The best self-build channels on YouTube right now
The self-build process can be daunting, lengthy and overwhelming for any wannabe self-builder. You’ve probably already started exploring the possibilities of building your own home, but it’s good to know exactly what is involved – from start to finish.
It can typically take around two years to build a home, from finding the plot to designing a self-build, to breaking ground to decorating and moving in.
However, with little experience and few contacts it can feel like an immense journey lies ahead. We can’t lie, there are plenty of hurdles in the self-build process but armed with the right information, attitude, project management skills, and knowledge… you could be onto a winner.
For now, why not kick back and have some fun with the planning process? There’s no better place to seek inspiration than a trawl through the YouTube community, filled with self-build inspiration of all shapes and sizes. To provide a helping hand to any newcomer to the self-build process, we’ve sifted through some of our favourite YouTube channels to discover entertaining and quality content to stir your imagination.
1/ Get In Our Home
Want to think big and become absorbed with the self-build process? This YouTube channel promises to be a source of inspiration, guidance, and motivation for self-builders, and it certainly delivers! Featuring expert advice and house tours it focuses on self-build in Ireland. A new episode is uploaded every second Sunday of the month and audiences can delve into an array of inspirational self-build content to make the home building process something to look forward to.
The home tours are truly awe-inspiring, particularly an episode featuring Niamh and Mark’s stunning Passive Home in Waterford, Ireland. The house is unique in that the kitchen and dining areas are upstairs, and the bedrooms are situated downstairs. In this episode they cover getting planning permission, how to choose the best building site and how to manage a self-build.
2/ DIY Doctor
With more than 30,000 subscribers to their channel, DIY Doctor takes an amusing and light-hearted approach to the build and home improvement process. If you’re a first-time self-builder seeking ways to save money and do the work yourself, this is a good place to start. This channel is jam-packed with free advice and hundreds of videos from laying foundations, plastering to damp proofing and decorating – all of which are demonstrated by accredited and insured tradespeople.
3/ The Carpenter’s Daughter
Vikkie Lee is an award-winning, UK-based DIY and home improvement vlogger and, as the name suggests, the daughter of a carpenter. She has starred on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh and BBC One's Right on the Money. Brought up in Yorkshire by property developing parents with a sawmill business in the family for three generations, Vikkie’s approachable presenting style shines through in her vlogs as she guides self-builders and DIYers through the process of tiling kitchens to building decking – the list goes on. Her ethos is all about empowering you to save money and make the most of the materials you have.
4/ The Restoration Couple
Boasting almost 200,000 subscribers this couple, based in Bath, have a passion for property, restoration and all things crafty. They don’t claim to be professionals, but they take audiences on their journey through DIY challenges and step-by-step videos to guide you through the build of their family home. Building, woodwork, designing, crafting, gardening you name it, they have something for everyone in there.
For more self-build inspiration why not visit our case studies to discover the self-build journeys that led to dream homes, or check out our favourite self-build Instagram feeds.