0:00:02 > 0:00:05Across the country empty buildings that could be homes
0:00:05 > 0:00:09are waiting to be brought back to use.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11I'll be finding out why and what you need to do
0:00:11 > 0:00:14to rescue a house for yourself.
0:00:14 > 0:00:19Along the way, I'll be doing some digging to find out more about our housing stock, our heritage
0:00:19 > 0:00:24and why we should be both reinventing and preserving Britain's empty homes.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Rescuing an abandoned house is no mean feat.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38They've often fallen into disrepair, need major structural work,
0:00:38 > 0:00:41planning permission and a huge budget.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43wIt can be pretty intimidating,
0:00:43 > 0:00:46but with the right advice and careful planning,
0:00:46 > 0:00:50even a first time buyer can take on an empty home.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53On today's show I'll be meeting a first-time renovator
0:00:53 > 0:00:58who dreams of creating a high-tech bachelor pad on a low-tech budget.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00You've restructured the floor?
0:01:00 > 0:01:03The whole first floor has had to be redone, to put the screen in.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04That's mind-boggling!
0:01:04 > 0:01:08We'll also meet people who successfully transformed a rustic ruin
0:01:08 > 0:01:10into a modern family home.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15As time went on, it became more and more appealing, rather than rent out, to live in it.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19And we'll follow the property detectives who track down the owners of forgotten houses
0:01:19 > 0:01:23and reinvigorate the neighbourhoods blighted by them.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Seeing how happy they are in that accommodation,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29it really, for me, makes my whole job worthwhile.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35In Birmingham, 21-year-old Michael Hims
0:01:35 > 0:01:39is renovating this previously empty 1930s three-bed semi.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42'When I got the house, the house vacant for two years
0:01:42 > 0:01:45'and it just generally needed to be completely redone from scratch.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48'I'm more than happy to put the work in,'
0:01:48 > 0:01:51so it just seems a good investment for me to buy it, really.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53The house cost £107,000
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and Michael bought it with the help of his mum Fiona,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59who is acting at his financial guarantor.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01I helped Michael with the deposit,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05so I put the deposit up for him to apply for the mortgage.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Everything else since has been funded by Michael.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Michael is currently studying to be an electrical engineer and plans to do the majority
0:02:13 > 0:02:17of the works himself despite having no renovation experience.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19I think I'm ambitious with what I'm trying to do.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24It's a full renovation. Rewire, new plumbing, new drainage, all that sort of stuff.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27I'm halfway through, now, and there haven't been any great challenges
0:02:27 > 0:02:30that I haven't been able to, sort of, solve myself.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Michael has big ambitions
0:02:33 > 0:02:36but a relatively small renovation budget of £15,000.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38He's already spent £12,000 of that,
0:02:38 > 0:02:43but he's still determined to create a high-tech home.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47I'm looking to do an integrated audiovisual system. Speakers throughout the house,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49and sound will follow you from room to room.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Make the house react to what you're doing, what your daily routine is, as it were.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Michael sees this as a long-term project,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00so he's moved back in with Mum while tackling the construction work.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02I haven't got a move-in date, as such,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I don't see that it's something worth having.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06When it's ready, it's ready.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09There's no point trying to aim for a certain date.
0:03:09 > 0:03:15That's interesting. I thought we were working towards June 2012.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19But, you know, I appreciate Michael can have as much time as he needs.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24No, he can't. He's got to be out of my house by June.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28I'm concerned that Michael's taken on an awful lot,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31and his budget may not match his ambitions for the place,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33so, I'm meeting him to find out more.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- Hi, I'm Joe.- Nice to see you. - Nice to meet you.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38How are you doing? So this is the place, is it?
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- Yes, it is, yes. - OK, you're an interested investor, is that right?- Yes.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- You're going to see how your investment is coming along? - Absolutely, yes.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- Shall we go inside and have a look? - Yes.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Wow!
0:03:54 > 0:03:57This is very much a building site. Is this your handiwork?
0:03:57 > 0:04:02Yes. I'm looking to do as much work as possible. All the electrics, plumbing.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- The only thing I'm not sure about is the plaster but I will see how that goes.- Right.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09What happens when you come across something that you do not know how to do?
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- How do you learn it?- There's people you can ask. All the manufacturers give out guidance.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16If not, there are online forums.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21What is the budget for renovating a whole house like this?
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Yes, the budget originally, well, still is, is £15,000.- OK.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29And, to date, there is about £3,000 leftover.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And how much more do you have to buy in terms of materials?
0:04:32 > 0:04:36We're pretty much there. All the electrics I've ordered,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39all the plumbing and plasterboard. It's pretty much the kitchen.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42You said a minute ago, "I don't know if I can plaster."
0:04:42 > 0:04:45From what I've seen of other properties, that is quite a skill
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and not something people can just pick up overnight.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Is there room in the budget to bring in a specialist contractor like a plasterer?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54There will be room if there needs to be room,
0:04:54 > 0:04:58but, the amount of work I'm doing, anyway, I'm happy to do it.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59So I just see it as another step.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03Tell me about electrics. What is your vision for the house?
0:05:03 > 0:05:07I'm looking to have a centralised audiovisual install,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11where I can automate all the heating systems and lighting systems.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Even remotely, I can plug-in on the internet and control the different aspects.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18A little bit of audiovisual has gone in, is that fair to say?
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Yeah, I already fitted out a home cinema screen.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24That had to go in at this stage because of the structural changes
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- that have been made to accommodate it.- Yeah, it had to, Fiona. It had to go in. First thing.
0:05:28 > 0:05:34You don't need plaster board, you need 100-inch TV screen. Can I see?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- There is a remote here. - It's actually up there.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Yeah, it's within the ceiling, now.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41When it's all plastered over, you won't see it.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- These joists would have gone all the way across?- Yes.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- But you've stopped them doing that. You've put in an extra one.- Yes.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- So you can fit this in.- Yes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- You've restructured the whole floor for this.- The whole first floor has been redone to put the screen in.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56That's mind-boggling.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59What about the rest of the house?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Right. This will be the kitchen, is that right?
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- Yes, that's right.- 21 is very young to take on and renovate
0:06:05 > 0:06:08your own house with no experience, but I suppose it's showing that
0:06:08 > 0:06:11there isn't that much to fear if you can get the right advice
0:06:11 > 0:06:14and consult the right people. It's pretty admirable, isn't it?
0:06:14 > 0:06:15I'm hugely impressed.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19And I think he is showing a dedication to something he believes in.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22And when he gets stuck he'll ask information,
0:06:22 > 0:06:23but he's got a drive
0:06:23 > 0:06:26and a vision that hasn't wavered from the outset,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and I think that's a huge credit to him.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30It is good to see what's underway here,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33but you can't take away the fact that there's limited experience,
0:06:33 > 0:06:35so I think it's really good that, later on,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38we can show you another property quite similar to this,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41that has been through renovation.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44But importantly, I want you to meet the couple involved,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47because they have a lot of experience in doing just this,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51so hopefully they'll be able to give you some really useful advice.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- How does that sound? - Excellent, yeah.- Great.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Well, Mike, he's 21 and you have to admire the ambition,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01the tenacity, the energy, really.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03OK, he's had a bit of help from his mum, Fiona,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07to raise the deposit, and she's sort of acted as a guarantor,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10but still brilliant that he can get so hands-on.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13That said, there's a couple of key concerns.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17There isn't much of the budget left and there's still a long way to go.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18The kitchen hasn't been bought.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So it is worth remembering that Mike doesn't really have
0:07:21 > 0:07:22a lot of experience.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Therefore, it's going to be useful for him and Fiona
0:07:25 > 0:07:30to meet a couple who completed work on their own empty property
0:07:30 > 0:07:32to hear just how they managed it.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36There isn't always someone like Michael
0:07:36 > 0:07:38to come to the rescue of an empty house.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Across the country, it's often our empty property officers
0:07:41 > 0:07:45who take on that particular challenge.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Paul Palmer is the empty property officer
0:07:47 > 0:07:49for Corby and East Northants.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51To be able to go along and see a problem
0:07:51 > 0:07:54that I can then personally do something about,
0:07:54 > 0:08:00work with an owner to see that property brought back into use, brings me total job satisfaction.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Today Paul is visiting a house in East Northants
0:08:03 > 0:08:06which neighbours have reported as being empty.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10What we know about this property so far is there is an allegation it has been abandoned.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14We understand there's a broken window, which might indicate an attempted break-in.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18There might be other anti-social behaviour associated with the property.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20But apart from that, that's all we know.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Before he can take any formal action,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Paul must find out if the building is definitely vacant.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31There's a little gap through here.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Right, OK.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37There's clearly no furniture in here, just empty boxes on the floor.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It would tally with the reports we've had that it seems to have been abandoned.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47He takes a look round the back to see if there are any more clues.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Quite a few bits and pieces abandoned in the garden.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55We've got fence panels almost completely down
0:08:55 > 0:08:57along the whole length here,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59which is not very good for the neighbours, obviously.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01The worrying thing is just over here.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Obviously, this window's been broken from the outside
0:09:04 > 0:09:08because the glass has been punched inwards, as you can see.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Somebody's had a go at this and possibly tried to get in.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16What I need to do now is try and get some more clues as to who owns it and where they are,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19so I'm going to see if I can get hold of one of the neighbours.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- Hiya.- Hello.- Sorry to disturb you.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- My name's Paul, I'm from East Northants Council.- OK.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- I'm asking about the property next door.- Yeah?
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Do you know how long it's been empty or who owns it? - I don't know who owns it.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33The property's been empty for seven, eight months, if not longer.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37Do you mind me asking, does it cause you any problems, being empty?
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- Yeah, cos we don't know who's coming and going. It's been broken into, or attempted to.- Right.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44The fence has fallen down. Our dog escapes.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48And it's a bit of a concern with a young child
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- and another one on the way. - Of course, yeah. I'll go back to the office now,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54do some investigations, find out who owns it
0:09:54 > 0:09:59and we'll contact them, get it secured, so hopefully that will stop more problems for yourselves.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02And eventually, we will get that property brought back into use.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Fantastic. Thank you.- Bye for now.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07That's all we can do here at the property.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Now it's back to the office to start some digging to find out who owns the property
0:10:11 > 0:10:12and what they'll do about it.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16Since our filming, Paul has contacted the owner
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and they've now secured the building.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21The owner is also talking with a local property developer
0:10:21 > 0:10:26about doing the place up and leasing it out as affordable housing.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28If you've got the determination,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31the drive, to renovate an abandoned building,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34then not only could you end up with your perfect home,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37you're also rescuing a little piece of history
0:10:37 > 0:10:39and preserving it for generations to come.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Back in 2007, Susan Oliver and her husband Chris
0:10:45 > 0:10:48bought these woods in rural Aberdeenshire for £70,000.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52But at that point they didn't realise the land's full potential.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Hidden away under five acres of woods was an old ruined croft
0:10:55 > 0:10:59which had been empty for over 40 years.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It was a bonus that there was a little croft in it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07We didn't have any intentions of doing anything with it at the start,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11but then we decided we might want to make a holiday cottage from it,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14so we got in touch with an architect and he drew up plans
0:11:14 > 0:11:18for a three-bedroom cottage. And as time went on, it became more and more appealing,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20rather than rent it out, to live in it.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22But once renovations started,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25the Olivers realised they needed more space.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28We did a phase 1, renovated the old croft.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Then phase 2 gave the architect a headache because we wanted it bigger.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35He then drew up plans for phase 2 and that's where we are now,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38in this beautiful, light, airy and warm house.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45In total, this epic construction project cost the couple £350,000.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48And initially the locals took some convincing
0:11:48 > 0:11:50about their modern design plans.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Generally, Aberdeenshire Council Planning Department were quite supportive.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Our local community council were not,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and objected to our planning application.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02But in the end, the planning authorities overruled them
0:12:02 > 0:12:08and we were able to go ahead. It's a modern build but it's exciting.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09You have to move with the times.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13We could have built a traditional cottage that looked like the one that was here,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15but that wasn't what we wanted.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18We were looking for something that was different and modern,
0:12:18 > 0:12:19and that's what we got.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22This unusual 18-month renovation has paid off.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27Susan, Chris and their three children now have an incredible
0:12:27 > 0:12:31modern family home in a magical woodland setting.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Renovating the ruin has enabled us to make the extension as we wanted it.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38The lounge, dining room and kitchen are my favourite areas
0:12:38 > 0:12:42because they are just beautifully light and have a view of the garden
0:12:42 > 0:12:43and the woodland outside.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46To live in your own little piece of secluded woodland,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50you feel lucky, that's just it, definitely.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52You feel privileged to do so.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58And to have a little stream running through your garden, it's just great.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Model rural living is how we look at it.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Sometimes derelict buildings require a bit of imagination
0:13:05 > 0:13:08to help bring them to people's attention.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I've come to the Bankside conservation area in Margate
0:13:10 > 0:13:13to find out how the council here is being influenced
0:13:13 > 0:13:16by creative residents both past and present.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Council officers have found an alternative way
0:13:19 > 0:13:22of drawing attention to an empty historical building
0:13:22 > 0:13:25that's perilously close to being pulled down.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Built in the late 18th century, the Fort Road Hotel is one of
0:13:31 > 0:13:38the last surviving buildings of this period in Margate's historic Bankside area.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Margate was home to the famous landscape painter JMW Turner,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43who it's said used to regularly drink
0:13:43 > 0:13:46at the Fort Road Hotel himself.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48The hotel has been empty for 20 years now,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52and has fallen into serious disrepair.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55The Bankside area is currently undergoing regeneration,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58and millions have been spent on the Turner Gallery just opposite,
0:13:58 > 0:14:03leaving the Fort Road Hotel looking more derelict than ever.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06The council's now seeking private investors to help restore
0:14:06 > 0:14:09this historic building back to its former glory.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11In a true moment of inspiration,
0:14:11 > 0:14:16the councillors came up with a unique way of bringing attention to the building.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19To find out more, I'm meeting council representative Chris Wells.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- Joe, welcome to Margate. - Thank you. Nice to meet you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Now, "iconic site". What's the story behind the neon sign?
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Well, it's pretty straightforward.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31We have a building here, as you can see, in need of some
0:14:31 > 0:14:33tender love and care,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37and one of the ways we looked at trying to encourage people to come
0:14:37 > 0:14:39and give it some tender love and care was to use
0:14:39 > 0:14:42the artistic community that is now very much part of Margate
0:14:42 > 0:14:46and create a sign that encourages people to think of it as an artistic endeavour
0:14:46 > 0:14:49as well as a piece of architecture.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52The sign is bright, it's bold, it's upfront, contemporary.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56A little wink and a nod to another artistic resident here in Margate?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58Well, perhaps so. Tracey Emin is a Margate girl.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01She had her own neon sign over here near the Turner Contemporary
0:15:01 > 0:15:02a little while ago.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05She told us she thought the town could use more neon.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09I suppose what's needed is for someone to spot the potential.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12A fantastic building. It could make great flats, or a boutique hotel,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15but someone needs to see it and realise the vision.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I think that's so.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21They need to see our vision, see this building plays an important part,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23and how visible it is.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27We want someone with an interest in making something iconic work
0:15:27 > 0:15:28for the whole of Margate.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30That sign says, "Come and rescue me."
0:15:30 > 0:15:32We hope someone will help us rescue that building.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37The regeneration of an area like Bankside in Margate
0:15:37 > 0:15:40may begin with a multi-million pound project
0:15:40 > 0:15:42like the Turner Contemporary,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44but to maintain an area's heritage,
0:15:44 > 0:15:48it's so important to look after historical buildings.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49It's encouraging and fitting
0:15:49 > 0:15:52the council chose a creative and artistic way
0:15:52 > 0:15:56to highlight the potential of the old Fort Road Hotel.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Fingers crossed, the neon sign will be its lucky charm. And, who knows?
0:16:00 > 0:16:04Just perhaps, it's one Turner himself would have approved of.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15'Back in Birmingham, 21-year-old electrical engineer Michael Hims
0:16:15 > 0:16:16'is rescuing this empty house'
0:16:16 > 0:16:19with the financial help of his mum, Fiona.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22'Michael's doing the place up himself,
0:16:22 > 0:16:23with a budget of just £15,000.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26'He's spent £12,000 of that on materials already.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29'I'm worried Michael may be more focussed on installing
0:16:29 > 0:16:32'hi-tech gadgets than doing actual structural work.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34'I'm taking them to get tips and inspiration
0:16:34 > 0:16:39'from a couple who've undertaken a similar renovation project.'
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Here we are, guys. This is the property I want you to see.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45It's 1930s, similar period to yours.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48It's been completely renovated from scratch,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51which will be very familiar to you.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- I suggest we go inside and say hello. Shall we?- OK.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Two years ago, Wayne and Elaine Kelly
0:17:00 > 0:17:04bought this three-bed semi with a view to doing it up.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Built in 1938, the house only ever had one owner before them.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10When they passed away, the house was empty for over two years,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12and in serious need of renovation.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15It needed completely rewiring.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18We knew it needed completely replastering.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23We could see the potential for a kitchen extension on the back.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Wayne's a builder, and tackled most of the work himself,
0:17:26 > 0:17:27as Michael intends to.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Even with Wayne's experience,
0:17:30 > 0:17:35they found juggling their jobs alongside the renovation was tough.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Trying to work all day, and then you have to come here at night.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Work the weekends.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43It IS very stressful.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47And Wayne's professional experience certainly helped the budget.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50ELAINE: The benefits to the renovation
0:17:50 > 0:17:52with Wayne being a builder
0:17:52 > 0:17:55was just a massive help.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59I would say we probably saved over £40,000 in labour charges
0:17:59 > 0:18:02by renovating the house ourselves.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07'Even though this project was on a bigger scale than Michael's,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11'I'm hoping he and Fiona will glean some useful advice from this visit.'
0:18:11 > 0:18:15This is lovely. You have experience in doing this kind of renovation.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16Is that fair?
0:18:16 > 0:18:22WAYNE: I AM in the building trade, and this is our third renovation.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25How much of the work does that mean you can do yourself,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27when you take on a project like this?
0:18:27 > 0:18:31We could probably do about 90% of the work ourselves.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Where do you draw the line between what you do yourself
0:18:34 > 0:18:36and when you bring people in?
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Michael's been very brave, and pretty much done everything himself.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Very much cheaper... - Much cheaper, so we'll weigh it up.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46But where do you personally draw the line?
0:18:46 > 0:18:49I personally draw the line at electrics,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53which have to be up to standard.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55And, obviously, gas.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58You're very confident with your electrics. Is that right?
0:18:58 > 0:19:01I'm doing an electrical engineering degree,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03so I understand the electrical aspect.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05It's more the plastering, and that sort of stuff
0:19:05 > 0:19:09I think it's very much a skill-based thing,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13where I would possibly look at getting someone else to do it.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16In a place like this, you look at the walls and almost take it for
0:19:16 > 0:19:18granted how smooth everything is.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22But how important is it to get that exactly right?
0:19:22 > 0:19:26I think it's very important, because when you apply the paint,
0:19:26 > 0:19:30if the finish isn't just right,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32any lights show up any imperfections on the walls.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36So, it does pay
0:19:36 > 0:19:39to have a professional do the job for you.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40It's a similar-sized house.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46What does it cost to get a plasterer in for a house like this?
0:19:46 > 0:19:49This size of house, if Mike was boarding it himself,
0:19:49 > 0:19:53I would say, approximately £1,500.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56That's nothing too shocking. I could still afford it if I had to.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59I'm giving everything else a go,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03so it makes sense for me to see it all the way through.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06If the quality's not up to scratch,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08I'll happily get someone else in to do it.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12'I'm keen for Michael and Fiona to see some more,
0:20:12 > 0:20:17'and to talk further about the reality of renovation budgets.'
0:20:17 > 0:20:21So this is the master bedroom, is it?
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Yes, that's right.- It took you about 18 months to do the renovation.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28What did you THINK it was going to cost you.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30And what did it actually cost you?
0:20:30 > 0:20:35We thought it would cost about £30,000
0:20:35 > 0:20:37to completely renovate the house.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40But it probably cost more like £40,000.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43It was mainly the fixtures and fittings.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46How do YOU feel about money, listening to that?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50So far, because I'm still on budget,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I'm not yet that concerned I'll be over.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Yeah. But, if we break it down,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57you have £3,000 left.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00And, at least half of that's going to a plasterer.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Potentially.- Potentially.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05So, it's going to be a squeeze here,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08where you don't have to be a maths genius...
0:21:08 > 0:21:10If it goes over, it goes over.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12So, you're open to that possibility.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14You can imagine yourself having to save a bit,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- or put some things on hold? - Yeah. Very much so.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Thank you. It's been lovely.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22It's nice of you to open up your home to us.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24I hope it's been useful.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- It's been great. - I'm pleased it's turned out so well.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Thank you.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32'This trip provided food for thought for Michael and his mum.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34'I'll catch up with them
0:21:34 > 0:21:38'later to find out how they feel about Michael's ambitious project.'
0:21:39 > 0:21:42In Corby, Northants, empty property officer Paul Palmer
0:21:42 > 0:21:47is on his way to see a house that's recently been brought back to life.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49The property we're visiting was empty
0:21:49 > 0:21:52for around two years, following the death of the owner.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57The family members who inherited it were trying to sell the property,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59but were struggling to find a buyer.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02They hadn't the means to refurbish a property for lettable standard.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04So approached the council for help.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08The council put the owners in touch with Jonathan Chapman,
0:22:08 > 0:22:10who runs a local property management company.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Paul arranged a grant for the owners and Jonathan
0:22:12 > 0:22:17to turn the home into affordable accommodation for the homeless.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Today, Paul's meeting Jonathan, along with one of the owners, Sonia,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23to see how the council grant has been spent.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Let me show you around.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34It's a bit different from when I was here last time.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35How have we got to this stage?
0:22:35 > 0:22:38We didn't have to do much in the property.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40It was kept in really good order.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43We've put in a brand new kitchen, put in a lovely new bathroom,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46and given the place a lick of paint.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49This is where most of our grant money was spent,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52because the kitchen was quite a mess.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54It needed renewing, and it's a lovely job.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57It's brightened the room up. It's great for the tenants.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Paul wants to talk with one of the people
0:22:59 > 0:23:04whose lives have been changed by this opportunity.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Gerry, I'm here with Paul from the council.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11He just wants a look round and a chat with you, if that's OK?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Hello, Gerry. Nice to meet you, mate. So, how are you getting on?
0:23:14 > 0:23:20Settling in OK. Getting on grand with the rest of the crew here.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24It seems it's running very smoothly, so we're really pleased.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Nice kitchen. All the facilities are cool.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- Yeah? That's fantastic. - Very satisfactory.- Great.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Lovely to meet you, Gerry.- And you.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- And good luck. Thank you. - Thank you very much.- Bye-bye.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39This house now provides a good home
0:23:39 > 0:23:44for people who've struggled in the past.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48The big attraction for me was four people who were potentially homeless
0:23:48 > 0:23:50aren't going to be homeless now.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Hearing the stories from the tenants and where they've been,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56I'm even more enthused with where we've gone with it.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00It was like an 11th hour godsend for me.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04I really appreciate it. I feel very lucky.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Very privileged,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09and it has boosted my pride.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11I feel there is a purpose in the end.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13We just need a helping hand.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Thanks so much for showing me around.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18I was really impressed with that.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20It's a really good scheme.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24I'm looking forward to doing some more, so thank you for that.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28I'm really happy with today's result. I'm pleased we brought the property back into use,
0:24:28 > 0:24:34but the heart-warming thing was meeting those tenants,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37and seeing how happy they are in that accommodation.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41For me, it makes my whole job worthwhile.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46'Back in Birmingham,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50'21-year-old first time renovator, Michael Hims,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53'is ambitiously doing up this empty house, all by himself,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55'and on a very low budget.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58'I took Michael and his mum to get some advice from a couple
0:24:58 > 0:25:02'who've successfully tackled a similar renovation.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Having seen this place, how do you feel now about your project?
0:25:07 > 0:25:11I'm still very excited to get it all finished, and move in.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Has it helped you getting tips,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16and speaking to someone that's been through it?
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Has that been encouraging?
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Speaking to that person who's been in my shoes has helped massively.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24It's given me a perspective
0:25:24 > 0:25:26on where I should be when the project's over.
0:25:26 > 0:25:31It's given me lots more details to finish mine off to a good standard.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33When we spoke in your house, you said,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36"Maybe I'll need to bring in a plasterer".
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Hearing it gain from someone else they'd definitely do that,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42does that firm it up in your mind as something that needs to happen?
0:25:42 > 0:25:46I realise it's more of a possibility than I thought.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I think I'll gear my spending now
0:25:49 > 0:25:52towards leaving that sum of money
0:25:52 > 0:25:56to cover that sort of trade.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59I imagine if a professionals having a hard time with it,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I'm not sure I'd have much hope myself.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Good. So, it's helped your planning? It's been a reality check for you?
0:26:04 > 0:26:08It's helped me fine tune what I was originally thinking,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and brought a bit more realism to it.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The thing to remember is,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15everyone has setbacks.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18If you keep your enthusiasm and passion for the project
0:26:18 > 0:26:20listen and get advice where you need it,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine. Good luck with it.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24BOTH: Thank you very much.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27I hope it turns into the house you want.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31And you can move out of Mum's house soon. That's the key, isn't it?
0:26:31 > 0:26:36It's not often you meet a 21-year- old renovating a whole house,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39with no experience. It's a big ask, especially
0:26:39 > 0:26:42when that property's been empty for two years and the budget isn't huge.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45So, brave project, lots of challenges.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47But I have a lot of respect for Mike.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50He's up for it, he's not phased,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54and hopefully the advice he's had today will help him along the way.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Whether sooner or later,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59I'm sure his passion,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03his determination will help him create his ultimate hi-tech home.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:17 > 0:27:20E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk