Julian Perryman: The Builder Behind DIY SOS

Introduction

Julian Perryman is a British builder, construction-company director and television personality. He is best known as Jules Perryman, one of the long-serving builders from the BBC programme DIY SOS.

Unlike many television personalities, Julian did not become famous through acting or presenting. He built his public career by doing his real job on screen. Viewers watched him repair, rebuild and transform homes alongside Nick Knowles and the wider DIY SOS team.

Official company records identify him as Julian Thomas Perryman, a British construction director born in July 1970. He is also connected with JT Perryman & Co Limited, an active building company based in Devon.

Julian Perryman Quick Facts

Field	Verified Information
Full Name	Julian Thomas Perryman
Public Name	Julian Perryman
Nickname	Jules
Birth Month and Year	July 1970
Nationality	British
Profession	Builder, company director and television personality
Famous For	Appearing on BBC’s DIY SOS
Main Skill	General building and groundworks
Company	JT Perryman & Co Limited
Company Status	Active as of July 2026
Professional Base	Devon, England

Companies House confirms his birth month and year, nationality, company role and country of residence.

Who Is Julian Perryman?

Julian Perryman is an experienced British builder who became widely recognised through DIY SOS. He appeared under the friendly name “Jules” and worked as part of the programme’s practical construction team.

He was not simply a celebrity added to the programme for entertainment. Julian brought real building knowledge to each project. His work included dealing with modern homes, older properties, ground preparation and difficult construction problems.

His relaxed humour also helped him become popular with viewers. Even when a project was stressful, Julian often brought laughter to the team.

Why Is Julian Perryman Famous?

Julian Perryman is famous because of his work on DIY SOS, the BBC programme that transforms homes for people and families facing serious difficulties.

The programme originally helped homeowners complete building projects that had gone wrong or remained unfinished. Its later format, DIY SOS: The Big Build, became much larger.

Local builders, electricians, plasterers, decorators, suppliers and volunteers joined the television team to complete major home transformations within a short period.

The official BBC Programme Index lists Julian Perryman as a participant in DIY SOS: The Big Build alongside Nick Knowles, Billy Byrne, Chris Frediani and Mark Millar.

Julian Perryman’s DIY SOS Career

Julian Perryman was part of the DIY SOS building team for many years.

The programme first appeared on BBC One in 1999. Julian was connected with both its original room-renovation format and the larger Big Build projects that followed.

His role was different from that of presenter Nick Knowles. Nick introduced the families and explained the stories, while Julian and the other tradespeople carried out much of the physical work.

BBC programme records confirm Julian’s participation in major editions, including:

• The Big Build – Littlehampton in 2010
• The Big Build – Swansea in 2014
• DIY SOS at Great Ormond Street Hospital
• The Big Build – Isle of Sheppey in 2017

These projects often required the team to complete many weeks of construction work in only a few days.

What Did Julian Perryman Do on DIY SOS?

Julian worked as a general builder.

A general builder needs to understand several parts of a construction project. The work may involve preparing a site, repairing walls, changing room layouts, completing structural tasks and helping other tradespeople.

Julian became known for his broad knowledge of both traditional and modern properties. This was important because DIY SOS projects included many different types of buildings.

Some homes were old and needed careful repair. Others required new extensions, accessible rooms, specialist equipment or complete rebuilding.

His experience allowed him to move between different jobs instead of focusing on only one small part of a project.

Working With the DIY SOS Team

Julian worked closely with several familiar members of the programme.

These included:

• Nick Knowles, the main presenter
• Chris Frediani, a plasterer
• Billy Byrne, an electrician
• Mark Millar, a carpenter and build manager
• Designers, architects and local volunteers

The team became known for combining serious building work with friendly jokes and natural conversations.

Julian also discussed his close friendship with Chris Frediani during a 2020 Fix Radio interview. The conversation explored how he joined the programme and what life was like within the DIY SOS team.

Readers interested in other people connected with BBC television can explore the career of Hazel Martin, a Scottish journalist and documentary presenter.

Julian Perryman’s Construction Business

Television is only one part of Julian Perryman’s professional life.

He is also the director of JT Perryman & Co Limited, a private construction company incorporated on 7 October 2010.

Companies House lists the company’s main activity as “other building completion and finishing.” The company remained active as of July 2026.

Official records show that Julian has served as a director since the company was created. They also identify him as British and living in England.

His business background helps explain why he appeared naturally on DIY SOS. He was already working in construction and had practical experience outside television.

What Is JT Perryman Groundworks?

Julian has publicly connected his work with the name JT Perryman Groundworks.

Groundworks are the early construction jobs completed before the main building work begins. They can include:

• Clearing and preparing land
• Digging foundations
• Installing drainage
• Building access routes
• Preparing concrete areas
• Creating driveways
• Supporting larger construction projects

Good groundworks are important because the rest of a building depends on a safe and stable base.

Julian Perryman’s Work With Construction Brands

Julian has also worked on campaigns connected with building products.

Geocel partnered with him for a video series called Setting the Standard with Julian Perryman. The campaign showed him discussing and demonstrating products used by professional builders.

The partnership was closely connected with his real trade experience. He was not promoting an unrelated lifestyle product. He was working with tools and materials designed for construction professionals.

Julian also supported a Geocel campaign that promoted the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. The charity provides help to construction workers and their families during difficult situations.

Helping Young People Learn Building Skills

Julian has used his television profile to encourage young people to learn practical trades.

At a SkillBuild event at South Devon College, Julian and fellow DIY SOS tradesman Chris Frediani helped pupils learn how to plaster a damaged area.

More than 200 school pupils attended the event and tried activities connected with bricklaying, carpentry, roofing, decorating, furniture making and other construction skills.

Events like this can help young people understand that construction offers many different careers. A student may become a builder, electrician, plasterer, carpenter, roofer, surveyor or project manager.

Community and Charity Projects

Julian has also supported community projects away from the main DIY SOS programme.

He became involved with Meadowside, a Newton Abbot charity that provides residential care for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and complex needs.

In 2023, Julian helped open the Meadowside Coronation Hall. Local reporting said he had been heavily involved with several projects at the organisation.

This work reflects the same practical approach seen on DIY SOS: using construction knowledge to improve spaces used by people who need support.

Has Julian Perryman Left DIY SOS?

Julian Perryman was missing from some recent DIY SOS projects and promotional photographs.

This led viewers to ask whether he had permanently left the programme.

In 2025, Nick Knowles responded to questions by saying that Julian was taking time to be with his family. The comment did not describe his absence as a permanent departure.

As of July 30, 2026, no verified public announcement has confirmed that Julian has permanently retired from DIY SOS.

His company also remains active, showing that he continues to have a professional connection with the construction industry.

Other Television Appearances

Julian Perryman is mainly connected with DIY SOS, but he has also appeared in other factual television programmes.

His credited appearances include The Retreat with Nick Knowles, a programme that followed Nick Knowles and several companions during a spiritual journey in Thailand.

Julian has also appeared on The One Show as himself.

These were factual appearances rather than acting roles. His public identity remains closely connected with building, teamwork and his friendship with other DIY SOS members.

For another story about moving from a specialist career into broadcasting, read about Jeanette Kwakye’s journey from Olympic sprinting to television.

Julian Perryman’s Public Image

Julian is known for presenting himself as a working tradesman rather than a traditional celebrity.

His public image is based on:

• Practical construction knowledge
• Friendly humour
• Teamwork
• Support for communities
• A strong connection with Devon
• Respect for skilled trades

He became popular because viewers could see him working. He was not only standing in front of a finished building. He took part in the difficult and often messy construction process.

This made his television personality feel natural and believable.

Why Julian Perryman’s Career Is Important

Julian Perryman’s career shows that skilled workers can become respected television figures without leaving their profession behind.

His fame developed from real knowledge. He became recognised because he could build, repair and solve problems.

He also helped show younger viewers that practical careers have value. Building work requires planning, patience, physical effort, technical understanding and cooperation.

Through DIY SOS, Julian used these skills to help create safer and more comfortable homes for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Julian Perryman?

Julian Perryman is a British builder, construction-company director and television personality best known as Jules from BBC’s DIY SOS.

What is Julian Perryman’s full name?

His full name is Julian Thomas Perryman, according to UK Companies House records.

When was Julian Perryman born?

Official company records state that he was born in July 1970. His exact date of birth has not been confirmed by a reliable public source.

What is Julian Perryman famous for?

He is famous for appearing as a builder on DIY SOS and DIY SOS: The Big Build.

What is Julian Perryman’s nickname?

He is commonly known as Jules Perryman.

What does Julian Perryman do for work?

He works in construction and is the director of JT Perryman & Co Limited. He is also known for his factual television appearances.

Does Julian Perryman own a building company?

Julian is the active director of JT Perryman & Co Limited, a Devon-based company involved in building completion and finishing.

Why is Julian Perryman not on DIY SOS?

Nick Knowles said in 2025 that Julian was taking time to be with his family. No confirmed announcement has stated that he permanently left the programme.

Is Julian Perryman still a builder?

His construction company remained active as of July 2026, although detailed information about his daily work schedule is not publicly documented.

Conclusion

Julian Perryman is an experienced British builder who became a familiar face through DIY SOS.

Known to viewers as Jules, he helped complete difficult home transformations alongside Nick Knowles, Chris Frediani, Billy Byrne and other skilled team members.

His career extends beyond television. He directs an active Devon construction company, has worked with trade brands, supported construction charities and helped young people learn practical building skills.

Julian’s story is not simply about television fame. It is about how real professional knowledge, humour and teamwork can make a skilled tradesperson respected by viewers across the United Kingdom and beyond.