Build Cost Live 2025

A free virtual event exploring the real costs of building in the UK

Why attend (or watch the replay)?

Building, extending or renovating a home is exciting – but budgeting it is daunting. Build Cost Live 2025 gives English, Scottish and Welsh viewers clarity, expert insight, real-world cost data and lessons from people who’ve done it. Whether you’re just beginning to explore or already mid-project, this free online event is designed to help you make smarter financial decisions, spot budget surprises early, and avoid costly mistakes.

Even if you can’t join live, registering gives you access to the full event recording — so you won’t miss out.

What you’ll get out of it

• Accurate benchmarking: Discover what it really costs to build across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland—and how regional variations matter.
• Budgeting strategy from day one: Learn how to structure your scope, schedule of works vs bills of quantities, manage contingency, and set realistic cash flow projections.
• Fees, contracts & risk control: Understand how to appoint architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, and how contractual clarity and scope control can save you thousands.
• Real-build lessons: Giuliano & Zara share their self-build story — budget surprises, features worth splurging on, how they self-project managed and stayed on track.
• Expert panels and Q&A: Engage with leading practitioners, ask your burning questions, and get real-time advice tailored to your situation.

Speakers you’ll hear from

• Linda Stevens — Head of Client Development, CIOB (with over 35 years’ experience in property & construction)
• Jack Hounsham — Chartered Construction Project Manager (MCIOB), founder of Appledown Projects Ltd, with experience on complex bespoke developments
• Sean Ronnie Hill — RIBA/ARB architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer and director at RISE Design Studio, expert in low-energy homes & deep retrofits
• Giuliano Rapoz & Zara Findlay — Grand Designs contestants and self-builders behind The Foxes Maltings project; sharing candid lessons from their build journey

Schedule at a glance (UK time)

10am - How to budget for your self-build - Linda Stevens, Jack Hounsham

11am - Build cost landscape & regional cost trends - Jack Hounsham

1pm - Professional fees, scope and contracts - Sean Ronnie Hill

2pm - The self-builder’s journey: Lessons, surprises & priorities - Giuliano & Zara

Who should attend

• Aspiring self-builders, renovators or people planning major home projects
• Homeowners wanting better cost control and clarity
• Architects, consultants and contractors seeking real insight into client expectations
• Anyone interested in how costs, fees, risk and design interplay in real projects

Register now — it’s free (and you get the recording)

Place is limited for the live session, so sign up now to secure your spot. Even if you can’t attend live, registering ensures you’ll receive the full recording — so you can watch it at your pace, revisit it, and use it as a reference for your project.

Don’t go into your project blindfolded. Let Build Cost Live 2025 help you build with confidence.