0:00:02 > 0:00:04Across the nation architects are building,
0:00:04 > 0:00:06designing and transforming the homes we live in.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08One day I'm going to live in a house like this
0:00:08 > 0:00:09and not just do it for others.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11We're following some of those leading
0:00:11 > 0:00:13the way in ground-breaking design.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Their jaw would drop if they saw that.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17I can't believe it!
0:00:19 > 0:00:23We'll be with them every step of the way as they battle with builders,
0:00:23 > 0:00:25blueprints and the clients who hire them.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28You've got a very strange understanding of the word "today".
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- That's not good.- It's like working with the Chuckle Brothers.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36HE CHUCKLES
0:00:36 > 0:00:40We're with them as they draw on their seven years of training to solve everyday problems.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Quick word in his ear, make sure there's no more mishaps.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45He's come in on an angle and ripped up the road.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49But he's now ripped his exhaust pipe off.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Oh, man!
0:00:53 > 0:00:55I've said many prayers.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56That's amazing!
0:00:56 > 0:00:59That's a pretty incredible difference, isn't it?
0:00:59 > 0:01:01The fixings alone cost 17 grand.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08All in the name of making the properties we dream of a reality.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Today in Dorset, homeowner Marcus' amazing pre-fabricated house
0:01:26 > 0:01:29is finally shipped in from Germany.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30It has a crack team on board
0:01:30 > 0:01:32in a bid to assemble it in just five days.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36If you see me smiling, I'm happy. That doesn't happen very often.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37HE LAUGHS
0:01:37 > 0:01:40And in Edinburgh, architect David Blaikie designs
0:01:40 > 0:01:45a set of £100,000 steps in an attempt to change one woman's life.
0:01:45 > 0:01:50It feels amazing. I never really believed that we'd get permission.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53But getting them in is going to take more than divine intervention.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55I've said many prayers.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59In Dorset, Marcus Graziano
0:01:59 > 0:02:01and his family are undertaking a massive build.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05They have demolished their old 1930s bungalow and are replacing it
0:02:05 > 0:02:08with their dream house, the likes of which have never been seen
0:02:08 > 0:02:12before in their country village. A cutting-edge factory-built home,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16designed by local architects Paul Robinson and Laurence Bowen.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18It's contemporary in how it functions
0:02:18 > 0:02:23and how the space is organised, but we're using traditional materials.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Marcus has a budget of £600,000 for this four-bedroom house.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31What makes it unusual is the whole thing is being
0:02:31 > 0:02:35built in a factory in Germany and shipped over to the UK.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39After years of planning, months of preparing the site,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and weeks of setbacks caused by terrible weather,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45today is the day they've all been waiting for.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48It's February and the house is arriving from Germany.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54Six lorry-loads and 87 pre-fabricated pieces,
0:02:54 > 0:02:58all ready to be put together in just five days.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01It's a huge moment for architects Paul and Laurence,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03who have never designed a pre-fabricated house before.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06They've come to the site to watch it go up.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09I think it's interesting because, you know, it is different,
0:03:09 > 0:03:14you know, we're used to this country making most...probably 90% of the
0:03:14 > 0:03:18houses that we build are made out of bits of concrete and some muck.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And today we'll be using something a little bit different.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23It's going to be interesting in terms of the speed.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26We're probably going to get to a point, certainly in the next
0:03:26 > 0:03:29five days, that would generally take three or four months,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31so it's going to be pretty new
0:03:31 > 0:03:34to be here on Monday and seeing a concrete slab and then by
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Friday we'll pretty much have, you know, this house in place, really.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42We're going to see German precision and engineering, hopefully.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45We've seen it in the factory and obviously, you know,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49we're really impressed with what we saw there,
0:03:49 > 0:03:53so to see it again on site coming together will be...should be great.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58To make sure the house goes up in just five days, Streif,
0:03:58 > 0:03:59the company who built it in Germany,
0:03:59 > 0:04:03has also brought in a specially trained crew to construct it.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05OK!
0:04:05 > 0:04:07They all need to be on their A game
0:04:07 > 0:04:09if they're going to achieve their goal.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12But it's February, it's day one of the build
0:04:12 > 0:04:13and bad weather is forecast.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The building firm's UK company director, Bill Treves, is on site.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19He'll put a stop to proceedings if the weather turns.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24We don't want it to be too wet but we can't have it too windy.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27There's a wind meter on top of the crane.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29If it's 20mph we can't lift.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33With the first trucks already on site
0:04:33 > 0:04:35and the weather holding for now, they have little option
0:04:35 > 0:04:39but to crack on and start assembling the house.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Each panel has been built
0:04:41 > 0:04:43and designed to go together as efficiently as possible,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46and comes pre-fitted with everything from insulated walls,
0:04:46 > 0:04:50right down to holes for electricity sockets and a built-in cat-flap.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56The meticulous nature of the build appeals to architect Laurence.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57It's a standard screw.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Quite big panels.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04It's basically what's going to hold this house together.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I've got to put it back because there is exactly 325 of them!
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Paul watches as every section of this kit house goes together
0:05:15 > 0:05:17with millimetre precision.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21What's really important is that they get the ground floor
0:05:21 > 0:05:24absolutely spot-on because as they go up, anything that's
0:05:24 > 0:05:28sort of out slightly gets exaggerated as we go up.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Each panel of the house has been carefully measured
0:05:31 > 0:05:33to slot together exactly.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35A tiny mistake at this stage would be extremely
0:05:35 > 0:05:38problematic by the time it comes to trying to fit the roof.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Next, the spectacular steel that will frame the huge rear
0:05:42 > 0:05:45sliding doors is being lifted into place.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Weighing in at over a tonne,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50it's one of the trickiest pieces of the entire jigsaw.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52The three sliding doors are very expensive items
0:05:52 > 0:05:58so getting this steel right is critical, really.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01You don't want that to be wrong and then the doors don't fit
0:06:01 > 0:06:03because there's quite a lot of money involved.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05It's no wonder architect Paul is nervous -
0:06:05 > 0:06:07the three double-glazed glass units
0:06:07 > 0:06:10that will go into the giant frame are going to cost £22,000.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21The frame's in.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24It still remains to be seen if the huge sliding doors fit,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27but if they don't, it will take three months to order new ones.
0:06:29 > 0:06:30The weather stays fine
0:06:30 > 0:06:34and after only two days, the ground floor is almost assembled.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37No-one is more relieved than the house's new owner, Marcus.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It's quite crazy how quick they get stuff in, isn't it?
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Marcus has poured his heart,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49soul and £600,000 of his money into his new house.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51He and his family are living in rented accommodation
0:06:51 > 0:06:54until it's up, so he's keener than anyone to check on progress.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56That's quite impressive, actually.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58You can imagine the wind catching that
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- and it just...- Yeah. - ..cartwheeling around.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06It's the way forward, isn't it?
0:07:07 > 0:07:11I don't like that wall there. I think we should move it!
0:07:13 > 0:07:15The first days of the build have gone smoothly
0:07:15 > 0:07:18but at the end of day two high winds are forecast,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21meaning the site is hugely vulnerable.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24The installation could be jeopardised.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Bill Treves from the build company gives instructions
0:07:26 > 0:07:28to batten down the existing structure.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31He is seriously considering cancelling tomorrow's lift.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35You can't have high winds or gusty winds
0:07:35 > 0:07:38when we're lifting those big walls.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41We've got to lift up over the top of the scaffolding.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44The biggest wall is 12 metres long. it's virtually fully glazed.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47If there's, you know, a gust when you're up there, you can't control it.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51It's not like when you're down on the ground floor, you can walk it in.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52When you're up, there's no chance.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Everyone hopes for the best
0:07:57 > 0:08:01but the morning sees the protective layer blown off and torrential rain.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04The bad weather threatens to put the build's tight schedule at risk.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12In Edinburgh, in the heart of the New Town and in the shadow
0:08:12 > 0:08:16of Scotland's most famous castle lies the A-listed Gayfield estate.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19The historic nature of the buildings here means
0:08:19 > 0:08:23they can't be altered in any way without special permission.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Angelica Goodden has just taken early retirement
0:08:25 > 0:08:27from her lecturing role at Oxford University
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and moved into one of the estate's stunning Georgian flats.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33It's perfect in every way but one.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36There are three steps up to the front door.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38I have MS.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I've had it for years
0:08:40 > 0:08:44but I've reached the age where MS does tend to get worse.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48Angelica's passion for her new home has made her determined to overcome
0:08:48 > 0:08:52the stairs without compromising the beauty of her new surroundings.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54I don't want to give up because actually
0:08:54 > 0:09:00when I'm wheelchair-bound, I intend to wheel myself around everywhere.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Because the house is listed, coming up with an access solution
0:09:03 > 0:09:06the council will approve hasn't been easy.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08So she's called on the services of architect David Blaikie.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12We have to make the final project look like the project
0:09:12 > 0:09:16when it started, so, you know, technically, there was
0:09:16 > 0:09:19visually as little change as possible and that's how we
0:09:19 > 0:09:24were able to convince the Planning Department to let us do this.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25The, er...
0:09:27 > 0:09:32When Angelica made her first approach to the Planning Department,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35they were quite negative about what she was trying to do.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38David has worked with Angelica and a Surrey-based lift company
0:09:38 > 0:09:43to come up with a cutting-edge but elegantly beautiful solution.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46What they're proposing is a hydraulic lift that will
0:09:46 > 0:09:49look like the original steps and be clad in traditional stone
0:09:49 > 0:09:52so it blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56It's a very, very light touch.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59It was about retaining the visual appearance
0:09:59 > 0:10:05of a A-listed Georgian building in Edinburgh
0:10:05 > 0:10:08so that you didn't notice that anything was there.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Angelica's insistence on preserving the beauty
0:10:11 > 0:10:13of her Edinburgh entrance isn't coming cheap -
0:10:13 > 0:10:17she's having to spend her life savings to get what she wants.
0:10:17 > 0:10:24It's shocking that something like this is going to cost
0:10:24 > 0:10:27the best part of £100,000.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I hope I'm going to be solvent by the end of it,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33but who knows exactly what the future's going to bring?
0:10:34 > 0:10:35But for her £100,000 budget,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37she'll end up with state-of-the-art
0:10:37 > 0:10:40hydraulic steps in just four weeks' time.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43This project may be slightly out of the ordinary for David
0:10:43 > 0:10:47but it's exactly the sort of hands-on and personal job he likes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48It's one of the reasons I became
0:10:48 > 0:10:51or I really wanted to become an architect, was
0:10:51 > 0:10:55I always understood that it wasn't a desk-based profession.
0:10:55 > 0:11:01You know, yes, you had to spend time at your desk or on the computer,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05but you did get a chance to get out and about and see building sites
0:11:05 > 0:11:09and meet other people and bits and pieces, so I do quite enjoy it.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14It has taken weeks to get the steps through planning
0:11:14 > 0:11:16but the big day finally arrives for work to begin.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Starting with the removal of the old stone steps.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21It feels amazing.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25I never really believed that we'd get the permission to install it
0:11:25 > 0:11:27and that this stuff would begin
0:11:27 > 0:11:29but come this morning,
0:11:29 > 0:11:33noise of heavy lorries at about eight o'clock,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36it was obviously going ahead.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40David has given contractor Dennis McLister the task of making sure
0:11:40 > 0:11:43the site is completely ready for the lift to be craned in.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48It's a small job but it's very complicated.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52We have gas pipes in the way,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55the main electricity mains for the building in the way.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58We're now removing Angelica's... not her only access
0:11:58 > 0:12:00but her main access to the property.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02We want the stonework to come out
0:12:02 > 0:12:04and what needs to go back in as quickly as possible.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07The problem is you have to break the egg to start making the omelette,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09but once you've done it
0:12:09 > 0:12:13you've got to get on with it quickly so she's not stuck in the house.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17So far all the bricks are falling into place but, you know,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19time will tell.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21You know, these things never run smoothly.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23With limited access to and from her flat,
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Angelica's MS means she is virtually a prisoner in her own home.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30She needs the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32But there's already a problem
0:12:32 > 0:12:36so architect David is on a troubleshooting mission.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39OK, back by about ten past one, Michael. OK.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Cheers. No, stay. DOG BARKS
0:12:42 > 0:12:45They're putting the steelwork in this morning.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48They've run into difficulties with Scottish Power, unfortunately,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51which means that one of the bits of steel works is going to be
0:12:51 > 0:12:53delayed until the end of the week.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55The lift company are due to arrive in just four days.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58If the steels aren't in place, the state-of-the-art steps
0:12:58 > 0:13:02that will give Angelica back her freedom could be delayed for weeks.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07In Dorset, it's day three of Marcus's house build.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10The night's high winds have turned to rain but come lunchtime,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13to the relief of the building company director Bill
0:13:13 > 0:13:15and his team, there's a break in the weather.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17We're going for it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19As long as there's blue sky around, there's hope!
0:13:19 > 0:13:22They've lost half a day so they have to pull out all the stops
0:13:22 > 0:13:25to make up for lost time so there's no margin for error.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Luckily they have a secret weapon in the shape of site manager
0:13:28 > 0:13:30and precision pedant Tony.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35Yeah, we're going to start putting the first floor cassette on.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I just want to check the level of the steels from the top there
0:13:38 > 0:13:40which I'll do before we get going.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43He works across all of the company's builds.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Yeah, the quality's paramount
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and with Tony in charge, they'll get nothing past Tony.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53He even straightens the carpet rugs in the place we're staying in,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55and that's why he's called "Two-mil Tony"!
0:13:55 > 0:13:58To guarantee he gets every stage of this construction spot on,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02Tony relies on one trusty old faithful tool.
0:14:02 > 0:14:0532 years I've had that and it's never let me down once.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Precise level within two mil. I love it!
0:14:08 > 0:14:12And he's spotted something that bothers him with the steel levels.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15In the middle...up.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Stefan with the column.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21It must come up at least six or seven mil.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23So he's got to lift it
0:14:23 > 0:14:26and then we've got to put a packer underneath that column.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27It is, it's going down.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Tony's attention to detail is crucial in such a quick
0:14:31 > 0:14:33and sophisticated construction.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37If his measurements are out, then the house won't fit together.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Fantastic. Two mil.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44So if you see me smiling, I'm happy.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46That doesn't happen very often...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48because I'm always worried!
0:14:50 > 0:14:52With Tony and the team on the case,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55the next floor of the house shoots up over the next few days.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It's day five of the build
0:14:59 > 0:15:03and the last of the wall panels they will lift is about to go in.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Normally, heavy panes of glass are fitted into a build on site
0:15:06 > 0:15:10but not here - here, the walls come pre-glazed.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12How they do it in the factory is remarkable.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15All these things in, saves having to put it in on-site,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18bringing in windows and stuff, putting them all in at once.
0:15:18 > 0:15:19Fantastic. Saves a lot of grief.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Not only is this the biggest and heaviest panel
0:15:24 > 0:15:27but it has to be lifted and fitted on to the first floor.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Even a small gust of wind could be disastrous.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It's substantial. It's one of the biggest ones.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I like when the front doors go in because they're really big
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and this is the next exciting one.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Fantastic.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49THEY SHOUT
0:16:10 > 0:16:13No hiccups, no breakages - that's fantastic.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Under site manager Two-mil Tony's supervision,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18they pull off another tricky manoeuvre - the panel
0:16:18 > 0:16:22slots in perfectly, much to the relief of company director Bill.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23Very satisfying.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25That's the last major panel
0:16:25 > 0:16:27on what was meant to be a complete no-lift day.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31If we get the roof on and it all fits, I think we'll have done very well.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35The bad weather has slowed them down so the build has had to be extended.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37As the morning of day six dawns,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Bill and his team are left with the final and most challenging
0:16:40 > 0:16:44part of the build - the roof, which is made up of eight huge panels.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Making sure the first one fits with millimetre precision is vital,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50as the whole roof structure depends on it.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56They're very long - they're nearly 13 metres long.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59They have to fit over three walls.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01They lift at four points.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04They're even trying to lift it at the pitch that the roof is,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06which is ten degrees.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10It'll be a test of Tony's ingenuity.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13We've got two-and-a-half mil to play with which,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16over that height of building, is not a lot, so we'll see.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20It won't be until the last panel slots into place
0:17:20 > 0:17:24that Tony and the team will know if all of their measurements have paid off.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27If they're even a few millimetres out with any of the walls,
0:17:27 > 0:17:28then the panels simply won't fit.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Hey, hey, hey, how's that?!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35This has gone in with less than a millimetre.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37It's absolutely brilliant!
0:17:43 > 0:17:45The last panel is lowered into position.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47If this fits, then the whole house will have been
0:17:47 > 0:17:51a masterclass in German efficiency and engineering.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55If it doesn't, then it's back to the drawing board for Tony and his crew.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Waaayy!
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Woo!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06It's an instant house
0:18:06 > 0:18:09but what's more satisfying is that it's a proper house.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It's well built and very substantial.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16It's really in, two mil, I'm proud to say, so yes.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18It's great.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20This building is remarkable.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Designed by architects Paul and Laurence,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24made hundreds of miles away in Germany,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28transported to the UK and finally fitted with millimetre precision.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30It's taken just six days,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32where most conventionally built houses take months.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35And Marcus, the proud new owner, is delighted.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40That's awesome...we are, we're there. One house.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42One week, one house. Brilliant.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46Next, fixtures and fittings, then Marcus and his family can move in.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54Back in Edinburgh, the construction
0:18:54 > 0:18:58of Angelica's £100,000 hydraulic steps is not going to plan.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Architect David has gone to site to meet with the project manager, Dennis.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Very good, Dennis. How are you?
0:19:05 > 0:19:07It's all levelled and squared.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09The electricity main is in the way.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- Is it?- Yes.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13The electricity board have to dig up the pavement
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and move the cable running under the steps before Dennis can put
0:19:15 > 0:19:17the rest of the steels in.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20The next steel comes across here
0:19:20 > 0:19:22so the electricity main is in the way.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24They will just come and rejoin the cable on the pavement,
0:19:24 > 0:19:28poke it through here and re-run the tails into the two meters
0:19:28 > 0:19:31which are just inside both the doors.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34They said they could do it all on Friday morning.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Well, good.- Fingers crossed.- Yes.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39With the lift arriving on Monday, they're cutting it fine.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41If the electricity cable isn't moved,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44they could miss their slot with the lift company
0:19:44 > 0:19:46and have to wait weeks before the fitters can return.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56But Friday morning brings an unpleasant surprise for Dennis.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59The electricity board have been out and dug the hole
0:19:59 > 0:20:00for the electricity main,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04but digging the hole is about as far as they've got.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07The knock-on effect is that if we can't get that steel in today.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10then the lift isn't getting installed on Monday.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12The electricity company were supposed to move a power supply.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16They've dug a massive hole but, so far, that's it.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Lead contractor Dennis is meeting the electricity company on site
0:20:19 > 0:20:23but it's a different team to the one that has dug the hole.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25I've never seen a hole like it in my life!
0:20:25 > 0:20:27It's not big enough.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28It's not big enough?
0:20:28 > 0:20:31I'm more concerned about who's going to fill the hole in
0:20:31 > 0:20:33and get rid of this because all this lot has got to be
0:20:33 > 0:20:36gone by lunchtime or we're all up the creek without a paddle.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- And you guys don't do the digging? - I'm a cable jointer.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- So can I dig that? - Aye, you can dig that.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Alec, shovel time. We're going to have to dig this.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47The guys have dug the hole in the wrong place. Surprise, surprise!
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Whilst Alec gets to work digging,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52architect David arrives on site and is met by a worried Dennis.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Big problem is, we've got a huge hole and
0:20:55 > 0:20:58unless they backfill that, we've got no chance of getting our steel in.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Can we not use those yellow plates that they put over a hole,
0:21:01 > 0:21:02or is the hole too big?
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- Let's go and have a look. - Come and have a look.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10In terms of getting the last bit of steel inside,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12the third one's in there.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Will you park it there or take
0:21:15 > 0:21:17these down and take it in a bit closer?
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Well, it depends on whether we've backfilled or not.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23If this isn't backfilled, then this barrier system has to stay.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26As architect, David has to liaise with the builder, the client
0:21:26 > 0:21:27and the lift company.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Not to mention all the utilities that are involved in this small
0:21:30 > 0:21:32but complicated build.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36If we can't create sufficient access across here for our
0:21:36 > 0:21:40contractor to put in the steelwork, we have to cancel Sesame.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42I don't know what the repercussions of that are.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44I've heard them saying it might be after Christmas
0:21:44 > 0:21:47before they can do it and that would be disastrous.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48They're up against the clock.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50The steels need to be in place
0:21:50 > 0:21:53to support the huge hydraulic system that will power the steps.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56It's a lot of disruption but there's a couple of ways around it.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58We'd probably be able to get the steel down the stairs
0:21:58 > 0:22:00and install it that way.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03It's not the safest way to do it but we need to move forward and get it done.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07With Angelica struggling to leave her flat with all the work,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09David heads in with an update.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12We were a bit concerned earlier on because they've had to dig
0:22:12 > 0:22:15a much bigger hole than they thought they were going to have to dig.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Because the guys from the company have actually been very helpful,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21they've done all that they can do.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- They're not used to this sort of pressure, I think.- Yeah.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29They're going to divert a lorry from another site nearby to come
0:22:29 > 0:22:31and collect all the rubbish and take it away.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- That would be brilliant. - Then Dennis can put down some boards
0:22:34 > 0:22:36and put the steelwork in this afternoon.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39As Friday afternoon comes to an end,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42the power main is finally moved to its new position.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46And Dennis employs good old-fashioned muscle power
0:22:46 > 0:22:48to carry the last of the steels around the hole.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52The only question now is with all that disruption,
0:22:52 > 0:22:55will they have managed to achieve the millimetre precision needed
0:22:55 > 0:22:57for the lift firm to fit their bespoke system?
0:23:00 > 0:23:02It's the day of the installation
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and right on time, the lift company arrive.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- I'm Dennis, by the way. - I'm Sam. This is Simon.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Sam. Don't worry, Sam and Simon, I'll forget!
0:23:12 > 0:23:15As the team start measuring up for the state-of-the-art stairlift,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18David arrives with colleague Ryan Duthie
0:23:18 > 0:23:20to cast his professional eye over proceedings.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- See how things are going.- Yep.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28They're checking the levels and the plumbness and levels and
0:23:28 > 0:23:31positions of the steels and they say they've all got to come out again.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33LAUGHTER
0:23:33 > 0:23:35No! They said they're fine. They said...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I heard that, so that's good. That must be good.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40The steels may be looking good
0:23:40 > 0:23:42but there's only a minute margin for error
0:23:42 > 0:23:45if the lift is going to fit into its new home.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47They won't know if they've achieved it
0:23:47 > 0:23:50until the first section is lifted into place.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52With the critical stage approaching,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Angelica's made it out through the basement flat
0:23:55 > 0:23:57to see her stairs take shape.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02The first thing that's going in is the grey box, which they're then going to position.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- That's enormous.- This is the bit that moves the stone steps up
0:24:05 > 0:24:07and down so it's the first part that goes in
0:24:07 > 0:24:11and rests on the steels that Dennis has put in,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and then this scissor lift which moves the main platform
0:24:14 > 0:24:16up and down goes in after that.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19It's crunch time.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21It's taken months to get to this point,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24services have been moved, the steels to support the step have been
0:24:24 > 0:24:26put in with millimetre accuracy...
0:24:27 > 0:24:29..but if this first part of the lift
0:24:29 > 0:24:32doesn't fit, everything will have to stop.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34I've said many prayers.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36The steels will have to come out again
0:24:36 > 0:24:39and it could set the project back by weeks.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42OK? Ready, Simon? Are you all good?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44All good.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Wa-hey!
0:24:51 > 0:24:53That's it. That's perfect.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56It fits, and with the crucial first part of the lift in place,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58the rest follows easily.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01That's it. Keep going. Like it. Say when you stop.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02- Yeah.- Stop!
0:25:02 > 0:25:04The new stairs are clad with the same local stone
0:25:04 > 0:25:06used in the surrounding properties,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10helping the whole system to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Finally, David can breathe a sigh of relief.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16You begin to see the final picture now.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18After having to deal with all the utilities
0:25:18 > 0:25:21and the Roads Department and all the rest of them
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and it's now taking shape in front of our eyes, it's fantastic.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34A week later, Angelica is already making full use of her new access
0:25:34 > 0:25:38and David's come back to take a look at his design in action.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Morning, Angelica. How are you?
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Fine.- Good. So...
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- Doesn't it look stunning? - Doesn't it? A beautiful day.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50- Yes.- Gorgeous light.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Instead of just going straight up,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01it's got to go down through of all this.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03It's got to activate the wheel something or other
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- Ah right, the wheel stop at the back.- Wheel stop, yeah.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- So that then sort of lifts this one. - Yeah.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11Here it comes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15It all looks so crisp and smart.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Doesn't it? I mean, it is a work of art.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Yeah. There we go.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24It's been a long time, was it all worth it?
0:26:24 > 0:26:25Oh, absolutely definitely.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Yeah? Good. I'm so glad to hear you say that because I think
0:26:29 > 0:26:33it's an extraordinarily brave thing to have chosen to do.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37I think it's been worth it both from a disability point of view
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- and from an aesthetic point of view. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43I think it's a wonderful bit of design that I'm proud of.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Yeah. I'm really pleased.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48I'm really happy that it's turned out so well.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51I think it's really impressive to see the step working
0:26:51 > 0:26:54because it is so quiet and it's so precise.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56It just sits there neat and tidy, lovely.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02So it's just everything comes together really nicely in the end. It's good.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09To celebrate her new step, Angelica has invited her friends,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11neighbours and family round for a party.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I think it's wonderful
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and I think it's amazing that you don't see any difference,
0:27:18 > 0:27:23and it means that she can stay in her home and that's what matters.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26It just gives me everything I hoped for.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29It means I can go to and fro without needing to ask a passer-by
0:27:29 > 0:27:33to help me get the bike or me down the steps.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It just feels like the best use of money I've ever
0:27:36 > 0:27:37made in my life, I think.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42It feels very important to have won that freedom back that I feel
0:27:42 > 0:27:45I haven't had for a long time.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47In the process I've got to know
0:27:47 > 0:27:50a whole group of really interesting committed people.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56It's felt like a great sort of life-affirming experience.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01It sounds a bit of a cliche but that's how it feels to me now.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Next time on Building Dream Homes - for the factory-built house,
0:28:08 > 0:28:09the massive £22,000 rear doors
0:28:09 > 0:28:13are finally fitted and Marcus's new home is complete.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15You have to just catch the corner.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17On something that's as strong as that,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19You know, you can hit it with a lump hammer
0:28:19 > 0:28:22but you only need to catch it wrong. Poof! It's gone.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25And in the New Forest, architect Wendy designs a new home in a tiny space.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29But her big ideas for a small house come unstuck when disaster strikes.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32It's thousands of pounds' worth of damage.