Grand Designs has been captivating the nation ever since it first aired more than 25 years ago.
Channel 4 audiences have watched presenter Kevin McCloud explore some of the most ambitious self-build projects throughout Britain over the decades.
When quizzed on what guidance he’d offer anyone contemplating constructing their first home, Kevin outlined some of the most frequent blunders made by novice builders.
He remarked: “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.”
“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.”
View 4 ImagesKevin has been the presenter of Grand Designs since 1999(Image: Channel 4)
Kevin further noted that one of the most crucial steps people should take is seeking out others who can assist and deliver the work to a high standard, reports Wales Online.
The 66-year-old also revealed that builders must allow themselves sufficient time to complete their property and seek out an architect who shares a similar vision.
He continued: “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.
View 4 ImagesThe presenter has seen a variation of different properties over the years(Image: Channel 4)
“So keep it the right way around, and 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.”
The Channel 4 favourite pointed out that many folk assume size is synonymous with space, which simply isn’t the case, with Kevan describing space as a ‘concept’.
He went on to explain: “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.
View 4 ImagesThe Channel 4 star shared advice to first time homebuilders(Image: PA)
“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 has been set for another series, Grand Designs revealed on Facebook at the beginning of the year that filming is already underway.
They captioned the post: “We’ll be back with more new episodes later this year.”
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Kevin McCloud was speaking ahead of Grand Designs Live, the UK’s premier home & design exhibition, taking place at London ExCeL 1-4 May.