User Reviews

So many 'self-build' programmes are frustrating in their complete disregard for budget that they should be seen purely as explorations of domestic architecture, not serious self-build. In program after program the client blithely goes over their £500k+ 'budget', often doubling or more in cost without any kind of discipline. This isn't just an envious look at the enormous resources others have, but often the missed opportunity that having a lot of money can afford; namely the failure to really engage with the design and execution of the build by putting a lot of glass and fancy fittings. Not so this show. The people featured have a genuinely finite amount of money and consequently have to engage in a real battle to contain the cost and design in effective solutions to create homes which express their individual needs and wants. Sometimes the reliance on the use of zany materials and finishes can stretch credulity, but after watching all 3 series currently available, I've come away with the sense that the real theme of the show is that good, innovative and thoughtful design, rather than what seems to me the lazier 'throwing money at the problem' approach actually focusses the viewer on good design rather than opulence. I hope their will be more. Piers and Kieran can sometimes, to me at least, occur as a bit overbearing or patronising, but their continual return to the central themes of good design and innovative practical solutions, communicates their passion and drive to remember what's important about self-build to self-builders; creating practical and pleasing living spaces.

I can't tell if the editing is horrible or if the producers/directors didn't have the camera operators film everything that's necessary to make a tv show. There's random music playing all the time. Not enough voice overs during b-roll. It's just bad tv.