Build It Live South West puts self-build case studies in the spotlight

Build It Live South West returns to Westpoint Arena in Exeter on 12-13 September 2026 with a focus on real self-build lessons, including case studies from Clare and Damian Shaw and Oakwrights founder Tim Crump. The event aims to give would-be self builders practical advice on costs, design choices, land and avoiding expensive mistakes.

Why it matters: - Build It Live South West is aimed at people planning a self build, renovation or extension who want practical advice before committing to a project. - The event pairs product displays and expert clinics with first-hand stories from homeowners and industry figures, which can help visitors avoid costly mistakes. - Tickets cost £12 for standard admission, and children under 16 go free with an adult.

What happened: - Build It Live South West returns to Westpoint Arena in Exeter on 12 and 13 September 2026. - The event is putting its Self Builders’ Own Stories sessions at the center of the weekend. - Clare and Damian Shaw will speak on Saturday 12 September at 12.30pm about turning a 1970s Exmouth bungalow into a light-filled, accessible and futureproofed home. - Tim Crump, founder of Oakwrights, will speak on Sunday 13 September at 12.30pm about why his latest oak frame self build went over budget and what others can learn from the trade-offs. - Build It Live is produced by the team behind Build It magazine. - The show runs Saturday 12 September from 10:00 to 16:30 and Sunday 13 September from 10:00 to 16:00. - Tickets are valid for one day or both days. - More information and ticket booking are available at Build It Live.

The details: - Visitors can compare materials, systems and finishes in person, including sliding doors, eco products, timber frame, oak frame and masonry solutions. - Seminars and workshops cover budgeting, planning, design, energy efficiency, renovation, finding land and avoiding costly mistakes. - The Ask Our Experts lounge offers free one-to-one guidance from planners, architects, project managers, sustainability experts and other specialists. - Free drop-in advice clinics will cover heating, build costs, extensions, basements and other project-specific questions. - The Plot Zone uses PlotBrowser to help visitors explore live land opportunities and different routes to finding a viable plot. - Build It says the exhibition brings hundreds of products, trusted suppliers, specialist advice clinics, seminars and workshops together under one roof. - Visitors can also book free one-to-one sessions with Build It’s independent experts and attend talks throughout the day. - The event includes advice on managing expectations, specification choices and where costs can rise or value should be protected.

Between the lines: - Build It Live is leaning into real-world storytelling, not just product marketing, to make the event more useful for first-time self builders. - Tim Crump’s comments underline a recurring tension in self build projects: higher costs can be easier to accept when the home delivers long-term quality and character. - The mix of case studies, clinics and plot advice suggests the event is targeting both inspiration and decision-making support. - Chris Batesmith, Build It’s Content Director, said the event gives visitors a chance to meet experts face to face, get clear answers and discover ideas that could shape future homes.

What's next: - Build It Live South West takes place this weekend, with both days offering talks, clinics and exhibitor access. - Build It Live South East is scheduled for 26-27 February 2027 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, Maidstone. - Build It Live West is scheduled for 5-6 June 2027 at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. - Press enquiries, interview requests, reader offers and image requests go through Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR.

The bottom line: - Build It Live South West is using lived experience, expert guidance and hands-on product access to help self builders make better project decisions before they start.