0:00:02 > 0:00:04Across the country, empty properties that could be homes
0:00:04 > 0:00:06are just waiting to be brought back into use.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07I'll be finding out why,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11and what you need to do to rescue a house for yourself.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14And along the way, we'll be following property detectives
0:00:14 > 0:00:17who track down the owners of these forgotten houses
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and help breathe new life into the communities blighted by them.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23And I'll be doing some digging of my own to find out
0:00:23 > 0:00:26more about housing stock, our heritage and why
0:00:26 > 0:00:30we should both be preserving and reinventing Britain's empty homes.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43The decision to take on an empty property
0:00:43 > 0:00:45and turn it into a home is never a simple one.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48There's always going to be an element of the unknown.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51However, if you're prepared to do your research, to plan,
0:00:51 > 0:00:56to work hard, then the benefits could far outweigh the risk.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02On today's show, I'll be meeting a couple who have
0:01:02 > 0:01:06fallen for a rather unusual abode in the heart of the Welsh countryside
0:01:06 > 0:01:10and want some guidance on how to kick-start their dream renovation.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15I'll be putting the plumbing in, bathroom suites,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19underfloor heating, the kitchen and also the spiral cellar.
0:01:19 > 0:01:20Goodness. That's huge.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23We'll hear about an innovative project aimed at regenerating
0:01:23 > 0:01:27an area which was hard hit by the problem of vacant homes.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32And Britain's empty property officers
0:01:32 > 0:01:35continue their mission to restore deserted houses
0:01:35 > 0:01:36to their former glory.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42It doesn't look as if anyone's starting any work on this property.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It's starting to feel abandoned now.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Kevin and Rachel Roberts have fulfilled
0:01:57 > 0:01:59a lifelong dream by buying a rural building in the heart
0:01:59 > 0:02:03of the Welsh countryside, where they plan to raise their young family.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10We were looking for about six to nine months for something
0:02:10 > 0:02:13in the country, and we saw this in the paper,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16and you looked at it and said, "What do you think of this?"
0:02:16 > 0:02:20And when you first look at it, it's a very ugly building.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24But then, we drove up there to have a look and just the location of it,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27the views, everything, it was just perfect.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31The space, as well. Then it was a case of what could we do with that building?
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Cos when you look at it, it's a cowshed.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35A cowshed, indeed.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40And the Roberts snapped it up at auction for £102,000,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46The sheer size of it and the space,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48that's when I could start to see the potential.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53Kevin and Rachel have a renovation budget of £170,000.
0:02:53 > 0:02:59to transform this former cattle milking shed into their family home.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02The main thing is...keeping it on track and on budget.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06I wouldn't want to be in a position that I put my family at risk
0:03:06 > 0:03:10because of the finances, so it's going to have to be on budget.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13The builders are already at work on the structure
0:03:13 > 0:03:16and with a strict budget,
0:03:16 > 0:03:22DIY enthusiast Kevin will take on a lot of the renovation himself.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25But a full time job in the fire and rescue service
0:03:25 > 0:03:27means his time is in short supply.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30I've got to do a lot of the work myself and trying to juggle that
0:03:30 > 0:03:32with family life, as well,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- it certainly has been hard, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Juggling work and a renovation of this size, Kevin can't help
0:03:41 > 0:03:45but feel daunted - even with two little assistants to lend a hand.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49If I get it wrong, we either end up with no barn, no family or no job.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54It's getting those, it's getting everything right, isn't it?
0:03:54 > 0:03:57And making sure that, when we do move into the property,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00it does actually turn out to be our dream
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and not something that's caused issues.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08'I'm meeting up with Kevin and Rachel on the plot of farmland they are going to call home.'
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Hi, guys. Nice to meet you.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- Kevin, my wife, Rachel.- Hi. How are you?- Fine, thank you.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19This is your place - a former cowshed?
0:04:19 > 0:04:21It's an old milking barn.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23They used to bring the cows in, feed them,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- take the milk before sending it off to the supermarkets.- Great.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- It's a very unusual place. Can we have a look inside?- BOTH: Yeah.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33'With planning permission already agreed,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36'they intend to retain the building's original beams
0:04:36 > 0:04:37'and exposed brickwork,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39'and turn it into four bedrooms,
0:04:39 > 0:04:42'four bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen/diner
0:04:42 > 0:04:45'and a large family area.'
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Wow, so it really is...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- a big shed. - HE LAUGHS
0:04:49 > 0:04:51How different was it when you bought it?
0:04:51 > 0:04:54When we bought it, it had a concrete floor.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56It had a central walkway,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58right through the middle,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00and two rooms here, which Kevin has knocked down now.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03In terms of who's doing the work,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05are you taking this on now?
0:05:05 > 0:05:06I'll be putting the plumbing in,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08the bathroom suites, underfloor heating,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11the kitchen and also the spiral cellar.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Goodness - that's huge!- Yep. - Of course, doing the work yourself,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17a great way to save money - was that the key motivation,
0:05:17 > 0:05:18or more that you wanted to learn,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20or just wanted to control what was going on?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22It was both. We've got a set amount of money,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25certain things that we want, and to do that,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27a lot of the work I've had to do myself.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30The cattle shed is 100 years old,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32and stood empty for four years
0:05:32 > 0:05:35before Kevin and Rachel saw its potential.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38As with many old properties in more isolated settings,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40there's a common problem.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42What about heating - gas, electricity?
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I assume you're not on gas if you're in a cow shed.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46There's no mains gas, so for the heating,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49the options were LPG, oil or look for sustainable measures,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52which we're looking at.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Depending what option you go for, some of these systems
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- require quite a lot of investment up front.- They do, yeah.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Let's talk about budget - what's the budget for the whole renovation?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02For the whole renovation, the budget is £170,000.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05And how confident are you, keeping within that budget?
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Any surprises come up in the build,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10we can push it a little bit more,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12but we're just going to have to manage that,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- and make savings elsewhere if we need to.- OK.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17When do you plan to move in?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19My view is, possibly,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22summer 2013, we'll be in here.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- The building I feel will be finished by Christmas.- Yeah.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27That's interesting. You're going to have actually
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- probably quite an attractive shell...- Yeah.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33..that's been fitted out, with a new roof, floors and all that,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36but you're going to have to wait for your one or two days off a week...
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- That's right.- ..to get in, fit a kitchen, do the driveway,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41do all this other stuff. It's going to be quite a frustrating time -
0:06:41 > 0:06:43are you ready for this, as a couple?
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- Er...- I think we'll manage. - I think we'll be all right, yeah.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Still smiling at the moment. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51That's the smile of a couple six months in...
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- as opposed to 18 months in! - Come back in a year!
0:06:53 > 0:06:56Well, what an interesting place, and you can tell that
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Kevin and Rachel are really excited about this project.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03The problem they've got is how you complete this
0:07:03 > 0:07:05and get the family to move in as soon as possible
0:07:05 > 0:07:07while working on a limited budget.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11I want them to meet a couple who've been through all this before.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Hopefully they will have some great advice,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15because they've done something very similar.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18They've also converted a derelict old barn.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Up and down the country, vacant buildings
0:07:24 > 0:07:27are in a state of disrepair - abandoned and unloved,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30just waiting to be brought back to life.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33There are a dedicated band of officers
0:07:33 > 0:07:35who make it their mission to track down these abandoned buildings
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and get them lived in again.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44In Amber Valley, Derbyshire, empty officer Sue Li
0:07:44 > 0:07:48is on her way to a home that's been vacant for 12 years.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Today I'm going to see a property that was purchased
0:07:52 > 0:07:55by a landlord I've worked with in the past,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58but this one seems to be taking such a long time.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01And now, I've had complaints about it
0:08:01 > 0:08:04from the neighbours, so I'm going to go and have a look
0:08:04 > 0:08:06at their concerns.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14The owner was granted planning permission last year
0:08:14 > 0:08:16to turn the house into two properties.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Sue last spoke to him six months ago,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22but judging by the continuing complaints from the neighbours,
0:08:22 > 0:08:26it is possible that very little has been done.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Some improvements have been made since I was last here.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I can see some of the ivy has been cut back.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35It still looks unlived-in.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39It is looking quite untidy, and it really does need some attention now.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Although some maintenance work has been carried out at the front,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48the rear of the property tells a different story.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51I've heard reports that at one time,
0:08:51 > 0:08:56squatters got into the property, and it's had to be re-secured.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59That looks like a fresh padlock.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06What's interesting about this garden here
0:09:06 > 0:09:08is that there's a fair amount of rubbish.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I mean, there's an office chair.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13The wall's obviously fallen down
0:09:13 > 0:09:15and there are holes in the fence,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19and there's so much carpet in the garden.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Now, I know rats do like carpets and soft furnishings
0:09:23 > 0:09:25to use as bedding - it doesn't look like
0:09:25 > 0:09:29anybody's starting any work on this property
0:09:29 > 0:09:33It's starting to feel abandoned now,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37that...that plans just aren't happening.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41It's often the case that owners of empty homes remain elusive.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43The next best source of information
0:09:43 > 0:09:45usually comes from the local residents.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Hi, I'm Sue, and I'm the empty property officer,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53and I've been to have a look at the one across the road -
0:09:53 > 0:09:55has it ever been broken into,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- or have there ever been squatters there?- About two or three year ago,
0:09:58 > 0:10:00there were squatters came in.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04They'd pinched quite a number of agricultural items,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and they used it as a base, according to the police,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11for the stuff that they'd stolen from other places.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13OK. Would you like to see the property renovated,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- and a nice family move in? - Well, obviously,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I'd like to see it renovated, because, from appearance's sake,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- for the street. - Mmm. Thank you for your time.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26'Today I found that the property HAS been attracting problems,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29'it IS unsightly. If the owner and I'
0:10:29 > 0:10:31can't work together on resolving this,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34I may have to consider serving a notice.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36So, hopefully he'll either do the work himself
0:10:36 > 0:10:39or put it on the market and let somebody else do it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Sue has since made contact with the owner,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46and work has now commenced
0:10:46 > 0:10:48on clearing and renovating the property.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Breathing new life into an empty property
0:11:00 > 0:11:03can often strain your time and your finances.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06But it's hard to imagine anything more rewarding
0:11:06 > 0:11:10than putting the final touches to a home you've rescued
0:11:10 > 0:11:12and restored to its former glory.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17And that's exactly how John and Janet Dalglish felt,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21when they renovated this early Victorian horse yard.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Well, our idea initially, really,
0:11:23 > 0:11:25was to build a house, but we found it quite difficult
0:11:25 > 0:11:29to actually find a site to build,
0:11:29 > 0:11:33and we came across this, and we just came to have a look at it,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35and really thought it was just the thing.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38So, we thought we'd convert a property, rather than build,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41which seemed like a good idea at the time, but...!
0:11:42 > 0:11:46John and Janet spent £240,000 on the horse yard,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49which included three stable buildings
0:11:49 > 0:11:51and two open-fronted cart sheds.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Plans for their dream retirement home were quick to take shape.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59The walls...were stable.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01The roof was nearing collapse.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03So, it was not quite a shell,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06but we had to develop it from scratch.
0:12:11 > 0:12:1416 months and £500,000 later,
0:12:14 > 0:12:18they are now enjoying this stunning four-bedroom home.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21We wanted something a bit more modern,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25clean lines, spacious, and I think that's what we've got, really.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27While the stables had been derelict for many years,
0:12:27 > 0:12:31much of the original brickwork was still in good condition,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34and was used in the renovation. They were also keen
0:12:34 > 0:12:37to be as environmentally- friendly as possible.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42We're very enthusiastic about green energy,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45and we're absolutely delighted with how ground-source heating works.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49We're really pleased when something like that comes off.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51And with a rebuild of this size,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53overcoming obstacles is all part of the process.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55There have been stresses,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58especially when Janet was living up here on her own,
0:12:58 > 0:13:00and I was still working in Chichester, so she was
0:13:00 > 0:13:03handling the whole thing, doing the project management herself.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06So, it certainly hasn't been all roses,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09but I would hope that the end result if good.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12We're still together, we're still talking to each other,
0:13:12 > 0:13:13so I think the answer's positive.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18I think the major problem, in a way, has been financial, in that
0:13:18 > 0:13:21it always costs twice as much as you think it's going to.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Despite all the stress, they look back on the project
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- with fond memories. - It was intimidating,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29but it was very exciting to think
0:13:29 > 0:13:33that you could imprint on a building exactly what you wanted.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36And I think the thing is that you just have to
0:13:36 > 0:13:39do one step at a time, really, and see how that goes,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41and then move on to the next one.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44So, you certainly don't have it all in your mind to start with -
0:13:44 > 0:13:47You just have to take it a bit at a time.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Across the country, there are many areas
0:13:57 > 0:14:00where regeneration projects were never finished
0:14:00 > 0:14:01due to problems with funding.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04This led to large numbers of empty properties
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and in turn, problems with vandalism and squatting -
0:14:07 > 0:14:11all of which are hugely detrimental to a neighbourhood.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I've come to Newham in east London, where the council's
0:14:17 > 0:14:20regeneration programme came to an abrupt halt,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22with far-reaching consequences.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26John McCollin is a senior projects manager for the council.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28At its height, the council had to carry out
0:14:28 > 0:14:31a programme of 120 or so
0:14:31 > 0:14:34squatting and repossession cases.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37How long were these properties going to be empty for?
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Was there a problem with the funds coming through?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Well, what actually happened was that
0:14:42 > 0:14:45due to the slowdown in the economic climate, it meant
0:14:45 > 0:14:47that the phased programme in which
0:14:47 > 0:14:49the regeneration was due to take place
0:14:49 > 0:14:51actually got delayed further.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Empty properties, they take a lot of money to keep them secure,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58they blight the neighbourhood, and no-one's living in them as well,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01so you came up with a new approach - what was that, what did you do?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04We entered into a contract with a private company
0:15:04 > 0:15:07whereby we leased a number of properties
0:15:07 > 0:15:10to the private contractor, who was then
0:15:10 > 0:15:14required to refurbish these units
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and find tenants to move into the properties
0:15:17 > 0:15:19so that they became occupied
0:15:19 > 0:15:24and against started to regenerate the area.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27So, the council still owns the properties, but you lease them out
0:15:27 > 0:15:30to a private company which refurbishes them, at no cost to you,
0:15:30 > 0:15:31and lease them out to tenants -
0:15:31 > 0:15:33seems like it works very well for you.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36This has been a real success story for Newham.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41We've now put something like 193 properties back into purposeful use,
0:15:41 > 0:15:46which would otherwise have been empty for at least another five years.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49John has invited me to take a look
0:15:49 > 0:15:52at one of the properties which has been renovated.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58This house is still boarded up for security reasons,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01but it's just waiting for a family to move in.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Oh, wow! So, here we are.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11It's a big room, and actually, a pretty big place overall, isn't it?
0:16:11 > 0:16:15This is a four-bedroom house. Erm, as you can see,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18it's been fully refurbished and redecorated throughout.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Wow. So, new bathroom fixtures, kitchen fixtures,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- the new boiler, everything's gone in.- Yeah, it's ready now
0:16:25 > 0:16:27for a family to come and move into.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29How does this make you feel when you see this?
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Oh, it's very satisfying.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It seems the scheme is a winner for the council,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37but what about the residents?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Mabel has been living in one of the renovations for eight months.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43You've moved in, have you, with the family?
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Yeah, I have moved in with my three kids, and it's very lovely.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48The environment is very quiet.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51The accommodation is very... done up to a high standard.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- It's kind of... It feels like home. - Does it?- Yeah.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56It's very, very comfortable.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59It is our home - there's nowhere else to be!
0:16:59 > 0:17:02It's reassuring to learn that despite problems with regeneration
0:17:02 > 0:17:04and funding, with the right approach,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07you don't have to live with empty properties.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Neighbourhoods CAN be revived, and housing made available
0:17:10 > 0:17:13for those who need it most.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25In Shropshire, I'm taking Kevin and Rachel
0:17:25 > 0:17:29to see a barn conversion that should be right up their street.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Right, guys - this is the place I want you to see.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Clearly, it's an old barn - in fact, it was a cow shed,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39which sounds familiar! When the owners took it on, Roy and Claire,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42encouragingly, they paid a similar amount to you,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44about £100,000, for the barn.
0:17:44 > 0:17:45Cheers.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Roy and Claire bought their dream project three years ago,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53after it had been empty for a staggering 25 years.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55It was in quite a mess, really.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58It was derelict, basically.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00It was going to fall down if something wasn't done to it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03We spotted the potential, and then
0:18:03 > 0:18:06we got together with the owners, and a deal was done.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13One year later, the conversion was complete.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20In addition to the spacious lounge, the barn has three bedrooms
0:18:20 > 0:18:25with en suite bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen-diner.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30They used as much of the original wood as possible.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Total cost came to £100,000,
0:18:34 > 0:18:38and Roy's skills and contacts as a builder proved very useful.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Because I've got the guys that work for me, and have done for years,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45it did make the job a lot easier than it possibly would have been
0:18:45 > 0:18:47for somebody trying to achieve it on their own
0:18:47 > 0:18:49without the knowledge we've got.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54In this day and age, when there is definitely a shortage of property,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58it's just a waste to leave what can be a valuable property for somebody
0:18:58 > 0:19:02to live in, as opposed to something derelict, just deteriorating.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04I think it's an awful waste. We've taken something
0:19:04 > 0:19:07which was possibly an eyesore, and brought it to something
0:19:07 > 0:19:10which people would go by and say, "That's turned out nice."
0:19:10 > 0:19:11And that does give you pleasure.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Right...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Wow, look at this!
0:19:20 > 0:19:24These guys had very clear features to work with, and had to go
0:19:24 > 0:19:27with the wood look, make it as sympathetic as possible -
0:19:27 > 0:19:30how far have you got in deciding
0:19:30 > 0:19:33the look and the feel inside? Are you going to celebrate
0:19:33 > 0:19:35the concrete beams, or cover them up, or...?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- Do you know which way you're going to go?- We're not really sure yet.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42We'll have to see what it looks like further down the line,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- and how much of those concrete beams are exposed...- Right.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46..as to what we do with them.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49The vision that we've got might change slightly,
0:19:49 > 0:19:53because we'll see what's actually being built up in front of us.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- It's quite fluid, really. - Fluid's the word, because
0:19:56 > 0:19:57as you get into the build,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- you'll then see what's there, and what you can utilise.- Yeah.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03You've got underfloor heating here. How do you power it?
0:20:03 > 0:20:04Presumably there's no gas here.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09Well, we did research on this, for the various methods,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and we came up with air source heating.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Powered by electric, very economical to run,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16the unit was about £5,000. I cannot find a fault.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19What amazes me is why more people don't use it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21But there we are.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- This is something you'll look into - does it sound encouraging?- It does.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28I've been looking at the ground source heat,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30but I'm going to have to dig a trench to put that in.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33It's a lot dearer than what you've quoted of £5,000.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It's more than double.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39So, you know, that's certainly an option that we can look into.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45'With the Roberts' conversion still being a shell and barely past the blueprints stage,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'seeing this place should give them plenty of ideas for use of space,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50'especially in the kitchen.'
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Right, really good-sized kitchen.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56I imagine it's not too dissimilar from the size your kitchen will be.
0:20:56 > 0:21:03Yeah, it's certainly useful to actually see what it could look like
0:21:03 > 0:21:07and it makes me realise how big the kitchen is going to be
0:21:07 > 0:21:09and what we can fit in.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14Rachel and Kevin's big challenge is trying to stay not just within budget
0:21:14 > 0:21:17but also trying to get work to proceed as quickly as possible,
0:21:17 > 0:21:19so they actually get into the house, you know?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Any advice on how you balance those two priorities.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27I think a big part of it is getting the right tradesmen to start with.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29There are some absolutely fantastic tradesmen in the country
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- and you've just got to go with your gut feeling.- Mm.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36I suppose it's inevitable at some point
0:21:36 > 0:21:38that frustration builds, that progress isn't quick enough.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Any advice on that front?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42The only thing I would say to you both
0:21:42 > 0:21:44is you can get bogged down in things.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Don't be afraid to stand back, have a weekend away.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49You lose two days and make up ten,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52because you come back with a totally different light,
0:21:52 > 0:21:53the weight's off your back
0:21:53 > 0:21:55and you're fresh to it. It does work.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57That's two days with the kids as well!
0:21:57 > 0:22:00You can be a normal family for a weekend.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Thank you so much for showing us round.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05I'm pleased it's been such a success and you've got a great home here.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Hopefully, it's been very useful for you too.- Yeah, it has.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- No problem.- Thank you.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18In Derbyshire, empty property officer, Sue Li, is back on the road.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22Sue covers an area with approximately 1,000 vacant buildings
0:22:22 > 0:22:26and, today, she's off to see a special house.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Today, I'm going to have a look at a property
0:22:29 > 0:22:33that's been bought by one of our housing association partners.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37We asked them to apply for a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40which they were successful in.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44And now they're buying five empty properties in our area
0:22:44 > 0:22:49and they're going to renovate them and re-let them as affordable housing.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Hi, Christine. - Hi, nice to see you again.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Yeah, looks like a lovely little house you've got here.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Yes, we're really pleased with it, really are.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Good, let's take a look!
0:23:09 > 0:23:15This two-bedroom family home is in dire need of redecoration to make it habitable again.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20But the housing association plan to carry out more than just cosmetic work.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25We're going to do quite a drastic improvement of the property.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29We are duty-bound to do certain works,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31which will improve its ability to run cheaply.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35There'll be economical heating within the property.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38The boiler system will make it very economical to heat and to run,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42so it makes it a very comfy, warm property to live in.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46The intention is to insulate the building as well
0:23:46 > 0:23:49as rewiring the whole house and installing a modern kitchen,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52making it as energy-efficient as possible.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Every room will be inspected and improved.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06OK, so this'll make a nice child's bedroom, I presume?
0:24:06 > 0:24:10It will do, yeah, when we've done all the work, redecorated,
0:24:10 > 0:24:11take out this carpet.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- And it'll make a lovely, lovely room.- OK.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22We've got quite a bit of work to do in the bathroom. We're going to replace the bath
0:24:22 > 0:24:25with a bath that has a lower water capacity.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29We'll put a shower in, again, as a water-saving device,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31fully re-tile around the bathroom area.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Finally, we'll put a thermostatic mixing valve in,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38which keeps the temperature of the water at a lower temperature,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- to avoid scalds and burns. It's still hot water...- Yeah.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45..but it's not boiling hot water.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Oh, that sounds good!
0:24:47 > 0:24:51It's going to be wonderfully safe and environmentally-friendly bathroom.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- Lovely fresh and modern bathroom for a new family.- Good.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59'So, the builders will be in in a couple of weeks,
0:24:59 > 0:25:03'the property occupied within a couple of months.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07'I'm glad the housing association could take on this property'
0:25:07 > 0:25:10and I look forward to seeing the four more
0:25:10 > 0:25:14that they're going to be purchasing as part of this scheme.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Back in Shropshire, Kevin and Rachel have been getting some advice
0:25:25 > 0:25:28from a couple who've lived through their barn conversion
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and are now enjoying the benefits.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33How have you found today? Has it been useful to look round?
0:25:33 > 0:25:37It's been inspiring to see the finished product
0:25:37 > 0:25:40and certainly the advice that's been given,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43especially with regard to the air source heat pump.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- Anything for you, Rachel, that stands out?- I've just enjoyed seeing the final finish, really,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52and the kitchen, the layout and how it's all come together as a home.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Yeah. And the thing that stood out for me was the advice to take a bit of time out.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Every now and again, just back off for a weekend.
0:25:58 > 0:26:04Yeah, it's essential that I do take time for the family.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08But it also helps to ensure that what we're building there
0:26:08 > 0:26:11is what we both want and not what I just think we want
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- and I go ahead!- It's all ahead of you. It's a really exciting place.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19It's going to be huge, everything you wanted. Good luck!
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- I hope it turns out really well. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And thank you for showing us round this property.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26I'm really excited for Kevin and Rachel.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30They've clearly got a great place. I think today's been very encouraging.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32It's shown them that it's absolutely possible
0:26:32 > 0:26:35to convert a derelict old farm building into a lovely home.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I think also sometimes it's easy to get lost in plans and paperwork
0:26:39 > 0:26:42and stuck with a shell on a building site.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46But today has helped them visualise what it can become.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48It's given them plenty of ideas and inspiration
0:26:48 > 0:26:50to see their project through.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd