EXETER, UNITED KINDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / September 09, 2026 / Build It Live South West returns to Westpoint Arena, Exeter, on 12 and 13 September 2026 with a special focus on the show’s popular Self Builders’ Own Stories sessions, where visitors can hear directly from people who have already tackled real projects and take away practical lessons for their own build, renovation or extension plans.

This year’s Exeter programme includes two case studies for would-be self builders looking for honest, experience-led advice. On Saturday 12 September at 12.30pm, Clare and Damian Shaw will explain how they transformed a 1970s Exmouth bungalow into a light-filled, accessible and futureproofed home. On Sunday 13 September at 12.30pm, Tim Crump, founder of Oakwrights, will give an open account of why his latest oak frame self build (pictured above) went over budget, sharing what others can learn from the decisions, costs and trade-offs involved.

Tim Crump said: “It’s not the right price or the wrong price. It’s choices. If you’re happy in your home, if it’s got soul, if it’s got character, you enjoy living there and making those family memories, that’s worth so much more.”

Created by the team behind Build It magazine, Build It Live brings hundreds of products, trusted suppliers, specialist advice clinics, seminars and workshops together under one roof, giving first-time self builders the chance to combine inspiration with expert guidance and real-world perspective.

Visitors can compare products up close, quiz suppliers, book free one-to-one sessions with Build It’s independent experts and drop into talks throughout the day, while also hearing what real homeowners wish they had known before they started: from managing expectations and specification choices to understanding where costs can rise and where value is worth protecting.

Chris Batesmith, Build It’s Content Director, said: “We are delighted to be returning to the South West this September for Build It Live. It’s a fantastic opportunity for visitors to meet trusted experts face to face, get clear and practical answers to their questions, and discover the products and ideas that could shape their future homes.”

Six reasons to visit Build It Live South West

1. Visitors can meet the suppliers behind tomorrow’s homes

Visitors can see materials, systems and finishes in person, meet suppliers and compare everything from sliding doors and eco products to timber frame, oak frame and masonry solutions.

2. Free talks and workshops offer practical self-build advice

Seminars and workshops cover budgeting, planning, design, energy efficiency, renovation, finding land and avoiding costly mistakes, with sessions led by Build It’s magazine experts and specialists.

3. Independent experts offer free one-to-one guidance

The Ask Our Experts lounge gives visitors free, impartial one-to-one advice from planners, architects, project managers, sustainability experts and other specialists.

4. Self Builders’ Own Stories put real project experience centre stage

Clare and Damian Shaw will share lessons from transforming a 1970s Exmouth bungalow, while Tim Crump of Oakwrights will talk honestly about budget pressures on his own oak frame self build.

5. The Plot Zone helps visitors find land

The dedicated Plot Zone brings PlotBrowser to life, helping visitors explore live land opportunities and understand different routes to finding a viable plot.

6. Specialist advice clinics cover the details that make or break a project

Free drop-in clinics give visitors access to specialists who can answer project-specific questions on heating, build costs, extensions, basements and other key details.

Tickets and Event Details

Tickets for Build It Live: Standard tickets cost £12 per person, and children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. Build It Live South West takes place at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, on Saturday 12 September 2026 from 10:00 to 16:30 and Sunday 13 September from 10:00 to 16:00. Tickets are valid for either day or both days of the event.

For further information and to book tickets, visit www.builditlive.co.uk

2026 Build It Live Show Dates and Venues

• Build It Live South West - Westpoint Arena, 12-13 September 2026 Address: Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ
• Build It Live South East - Kent Event Centre 26-27 February 2027 Address: Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
• Build It Live West - Three Counties Showground, 5-6 June 2027 Address: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW

Press Enquiries

For radio or press interviews, press tickets, free tickets for a reader offer, high-resolution images or self-build case studies, please contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR:

• Telephone: 01892 616647 Mobile: 07775 943305
• Email: caroline@penningtonpr.com

Notes to Editors

About Build It Live

For over 30 years, Build It magazine has provided guidance, advice, and inspiration to individuals looking to build their own homes, renovate properties, or undertake extension and conversion projects. As Britain’s longest-running self-build magazine, Build It is an indispensable monthly guide to custom home building, DIY, and renovation. The Build It Live exhibitions bring the magazine’s expertise to life each year around the UK.