted.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51You don't get many opportunities like that,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53so we just had to take it.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54And take it they did.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59But the idea still took another six years to fully blossom.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Various initial plans were rejected as being wildly over ambitious
0:13:03 > 0:13:08but after scaling the project down, work finally began in May 2009.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10We could have just given up.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15We'd come that far and we got 90% of the house there.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19We just had to scale back a little bit, chop little bits off.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21But as it happened we ended up with a bigger house
0:13:21 > 0:13:25for much less than we originally priced up for.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30The house and garden cost the couple £320,000
0:13:30 > 0:13:34and they set themselves a similar budget to build.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37The design is contemporary with three different exterior finishes
0:13:37 > 0:13:40built around a timber clad, central drum.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42This is the hub of the house.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47We've designed it so we'd got a huge open area, living area.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51We've tested this out as a dancefloor already and it's good.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53The drum area was designed because it's south-facing
0:13:53 > 0:13:57and we've put punch windows in everywhere, so you get little bits
0:13:57 > 0:14:00of light coming in all over it and it changes throughout the day.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05People say to us, "Are you not going to put curtains or blinds up?"
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Obviously that would be a huge expense,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10but it's there for a reason because it looks good.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The sleek, modern look is continued inside,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22but while the couple agreed a most of the interior design,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24they did have differing opinions
0:14:24 > 0:14:26when it came to the smallest room in the house.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29So we just decided to split up on the bathrooms, I do one,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31he does the other.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Ladies first.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I wanted it to the opulent,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40I thought the chandelier was a nice touch.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45This is the one that I had more design influence over.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49I think it's more of a masculine sort of bathroom.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54Square taps, Cathy's is more flowery with chandeliers.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00It's the feel I wanted, it's a nice spar, relaxing feel.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06What ever spat they had over the bathrooms
0:15:06 > 0:15:08were resolved over a good meal.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10I love cooking, so I wanted
0:15:10 > 0:15:13it to be a space where we could invite people round
0:15:13 > 0:15:17and as I'm cooking you can talk to people at the same time.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19And after that we've got speakers above,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23so we can blast music out and everyone can just start dancing.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25It's a great area to be,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28and it's definitely my favourite part of the house.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32The kitchen cost £14,000 and Paul's mighty glad he bought it
0:15:32 > 0:15:35before their budget began to burst.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39With unexpected costs from essential road closures, drainage and materials,
0:15:39 > 0:15:44they were heading for a hefty overspend of £50,000.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47The one tip I'd say to anyone who's self-building,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50if there's anything you want, whether it's a piece of art,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53a kitchen, bathroom, whatever it happens to be,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56buy it at the very beginning because if you get to the end,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58you just won't be able to afford it.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04For daughter, Maddie,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08the home's flexible design has hit just the right note.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10With the music room
0:16:10 > 0:16:12and the bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe
0:16:12 > 0:16:14and the mini library, the transformation
0:16:14 > 0:16:17has been both an adventure and an education.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21I wasn't too sure when I moved in, but now I'm really love it.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24I like it that I can come out of my room
0:16:24 > 0:16:26and pick any book and just begin to read it whenever.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28For Paul and Cathy, who's an accountant,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31it's been a richly rewarding experience.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34The whole design for us has been such fun.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38I hate the word organic, but it has been like an organic process,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41that we've just gradually grown bits and altered bits and changed bits.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44And house looks good on the balance sheet too.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46They can sell their parents' bungalow
0:16:46 > 0:16:48for as much as they bought it
0:16:48 > 0:16:51and the £400,000 they spent on building
0:16:51 > 0:16:54has translated into a dream home worth 650,000.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58It's priceless, a house like this. Just, your own thing, isn't it?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01It's part of you. I don't know if anybody else would like it.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Most people do. I wouldn't say it's to everybody's taste.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06You've got to live in it at least 10 years.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09You've spent all this time building it,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12you've put your heart and soul into it for so long, haven't we?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I think it's lived up to my dream, yeah, definitely, yes.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18I can't think of anything that we'd change.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I just think it's worked out perfect.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27While Paul might not have grown up to become an architect,
0:17:27 > 0:17:29by hoping to design and build this amazing home,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33his childhood ambition ultimately did come true.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Back in the Bedfordshire village of Felmersham, three months
0:17:44 > 0:17:47after demolishing their old cottage,
0:17:47 > 0:17:52builder, Scott, and partner, Emma, are making good progress constructing their new one.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56After receiving the right measurements for the windows and doors,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Scott's team got cracking with the stone walls,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02much to Emma's delight.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05They'll be at the first floor at the beginning of next week.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Get the joists down and then we'll be on to the first floor, rather than the ground floor.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12We're doing really well. I can't believe how quickly it's gone up.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Inside, rooms are rapidly starting to take shape too.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20This wall will be part of Scott's posh kitchen.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22But, it's not all good news.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Work on re-routing the stream that runs through their garden
0:18:25 > 0:18:30has landed them in hot water with the authorities and Scott and Emma aren't happy.
0:18:30 > 0:18:35On Thursday, we had a site visit by the Environment Agency.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38It was regarding the fact that we put a pipe in the ditch
0:18:38 > 0:18:42rather than leaving it free flowing, which is what we had to do.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Scott and Emma's building inspector advised them
0:18:45 > 0:18:48to divert the troublesome stream to prevent potential erosion
0:18:48 > 0:18:51of the foundations by the flowing water.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54But, before altering any watercourse
0:18:54 > 0:18:58that flows through your land, you first need to submit your plans
0:18:58 > 0:19:02to both the local authority and the Environment Agency for approval.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07They didn't do both and Scott and Emma are now left with a raft of new issues to deal with.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10We just need, possibly, to take it out and get permission,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13then put it back in. If they won't give us permission,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17we'll have to sort out the issues the building inspector has with the ditch,
0:19:17 > 0:19:20which would mean probably getting involved with things like
0:19:20 > 0:19:23structural engineers and soil samples and that sort of thing,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27just to make sure that the house is going to stand on a decent foundation.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Unlike the stream, it's Scott and Emma's budget
0:19:30 > 0:19:33that could now burst if they have to ditch the pipe.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36It's just another potentially costly situation
0:19:36 > 0:19:38for an already stressed-out Scott to deal with.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48A month later and the house has had another growth spurt.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Things are moving so quickly, Scott's not sure
0:19:52 > 0:19:56how long it's taken to get from the foundations to the current stage.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58We are at week...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07We're about week 12, I think, now.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13We're more or less up at roof plate, which is where we want to be.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19That means the house is almost ready for the rafters that will form the roof.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27But, the speedy progress onsite has resulted in things coming to a standstill in the village.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31We're working up to the boundary on the roadside, so the guys had to work in the carriageway
0:20:31 > 0:20:35and even though it's a country lane, people do tend to fly up there a little bit.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38So, for their safety, and just to make it possible,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42we had to close one side of the road off.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45But, in sleepy villages like Felmersham,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48even the smallest disruption can ruffle a few feathers.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54Some people are moaning about the traffic lights being in the road, but it had to be done.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58After cutting off power in the village earlier in the build,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01trouble over his traffic lights is the last thing Scott needs
0:21:01 > 0:21:04when it comes to keeping the neighbours happy.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Three months after my first visit to Felmersham, the sun's shining
0:21:07 > 0:21:11and it's the first day to catch up with Emma and Scott.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- A hive of activity?- It is. - It's coming on, though, isn't it? - It really is.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18The roof's on, or starting to go on.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19That's pretty good going, isn't it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Yeah, it is, definitely. - You must be getting excited now?
0:21:22 > 0:21:26I think, once you can start to see the rooms it really does make a big difference.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31You start to think about what you're going to put in the rooms, your furniture, everything.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Woah, give the lad a chance, Emma!
0:21:35 > 0:21:40Scott's not even got the roof on and you're picking the soft furnishings!
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Time to meet the man in charge and check out his handiwork.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48First stop on my inspection, the kitchen-diner.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Now then, this is more interesting. View out to the back.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Yes. That's going to be where the wood burner sits.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00It'll be the heat source for the entire house.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Are you both getting to a point,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04where particularly you, as the builder,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07you're in your comfort zone at the moment.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Yeah.- Is this going to take you out of your comfort zone?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I think so. The worry always is that you don't supply enough heat.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18'To heat a home this size using a single wood burner is a bold move,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22'but it's all part of Scott and Emma's aim to make their new house energy-efficient.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26'The theory is that this one stove, coupled with the super insulation
0:22:26 > 0:22:30'they're installing, should reduce heating bills,
0:22:30 > 0:22:32'while keeping their home cosy.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- 'But will it be enough?' - We've had all calculations done.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38It should work out fine. But until you actually get in
0:22:38 > 0:22:40and go through the seasons and see what it does,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42it's a bit of a worry.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45If it does all go wrong, we have the option of putting a little boiler in
0:22:45 > 0:22:50but obviously, the idea is not to do that and to have a house that
0:22:50 > 0:22:53basically has a zero carbon heat demand.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54Greener living's the goal.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58By having a more conventional back-up option,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Scott's covered all eventualities - a very wise move indeed.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05Downstairs, the rooms are shaping up nicely.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08How about things on the first-floor?
0:23:08 > 0:23:11So, stood here... Over this side?
0:23:11 > 0:23:16Bedrooms two and three through there, more or less split down the middle, so half each.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- And this side, Emma?- We've got the master bedroom through into a dressing room with an en-suite
0:23:21 > 0:23:25and then the master bathroom at the end.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Family bathroom down the landing. Look at you and your fancy walk-in wardrobe!
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- I'll just have to buy some clothes, then!- Sorry, I'm being sexist here.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- It's not your walk-in wardrobe, is it?- No, I have two items of clothing.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- Exactly, yeah! And you've got one on!- That's it!
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Like the way you dress, homes also reflect their owners' personalities,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49especially when you've designed and built the place yourself.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52With a further two rooms in the attic, this home's large,
0:23:52 > 0:23:57but like Scott and Emma, it's definitely understated.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01It seems bigger than you had before, that's fairly obvious, but still not too much.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Do you know what I mean? - I think so.- Modest, isn't it?
0:24:04 > 0:24:09- I think it'll give some decent living accommodation. It's not going to be huge.- Yeah.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12I suppose we've not gone massively luxurious but then,
0:24:12 > 0:24:17we're not really massively luxurious people, I suppose.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19'No lavish extras on the horizon.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22'How healthy are Scott and Emma's finances
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'midway through their self-build?'
0:24:25 > 0:24:26I think we're on budget.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30We've had to spend more on windows by a considerable amount.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34It ended up being about £10,000 more for the windows than we thought.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- That's a big hit.- It is, yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- It always seems to be the case that change is what costs.- Yeah.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44If you change anything, there's always a cost implied.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- Well, it's coming on brilliant. - We're not going to change anything else.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50He said that. You heard that, didn't you?
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Whether you're building your own house or not, it's definitely handy
0:24:59 > 0:25:01if you're handy at DIY.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07I'm putting my skills to the test, at Leeds College of Building.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Today's lesson is plumbing, and my teacher is Mark Cawood.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Pipes, talk me through them. Go on, pipe up.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Within the plumbing industry, there's a variety of pipes.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35We've got copper, which comes in various sizes,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and we've got plastic, which is probably the newer stuff.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42'When it comes to getting your copper pipes to the right length,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44'you'll need this ingenious tool,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46'surprisingly called a copper cutter.'
0:25:46 > 0:25:52On the pipe, turn it around, all right? It slips through there.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57'The traditional way to connect copper pipes is soldering,
0:25:57 > 0:25:59'but you can use simple plastic push-fit connectors
0:25:59 > 0:26:02'that easily and quickly join pipes together.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05'Although, if you don't want to spoil the more aesthetically
0:26:05 > 0:26:08'pleasing copper look, there is another way to pipe round corners.'
0:26:11 > 0:26:14'The imaginatively named pipe bending machine.'
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- Once that's parallel with that side...- That's clever.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I like that. That's almost artistic, that.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25'But I can't just stand around admiring pipe art.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28'It's time for me to feel a bit of pressure.'
0:26:31 > 0:26:34OK, Simon, this is our little task we've got set up for you.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38We have a tap here, and we have a water pipe down there.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44It's a case of joining that water pipe there up to this tap here.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- So, two push-fits and you want one kind of formed bend.- Yes.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Just one question, why do you need another tap? You've got loads.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00'Just for that comment, Mark has only given me ten minutes.'
0:27:02 > 0:27:05'Oh, I won't need that, I don't think.'
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- And it's as simple as that, you say? - As simple as that.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14You didn't mention that you need a grip...
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Oh, hello, I like that, that's clever.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24'Let's see how I do with that pipe bending machine.'
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Here's hoping, hey?
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! I think there's a tiny problem.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36More pipes!
0:27:36 > 0:27:37'With two different width settings,
0:27:37 > 0:27:41'it turns out I picked the wrong one for this size pipe.'
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- 15 mm, instead of the 22. - That's what I did wrong?
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- That's what you did wrong. - Thanks for that clue.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52'I'm feeling the nerves, now. Copper's not cheap these days.'
0:27:54 > 0:27:58I'll have a tantrum if it doesn't work this time, I'll tell you that for nothing.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03You can keep your set square.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05'Now I'm competing with the clock.'
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Three minutes to go.- Oh, hey!
0:28:15 > 0:28:16One minute.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20I hate that glee in your voice, you know that, don't you?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24- 30 seconds!- Oh, it's wet down here!
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Five,
0:28:28 > 0:28:30four,
0:28:30 > 0:28:31three,
0:28:31 > 0:28:32two,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34one.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Well, I finished, yeah, absolutely fine, that, mate.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42'Time for the moment of truth. hopefully Mark will be
0:28:42 > 0:28:45'gushing with compliments when I turn the water on.'
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- Do you dare me? - Go on, then.- Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55You have got sponges and towels and all that kind of stuff ready?
0:29:00 > 0:29:03'Mission accomplished. We have running water.'
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- It's coming out the tap. - Turn the tap off.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Are you sure we want to turn the tap off?
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'Err, in fact we have a bit too much running water.'
0:29:13 > 0:29:19All right, that, mate. Don't look. I've got a little tiny leak here.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21A slight drip, I can see.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Apart from that it seems all right, mate.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27The water's supposed to be in the pipe.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30'I don't think anyone will be tapping me up for plumbing jobs.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Back in Bedfordshire, it's been five months since Scott Nicholls
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and Emma Robinson began their self-build journey.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50It's now July and their new home is really taking shape,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52and the exterior is almost complete.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58The sun may be shining, but Scott has winter firmly in mind.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04I'm just putting some ducting in
0:30:04 > 0:30:07for the heat recovery ventilation system.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10We need to get it in before we cover in,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14because where it goes up the sloping parts of the ceiling,
0:30:14 > 0:30:18we need it to be in the insulation, so we're just tying that in.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23The heat recovery system Scott is fitting will take warm air
0:30:23 > 0:30:27from the kitchen and bathroom, and circulate it back around the house.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29No radiators required, in theory.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33This eco feature cost around £9,000, but Scott is convinced
0:30:33 > 0:30:36this significant investment is sound.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41They reckoned a good recovery ventilation system
0:30:41 > 0:30:44can lower your energy bills by 40%,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47so the payback time on it is really quite good.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Though the systems here should be doing a fine job
0:30:51 > 0:30:55of conserving energy, the same can't be said for Scott.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Despite being a builder by trade,
0:30:57 > 0:31:01the non-stop hard graft is taking its toll.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03I'm quite tired.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05I've got a lot of things going on on a lot of fronts.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Still trying to run a business and still trying to do this
0:31:08 > 0:31:12is a wearing process, but you keep thinking,
0:31:12 > 0:31:14"We'll get to the next stage and I'll put my feet up,"
0:31:14 > 0:31:15but it never happens.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18But, when you're building a home all by yourself,
0:31:18 > 0:31:22there's few opportunities to relax.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30A month later, and despite the fatigue,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Scott's determination isn't showing any signs of letting up.
0:31:34 > 0:31:35The roof is now complete,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38only missing a rather expensive cherry on top.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47Today we are going to fit the photovoltaic panels to the roof
0:31:47 > 0:31:51which we've already prepared with this in-roof mounting system.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55So it should just be a case of wiring them together,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58sticking the wires through into the roof space
0:31:58 > 0:31:59and screwing them to the roof.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04The panels cost 10 grand, but under a new
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Government incentive, you'll be able to sell £1000
0:32:07 > 0:32:08worth of energy every year
0:32:08 > 0:32:12back to the National Grid for up to 25 years.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- 0.02 of a volt. - That should do.- That'll do.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18That'll get the old hairdryer going.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23So recouping the cost of the solar panels shouldn't be difficult,
0:32:23 > 0:32:27unlike fitting them evenly on the roof.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29The solar panels aren't quite in line.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Got a bit of a step down and it's a bit difficult to see
0:32:32 > 0:32:33how that's come about.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37While the panel not fitting properly is only an aesthetic problem,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40its cause has left Scott slightly baffled.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41It's just weird, man.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45I think it's just sitting on a lumpy bit of rafter.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47But what can you do?
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Oh, simply crack on, Scott.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55The remaining 13 are soon up and neatly in position.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Scott will just have to live with that one wonky panel.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Two months later the scaffolding is down, the windows are in
0:33:07 > 0:33:10and the solar panels are catching the October sun.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16Inside, the plasterers are tackling the walls, leaving Scott
0:33:16 > 0:33:20with the more exciting task of fitting his long-awaited kitchen.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22But there's an early snag.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25The problem here is that, um...
0:33:25 > 0:33:28we're having to set the units ever so slightly in at one end
0:33:28 > 0:33:31because the corner of the wall is slightly out of square.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32It's probably about 3mm in.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35This is where you'd normally point an accusing finger
0:33:35 > 0:33:38at your builder, but in this case Scott is the builder. Scott?
0:33:38 > 0:33:42I think the wall probably would have been square but perhaps
0:33:42 > 0:33:45when the plasterers have plastered it they've put a little bit
0:33:45 > 0:33:46too much in that corner.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Yeah, we'll pass the buck. It was definitely not us, it was someone else.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52Oh, nicely wriggled!
0:33:52 > 0:33:55For Scott and Emma, the kitchen was always going to be
0:33:55 > 0:33:58the centrepiece of their new self-built home.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Their original budget was £20,000 but the unexpected extra glazing
0:34:01 > 0:34:04cost earlier in the build meant they are now
0:34:04 > 0:34:07down to just 10 grand for the kitchen.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12When the windows quote came through it was a lot higher than what
0:34:12 > 0:34:15we had originally been quoted, so we actually have to budget
0:34:15 > 0:34:19for the kitchen in order to get some of the money back for the windows.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Despite the budget deficit, they still wanted the kitchen
0:34:22 > 0:34:25to be as impressive as their triple glazed windows.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29While some people might have been tempted to blow the budget anyway,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31the couple cut their cloth accordingly.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Instead of buying from a retailer,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37saleswoman Emma went direct to the supplier and used
0:34:37 > 0:34:42her negotiating skills to get a high-spec kitchen they loved at a low, low price.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47Going to the manufacturer direct has meant we've saved
0:34:47 > 0:34:5110 to 15% off the cost. It's definitely one thing I think we've learned
0:34:51 > 0:34:53from doing the house - get your first price,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56try and beat them down and try and beat them down again,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59because, more often than not, they'll try and do what they can for you.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Sound advice indeed!
0:35:02 > 0:35:07With their self-build journey so close to completion, Emma's keen to
0:35:07 > 0:35:11finally move out of the in-laws' and into her own home again.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15It's been 10 months since we've had our own house and,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18yeah, we do miss our own space.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Having your own time, having your own...
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Just doing whatever you like, being able to get up
0:35:25 > 0:35:27and wander to the bathroom when you want
0:35:27 > 0:35:29and things like that.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31And it's things like that that you miss, actually -
0:35:31 > 0:35:34simple things that you'd never think about.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40We're now at the point where Scott's stressed and I'm excited,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44which isn't a great combination because, for Scott,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48all he can see in this house is 10 more jobs,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52and he knows exactly what way they have to be done
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and how long they're going to roughly take and things like that,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57whereas I just want to move in.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Well, it's four months since Scott drew up
0:36:01 > 0:36:03that final countdown of jobs to do,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05and it's about time I went back to Bedfordshire
0:36:05 > 0:36:08to see how many he's managed to tick off.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11Do you know what I love about Felmersham?
0:36:11 > 0:36:16The peace and quiet of village life. No sound of a hectic self-build.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20The village curtains were certainly twitching
0:36:20 > 0:36:22when Scott and Emma decided to knock down
0:36:22 > 0:36:26their quaint old cottage almost a year ago.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30But what they've replaced it with has done them
0:36:30 > 0:36:32and this much cherished plot proud.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37That's a really simple,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39traditional-looking house,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41and it feels like it's been here forever.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45This five-bedroom house is undeniably handsome and,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47though it might give passers-by the slip by coming over all
0:36:47 > 0:36:51traditional on the outside, it's clear that's just a front.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53The solar panels are a shining example
0:36:53 > 0:36:56of Scott and Emma's commitment to modern living.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00And everywhere you look its heart is bang up to date.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- Hello, hello! Are you all right?- How you doing?
0:37:03 > 0:37:04It looks fantastic from the outside,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- but I'm dying to see inside. Can I?- Come in, then.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Inside, the contrast between the old and the new couldn't be clearer.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Here the mix of natural wood and muted colours give the house
0:37:20 > 0:37:24a calm, ordered feel which makes it a welcome refuge from the trials
0:37:24 > 0:37:27they've had to endure during the construction.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31The kitchen, which they feared they'd have to compromise on
0:37:31 > 0:37:36because of the extra money spent on windows doesn't look second best.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39You always said this was supposed to be kind of the heart of the home.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42And it is, it definitely is.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44We practically live in here don't we?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47We spend a lot of our time in here,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49we've had a few big meals, we did Christmas in here.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51It works really well.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Scott and Emma are keen to keep their new house clear of clutter
0:37:56 > 0:38:00and there's an understatement about much of what they've created.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Time to check out the bedrooms.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07There are five in total on two different levels
0:38:07 > 0:38:12and all of them provide ample room for when guests come to stay.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14One area where Scott never pushed the boat out
0:38:14 > 0:38:18is on their own bedroom suite, where one door...
0:38:20 > 0:38:22And this is the master bedroom.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25It's not too big, not too small.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26It's just right.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28'..leads to another...'
0:38:28 > 0:38:29Walk-in wardrobe.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32That's not a walk-in wardrobe. Good grief!
0:38:32 > 0:38:34'..and Another.'
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Hang on, I know what's through here.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40Wow!
0:38:42 > 0:38:46This is what I call an en- suite bathroom.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48It's beautiful, really pleased with it.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Yes, it really works.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59So I take it all back, I thought you were modest people, but you know.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00But why not?
0:39:00 > 0:39:02It's a bit of luxury.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Absolutely, if you're going through the heartache and stress
0:39:05 > 0:39:08to get to this, absolutely brilliant.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09I'm jealous now.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Scott and Emma have been living with Scott's parents
0:39:13 > 0:39:15while their own house took shape.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Now with three luxury bathrooms of their own,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21there's no longer any need to queue for a shower.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Downstairs, there's plenty more reason why it's nice
0:39:25 > 0:39:27to be back in the home of their own.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32It must feel fabulous to have all your personal possessions,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35which have just been boxed up, where you want them?
0:39:35 > 0:39:42One of the strangest things I've missed is paintings and ornaments.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- Personal things?- Yeah.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47It's a long while and it's nice to get your stuff out
0:39:47 > 0:39:49and half of the stuff you forget you've got.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52'Scott might have plenty of experience as a builder,
0:39:52 > 0:39:57'but nothing has quite prepared the couple for the challenges they faced.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00'from cutting off the village's power through to the still
0:40:00 > 0:40:03'unresolved issue of the pipe in the stream,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07'building their own house hasn't been easy.'
0:40:07 > 0:40:09I guess there's no downtime?
0:40:09 > 0:40:12It's all the time and you just can't get away from it.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I suppose as far as satisfying Emma goes,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17she was as harsh as other customers can be.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19All I wanted was my home.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21I did put pressure on Scott,
0:40:21 > 0:40:25but just because you want it done, you wanted done as quickly as you can.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28The whole thing was very, very stressful.
0:40:28 > 0:40:34Did the place turn out as you had envisaged it?
0:40:34 > 0:40:37The whole way through I could picture
0:40:37 > 0:40:39exactly what it was going to look like.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Even before we knew what colour the kitchen would be,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46I knew where the table was going to sit and everything.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49So yes, it's exactly as I thought it would be.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Scott and Emma spent £20,000 on eco-friendly measures which
0:40:52 > 0:40:54will give them a small carbon footprint.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58The solar panels and wood-burning stove which provides
0:40:58 > 0:41:02all their heating and hot water are already giving them a warm glow.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05It's nice to know we've done something that's energy-efficient.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08It's funny you should say that,
0:41:08 > 0:41:12because I've brought a present which will help you be even more efficient.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15So we bought you your very own log maker.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20You need old newspapers and cardboard,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22you pulp it up and then squish it down
0:41:22 > 0:41:25and it makes logs and then you dry them out.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26They burn very well.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Who's in charge of the woodpile?
0:41:29 > 0:41:31It immediately pointed to you, Scott, there you go.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Fantastic, I'll start making some immediately.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38'Making your own logs is one thing, but building your own house
0:41:38 > 0:41:42'can be a sure fire way of burning money, so do the sums here add up?'
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Scott and Emma spent £185,000 on the plot
0:41:46 > 0:41:49and another 220,000 building their dream home.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53That's 20,000 more than they planned
0:41:53 > 0:41:58and it pushed the total cost to £405,000.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00So, was it money well spent?
0:42:01 > 0:42:05We've had nosing around a valuer and...
0:42:05 > 0:42:09they valued this house at 475.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10What do you think of that?
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Erm...
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Come on.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18I think it's really mean.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19I think it's a bit mean.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22We're still going to make money at that.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26It's still good money at the end of the day.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29And it's worth what it's worth on the market, isn't it,
0:42:29 > 0:42:30at the end of the day.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Scott and Emma's decision to self-build
0:42:33 > 0:42:35was never about making money.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37It was more about saving it.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40We've got everything we could ever want in this house,
0:42:40 > 0:42:43all the green technologies we could ever choose.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45And nobody else would have done that.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49It's a big process, but you end up with exactly what you want,
0:42:49 > 0:42:53a bespoke house which exactly as you'd imagined it.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55You've ended up with a fabulous house
0:42:55 > 0:42:58in an absolutely beautiful location.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00Brilliant.
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0:43:18 > 0:43:21E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk