0:00:00 > 0:00:03Across the country, empty properties that could be homes are just
0:00:03 > 0:00:06waiting 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 the 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 more
0:00:23 > 0:00:25about our housing stock,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28our heritage and why we should be both preserving and reinventing
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Britain's Empty Homes.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Buying a property is probably the most expensive purchase most of us
0:00:41 > 0:00:45will ever make, so of course it's really important to get it right.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49By investing in the renovation of a derelict building,
0:00:49 > 0:00:53you can not just rescue an empty property, but you can also transform a wreck
0:00:53 > 0:00:56into a unique home that you'll never want to leave.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00On today's show, I'll be exploring an empty home with a woman
0:01:00 > 0:01:05who wants to take on the renovation of a disused house.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08It'd be really nice to do that and bring something back to life.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12And we'll be following an empty property officer,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14working to get vacant buildings back into use.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17It's clearly very dangerous. There's broken glass all the way round.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Anybody getting in or out could potentially cut themselves on that.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Joanne Warren has recently moved
0:01:22 > 0:01:25from Birmingham to West Yorkshire for a new job,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28and is looking to make the most of her budget in her new location.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31I think a derelict property really appeals to me,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33because then I might be able to get more for my money
0:01:33 > 0:01:38and afford a better area than I could with a brand-new property.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41And then I can make it exactly how I want it to be,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45and have that wood burner... go in the kitchen, or whatever it is.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49With a modest £150,000, Joanne's been scouring the property pages
0:01:49 > 0:01:51for a two- or three-bedroom home
0:01:51 > 0:01:52with the potential to extend,
0:01:52 > 0:01:58and she's become increasingly drawn to the idea of renovating a wreck.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00I can paint a wall and I can decorate...
0:02:00 > 0:02:02I'm quite willing to get my hands dirty.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05I can knock things down. I am probably quite good at knocking
0:02:05 > 0:02:11things down, but the idea of dealing with damp and those kind of things,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and rewiring, I would probably just have to get the professionals in for.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18As a first-time renovator with a limited budget,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Joanne naturally has some big concerns.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26I am a bit worried that my budget won't stretch quite as far
0:02:26 > 0:02:28as my dreams will.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31I'd really like to do X, Y and Z and have all the different things,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34but if I could just get the old property
0:02:34 > 0:02:38and have some nice fittings in it, and make it really cosy,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40that would be really good.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43To help Joanne work out how big a project she's really up for,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47I'm taking her to an example of the sort of property she might buy.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50This is the property I want to show you. First impressions?
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- Wow!- Wow! It's probably late 18th, early 19th century,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57so this has bundles of character.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59I suggest we go inside and have a look, shall we?
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Formerly a gatehouse for Brockwell House near Halifax, this place
0:03:05 > 0:03:09has been empty for two years and is on the market for £140,000.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16So, through the front door and straight into the main living room.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- Wow!- Clearly quite dated.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Yes. You can still see all of the original features.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Yeah.- You could work back the wood and make everything nice.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28What do you make of the wood panelling around the window?
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Brilliant. You could put a window seat there,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33which would be lovely with some cushions on.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35You seem to like what you see here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38When it comes to taking on a project,
0:03:38 > 0:03:40are you up for a bit of a challenge?
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Hmm...yes, I think so. I might need some help with SOME things.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48I'm definitely up for the odd knocking down of something
0:03:48 > 0:03:50or definitely redecorating.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53I would happily have a go at taking plaster off
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and tiles off and things like that, so you could re-do it.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58OK. So you would like to roll your sleeves up
0:03:58 > 0:03:59and get stuck in yourself?
0:03:59 > 0:04:02The more I can do, the less I would have to spend on trades
0:04:02 > 0:04:03and things like that,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05so if I could learn how to do it and do it myself,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07that would save me some money.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08OK. As you're looking round,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11I know you're on the hunt for property at the moment,
0:04:11 > 0:04:12why an empty property?
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Why would you consider something like this?
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Erm... Well, you can see from the outside,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21it almost looks like a bit of a blight, even though it has a charm
0:04:21 > 0:04:23to it, and people must walk past it and think,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25"Oh, I wish somebody would buy that and do it up."
0:04:25 > 0:04:30So it would be really nice to do that and bring something back to life.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31I mean, this needs everything doing to it.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35It would need rewiring. It hasn't been touched for decades.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39This would really need to be taken by the scruff of the neck.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42But that means it's a really great blank canvas for me...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Great. I'm pleased. Let's continue having a look round.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- I'll show you upstairs first, shall I?- OK. Thanks.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50On the first floor,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54there's a double bedroom and a smaller single room.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Right, Joanne, so this is the second bedroom.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58It's... It matches the layout of the house, actually,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01which is you get a big room at the front
0:05:01 > 0:05:05and a smaller, thinner room at the back. This funny little sort of boxroom.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Would you put a bathroom there?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- No. I'm quite happy to leave the bathroom downstairs.- OK.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13So I'd probably just make that part of the bedroom
0:05:13 > 0:05:14or even a dressing room.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17All right. Let's go down to the kitchen, shall we?
0:05:17 > 0:05:19'This place is in a pretty poor state of repair,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22'but you can just see it COULD be a lovely home.'
0:05:23 > 0:05:28Now, this is the kitchen. It very much mirrors the thin second bedroom
0:05:28 > 0:05:32we saw upstairs. Could you work with a space like this for your kitchen?
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Oh, definitely. You can have a table in the corner...yeah.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36It would definitely work for me.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Some people get very particular,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40especially with modern living
0:05:40 > 0:05:42and the way families tend to live is that they want
0:05:42 > 0:05:44a big open-plan kitchen.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Actually, this seems perfect for you, cos you're happy to deal with
0:05:47 > 0:05:48what the building gives you.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Yes. I mean, it would be nice if you could fit a small table in
0:05:51 > 0:05:54so you can eat in the kitchen, that would be nice,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56but it's not essential for me.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Because the ceilings are so high, it doesn't actually feel that small.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02You seem very positive, very optimistic.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06But any worries? Would this be your first big renovation?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10It definitely would be. I've only owned one house up to now.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13That was a reasonable 1920s semi.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16So, yeah, it's quite a daunting thing,
0:06:16 > 0:06:20to think about doing such a lot of work and all those kind of things.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23But it's worth it when you could imagine what the end would be like.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27And keeping all those original features.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30It would be your first-time renovation. You're looking for this project now,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34so I think it's going to be really good for you to meet someone who's been through it all before.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I'll take you to see a couple who've got a renovation,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38and I think there's a lot you can learn from them,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41and a lot of help and advice they can give you. How does that sound?
0:06:41 > 0:06:44That sounds really good. I'm really excited.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Well, I really like this place.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51It's not for everyone. It's not the sort of place you can rip the heart
0:06:51 > 0:06:54and guts out of it, make it really contemporary and open-plan.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56You have to appreciate the history of the character,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59and I think Joanne does. This is the sort of place she is looking for.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03And I'm also pleased to hear she's keen to learn new skills and go on courses
0:07:03 > 0:07:06so she can apply her handiwork to a place like this.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09That said, clearly, it's a very big undertaking.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11It'll be really good for her to meet a couple
0:07:11 > 0:07:12who have been though all this,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15they've completed their own renovation successfully
0:07:15 > 0:07:18and can hopefully give her some top tips to get started.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Up and down the country there are many disused houses,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25that are crying out to be rescued.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28It's the job of empty property officers
0:07:28 > 0:07:31to seek out these abandoned buildings,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34and turn them into much-needed homes.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37In the Waveney area of north-east Suffolk, Jason Hall's the man
0:07:37 > 0:07:38who is charged with that task.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Today he's off to a house which is one of his long-term cases.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Erm, we've had reports from the police that it's been broken into
0:07:45 > 0:07:47and accessed by a number of children in the area.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50At the moment, it's open for the public to gain access to.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54So we're here today to just make sure that it gets boarded up
0:07:54 > 0:07:57and it's made secure, so no-one can get in and hurt themselves.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The house is already boarded up at the front,
0:08:01 > 0:08:06but round the back, it appears people have been gaining access.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09It's just a general dumping ground for household waste
0:08:09 > 0:08:12by the looks of it. It could either be coming from neighbouring properties
0:08:12 > 0:08:15or just people who've been throwing things over the wall.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Obviously having household waste dumped
0:08:18 > 0:08:20in a rear of a property like this,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24it's got harbourage for rodents, for rats in the back garden here.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Got nappies, we've got food waste, everything.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31It's sort of...it's heaven for rats.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35It's not just the garden that's been attracting anti-social behaviour.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Clearly the rear window has been the point of access,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42where kids have got in.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44It's very dangerous. There's broken glass.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Anybody getting in or out... if it was kids,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48could potentially cut themselves on that.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52So what I really need to do is get in, see if there's any problems
0:08:52 > 0:08:55on the inside, see if anyone is actually on the inside,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58and then we'll get it boarded up.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Generally, in here, it's just been smashed up.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04We've got areas of the floor which are completely rotten
0:09:04 > 0:09:05and quite unstable.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08It's quite important that we get this made secure
0:09:08 > 0:09:10as soon as possible.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14As with any case like this, before boarding up the house,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Jason must ensure no-one is living here at the moment.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19It's empty so we know there's no-one in it.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23So it's time to get it all boarded up and made secure.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26While the work gets going on securing the house,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Jason visits a neighbour to reassure them about the progress made today.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- Hiya, Jason Hall from the council.- Hello.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Just to let you know that the property across the road,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39obviously we know it's been broken into,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41it's now in the process of being boarded up,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45but if you do have any other problems, be sure to give us a call.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I certainly will. Thank God it's been boarded up.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- OK. - Cheers. Thank you very much indeed.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54What we'll do now is serve a notice on the owner of the property
0:09:54 > 0:09:57to make sure that the garden is cleared.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00If the garden isn't cleared, we'll carry out works in default
0:10:00 > 0:10:03and clear it ourselves, and place a charge against the property.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Jason will continue to work with the owner to get this house
0:10:06 > 0:10:08lived in again.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12Buying an empty property can be a trip into the unknown.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Years of neglect can sometimes lead to unforeseen problems,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19but, if you plan carefully, and have the tenacity to see it through,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23you could find yourself the proud owner of a stunning home.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Which is what Teresa Collonette did when she and her family decided
0:10:27 > 0:10:31to tackle the renovation of a Georgian townhouse
0:10:31 > 0:10:32in West London in 2005.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35As soon I saw it, it was a terrible, terrible mess.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38But I did get the feeling it had great potential,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41and I knew this area was really nice. I liked the feel of it.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43The house was laid out as four flats
0:10:43 > 0:10:46and it was a major job to reconfigure it as a family home,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49with the project taking more than two years to complete.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52What attracted me to the property in the first place
0:10:52 > 0:10:55was the fact it did have high ceilings, and I could see
0:10:55 > 0:10:58that if you opened it up there would be quite a lot of space.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I had been looking at other properties in our price range
0:11:01 > 0:11:04and they were nice, but they felt really cramped
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and we've collected all sorts of weird and wonderful objects.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12It's quite nice to have somewhere to kind of exhibit them all, in a way.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15So it's fun having them all out.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The renovation wasn't without its problems and, throughout the build,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Teresa made alterations to the plans whilst work was ongoing.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25It kind of evolved in a way. We didn't always do things in the logical way,
0:11:25 > 0:11:29and we kind of changed our minds along the way, and so that kind of made it a bit complicated.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30For example,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33we only decided quite late in the day to put an extra floor on top.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36We should have obviously started off thinking that way,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38so that was a bit complicated.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41But, to be honest, it's a constantly evolving process...
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I think there's still things to be done,
0:11:43 > 0:11:47or things that need to be redone, and decorating I'd like to do to change things,
0:11:47 > 0:11:49but that's half the fun of it.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53By taking on a house that needed work, Teresa's not only saved money,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55she's also been able to mould the design to create
0:11:55 > 0:11:57a distinctive look for her home.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00One of the most important features of things that I like
0:12:00 > 0:12:03in my house is the kitchen and, as soon as we bought this house,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06and I knew I had the chance to completely renovate it,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09I knew that I wanted a 1950s kitchen,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12so that very much kind of informed how we designed the kitchen area.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16For a family it's great because it's quite social,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19because we've got this open space, people shouting down, shouting up.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21It feels very kind of alive.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Tackling an abandoned house is always a challenge,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28but if you decide to take on a building
0:12:28 > 0:12:32of architectural significance that's in need of preservation,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34there are some extra issues to be aware of.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Renovating and restoring an empty listed property
0:12:38 > 0:12:41can be a painstakingly slow process.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44These types of properties can be full of surprises
0:12:44 > 0:12:48and throw up all manner of problems that take time to work through.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52For the owners, it can be a very emotional and frustrating journey.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57'Two years ago, we visited Chris Harris and Miriam Maxim,'
0:12:57 > 0:13:00who were in the midst of renovating this 16th-century listed cottage.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Now, as they know too well, when taking on a historic property,
0:13:03 > 0:13:07it's essential to consult your local conservation officer to ensure
0:13:07 > 0:13:10that any work complies with the listed status.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14How has progress been going on your beautiful home here?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It's been a long haul, I have to tell you.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Has it felt like you've been making process,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21or do you feel like you're wading through treacle sometimes?
0:13:21 > 0:13:24It's been planning and re-planning because, as you open something up,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26you find something completely different.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30You have to completely change your ideas, and everybody else's ideas,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34get everyone on board, and then you can move forward again.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37You have to get the right permissions to do it...
0:13:37 > 0:13:40so that does... It all adds to expense, getting the right materials,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42sourcing the right materials,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46and that's been quite a challenge in itself, actually.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48In terms of the process of it, where are you now?
0:13:48 > 0:13:52How far from the end, would you say, if there IS an end?
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Is there a light? - I think it's a never-ending project,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59because it is a labour of love, I have to tell you.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00We're just right at the end now,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03and we're just got to re-do the front of the house.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06We had to remove a greenhouse from the front of the house,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09and we're going to re-do that, and that's going to look...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11That will just finish the job, I think.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Marvellous. Shall we go around and look at what you still have to do?
0:14:14 > 0:14:15Yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Chris and Miriam have done a fantastic job.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22But even the finishing touches must be signed off -
0:14:22 > 0:14:25and with just a veranda left to do, they've called on Martin Higgins,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29historic buildings officer from Surrey County Council, who they're hoping will give them
0:14:29 > 0:14:32the go-ahead for the final stage in their extensive restoration.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Martin, you're an historic buildings officer.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39I suppose some councils will also call your role conservation officer.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41What does it mean? What do you do?
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I deal with the historic environment, all areas of the historic environment,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47especially buildings, so I would advise on how to alter them,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50how to maintain their character.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53So when people taken on, I suppose, in extreme cases,
0:14:53 > 0:14:57a Grade 1 listed building or, in other cases,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00just a good historic building that you've got some interest in,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03would they have to run everything by you first? How does it work?
0:15:03 > 0:15:07If they're listed, they should always speak to the local conservation officer first,
0:15:07 > 0:15:09because he or she will know about the building
0:15:09 > 0:15:13and know what can and can't be done to it without needing permission.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Chris, I know you have Martin here,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18you have the historic buildings officer on site,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20anything you'd like to ask him?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Cos this is the area that's still to do, isn't it?
0:15:22 > 0:15:23That's correct.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27We want to put those columns up into the front of the house
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and build a canopy that reflects what was done in 1850,
0:15:30 > 0:15:32and we just want to replicate that.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Some buildings can take a nice, modern extension,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36some buildings you need to extend in keeping.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Here, what you are doing is very good, because you are putting back
0:15:39 > 0:15:42something we know was here in the past, so that's a very worthwhile enterprise.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46And with these plans, you're favourable because
0:15:46 > 0:15:48this was originally done in the 1850s
0:15:48 > 0:15:51when there was quite a lot of work done on the property. But, in my mind,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54does that mean that anything that's done historically is good?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Cos it just... why stamp a certain date on it?
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Why not say the Victorians made a mistake
0:16:00 > 0:16:04and that was an awful thing to do, and we shouldn't repeat it now?
0:16:04 > 0:16:07That is...that CAN be the case. In this instance,
0:16:07 > 0:16:12this was previously a rather mundane conservatory where we are standing.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15It was linked to a horticultural business that was run from the site.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16So we're returning it back
0:16:16 > 0:16:19to something which is better and suits the current users more.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Martin, thank you for coming by. Great to get the reassurance.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Good also to know that people do have to take this very seriously.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28If it's a listed property, it's a criminal offence not to involve
0:16:28 > 0:16:33the conservation officer or the historic building officer.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Great you've given the approval here, so thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40Chris and Miriam's cottage perfectly demonstrates
0:16:40 > 0:16:45that even with restrictions in place to protect our architectural heritage,
0:16:45 > 0:16:46it's possible to reinvent period homes
0:16:46 > 0:16:50while still preserving them for generations to come.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Back in Yorkshire, I'm with Joanne Warren,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57'who hopes that renovating an abandoned building
0:16:57 > 0:17:00'could be the route to help her achieve her dream home.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03'I'm taking her to meet a couple who've done just that'
0:17:03 > 0:17:06and should have advice and inspiration for her.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Joanne, this is the property I want to show you.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Can you tell from looking at it what it used to be?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15No. It just looks polished and finished now - like a house.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18It does look very nice, doesn't it? The clue is down there on that sign.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The Old School. So this was a Victorian schoolhouse.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Now, don't be put off by the size and scale of this.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I know it's certainly bigger than you're looking at on your budget.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31The point here is that Stewart and Katie inside were first-time renovators,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33yet they took on this project and did it incredibly well.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35So I really think they'll have
0:17:35 > 0:17:37a lot of information they can share with you,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39and I think it will be really useful.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Shall we go and say hello?- Yeah.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43When Stewart Bankier
0:17:43 > 0:17:47and his wife Kate came across this disused Victorian primary school
0:17:47 > 0:17:50in North Yorkshire, it really sparked their imagination.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52It just looked unloved, derelict
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and in need of a lot of work and attention.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57But a lovely building.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00It had lovely barge boards and a really solid building.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05Great stonework. So we could see that it could be something again.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Inside, I suppose, it was the height.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10It makes the house feel a lot bigger than it is.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12And also, we loved the big, long windows.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15The school had stood empty for 50 years
0:18:15 > 0:18:19until Stewart and Kate bought it for £250,000 in 2009.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22They were keen to convert it sympathetically
0:18:22 > 0:18:23into a four-bedroom house.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28We're both quite practical people, so a lot of it is common sense
0:18:28 > 0:18:31and watching the professionals and then just copying them.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33It's amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it
0:18:33 > 0:18:36and if the enthusiasm's there.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39We learned to do all sorts of things that you wouldn't imagine.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42As first-time renovators, Stewart and Kate's project
0:18:42 > 0:18:45was a very steep learning curve for them both.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Anyone who tackles something like this with the right approach
0:18:48 > 0:18:51would get a lot out of it, as we did.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54You need to do into it with your eyes open, I think...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Accept that there probably will be things you're not expecting,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59it WILL cost more than you think,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02and it might take a little bit longer.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06But I think, if you're keen and interested in the whole process,
0:19:06 > 0:19:07then it's very worthwhile.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12This is a great chance for Joanne to get some first-hand advice
0:19:12 > 0:19:16from people who've done something similar to what she hopes to do.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19As you come in here, it's a lovely front room/sitting room.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It's beautiful. It feels like it's always been a sitting room.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26It wasn't always like this. What was the state of this building when you took it on?
0:19:26 > 0:19:28It was one big dilapidated room,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32and with a nasty stove at that end and a big old fireplace at that end,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36which we've ripped out and changed it beyond recognition, really.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Joanne, as you walk in here, what do you make of the room as you come in?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41I think it's a really lovely space.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Even though it's a BIG space, it still feels warm and cosy
0:19:45 > 0:19:50and welcoming. And the original doors gives it a real sense of history
0:19:50 > 0:19:52and quality.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55And, to what extent were you guided by the historical features,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57doors, windows, those kinds of things,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59in keeping the right feel for the building?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Well, we wanted to be sympathetic
0:20:01 > 0:20:04because it was such a part of the village.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05We didn't want to upset the villagers
0:20:05 > 0:20:09by ripping all the features out and making it look unrecognisable.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11We've kept the doors, we've kept the windows...
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Even in the kitchen, we've moved the windows to the end of the extension.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16They're the same shape as they were.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19So what advice do you have about how you go about finding
0:20:19 > 0:20:22people who really understand the nature of the building and
0:20:22 > 0:20:24can work with the vision you've got?
0:20:24 > 0:20:28I think you need to talk to local people.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Find somebody who has already done it and ask who they used.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And you've got to go and look at it, you've got to go and talk to them.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- You've really got to do your research. - That is really helpful, actually.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44- You talked about the kitchen, which you've had extended. Shall we go and have a look?- Yeah.- Sure.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50Joanne, as you come through here,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53this really is a kitchen/dining/living area
0:20:53 > 0:20:55with a bit of a wow factor, isn't it? What do you make of it?
0:20:55 > 0:20:59It's really amazing. The fact that they've managed
0:20:59 > 0:21:01to keep the ceiling height and the feeling of the old building,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05and the fireplace and everything like that, and sort of made it fresh
0:21:05 > 0:21:08and clean and vibrant is really clever.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Did you always know you were going to do this?
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Did you know how it would look at the end? - Even when it was dilapidated
0:21:13 > 0:21:17and it was an old institutionalised kitchen, it was still, "Wow, look at the space up there."
0:21:17 > 0:21:19So...yeah... When we did the extension,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21we knew that we just wanted to replicate it and keep the space.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- We love it.- Now, I know you want to get as involved as possible
0:21:26 > 0:21:29in your project. So, how much did you guys get involved?
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Cos this was a first renovation for you, wasn't it?
0:21:32 > 0:21:34We did a lot of demolishing
0:21:34 > 0:21:36and Stewart dug the foundations for the extension,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38so we managed to save a bit of money there.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41And really enjoyed mucking in and doing it ourselves.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Plus it gives you ownership over the building at the end.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47You don't feel as if you've just sent somebody in to do the lot and
0:21:47 > 0:21:49then you come back and it's not necessarily
0:21:49 > 0:21:51what you expected it to be.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53If you've done some bits here and some bits there,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56you can look back on it in years to come and go, "I did that."
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Any advice on how to stretch a renovation budget?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00How to make the most of it?
0:22:00 > 0:22:03I think...probably the first place to start
0:22:03 > 0:22:06is re-use some of the materials that you already have
0:22:06 > 0:22:11and talk to your builder and see where he can use
0:22:11 > 0:22:15some of that material and... That's a good start.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17We used a lot of the slates from the roof again -
0:22:17 > 0:22:1980% that we took off we were able to re-use.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Presumably, if you can spend some time planning,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and keeping an eye out for bargains, there's a few savings there.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25Definitely savings to be had.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29The prices are so different, so shop around and take a note,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32and don't just rush into buying the first load of tiles you see.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33They may be great,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36but there may be the same at a slightly better price down the road,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40so if you've got the time, put it into that, and save some money.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42It's been lovely to see your home.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Thank you so much for showing us round.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46I can't believe how well it's turned out. It's amazing, isn't it?
0:22:46 > 0:22:48It's got the character of the old school,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50yet a very comfortable family home.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53It's a pleasure to have you. We wish you all the best with your project.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Thank you.- Great advice, thanks.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Back in Waveney, in northeast Suffolk,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01empty property officer Jason Hall is heading to a house
0:23:01 > 0:23:04that's been in his sights for some time.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07The property I'm visiting today is a long-time empty property.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11It's quite an unsightly place in a very busy area.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16It's been heavily overgrown and had a section 215 notice served upon it
0:23:16 > 0:23:19with regards to the untidiness of the site.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22And basically, I am here today to check that notice has been complied with
0:23:22 > 0:23:25because the notice period has now expired.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30When the council serves this type of notice, the owner of a property is
0:23:30 > 0:23:34required to improve the appearance of the land facing the road.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37He's started to comply with the section 215 notice...
0:23:37 > 0:23:40because he's cleared most of the overgrown vegetation,
0:23:40 > 0:23:44he's stripped the roof down like he's going to do something,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47either take the whole roof off or put a new one on.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50But my main points of concern now are the fact that
0:23:50 > 0:23:53we've got a number of access points to the property.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56At the back, we've got a door that's wide open.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59To the side, we've got a window that's accessible to the front.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Most worrying of all is that there's quite a deep drop
0:24:04 > 0:24:07into an open cellar.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10I think the section 215 notice is the least of my worries at the moment.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14I think the most important thing is to make sure all of the areas
0:24:14 > 0:24:16are made safe and secure.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Clearly a blight on the neighbourhood, this house is
0:24:19 > 0:24:20still in a poor state of repair
0:24:20 > 0:24:23so Jason needs to get the owner to bring it back
0:24:23 > 0:24:26into a habitable condition and get people living there.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28What I need to do now is go back to the office,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30contact the owner as quick as possible.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I'll try by telephone. If I can't get hold of him,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34I'll serve a notice on the property today
0:24:34 > 0:24:38to make sure that it's boarded up as soon as possible.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Long-running cases like these
0:24:40 > 0:24:44often require the empty property officer to make repeated efforts to contact owners,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47and work with them to bring buildings back into use.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Fantastic, so just make sure that you get it secured.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Get the back door, especially, secured,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55so no-one can get into the building. And cover that area with the cellar,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57that needs to be securely covered as well.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Thanks ever so much. I'll speak to you soon.
0:24:59 > 0:25:05OK. That's the owner of the site, and he's aware of what's going on
0:25:05 > 0:25:08on the site. He's going to go down today
0:25:08 > 0:25:10to make sure that it's made secure.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14So, all in all, that's a good conclusion.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17The day after Jason's visit, the owner boarded up the house
0:25:17 > 0:25:20and erected a perimeter fence to make it secure.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Jason will continue to monitor progress
0:25:22 > 0:25:26and hopes to get this place lived in again soon.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29In West Yorkshire, I'm with Joanne, who's been getting
0:25:29 > 0:25:32advice from a couple who've carried out a renovation
0:25:32 > 0:25:37similar to the one she's planning when she buys her next home.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Joanne, how are you feeling after seeing this property today?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42It's been really, really useful actually.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44The tips that they've given me have given me
0:25:44 > 0:25:47quite a bit of confidence, I think, to have a go and try something.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Considering they're first-time renovators,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and they've been able to take on and so something on this level,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54does that encourage you?
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Yeah, when they talked about ripping up floorboards
0:25:56 > 0:25:59and knocking walls down and things like that,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01it sounds like my sort of thing, actually.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03They've kept the character of the building.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05You really want to live in a historic building as well,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08so some good tips there. Making the best use of features,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11and using sympathetic materials and those kinds of things.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Yes, and reclaimed materials from your own site and things like that,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18being able to re-use stone and slate and things like that.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19That sounds like a really good idea.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Well, look, I'm sure you'll find something very soon.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24You've got all the energy and the enthusiasm,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27loads of knowledge, and then some really helpful tips from these guys,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30so good luck with it, and I'm sure you'll soon have your dream home.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Thank you very much.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Well, I really think Joanne's got a lot out of today.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38Everyone has to start somewhere.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40If you're a first-time renovator,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43you shouldn't necessarily be put off taking on an empty property,
0:26:43 > 0:26:47you just have to plan, do your research and take expert advice.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50There's been some wonderful tips for Joanne today.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53I think it's really given her the confidence to go out there
0:26:53 > 0:26:54and get started.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Subtitles By Red Bee Media Ltd