Series overview
The series charts the mammoth challenges faced by the participants as they set out to build and renovate their own dilapidated homes under the watchful eye of master builder and building teacher, Harrison Gardner.
Over days, weeks and months of hard labour, the homeowners are taught and mentored by Harrison, an Australian and Clare-based eco-builder and sustainability teacher, who believes that anyone can learn how to build. Harrison supports the families, shares his expertise and teaches homeowners to build or renovate their own dream home on a budget. In this series, Harrison tutors the island community of Clare Island, who under his watchful eye transform a run-down community facility into a tourist-ready facility in the most idyllic of settings.
Episode 1 – Aoife and Louis
Newly married couple, Aoife NicChraith and Louis Brennan have plans for an ambitious modern extension onto their one-bed cottage in Tuam, Co Galway. They are essentially attaching a brand-new 3-bedroom house to a 200 hundred year old house to cater for their growing family. While Aoife is a practising corporate lawyer, Louis has done some labouring before, but nothing on this scale. The cottage was Aoife’s home before she met Louis and it offered her sanctuary at a very difficult time in her life and has a huge emotional attachment to its very walls. The couple have a baby daughter, Caoimhe, and also care for a whole host of rescue animals on their plot of land, whilst juggling busy home and work commitments.
Build Your Own Home is proudly sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy.
