Channel 4 star Kevin McCloud, the long-time presenter of Grand Designs, has detailed what he describes as the 'biggest mistake' builders make, offering crucial advice for anyone embarking on a self-build project.
Overconfidence and Collaboration
Kevin, who has hosted the show since 1999, noted that the same errors are repeated by both first-time and experienced builders. He explained: 'I think the mistakes made by first-time builders and the mistakes made by third-time builders are the same ones. It's the way in which hope and self-belief overreach. And we all think we can do everything by ourselves.'
He added that watching a tutorial on YouTube can lead to overconfidence: 'We've all watched somebody put a shelf up on YouTube. So that means building a house should be easy. So it comes down to the sort of overconfidence of people, and it's about collaboration.'
Planning and Time Management
The 66-year-old presenter emphasised the importance of proper planning and seeking professional help. He advised: 'The planning always takes much longer. Better to plan for five years and build for one. Plan for one because then you'll spend five years building, and that's the expensive bit. So keep it the right way around.'
Kevin also suggested downsizing ambitions: 'I would always suggest to people that they build the house three-quarters of the size that they're planning, because most new homes are too big.'
Space vs. Size
He clarified that space is not the same as size: 'It's an idea, and you can create space with a view to the sky, a glass window above your shower, a ceiling light over your shower that looks at the heavens and the stars and the moon and the clouds. That's amazing. I'd love it. I don't know how big the house is, if you're something like that. It just blows your mind every time you go into the bathroom, right?'
While no confirmed date for a new series has been announced, Grand Designs revealed on Facebook earlier this year that filming is underway, with a caption stating: 'We'll be back with more new episodes later this year.'
Kevin McCloud was speaking ahead of Grand Designs Live, the UK's premier home and design exhibition, taking place at London ExCeL from 1-4 May.
