Photo of a self-build project by Tim Crump, founder of Oakwrights
EXETER, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Build It Live South West is set to make its return to Westpoint Arena in Exeter on September 12 and 13, 2026, with an emphasis on its well-attended Self Builders’ Own Stories segments. During these sessions, attendees can listen firsthand to individuals who have completed actual projects, gaining useful insights for their own construction, remodeling, or addition endeavors.
The Exeter event this year presents two detailed accounts for prospective self-builders in search of candid, experience-based guidance. On Saturday, September 12 at 12:30 PM, Clare and Damian Shaw will describe their process of turning a 1970s bungalow in Exmouth into a bright, accessible, and future-ready residence. On Sunday, September 13 at 12:30 PM, Tim Crump, who founded Oakwrights, will deliver an honest discussion about why his most recent oak frame self-build (shown above) exceeded its budget, detailing the lessons that can be drawn from the decisions, expenses, and compromises involved.
Tim Crump remarked: “There isn’t a correct price or an incorrect price. It all comes down to choices. If you feel content in your house, if it possesses warmth, if it has personality, and you take pleasure in living there and creating those family moments, that is far more valuable.”
Organized by the same team behind Build It magazine, Build It Live assembles hundreds of products, reliable suppliers, expert advisory clinics, talks, and interactive sessions all in one location. This setup offers those new to self-building a chance to blend motivation with skilled direction and authentic, real-world viewpoints.
Attendees can examine items up close, question vendors, arrange free one-on-one appointments with Build It’s autonomous specialists, and participate in presentations happening all day. They will also learn what actual homeowners wish they had understood before beginning: from handling expectations and selections regarding specifications to recognizing where expenses can escalate and where quality is worth safeguarding.
Chris Batesmith, Build It’s Content Director, stated: “We are thrilled to be coming back to the South West this September for Build It Live. This is a wonderful chance for visitors to connect face to face with reliable experts, obtain clear and useful responses to their inquiries, and explore the goods and concepts that could influence their future residences.”
Seven compelling reasons to attend Build It Live South West
1. People can encounter the suppliers creating tomorrow’s houses
Attendees can personally view materials, systems, and finishes, interact with vendors, and compare everything from patio doors and eco-friendly goods to timber frame, oak frame, and masonry options.
2. Complimentary talks and workshops deliver practical self-build knowledge
Seminars and workshops address budgeting, planning, design, energy efficiency, remodeling, locating land, and steering clear of expensive errors, with sessions conducted by Build It’s magazine authorities and professionals.
3. Unbiased experts provide free personalized guidance
The Ask Our Experts lounge offers attendees free, objective one-on-one counsel from planners, architects, project managers, sustainability advisors, and other specialists.
4. Self Builders’ Own Stories highlight genuine project experiences
Clare and Damian Shaw will discuss lessons gained from renovating a 1970s Exmouth bungalow, while Tim Crump from Oakwrights will speak openly about financial constraints on his individual oak frame self-build.
5. The Plot Zone assists visitors in locating land
The dedicated Plot Zone brings PlotBrowser to life, enabling visitors to investigate current land opportunities and grasp various methods for discovering a suitable plot.
6. Specialist advisory clinics address details that can determine a project’s success or failure
Free walk-in clinics give attendees access to experts who can respond to project-specific inquiries about heating, construction expenses, extensions, basements, and other essential particulars.
Ticket and Event Information
Tickets for Build It Live: Regular tickets are priced at £12 per person, and children under 16 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Build It Live South West occurs at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets are valid for either one day or both days of the exhibition.
For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit www.builditlive.co.uk
2026 Build It Live Show Dates and Venues
• Build It Live South West – Westpoint Arena, September 12-13, 2026 Address: Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ
• Build It Live South East – Kent Event Centre February 26-27, 2027 Address: Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
• Build It Live West – Three Counties Showground, June 5-6, 2027 Address: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW
Media Inquiries
For radio or press interviews, press credentials, complimentary tickets for a reader promotion, high-resolution images, or self-build case studies, get in touch with Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR:
• Phone: 01892 616647 Mobile: 07775 943305
• Email: caroline@penningtonpr.com
Information for Editors
About Build It Live
For more than three decades, Build It magazine has offered direction, counsel, and motivation to people aiming to construct their own homes, renovate properties, or carry out extension and conversion projects. As the UK’s longest-running self-build magazine, Build It serves as an essential monthly resource for custom home construction, DIY, and renovation. The Build It Live exhibitions bring the magazine’s know-how to life annually across the UK.
Caroline Edmunds
Pennington PR Ltd
caroline@penningtonpr.com
