0:00:02 > 0:00:04Across the nation, our homes are too small...
0:00:04 > 0:00:07I can't find space to put my dishes on.
0:00:07 > 0:00:08..too dark...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Doesn't feel very happy and relaxing.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13..and don't fit our needs.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17The only time we have enough space is when we eat outside.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20I'm Piers Taylor and I've hand-picked a team
0:00:20 > 0:00:23of experts to transform ordinary people's homes.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27From dramatic changes...
0:00:27 > 0:00:29So, this is really expensive - you're going
0:00:29 > 0:00:31to do something that costs a lot less.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36..to stunning interior ideas and finishing touches.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- I love this.- Ah, straight into it. - This is beautiful.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Together, we'll expand on innovative cost saving ideas
0:00:43 > 0:00:45from The House That £100K Built
0:00:45 > 0:00:48to show YOU what's possible in ANY home...
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Why didn't we think of that?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53..and on ANY budget.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57This is really simple, this is not designer shelving.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59We'll need every trick of the trade -
0:00:59 > 0:01:02whether we're designing furniture...
0:01:02 > 0:01:05All of that is really just five long scaffold boards.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08..to choosing the right paint to go on the walls.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12But if it's dark and the outside is bright it will reflect the outside.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15..to prove a limit on your funds...
0:01:15 > 0:01:17This stuff's free.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20..does NOT mean a limit on your dreams.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21This is amazing.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24This week,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27there's a sensational idea to transform a space...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Your room as it is will disappear.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33..as we break new ground in an old post office...
0:01:33 > 0:01:37There's a lot left to do. I think that's worrying me at the minute.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40..and I help one couple rip it out and redesign.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43You make these out of something beautiful and interesting.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44But can they pull it off?
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Frankly, we've about blown our budget.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03When you're house-hunting, it can pay to be open-minded,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06which is exactly what Chris and Claire did when they decided to buy
0:02:06 > 0:02:08the village post office.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13As soon as we saw it, as soon as we went inside, we knew we liked it.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- We offered then, didn't we? Straightaway.- Yeah, we did.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- And then maybe thought, ooh... - And then repented at leisure.- Yeah.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Located on the village green in the East Riding, Yorkshire,
0:02:22 > 0:02:27it has five bedrooms and cost £230,000.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Quirky period buildings like these
0:02:30 > 0:02:34often have plenty of space - perfect for 13-year-old twins
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Max and Emily, and ten-year-old Scarlett.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42One of the reasons why this one fell into our price bracket
0:02:42 > 0:02:45is because it needs turning from a shop into a home.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49So, I don't know if it is stupidity or stubbornness,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- but we didn't mind that!- No!
0:02:51 > 0:02:54I think we thought, "Lick of paint and away we go!"
0:02:54 > 0:02:57But they're really struggling to turn this
0:02:57 > 0:02:59into a welcoming family home.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02The old shop has become little more than an
0:03:02 > 0:03:04abandoned dumping ground.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07It's bright and spacious, but too overlooked for a living room.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11We can't use this room as it stands at the moment.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Mainly because of the humungous windows.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17You do quite often see people having a peer through.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22This is one of the bits we want to do as a priority.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25The idea of us being sat there and people being able to sort of...
0:03:25 > 0:03:28watch what we see on telly and so on is not great.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32To regain some privacy, they've temporarily hoisted up
0:03:32 > 0:03:33net curtains...
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- Hello! How was school?- Good.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37..and hidden away above the shop.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40That's what happens every day.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42They come in and leave me on my own down here.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45CHATTER AND SINGING
0:03:46 > 0:03:50The house is isolating Claire from family life.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52You're far away from everyone when you're in there.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55You can't hear the hustle and bustle of the children.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- We don't see her that much. - Dinner's ready.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04So, yeah, I want us all to be back together again.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05It is a bit sad, isn't it?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- It doesn't feel like we share as many jokes as we used to.- No.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Chris and Claire have scraped together ten grand
0:04:12 > 0:04:15to make this dilapidated shop the heart of their home,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18but they'll need to be very clever with how they spend it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29Helping me transform these homes is my hand-picked team of architects,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32each challenged to create extraordinary spaces
0:04:32 > 0:04:34with ordinary budgets.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38One of the biggest architectural challenges
0:04:38 > 0:04:41is transforming a building from one use to another.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44It's a really tough task, but it's an opportunity
0:04:44 > 0:04:48to be really bold in terms of how you occupy a building.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50My own project comes later.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Taking on this challenge is architect Robert Jamison.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02With just 10K, Chris and Claire want to target
0:05:02 > 0:05:04their biggest issue - privacy.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Well, hello.- Hello!
0:05:08 > 0:05:09What a fabulous place.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- I love your building. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15They plan to replace the big windows with smaller,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18conventional ones, and then install wooden shutters,
0:05:18 > 0:05:21but expensive bespoke carpentry could quickly eat up their budget.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24If you don't mind, I just want to take the net curtains down.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- No, help yourself.- I don't mind.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- Look at that.- It does look mad without them, doesn't it?
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- Wow.- That looks amazing.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- We put them up two days after we got the keys.- Really?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43And we haven't had them down since.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45That's one of the reasons we bought the house, isn't it?
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- It is.- Interesting. And now you're going to actually
0:05:48 > 0:05:50transform it into something that...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53closes off the light and the view,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56but also changes the character.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58So, I just think...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- where can your money be better spent?- Mm-hm.- Yeah.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Simply changing the windows won't solve the problems
0:06:07 > 0:06:09in this house.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Like most families, Chris and Claire want a place
0:06:13 > 0:06:15where they can all come together.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19But with the kitchen too small...
0:06:19 > 0:06:21and the downstairs too overlooked,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23it seems impossible.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Robert's known for his unconventional approach to design.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31He added a 50-metre modern spire to one of Northern Ireland's best known
0:06:31 > 0:06:34buildings - Belfast Cathedral.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37The Spire of Hope was a radical addition to
0:06:37 > 0:06:39this ancient building - can he now come up with
0:06:39 > 0:06:42an equally radical solution for Chris and Claire's home?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Mm.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Is that a good "mm"?- I'm not sure.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54And with just ten grand?
0:06:54 > 0:06:59What I want to do is bring this living room to the ground floor.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- OK.- OK?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03This is your front elevation.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06So, what you see here then
0:07:06 > 0:07:09is a view of the living room which has been pulled down the front
0:07:09 > 0:07:11and pulled down, OK?
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Your room as it is up there will disappear
0:07:14 > 0:07:15and you'll have a double-height space.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18You took that very calmly. The floor is coming down.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Did you hear?
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- I did hear that. I'm visualising it...- OK.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- ..and I'll react later.- OK.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Robert's rethink is a big one - he suggests
0:07:28 > 0:07:30losing the only comfortable room in the house
0:07:30 > 0:07:32by removing the shop ceiling, creating a dramatic
0:07:32 > 0:07:35double-height living space downstairs.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36- This is a table.- Yep.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39But, essentially, that is a space to dine.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41By then knocking the existing kitchen into
0:07:41 > 0:07:44that new front room, Claire will be able to
0:07:44 > 0:07:46feel part of family life.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48So they don't feel overlooked by those big windows,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Robert also suggests raising the level of the floor.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57That elevated level will change your experience off those in the street.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01A clever adjustment to the floor will change the eye-line -
0:08:01 > 0:08:04from passers-by to trees and sky.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Just stand up here.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07Yep.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11So, how's that?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- It is really different, isn't it? - It is hugely different.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Yeah.- Can you imagine...- No.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- No.- ..the roof, the ceiling...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- I don't know.- ..disappearing, and then looking back
0:08:20 > 0:08:22across the top of the staircase?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- I'm getting a bit nervous.- No.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- We have to not be nervous. - What makes you nervous?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30There's...
0:08:30 > 0:08:34As the building is at the moment, there are two large rooms
0:08:34 > 0:08:36with kind of a nice aspect, if you like.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- And the...- And those two rooms are...?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- This one and the one above. - The one we don't use.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45OK, so, essentially, you've got ONE room with a nice aspect.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Don't gang up on me!
0:08:47 > 0:08:48This is... This is true.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- This is the opportunity to do this now.- Yeah.- And you have the budget
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- to do this.- Yeah. - It's really feasible.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57By recycling and reusing building materials, you
0:08:57 > 0:09:00can save a lot of money on a project like this -
0:09:00 > 0:09:03but will Chris see the benefits of Robert's ingenious plan?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06There's nothing in it that's unattractive. It's just...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- I know...- It is way beyond anything we talk about.- It's bravery,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- but you can do it.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Is Chris on board? No.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Chris is not on board.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Will Claire get him on board? Claire needs to get him on board.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Claire needs this project, you know?
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Claire needs to have that connection to the family.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30And maybe that alone can drive the project.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Robert's plan is radical...
0:09:40 > 0:09:42So, this wall is going.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44..but Chris and Claire might need to be equally radical
0:09:44 > 0:09:46in how they achieve it.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Plasterwork to finish over there.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51They planned to get local builders in to do the work,
0:09:51 > 0:09:56but the quotes are around £30,000 - three times their budget.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57It has made us stop.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02All our excitement evaporated, didn't it, quite quickly.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Mm.- Mm.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09It's a big blow, but Chris and Claire aren't giving up yet.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13They take a more detailed look at the quotes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15New steel beam - 5,000...
0:10:15 > 0:10:17..and, determined to change their home,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19they make an enormous decision.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Having the quotes back - although,
0:10:21 > 0:10:23clearly, right now, we can't afford any of them -
0:10:23 > 0:10:24is a useful exercise
0:10:24 > 0:10:28because it forces you to think about things differently.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35They're going to project manage and complete the work themselves.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38But can it really save them £20,000?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40I've no idea if that's enough or not.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Doing what you can yourself can save you thousands,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46but only if you get it right.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48I think we'll be all right.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49I think.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Renovating your home on a budget often requires
0:11:00 > 0:11:03bravery and some lateral thinking, but it's most
0:11:03 > 0:11:07important to stick to only doing the work that needs to be done.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11That's a lesson Mark and Linda need to take on board.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Mark and Linda always dreamt of living in the countryside.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- Proud parents, aren't they? - Proud parents, yeah. Look at those!
0:11:22 > 0:11:25So, with their children grown up and moved out,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29they've sold up their town house and moved on.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34We're country folk, really. We like our space and our long walks.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Their slice of heaven was this beautiful Leicestershire waterside.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42We've always dreamt about living over here, you know?
0:11:42 > 0:11:46There was just never anything on the market.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50So, when a cottage became available for £138,000
0:11:50 > 0:11:53in their dream location, they snapped it up.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57It was only when they got the keys that the reality sunk in.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59What have we done?!
0:11:59 > 0:12:02We've bought something that's all quite cold and...
0:12:02 > 0:12:04not comfortable, you know?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09This house is like thousands of narrow terraced cottages
0:12:09 > 0:12:12across the country.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17We all crave light in our homes, but this is dark and cave-like.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Like many poorly designed homes,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22the living room is little more than a corridor.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25At the moment, this is a long way from being that...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27country idyll.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30We really do want to sort of strip it out and start again.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I need to meet Mark and Linda.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38There are fundamental problems with the interior of their house.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40I need to find a really low-cost way
0:12:40 > 0:12:43of giving them as much pleasure from the inside
0:12:43 > 0:12:45as they get from their amazing location.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50With 15 grand, you can't afford to change
0:12:50 > 0:12:52everything in a home like this.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54My challenge is to find the compromise between
0:12:54 > 0:12:57what they can live with, and what they can't.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00See, when you come in here, your heart just sinks,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03cos it's just so dark and dingy.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06It's kind of amazing, standing here, how many materials there are,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09how much stuff there is and how oppressive all of that is.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- Yes.- I mean, you don't see the space.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15All you see is the kind of riot of black and browns.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19If, like here, you have a small room with
0:13:19 > 0:13:21a mismatch of features and materials, you can
0:13:21 > 0:13:23create a feeling of space by following one
0:13:23 > 0:13:26simple, bright colour scheme, from paint
0:13:26 > 0:13:27right through to furnishings.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31We just don't like to be in here.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It doesn't feel very happy and relaxing at all.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37And faux cottage glazing bars details block out sunlight,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39and interrupt the view beyond.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42By contrast, the tiny rear kitchen is filled with light.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47This space just destroys the rest of the house
0:13:47 > 0:13:50because it stops the garden being part of that main living room
0:13:50 > 0:13:53and it's a funny, pokey little space.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56If this wasn't here, the whole house - or the living space -
0:13:56 > 0:13:58would feel probably eight times as big.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04To reinvent the entire living space on this budget
0:14:04 > 0:14:06won't be easy.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10They've got about £15,000 here to make some big changes.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I think it's really important to know where to spend that money.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16That wall clearly has to go.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19And then going through the kitchen into the garden,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21that needs to be a big opening.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24This room will be completely transformed
0:14:24 > 0:14:25by a couple of key moves.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27You can easily waste money on a project
0:14:27 > 0:14:30by getting carried away on the rip-out.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32The stairs here are fine - replacing them could end up
0:14:32 > 0:14:34costing over a grand.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37If you're renovating on a budget, focus your
0:14:37 > 0:14:39changes on what will make the biggest difference.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Remember, everything you remove must be replaced,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45and those costs mount up.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48They are not desperate for 200 millimetres of
0:14:48 > 0:14:51additional space in this room, so I think they leave it, I think
0:14:51 > 0:14:55they plaster it, paint it, and then, they'll forget about it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58This fireplace isn't ideal, but again, I could just plaster
0:14:58 > 0:15:02over the top of these, rather than change it fundamentally.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05The key changes are taking out the wall.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I would suggest putting your kitchen under the stairs.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11What you end up with is a big, flexible space that you can
0:15:11 > 0:15:17- live in in any number of ways.- That really makes sense, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22I think that building some kind of window seat here for you to
0:15:22 > 0:15:26kind of linger in, that then becomes a natural sitting space.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I love the window seat idea, as well.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Losing all the internal walls will instantly
0:15:33 > 0:15:35give a greater sense of space.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39A purpose-built seat will create a bright relaxation zone.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Replacing the back window with bi-fold doors
0:15:43 > 0:15:47means extra light can flood into the heart
0:15:47 > 0:15:48of the ground floor.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50And refitting their current kitchen to work
0:15:50 > 0:15:53around the stairs is a really efficient use of space
0:15:53 > 0:15:55that won't divide the room.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58But my most important suggestion would bring a
0:15:58 > 0:16:00third source of light from above.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10Cutting a roof light into that loft space, you would get this
0:16:10 > 0:16:14incredible kind of shaft of sunlight coming down the stairs into there.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Here, you need to be really careful and get the most for your money.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- It is starting to get exciting. - We've got to start ripping it out.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I was going to ask if you were all right ripping things out
0:16:28 > 0:16:32starting this evening, because I'm itching to get on with it, really.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Before beginning alterations such as these,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41you should always consult all relevant authorities
0:16:41 > 0:16:45and obtain the necessary approvals, including building control.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Having knocked our way around the wall, I've hit a hammer through it
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- and could see right through. - Absolutely brilliant. Look at that.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Yeah.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Doing the work themselves WILL save them money.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03It's coming down quite well.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Oh!
0:17:04 > 0:17:07But they're already ripping out decor that I think could
0:17:07 > 0:17:09have been cheaply covered up.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Unless they concentre their efforts on the key changes,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16I'm worried their 15K won't go far enough.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Oh! Wow!
0:17:25 > 0:17:27So, to help them focus on bringing more light into their home,
0:17:27 > 0:17:32I've organised exclusive access to a very special terraced house.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45This compact home feels open and spacious
0:17:45 > 0:17:47thanks to natural light flooding in from three
0:17:47 > 0:17:51directions - the front, back, and, most importantly, above.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57The materials are simple...
0:17:58 > 0:18:02..with natural finishes providing texture.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04The kitchen and fitted cupboards run along one wall,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07while a carefully designed counter
0:18:07 > 0:18:11provides more storage and worktops without dividing off the room.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15So, this is about the same size floor plan as yours.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Just the addition of that roof light
0:18:17 > 0:18:20makes this whole space feel incredibly light.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23You probably haven't got the opportunity to do that light well,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25but, actually, you do over the stairs.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27You can bring light in here.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35Bi-fold doors allow light to pour into this end of the room.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39These particular ones cost £9,000, but you can find them
0:18:39 > 0:18:41for less than £2,000.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Fixed panes of glass can be an even cheaper alternative.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49I also liked the way that things that are typically a disadvantage,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53this architect has made into something that is an advantage.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56So, actually having a seat at the point of changing level
0:18:56 > 0:18:59between inside and outside works really well.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01But I think Phil Coffey's most successful
0:19:01 > 0:19:04design detail here is the stairs.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07This staircase is actually quite narrow,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09so it allows the space around it to be maximised.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12It doesn't need to dominate.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15By using clear or reflective surfaces with
0:19:15 > 0:19:18minimal structure, or adding skylights above,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22you can flood light through even the darkest home.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Bringing top light into Mark and Linda's key
0:19:24 > 0:19:28living area could be achieved on their budget.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Definitely shows that you can create the light, the space. That's great.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38I think what Mark and Linda really understood - that something
0:19:38 > 0:19:41as simple as light can be the organising principle of a piece of
0:19:41 > 0:19:45architecture, and then you can build the rest of the house around it.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56In Yorkshire, Chris and Claire are on a steep learning curve.
0:19:56 > 0:20:02I know what it's called and I know roughly - ooh! - what it's for.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06I just hope it works.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Today is Chris's first big test -
0:20:08 > 0:20:10putting in steels to support the ceiling.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15He can then remove the walls and make the ground floor open plan.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18He wisely sought advice for the vital calculations
0:20:18 > 0:20:21from a structural engineer and ensured the works complied with all
0:20:21 > 0:20:24relevant building regulations before starting.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27He's also employed an experienced builder on a day rate to help.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36Claire bought two beams for £500 - a fraction of the original quote.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Sourcing your own materials is a great way to bring your costs down.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48But, despite working with an expert...
0:20:51 > 0:20:54..and the family still living here, this is nerve-racking.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02One slip and the whole house could be structurally compromised.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Needs to go down a bit there and forward at that end.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Sorry, come forward.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Right.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16I think that's it.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21After a tough couple of days, the first steel is in place.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25They've saved nearly £4,000 already by doing this themselves.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32I think half an hour and a beer and I'll feel good about it all.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Right now, I'm just hurt.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39But Chris has now got cold feet about Robert's biggest move -
0:21:39 > 0:21:41taking down the shop ceiling.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Claire is much more excited about the prospect of taking
0:21:44 > 0:21:47the ceiling - floor/ceiling - out.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50I think that's where the risk lies for me.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53That's wherein there is the potential for it to go wrong.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56This double-height space is crucial to the project.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01With Chris hesitant to go ahead,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04the entire scheme hangs in the balance.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11To lose a room, Chris is uncomfortable with that.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13In one breath, you are turning on its head
0:22:13 > 0:22:15a conventional way of living.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17I am, of course I am,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19because what I'm interested in is the quality of the space.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Which will be emotionally priceless.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24This quality of space, not the quantity -
0:22:24 > 0:22:27that's the thing they need to really hang on to.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30I think going to actually physically experience what
0:22:30 > 0:22:32this could be like feels really important.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37In a final attempt to convince Chris, Robert's
0:22:37 > 0:22:41carefully selected a house to show them in East London.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Hiya, you all right?- Nice to see you again, yeah.- Let's go have a look.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51This Grade II Georgian town house has been
0:22:51 > 0:22:56transformed by a stunning two-storey extension to the rear.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59A double-height space with walkways, views and galleries
0:22:59 > 0:23:04is exactly what Claire and Chris could achieve in their home.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Wow.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- So, what do you think? - It's gorgeous.- It is lovely.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Of course, this is a much grander project, OK.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24It's with a sizeable budget.
0:23:24 > 0:23:29But for you, I think this double-height space is so important.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Shall we move down and experience it from below?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42You can create a feeling of space by choosing one
0:23:42 > 0:23:45single material or colour theme for furniture,
0:23:45 > 0:23:50walls and floors. The layout here then creates different moods.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55- I love the way the ceiling feels, being...- In the kitchen.- Yeah.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- Compressed.- Yeah. I like that because it's more cosy.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01And that's what you were worried about, wasn't it?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Yeah, when we first talked about it, I was a bit worried you'd
0:24:04 > 0:24:07stand in the kitchen and it would be like looking down a letterbox and
0:24:07 > 0:24:11then the front where the shop is at the moment feels like a periscope.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14But I kind of agree with you, which is that when you stand back there,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18it doesn't feel like you're looking through a letterbox.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22It's that sense of scale which makes this room feel spectacular.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26By following creators Mikhail-Riches' example,
0:24:26 > 0:24:27you, too, can define spaces
0:24:27 > 0:24:30within your open-plan room by using lighting.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35Here, large pendant lights float directly over the dining area.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39The staircase is made from larch with a bronze handrail
0:24:39 > 0:24:42and was a significant investment.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Robert believes Chris and Claire can
0:24:44 > 0:24:47achieve the same effect on their 10K budget
0:24:47 > 0:24:50by simply repositioning and repurposing their own.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Can you picture it now more?- Better.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59I think, as we take the wall down, and raise the floor up it becomes
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- more and more real. - And take the ceiling down.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04We've got to talk about finishing it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- You're just even more gung-ho about it now.- And take the ceiling down.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13What I've offered Chris is a big ask, OK.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17It's a brave move and they need to be confident what they're doing
0:25:17 > 0:25:21is the right thing. And, hopefully, they can go home enthused
0:25:21 > 0:25:23and ready to move forward with the project.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Mark and Linda haven't followed my advice.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45They have gutted the entire ground floor of their terraced cottage.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Getting carried away like this is a classic mistake.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51It feels like the old original fire down here.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54What started out as a low-cost build has now
0:25:54 > 0:25:56become an archaeological dig.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58The worst thing is this is your home
0:25:58 > 0:26:02and you're digging a hole in the middle of it
0:26:02 > 0:26:06and you're creating all this soil and dirt.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09After a while, it gets you down a bit, you know?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21The extra work means extra spending, including £1,800
0:26:21 > 0:26:24on steel beams to support the first floor
0:26:24 > 0:26:29and, despite my advice, they've also removed the old staircase.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I need to get this project back on track
0:26:35 > 0:26:38and get them to focus on putting their house back
0:26:38 > 0:26:40together, starting with the stairs.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43The staircase at Mark and Linda's house is really,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46really important, because if they get it wrong, I think
0:26:46 > 0:26:48it will undermine everything else that they're doing.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50And I think they don't need to squander
0:26:50 > 0:26:53lots of money on an elaborate bespoke staircase.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56They just need to focus on the bottom three steps
0:26:56 > 0:26:59and then use something off the peg for the rest of them.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07I want to discuss my ideas with them as soon as possible.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- Hi there.- Hello!- Hi!
0:27:09 > 0:27:13This staircase will be a centrepiece in their living space
0:27:13 > 0:27:15and they can't afford to get it wrong.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18What I think we ought to do is use some blocks -
0:27:18 > 0:27:21which I've brought with me, conveniently.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24What would be great is if we got them and used them
0:27:24 > 0:27:27just to work out where the first three or four steps are going to go.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30And then, maybe just set out this stair.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35A full-scale model is an opportunity to test out ideas
0:27:35 > 0:27:40and start defining areas where they can enjoy their new space.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44So, your first steps could be quite generous. That's it, great.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Exactly the right amount.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48So, this is the window seat here, isn't it?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50I like the idea very much that you could sit here
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and talk to someone that was sitting here.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- It does define this end of the house, doesn't it?- It does.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01You can imagine sitting on the steps and doing your boots up
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and going out for a walk.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07Let's slide this up and see how it looks.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09The key to cheaply achieving the staircase
0:28:09 > 0:28:13they really want is to create something original themselves.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Yeah, that looks good.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17You make these out of something beautiful and interesting,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19that you can make yourself.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23This makes it all interesting without being too dominant.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- This feels like this has got to be your thing.- Yeah.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30I think what's been really great today is understanding
0:28:30 > 0:28:34that there is a solution for Mark and Linda's staircase that is
0:28:34 > 0:28:38really architectural, but actually needn't cost much money.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42They can use a standard builder's stair available for 150 quid,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45make a beautiful set of three or four stairs
0:28:45 > 0:28:50at the bottom for probably 50 quid, and that is a beautiful stair.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It doesn't need to cost hundreds or even thousands.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Central to Mark and Linda's build is getting
0:29:05 > 0:29:08natural light into the heart of their home.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12A roof light above the stairs will make all the difference.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16There's a window up there!
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- SHE LAUGHS Is there?- Fantastic!
0:29:19 > 0:29:22With the roof light in place, replastering and groundworks
0:29:22 > 0:29:26going ahead, this house has had a complete overhaul.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31But it's had a huge financial impact.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Frankly we've about blown our budget now.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37So far, they've spent £20,000 -
0:29:37 > 0:29:42five grand more than they wanted - and their home is still a shell.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43Certainly, the kitchen -
0:29:43 > 0:29:46we're probably going to have to re-use a lot of stuff.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51We've got to get the stairs in yet and, as we go through the next
0:29:51 > 0:29:56few months, we can gradually add things as we can afford them.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Back in Yorkshire, Chris and Claire have made the
0:30:08 > 0:30:11bold decision to lose the ceiling, and today
0:30:11 > 0:30:13they're at the point of no return.
0:30:13 > 0:30:19The plan today is to take the floor... Take the floorboards up.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Chris is quite gung-ho about it now.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I think he's all inspired.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30I'm all right now, because you've just got to do it.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Salvaging a hardwood floor like this can be a real saving,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45and extra second-hand boards can be bought cheaply online,
0:30:45 > 0:30:48or even sourced for free from skips with the permission of
0:30:48 > 0:30:51whoever is throwing them out.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53I'm not sure how many of these we're going to be able to keep.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56They're really hard to get up.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Soon the double-height space begins to be revealed.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11It's cool seeing both of the windows.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13The light is amazing.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Seeing it now.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19I think it's better than I imagined it, actually.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28With all the structural work done,
0:31:28 > 0:31:30their daring plan is paying off.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Those beautiful trees. - That does look wicked.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38- I like it in here.- It's really lovely.- That's also a good thing.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43Yeah. It's not that busy a pavement, I don't think.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Robert's grand vision to raise the floor should
0:31:49 > 0:31:52make them feel less overlooked.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54And by reusing their materials, moving the staircase
0:31:54 > 0:31:57and laying the new floor has only cost them
0:31:57 > 0:32:01just over £1,000 in labour.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03But despite their heroic money saving, they've
0:32:03 > 0:32:08now spent over half of their £10,000.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11There's a lot left to do to finish it off.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I think that's worrying me at the minute.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17I think we've spent about 5,500 so far.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20I think we could easily spend, this week with the plumbing
0:32:20 > 0:32:23and the electrician, another thousand.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26There's a lot of materials we've got to buy soon.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28That'll soon mount up - it seems to.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32They haven't the three grand-plus quoted to re-plaster.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38Robert needs to find them a clever solution that will help them finish
0:32:38 > 0:32:41the project and provide them with a bit more privacy.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47Chris, Claire, OK, this is a property I've brought you to
0:32:47 > 0:32:49because, essentially, I want to express an idea
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- that breaks with convention. Let's go in and have a look.- OK.- OK.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Instead of choosing popular light colours
0:33:03 > 0:33:07which make spaces feel bigger...
0:33:07 > 0:33:10the owners of this property have used dark shades to create
0:33:10 > 0:33:13intimacy, drama and warmth.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Mm!
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- What do you think? - It's very different.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28It's cosy, isn't it? It's all snuggly.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Paint is the cheapest way you can alter the feel of a room -
0:33:31 > 0:33:32and the most effective.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34It kind of envelops you here.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37It's what a family space needs to be, I think.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40But Robert has a key reason for wanting these two
0:33:40 > 0:33:42to darken their walls.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46What's more is that because it's dark, and outside is bright,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48it will reflect the outside.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50So, from outside, you will not be able to view in.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55I get the idea that using dark paint inside will reflect outside, because
0:33:55 > 0:33:59that's why when houses are empty, you go up to the window and do that.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- Yeah, because it's all dark. - Absolutely.- I like it.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06I don't think I'd paint it black, though.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12If you paint different details the same colour,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14it all feels unified.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Chris and Claire could tie in their remaining plaster, brickwork
0:34:18 > 0:34:21and scars from the old living room floor with one colour.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27It's an inexpensive way of actually completing the build.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29No plastering, no skim, no joinery.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30- No.- No.- No.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33It's just almost kind of like tarting up the edges
0:34:33 > 0:34:34and painting over it.
0:34:34 > 0:34:40Not only that, because of the dark background, what sings then
0:34:40 > 0:34:42is the colour, is the furniture.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Your staircase may become something that's the colourful
0:34:44 > 0:34:49object in the space - your staircase and your balustrading.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51If you want to create a vibrant design statement
0:34:51 > 0:34:54in your home, try a block of intense colour -
0:34:54 > 0:34:59either on surfaces or a piece of bold furniture.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01You can take this idea one step further with
0:35:01 > 0:35:07focused spot lights to add even more drama.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- I love it, I think it's exactly what we want. What- I- want, maybe.
0:35:11 > 0:35:17- Mm-hm.- I can completely imagine our house now, like this.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18Totally.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22It's won us over, hasn't it?
0:35:22 > 0:35:26It is a very unconventional project. That's the thing.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30It's this glass frontage, to a green, to a very public space.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33These are your little tricks, if you like - of lifting the floor up,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36of painting it dark.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40That allows them to sit in their box and look out.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43They can enjoy being in that space and looking out onto the green.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50Straight on.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52With the reconstruction complete,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56Mark and Linda's £4,200 made-to-measure bi-folds
0:35:56 > 0:35:59are installed, and they start turn their attention to the all-important
0:35:59 > 0:36:01interior finishes.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- That looks great.- Yeah.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09But they're already five grand over budget,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12and any additional spending needs to be carefully managed,
0:36:12 > 0:36:16so it's crucial I help them find low-cost ideas to redecorate.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20The view, the reservoir, is really important for Mark and Linda.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24And making somewhere that Linda can really use in that window,
0:36:24 > 0:36:25I think, could be fantastic.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30This local recycling project reuses wood waste
0:36:30 > 0:36:33from building sites, schools and offices.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Now that the work is, I guess, substantially, complete.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42- Are you still thinking about doing a window seat?- Yes, very much so.- Yes.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44There are projects like this all over the country
0:36:44 > 0:36:48that sell recycled wood cheaply, direct to the general public.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Feel the weight of that compared to... Oh!
0:36:53 > 0:36:57This is pallets that they've taken and they've stripped them
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- down and taken all the nails out. - These are lovely, and they?
0:37:00 > 0:37:03These are beautiful. Scaffold boards.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05This sands down beautifully.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09The inside, you can see, it's really sort of untouched
0:37:09 > 0:37:10and really good quality.
0:37:10 > 0:37:16When you sand that, you actually get the sort of patina of the ageing.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18- This?- Yes, that. - That looks fantastic.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Scaffold boards are a good choice if you want
0:37:22 > 0:37:23to build your own furniture.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27They're solid wood, sturdy, and come in uniform lengths.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30You can already see that they are making a bench for somebody
0:37:30 > 0:37:32else here out of scaffold board.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34They're also cheap, and second-hand,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36they can cost as little as a couple of pounds.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- That looks good.- From the wood we've seen so far, you know,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43I like the idea of the scaffold boards, really.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47So, let's draw this 3D thing again with the actual boards shown.
0:37:47 > 0:37:53So, the bits of wood that could be wood with paint on are these.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57Mark and Linda's window seat could be built here for just £340,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00giving them a bespoke item that will allow
0:38:00 > 0:38:03them to comfortably enjoy that view.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Then, the other thing is to have made pull-out storage boxes.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11All of that is really just one, two, three, four -
0:38:11 > 0:38:14probably five long scaffold boards.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17But it sort of feels quite integrated.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Yeah, yeah, I do like that.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25What I've been trying to do with Mark and Linda is not give them
0:38:25 > 0:38:29a piece of high design that I've done every inch of,
0:38:29 > 0:38:33but really to give them a framework in which they can do things.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Lots of exciting prospects for actually using the materials
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- to create something.- It will make that corner of the room look lovely.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Looking at the cost here, I think it's doable
0:38:45 > 0:38:49and we can find those pennies, can't we, to do it.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56But these pennies have to go a long way,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00with repainting and kitchen fitting still unfinished.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02And, against my advice, they've had a bespoke
0:39:02 > 0:39:05staircase fitted at £1,500.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08We're not going to get there.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12With the house still not much more than an empty shell,
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Linda's bespoke window seat arrives.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20With this key piece of furniture in place,
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Mark and Linda finally get a sense of what this space can become.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30But the rest of ground floor remains far from finished.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Mark and Linda have pushed themselves and their budget
0:39:33 > 0:39:37with this project - will they have succeeded in transforming it into
0:39:37 > 0:39:39a beautiful home in the countryside?
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I'm back in Leicestershire,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50keen to see what Mark and Linda have accomplished.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56When I first came here, their cottage was dark, dingy and dated,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59and Mark and Linda had no idea how to transform it
0:39:59 > 0:40:02into their vision of a country cottage.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10The ground floor was starved of light
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and little more than a gloomy and cramped corridor...
0:40:14 > 0:40:17..with a mismatch of oppressive design features.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22They tore this house apart, digging down to
0:40:22 > 0:40:25the foundations and bare stone, but have they managed
0:40:25 > 0:40:27to put it back together again?
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- Hi, Linda.- Hello, Piers. - How you doing?
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Look at this. Amazing.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38I can't believe it's the same house.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43There's still some work to do, but now
0:40:43 > 0:40:46their claustrophobic period cottage is a bright
0:40:46 > 0:40:49and spacious modern home.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53This is a really good model, for a simple straightforward house
0:40:53 > 0:40:57that has really good qualities of light and really usable space.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00It ticks all the boxes of the things that we wanted from the start.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07A dividing wall split the space in two, creating a tiny galley kitchen.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12With the wall removed, natural light floods
0:41:12 > 0:41:14through the entire ground floor.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- This is a gloomy day, but, actually, this feels full of light.- Yes.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21It's lovely being able to see end to end
0:41:21 > 0:41:23and it's actually quite a rare thing.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25You can wash up looking at the reservoir -
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I never expected that.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Inspired by the house I took them to, they've installed bi-fold doors
0:41:32 > 0:41:36that bring in light and make the space feel much larger.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Part of what makes this feel
0:41:40 > 0:41:43so big is having this fantastic opening here.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Now the garden feels like part of this room.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- It's literally coming into the house, isn't it?- It really is.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Bringing in three sources of light was the key here,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56from the front, back and above.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00I can see you've done the important thing
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- which is put that roof light in the middle.- Yes.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04That's given us a lot of light.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07This space now feels bright and is filled
0:42:07 > 0:42:09with light all day long.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12It really is hard to believe that this is a small house
0:42:12 > 0:42:14because it feels so full of space.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18And illuminated by the new window sits the new
0:42:18 > 0:42:21made-to-measure staircase.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29It cost £1,500 to replace the old stairs.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32It's not quite complete, but already
0:42:32 > 0:42:34defines the centre of their home.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38So, I can see you've done the bottom step.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Well, all of the stairs, actually.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43But importantly you've done what you wanted with the bottom step
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- and wrapped it around.- Exactly. Yes. - It looks great, doesn't it?
0:42:46 > 0:42:50It really does feel that the stair is part of this, rather than
0:42:50 > 0:42:54just a linear thing that only allows you to go up from the front door.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- Yes.- Yes.- Exactly what we wanted,
0:42:57 > 0:42:59and somewhere to sit and put your boots on.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03The other things, of course,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07is that you've taken out the brick wall, the brick skin that was there.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10I was a little bit nervous about what you might find underneath it.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12You were right!
0:43:12 > 0:43:15You haven't been afraid to stamp your mark on this, have you?
0:43:15 > 0:43:16These little patches.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19We could have just had irregular shapes, but we thought,
0:43:19 > 0:43:24you know, heart and home and all that. It's a bit twee, but...
0:43:24 > 0:43:25This wall looks really tactile.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28It's a very nice place to do something a bit fun as you go
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- up and down the stairs.- I think so. - And it's very you, I think.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36When I first came, I was nervous about your budget, and I think I
0:43:36 > 0:43:40was trying to encourage you just to do the bare minimum to open up this.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- I can see why.- Yes!- But houses are tricky things. Old houses.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48As you start unpicking, it's crazy to leave a problem.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50It's putting them back again that's the problem.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53But also, if you're going to do the work, I can really see from
0:43:53 > 0:43:57your perspective, that one lot of upheaval to get something absolutely
0:43:57 > 0:44:00right is better than doing something three or four years down the line.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02So, spending a little bit more now,
0:44:02 > 0:44:06but then not having to do anything in the future makes sense.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13I wanted to make this room one they never wanted to leave.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16the key to that was the bespoke window seat made inexpensively
0:44:16 > 0:44:18from reclaimed scaffold boards.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24Replacing patterned glass panes, but not the frames,
0:44:24 > 0:44:29is an inexpensive way to modernise your home and bring in more light.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33- It has made such a difference. - Total difference.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37Before, I was hardly aware of the reservoir when I was inside.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39And now it really feels like it's right there.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42What I think is nice here, all the way through the house,
0:44:42 > 0:44:46is that it shows that design isn't about lavishing lots of money
0:44:46 > 0:44:48and it's not about taste.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50It's about getting fundamental principles right to do with
0:44:50 > 0:44:54space and light and how you can live in something.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58And that's really the principle that you've followed.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00Originally, when I came here, you talked about spending
0:45:00 > 0:45:04about £15,000 to make quite significant changes.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08I know you've spent more than that. How much more have you spent?
0:45:08 > 0:45:10Well, to start off with, we didn't really know how much
0:45:10 > 0:45:14we were going to spend and how much renovation it was going to take.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17Just doing the structural changes and everything -
0:45:17 > 0:45:21that was in excess of 20 anyway, so we have blown the budget there.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25We've probably doubled what we...
0:45:25 > 0:45:27- Doubled what we...- Yes, I think so. - Yeah?- Yeah.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29In your case, until you started unpicking,
0:45:29 > 0:45:33- you didn't really know what you were going to do.- It was open-ended.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35It's been quite a learning curve.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41You've ended up with a building that feels now remarkably complete.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43It's just wonderful now. Yes.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47Mark and Linda have truly embraced this process
0:45:47 > 0:45:50and have created a home that's light-filled,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52spacious and a beautiful place
0:45:52 > 0:45:56from which to build their new country life.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58They spent more than they thought they were going to originally,
0:45:58 > 0:46:01but they've done far more work.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03And what they've done, very sensibly,
0:46:03 > 0:46:06is invest in the really important things.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08And, ultimately, they've ended up
0:46:08 > 0:46:11with a house that they really clearly love.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23In Yorkshire, the double-height space has been created.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29But Chris, Claire and their three children are
0:46:29 > 0:46:30still living in a shell.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41Today, Robert wants to help focus their thinking
0:46:41 > 0:46:43onto interior finishes.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46I'm still looking around at all the jobs we've got to do, but...
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- we've got lots done. - I think it's marvellous.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53With just three and a half grand left to complete
0:46:53 > 0:46:56the work and redecorate, Robert hopes to get
0:46:56 > 0:46:58creative with materials recovered from the property
0:46:58 > 0:47:02and finish off the staircase as cheaply as possible.
0:47:02 > 0:47:03This is my builder's yard, this.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05This is our very own reclamation yard.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07- We don't even need to go out.- No.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09I've got all sorts of bits round here, Robert.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- One post.- Beautiful, look at that. - It's good, isn't it?- It's fabulous.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23It's almost a shame not to use that.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29Inspired by this find, Robert takes Claire to
0:47:29 > 0:47:33a local metal fabrication workshop with an idea in mind
0:47:33 > 0:47:34for the balustrades.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39I love these places.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42You come around, you see things, it gives you ideas, it inspires you.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46You can find fabricators specialising in
0:47:46 > 0:47:49assembling metal structures countrywide.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53They are a great source of metal products you
0:47:53 > 0:47:55won't find in DIY stores.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57There's a whole range - a whole kit of parts
0:47:57 > 0:48:00that could be used to create your own shapes and forms.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03By using contrasting materials like metal
0:48:03 > 0:48:07with the natural grain of wood, you can create something beautiful
0:48:07 > 0:48:09even on a budget.
0:48:09 > 0:48:15These are circular galvanised tubes. Very inexpensive, off-the-shelf.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20You can just kind of fabricate your own handrail, OK? What do you think?
0:48:20 > 0:48:21I really like it.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25I think the contrast between the metal and the wood...
0:48:25 > 0:48:26And I like the...
0:48:26 > 0:48:29I want it to be something different that we've thought about.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34Untreated, untouched. Just weathered.
0:48:34 > 0:48:37What this is used for is for bicycle racks.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40You can imagine almost a series of these, you know?
0:48:40 > 0:48:46They could be at 100 centres - or less - along your staircase. OK?
0:48:46 > 0:48:50This can almost become your balustrading.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52These are really cheap.
0:48:52 > 0:48:56These are probably, to fabricate, about £2 each. OK?
0:48:56 > 0:49:04This here can give you a light, steel contrasting sculptural piece.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08- I love it. I really love it. - I think it's almost beautiful.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14These balustrades are truly unique and a real
0:49:14 > 0:49:17first for local joiner Chris.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20It's nice to do something a bit different.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23There's a lot of work before we make it look pretty again.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27Chris has devised a way to fit the tailor-made
0:49:27 > 0:49:31metal rods into the recycled handrail.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33Basically just works the same as a normal spindle.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35You've got your spacers cut -
0:49:35 > 0:49:38they push into your groove that you've prepared.
0:49:40 > 0:49:44Spindle slots in and then between every spindle,
0:49:44 > 0:49:48put your next spacer in.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50- Ready for your next one. - It looks amazing.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53It is ridiculously exciting today.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56Chris and Claire have made some daring structural changes,
0:49:56 > 0:49:58but the house remains a building site -
0:49:58 > 0:50:00there's still masses of work to
0:50:00 > 0:50:03do to finally transform it into a family home.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23When Robert first met Chris and Claire nearly
0:50:23 > 0:50:25four months ago, the post office they'd hoped
0:50:25 > 0:50:28to transform into a spacious family home was
0:50:28 > 0:50:30failing to deliver.
0:50:30 > 0:50:31This was always a big ask.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34It was a tall order for them to bring this in on budget.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37Let's see if they have been brave enough to complete,
0:50:37 > 0:50:40if they've taken on board everything we've talked about
0:50:40 > 0:50:44and really just see how it's all come together.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48- Hello.- Hello. How are you?
0:50:48 > 0:50:51- How are you?- Very well, how are you?- Good.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55Chris and Claire had simply abandoned the overlooked front room.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58The gloomy kitchen left Claire cut off from family life.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00Have a look.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10- It's amazing.- It took a few deep breaths before we did the ceiling.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14"Are we going to do it, are we going to do it?"
0:51:14 > 0:51:17I... I did love that room.
0:51:17 > 0:51:18I like this room a lot more.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25They boldly followed Robert's plan to remove
0:51:25 > 0:51:29the ceiling and create an extraordinary double-height space.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33Although not quite finished, with the internal walls removed,
0:51:33 > 0:51:37the ground floor is opened up and completely revolutionised.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41What you've created here actually is really quite unprecedented.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44With such a tight budget, they've shopped smart
0:51:44 > 0:51:46online and at stores like Wickes, Screwfix
0:51:46 > 0:51:51and Ikea. They picked up this stunning light for under £40.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54The flex and fitting cost just a couple of quid.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57We don't get the experience of these kind of spaces every day,
0:51:57 > 0:51:59so once you experience it, it's something that is
0:51:59 > 0:52:02so unusual for us, but it lifts us.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04It's just a completely different atmosphere.
0:52:06 > 0:52:09Chris and Claire couldn't afford to re-plaster, so instead,
0:52:09 > 0:52:12they made a virtue of the unfinished look and it became
0:52:12 > 0:52:15a decorative theme throughout.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18And the exposed brick, no plaster work involved.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21Just taking off the existing and leaving it.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25And it works so well against the paint. It's the bravery.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27The existing skirting becomes the picture rail,
0:52:27 > 0:52:29leaving the plugs and sockets.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32They've been painted, but they just blend into the background.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36Drawing on what they've learnt,
0:52:36 > 0:52:39they've used simple interior finishes like a bank of bold,
0:52:39 > 0:52:43dark colour - this adds drama and cosiness to the space,
0:52:43 > 0:52:46and can be achieved for the cost of a tin of paint.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50- And the staircase. - This is a talking point.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Everyone who's been involved in that loves it.
0:52:52 > 0:52:53- That is marvellous.- Yeah.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00The unique, custom-built staircase is the defining feature.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04It looks quite expensive.
0:53:04 > 0:53:08- It does.- But really, for each of these verticals, it cost...
0:53:08 > 0:53:10- £2 each.- £2 each.- Yes.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14See how you've created one very bespoke piece with very little.
0:53:16 > 0:53:18- I'm just going to help myself. - Try it out.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21I have been wanting to come up here
0:53:21 > 0:53:24because now you can really get the experience of the space.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26The light pours in. Really brave move,
0:53:26 > 0:53:29but it works really well, doesn't it?
0:53:32 > 0:53:33And the landing.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35That wall is 130 years old
0:53:35 > 0:53:38and what you've done is taken away the plasterboard
0:53:38 > 0:53:42and exposed the history of the original post office building.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44It is a feature wall.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47You see all these little kind of tricks of how to make
0:53:47 > 0:53:52a really intimate family destination room with very little.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Chris and Claire have saved money throughout
0:53:55 > 0:53:58by recycling and reusing surplus materials,
0:53:58 > 0:54:01including the floor - an excellent cost-effective way
0:54:01 > 0:54:05to create quirky design features without breaking the bank.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09The old post office front was totally
0:54:09 > 0:54:11overlooked from the street, but by lifting
0:54:11 > 0:54:13the ground floor level above the eye line of
0:54:13 > 0:54:18the passers-by this room has a renewed sense of privacy.
0:54:19 > 0:54:21Raised floor. Fantastic, yeah?
0:54:21 > 0:54:24Looking above the street, you've no net curtains,
0:54:24 > 0:54:26you get the view of the green.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30It's a really comfortable elevated position you're in now.
0:54:30 > 0:54:31A completely different feel now.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34- It made a difference straightaway. - Yes.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37There's no closing of the curtains to protect you from the street.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39No, we don't care now. We don't care who looks in.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49The kitchen was once completely isolated from the rest
0:54:49 > 0:54:53of the house - now, it's become the centre of the home.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58And here there's yet more budget-saving reclamation.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01The old kitchen units have been salvaged and remodelled
0:55:01 > 0:55:04and the floor joist and carpentry nails have been reused
0:55:04 > 0:55:06as shelves with cup hooks.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13This was a really important part of the house.
0:55:13 > 0:55:14I think this was the catalyst.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17It was a big ask to remove two walls, move the staircase,
0:55:17 > 0:55:19- lift the floor, remove a room.- Yes.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23But it was all to kind of connect you back, or connect the kitchen
0:55:23 > 0:55:26through to the family and pull the living space down.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29- How do you feel about all that? - It's brilliant.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31It's worked entirely.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33It's almost perfect, I think.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35In fact, I think it probably is perfect.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38I don't think there's anything I would change.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41It works and it does kind of bring the family together, doesn't it?
0:55:41 > 0:55:45Absolutely, yes. We're always all in here all the time.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47It's a home now, not a house.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Chris and Claire have totally transformed this
0:55:52 > 0:55:56post office into an unconventional, spacious and stunning family home.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04Can they possibly have done it all for just £10,000?
0:56:05 > 0:56:07OK, so, the budget.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09Mm-hm. OK.
0:56:09 > 0:56:11Your budget was ten.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14- Yeah.- Where are we?
0:56:17 > 0:56:19We have spent -
0:56:19 > 0:56:23not including the wood-burning stove...
0:56:23 > 0:56:26We have spent...
0:56:26 > 0:56:27just...
0:56:27 > 0:56:29under...
0:56:31 > 0:56:33..nine, haven't we?
0:56:33 > 0:56:37- Re...- Not including the stove. - Just under nine.- Really?- Yes.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39You've done incredible for a 10k budget
0:56:39 > 0:56:42and look what you've got here. It really is...
0:56:42 > 0:56:44- It is amazing.- ..amazing.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47But it wouldn't have been possible without you guys taking
0:56:47 > 0:56:50the bull by the horns, if you like, and just moving through it
0:56:50 > 0:56:53- and having belief in yourself to kind of see it through.- Yeah.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56We talked about this all the way through.
0:56:56 > 0:57:01- We'd never have thought of it. - No.- It's a complete...
0:57:01 > 0:57:04We were looking what to do with the room, not what to do with the house.
0:57:09 > 0:57:12Chris and Claire have succeeded in making
0:57:12 > 0:57:14a family home out of a forgotten post office -
0:57:14 > 0:57:18a place where they can now be together with family and friends.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21What they've achieved, to be quite honest, I'm really happy for them.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24And to bring it in under budget!
0:57:24 > 0:57:28There were those moments when the project could have bombed,
0:57:28 > 0:57:30but Claire was kind of determined.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33Chris, right through the project.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37I'm just taking aback by coming here and seeing this and the family
0:57:37 > 0:57:41in this room and really enjoying it and being together. It's fantastic.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46- It's definitely worth it. - It's been worth every minute.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58'Next time, Lisa dreams of a total
0:57:58 > 0:58:01'transformation, but only has 8K to do it.'
0:58:01 > 0:58:04I don't want anything really naff.
0:58:04 > 0:58:06'I push her to mix the unusual...'
0:58:06 > 0:58:08To have something that is really thick
0:58:08 > 0:58:10'..with off-the-shelf.'
0:58:10 > 0:58:11They're really cheap.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14'And Julie and Richard hate their outdated home.'
0:58:14 > 0:58:16It's hideous.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19'Can a dramatic mix of tricks make them change their minds?'
0:58:19 > 0:58:22There's a bigger change you could consider.
0:58:22 > 0:58:24I'm not sure I'm totally convinced by all that.