0:00:02 > 0:00:03For us Brits, our home is our castle.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Wow!- I know.
0:00:05 > 0:00:06Oh, my goodness.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- Amazing.- Amazing!
0:00:10 > 0:00:11But keeping it how we want it...
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Got the complete DIY manual!
0:00:14 > 0:00:16..takes a lot of work.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- Have you been up that chimney? - Human sweep, I am.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21And getting the builders in...
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- What time do you call this? - ..can be a daunting task.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27To be fair, John, I think they built the Great Wall of China quicker.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30That's a work of art, that. Look.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34So we've asked tradesmen from all over the country...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37Still alive. I feel like a doctor.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39..to go up against each other.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40If you get it, you can give it to us, all right?
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Yeah, we'll savvy it out. I want it painted.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Each home owner hears three quotes...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48£1,650.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- Need a stiff drink yet? - Get in.- Get in.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53..before picking the best one for the job.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Told you.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58But there's a sting in the tail for the winning builders
0:00:58 > 0:01:01as their rivals get to watch them at work.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02We haven't got a key.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Uh-oh!
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- I don't like the idea of this at all.- No.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Do you feel sorry for the boys, John? No!
0:01:13 > 0:01:16We're kicking off in the north-west, in an old mining town,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20where the average terraced house costs around £80,000.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22We're up north, in Farnworth, near Bolton.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29This terraced house has been home to Sarah and John for just two months.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31It took a while before it was habitable,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35because it had rising damp and it had problems with the roof,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37and it had... There was no working boiler.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Because of all the work that's been done on the house,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42it's really a mess now.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- It's a project, though, isn't it? - It's a project, yeah.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46While there's work to be done throughout,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50there's one room they just can't live with any longer.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52The real problem is the bathroom.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54We've got a lovely cast-iron bath,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58but I think it was probably put in in '73, when the house was made.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02We've got tiles in there that were also probably from about '73,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04that have been painted over.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06The sink's a bit high.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Yeah, I think it's too high for me, to be honest.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- To have it low down a bit. - Yeah, about that height, maybe.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15I've got a form of dwarfism.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Obviously, it affects reach.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- Having a lower sink would be... - That would be very...
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- ..ideal in the bathroom.- Yeah.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Getting the bathroom right for these two isn't just a question of
0:02:27 > 0:02:30aesthetics. So how much have they got for the job?
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Well, the budget is £3,000 at the very most.
0:02:34 > 0:02:35You know, we've got so many rooms to do,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39we don't really have more than that to spend on any one room.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Because of the house being 1970s,
0:02:42 > 0:02:47we were thinking of sort of maybe having a 1970s look.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Yeah, like 1970s inspired.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Well, if you're looking for a '70s throwback,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55time to meet today's builders.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56Bucketing it down.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Still smiling, they are not letting the rain dampen their spirits.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03It's lovely.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Should have been a duck!
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Not the weather for hairspray.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09And they're all hoping to walk away with the job.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Do you actually know where you're going this morning?
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Well, I could put my satnav in, but we're only five minutes from home.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18First in to quote are family firm Tracy and her hubby, Vic.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20What bathroom did you have in the '70s, then?
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- Can you remember?- Avocado. You won't be able to remember the colour.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26It was avocado. I remember it well.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Hey, look at that! We've got a Banksy.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34Tracy and Vic know the key to any successful relationship is communication.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37He doesn't always listen to me all of the time.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40HE LAUGHS
0:03:40 > 0:03:41- And...- What did you say?
0:03:42 > 0:03:45When your mum said I was stripping today,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47I was going to put my speedos on.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Didn't realise she meant this sort of stripping.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51KNOCK AT THE DOOR
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- Hiya.- Hello. Nice to meet you.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Straight up there?
0:03:56 > 0:03:59It will be tiles off, plaster, definitely.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03If we do a wall-hung sink, it can go to any level, possibly.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05The floor, again, I think...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08It's a wooden floor. The problem with that is, if water comes over
0:04:08 > 0:04:11the bath, it's going to go straight through the gaps.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14What we can do is, we can lay a nice wooden floor which is all locked
0:04:14 > 0:04:16together, all sealed.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18It will look a lot better.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Going to go with a wooden toilet seat to go with the wooden floor.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22In the '70s, you might remember this...
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Thanks very much.- Did they have tongue-and-groove wood ceiling?
0:04:26 > 0:04:27- Yes, they did.- So let's go with that.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- A bit of tongue and groove, yes. - Let's give it a '70s wood feel.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Yeah.- We'll go with wood as much as we can.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Sticking to the brief sounds like a good plan.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Let's see what John and Sarah think.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39Back to the '70s.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42When I had a moustache, a beard, long, curly hair.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Looked like Cat Stevens, but...
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- That's all gone.- That's long gone, yeah.
0:04:46 > 0:04:47We've got a wood theme.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Yeah, the theme that we had in terms of wood, again, '70s type thing.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54The bath, obviously, we're going to keep,
0:04:54 > 0:04:55because you want to keep the bath.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- OK.- Is it going to be re-sprayed, or...
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Yes, it's going to be re-enamelled.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01I'm guessing when they did the electrics, it's fine for an
0:05:01 > 0:05:04extractor, but I would be thinking about putting the extractor
0:05:04 > 0:05:06somewhere else, not out the window.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08So let's incorporate a new piece of glass, as well.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10New piece of glass, yep.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It would be beneficial to put a new window in, and, really,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15you should have an opener in your bathroom window.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- OK.- And relocate your fan.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21And then tile the wall all around the bath.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- The colour I've seen is an orange. - I do like orange.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27It can be called orange or it can be called watermelon,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31particularly from the '70s, very warm, reddy-orange colour.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Tracy and Vic's '70s theme includes tongue-and-groove wood panelling in
0:05:35 > 0:05:39the ceiling, wooden flooring, and a watermelon colour scheme.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43But does a '70s design come with a '70s price tag?
0:05:43 > 0:05:49We can do that all in for £2,906.92.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- That's us.- I think we can knock the 92p off!
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Yeah, £2,906, we can do that for you.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59How long would you envisage this taking?
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Realistically, five to seven days maximum.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06So, £94 under budget.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Tough competition for their rivals.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- Let's have it. Come on!- Next in are grafters Alex and Chris.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Wow.- Compact is the word I think we were looking for.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16- Bijou.- Yeah.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19The shower. That's an add-on, isn't it?
0:06:19 > 0:06:22It's like a railway track, mate.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26You can't go through a cast-iron bath, so we'll go round it.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Working together for three years,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32these two have got each other's strengths sussed.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Chris's organisational skills are fantastic.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Everything's planned out, which is great.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39It allows me then to get on and do what I do.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41There you go. That's Alex.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Don't forget my beer belly. - Oh, yeah.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45I've made you look pregnant!
0:06:47 > 0:06:50The first thing I see is, because of that size and that space,
0:06:50 > 0:06:54and because of this door and everything, it's a walk-in shower.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- It just depends on...- Whether you want to use a bath or not.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Some people do get...
0:06:59 > 0:07:00I do like my baths myself.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02As do many people.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Ditching the bath could be risky.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07The problem that you've got is because you've got the cast-iron
0:07:07 > 0:07:10bath in there, and it is from the '70s...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- It is from the '70s, yes. - It's not a great bath.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- It's a good size.- But it's going to cost at least as much
0:07:16 > 0:07:19to re-enamel it as it is to get a brand-new bath.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- OK.- All right?- So that's the bottom line of it.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25So what we've come up with, there's two solutions for where your bath is.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28You can get a bath that has got an angle on it,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30which would take you into that cupboard.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33You've then got a shower screen on.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Option two is to do you something completely different,
0:07:36 > 0:07:37which is a walk-in shower.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Right. We quite like our bath. - We quite like our bath.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43We do definitely quite like our bath.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- So if we can keep the bath.- The old tapping's going on, mate!
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Actually, that feels pretty solid.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50What we've done is we've priced it to do uPVC on the ceiling...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- Right, OK.- ..rather than skimming, because it's a low ceiling,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55and it just keeps the condensation down.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Yeah, no, the condensation is something I'm quite cautious of.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00So that's what we thought.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Having quickly dropped the walk-in-shower idea,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Chris and Alex are now offering up a new bath,
0:08:05 > 0:08:06fitted with a shower screen,
0:08:06 > 0:08:11and uPVC cladding on the ceiling to cope with the condensation.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Tracy and Vic managed to come in under budget.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Can Chris and Alex do the same?
0:08:17 > 0:08:20That's come out at £3,200.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- OK.- How long would this take?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Looking at round about eight days.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27OK, OK. Righty-ho.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32That's only just over their budget, but £200 is £200.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Finally, bidding against the other two are no-nonsense lads
0:08:38 > 0:08:39Mark and Chris.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Yet another little tiny space to work in!
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Very small, yeah.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Dated. I mean, it's a small bath.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I'd promote getting rid of it.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Only benefit with these is they stay warmer for longer.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53I would put on it, a scientific fact,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55that it would be warmer if it was plastic.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58- I disagree.- You reckon?
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- Yeah.- I think I'm right.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05He thinks he's right. That's just our usual relationship, isn't it?
0:09:05 > 0:09:07HE LAUGHS
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Well, they do say you fight with the ones you love best,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13and, having known each other for eight years,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15these two are definitely close.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Plenty of arguments. We do more of handbags.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- Mate, are you going to listen? - Yeah, I know what you're saying.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24I spend more time with you than I do with the kids, the missus,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26anyone else in my family.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28What time do you call this?
0:09:28 > 0:09:31It's like being married. Better late than never.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35The sink's very, very high, as you say.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37They would like it lowered.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39We've got to cater for both parties,
0:09:39 > 0:09:45so it would be better if that sink was on a hydraulic ram
0:09:45 > 0:09:48to lift up and down, right?
0:09:48 > 0:09:49- Up and down.- Yeah.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Hydraulics seems a practical solution,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55but what will Sarah and John think?
0:09:55 > 0:09:59We would definitely promote using a rise-and-fall sink.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- So...- Well, what would a rise-and-fall sink be?
0:10:02 > 0:10:05If you can imagine this was your sink area.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08You can press a button, and that will lift up to your height.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- OK.- And then if you went in there yourself and it was at that height,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14you could press a button, and it comes down to your height.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Can you put something in like that with the loo seat?
0:10:18 > 0:10:19A step.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22And have music go, "Aaaaah."
0:10:22 > 0:10:24LAUGHTER
0:10:24 > 0:10:28This cupboard, realistically, could be made smaller.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Yeah.- To about there, allowing a slightly bigger bath.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35We'd be looking at maximising the space in the bathroom.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36- Cool, OK.- Because it is very small.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Cabinet in the corner is taking up quite a bit of extra space than what
0:10:39 > 0:10:40it's needed to.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Mark and Chris have come up with a practical hydraulic
0:10:44 > 0:10:46solution to make the sink height changeable.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49They've also found a way to make the boiler cupboard smaller,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52and so get a new, bigger bath in.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54But what price will they do all this for?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58The minimum price that we'd be able to do it is £3,700.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01How long is it...? Would you envisage it taking?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- You're looking at around five days to fit.- Right.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06That's the most expensive quote,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09and £700 more than Sarah and John want to spend.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13They've all given it their best shot, but Sarah and John don't have
0:11:13 > 0:11:16to go with any of them if they don't want to.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Well, it won't be you! - Yeah? Why not you?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21We was quite a bit over budget.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Go on, what did you go in at? - We went in at 3,700.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Oh.- Yeah, anyone that can get it down on price,
0:11:26 > 0:11:27yeah, fair play to them.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30I guess it's...
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Time to make a phone call. - ..time to make a phone call, yeah.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Yes, it is, but who will that call be to?
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Tracy and Vic, who went for a full-on '70s design and came in
0:11:43 > 0:11:45cheapest of the three? Or Alex and Chris,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48whose shower and a bath tub idea was priced in the middle?
0:11:49 > 0:11:50Or Mark and Chris,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53whose hydraulic sink was the most expensive of the three?
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Only the winners' phone will ring.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01PHONE RINGS
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- Hello.- Hi, Tracy.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- It's John.- Oh, hi there, how are you?
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- Hi, John.- We're just ringing to say that we would like you to come and
0:12:14 > 0:12:16do our bathroom for us.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17OK. That's fantastic.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Thanks very much indeed.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- Take care. Bye!- Thanks. Bye.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- In the bag.- In the bag! - That is cool.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25- Is that cool?- Yeah.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Tracy and Vic were all over that one.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30The losers aren't surprised.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33To be fair, they gave them, as it turned out,
0:12:33 > 0:12:34exactly what they wanted.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Do you know what? This one falls down to budget.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39That's it, at the end of the day.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Stretching the budget is something we all want to do,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49so what's the best way to go about it?
0:12:50 > 0:12:52If you want to buy materials yourself,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54remember, research can be time-consuming,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56and you may have to wait for deliveries.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58So don't delay your builder by not allowing enough time.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03It's great shopping online, but really go to the showrooms,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06see the products. There's nothing better than actually touching
0:13:06 > 0:13:07the product you want to use in your home.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11When you're buying materials, never rely on a single price.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14It's always a good idea to go to three or four different places,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17and get different prices, and cost it up and compare.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23It's day one of the build and Vic's made an early start.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26He's wasting no time ripping out that dilapidated bathroom.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31And the losing builders are watching his every move.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33There's quite a few things that could've gone wrong.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Yeah.- So...- I'll be glad to see how they manage to get round it!
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Could be quite interesting viewing. Yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40With over 20 years' building experience,
0:13:40 > 0:13:44Vic's taking a cautious approach to removing the tiles.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47When you're taking tiles off a stud wall, just remember,
0:13:47 > 0:13:48this is a stud wall.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53It's hollow. It's only plasterboard, so when you're doing it,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57keep your chisel flat against the wall, give it a few taps,
0:13:57 > 0:13:58it'll come off eventually.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Just don't be too aggressive,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04because you will go straight through the stud,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and then you'll have to repair all the stud wall, which is great fun.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10Not great fun at all.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I think it goes for any wall, really, what he's saying there,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15as you well know. You don't want to lose the plaster,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17because you've got to bond it out.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Son Darryl arrives from another job,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21and Vic knows he'll need to tread carefully.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24He's one of the seven dwarves. He's Grumpy!
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Nothing wrong with me, mate. I'm fine.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30I'll give it about 12 coffees before he wakes up!
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Don't know what he does in the evening.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Before 12 o'clock, he's a nightmare.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Are these the tools we need that you're searching for, by any chance?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- No, no.- Are your tools bigger than mine?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Is that what it is? It's a man thing.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Just getting what I need.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47His tool's bigger than yours, Vic!
0:14:47 > 0:14:48He's got tool envy.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52LAUGHTER
0:14:52 > 0:14:54Tommy Walsh will be dead envious of that tool belt.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- Right, come on.- Come on, let's go.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Darryl's first job is to fit a new window.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03He's just got to take the old one out.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Don't give him something like that to do first thing in the morning!
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Big guns are coming out now.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Got the big crowbar out.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12It must be serious.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Probably been in there about as long as I've been alive, so...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Has everyone got a thing about taking windows out with hammer and
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- chisels, or...- You didn't want to crack the glass, did you say?
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I didn't want to crack it, but I have done.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32I didn't want to crack it, so I thought I'd bring out the sledge.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Darryl's not giving up, and Vic's gone inside to help him out.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Hopefully, that will come out fairly simple.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Fingers crossed. You never know until you're actually halfway through it.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46If not, then we're just going to have to be a bit abrupt.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Push it, Vic.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- The top.- Hang on.- Push it, Vic.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Try and tease the bottom out. The bottom's not coming.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57Just push it, Vic!
0:15:57 > 0:15:59There you are, we're out.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00Oh, he's got it. Nice.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02You coming to me?
0:16:02 > 0:16:03- Hang on.- He's left it up there.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I thought he was going to try and climb down the ladder with it!
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Nice one.- Nice one.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Darryl just needs to prep the frame ahead of the new window going in.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Oh, Daz, he loves tools.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Yes. He loves his tools. One of the lads gets a new tool,
0:16:17 > 0:16:21he's got to have the same. Like I say, it's called tool envy.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- We're the same.- Like us all, yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25You get a tool, I want that tool.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Well, everybody loves their tools.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- Apart from yourself. - Apart from me! I'm old school.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- Disgrace, man.- I haven't got tool envy, mate.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Well, you have, because you always pinch mine.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- That's not true.- It's very true.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- I'm not a tool snob.- You are.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43He says he's not a tool snob.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- We're tool snobs.- He is.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47They've all got to be the same.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Finally, the frame is out, meaning the new window can go in.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53To me, to you.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Come on, I'm just waiting for one of these things he fits
0:16:55 > 0:16:56to be the wrong size.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01He's a bit too meticulous with his measurements for my liking!
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Catching on that.- Did you take the key off the inside?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Is it not on the outside, is it? - It's on the outside.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Not on this side.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12LAUGHTER
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- It's at the top. I saw it before. - Key's stopping them putting it in.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- There it is. There she is. - You'll have to unscrew it.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Yeah, top tip. Often, window companies, they'll fit keys...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28They will fit the keys with a screw so that you don't lose them in
0:17:28 > 0:17:31transit. The majority of time, they're on the inside, but this
0:17:31 > 0:17:35particular one's on the outside, so before you fit the window,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38make sure you remove it, otherwise it could be tricky to open the
0:17:38 > 0:17:39window afterwards.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Probably would've been a good idea if he'd seen that before he actually
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- put it in.- Key tip - take the key off.- Yeah.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Key retrieved, so they can finally get the window in.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53It should be plain sailing from here.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55Not losing that.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00It's not... No, no, no, I can see it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Lost his bolster down the cavity.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Hope it's not gone too far down!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Go on, see if you can reach it.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Go on! Look at that.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Can't get my hand out now. My hand's stuck.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14LAUGHTER
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Ta-da.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Another top tip - don't drop your chisel down the cavity.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Don't drop your tools down the cavity!
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Here's a top tip - put something over the hole!
0:18:23 > 0:18:28We'll be back later to see if they actually manage to fit the bathroom.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33For our next job, we're heading to a picturesque commuter village
0:18:33 > 0:18:35tucked just inside the M25.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40The average terraced house here will set you back around £500,000.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43We're down south in Cobham, Surrey.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46So who is looking to get the builders in?
0:18:46 > 0:18:50This Victorian semi is home to Rebecca, her partner,
0:18:50 > 0:18:51and three young children.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56I've lived here for nine and a half years.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00This property needs quite a bit of work doing to it.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02My partner's not DIY friendly.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05We both work full-time. We've got three children.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Life's pretty chaotic, and I'm not very good with a screwdriver.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Good job we're here, then.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16The area under the stairs is quite a nice, big area,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20but it's really ugly because it's got no door on it,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22so you can see straight into it.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26The floor's unfinished and it's just not a very good use of space.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29At the moment, it's got a washing machine in,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32which is quite handy because the kitchen's so small,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35but the rest of it is just a dumping ground.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40So how much is Rebecca aiming to spend on sorting out that
0:19:40 > 0:19:41understairs cupboard?
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Our budget is £1,000.
0:19:45 > 0:19:51Whatever we could get done with that to make it a better use of space,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53and a door on there to hide it away.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Maximising storage in small spaces can be tricky,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02so our builders have a few tips.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Storage in the home can sometimes be an afterthought,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07but there are lots of clever solutions to consider,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10like pull-out drawers under the stairs.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Windows and radiators can often make storage in those areas difficult,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17but if you ask your builder, he can quite often make something
0:20:17 > 0:20:19bespoke that will work well and maximise storage.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23If you've got an awkward space and you can't find off-the-shelf
0:20:23 > 0:20:24furniture to fit,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27then having something made bespoke could be the answer.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28It might cost a little bit more,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31but the overall result should make it well worth it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Let's see which trio of builders will be going head-to-head today.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Are you happy now you've got your coffee?
0:20:39 > 0:20:42I wouldn't really class this as coffee.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44The life of a builder.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47They all know the brief is to create some slick storage,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49but it's their designs that will set them apart.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54- I'm a bit of an Alpen man, myself. - Watch your figure?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58First out of the starting gate are diamond geezers Elliott and Mark.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- Hi.- Hi, Rebecca. - Nice to meet you. Come in, guys.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- Looks like this is it, mate.- Yeah.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09These two have 55 years' experience between them.
0:21:09 > 0:21:10I've got some good ideas.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13I've got a lot I can bring to the drawing table.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16On this job, Elliott's in command.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18I'm his little labourer, I think.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Big shoulders.- That's because I'm carrying you every day.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Not a lot of space, is there?
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I presume the washing machine's going to be taken out.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Yeah, I presume so, mate. That's half the battle.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33So, I think we'll just give it a little bit of je ne sais soir.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36I've known you for 14 years. Didn't know you could speak French!
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I can actually speak one, two, three, four different languages.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41But I'd say French isn't one of them.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Time to see what Rebecca thinks of their idea.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45It's a Victorian house.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48We're just trying to bring that... There's not a lot of space in there,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52so we just want it to look, as I say, like, je ne sais soir, you know?
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Just that little bit more intricate rather than just a bit of dull,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59empty shelf space, you know?
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- Yeah.- If we go some robust MDF... - Yeah.- Sprayed white.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04Almost like pigeonholes.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- Yeah, yeah.- With some...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- Baskets.- Yeah, wicker basket, something like that.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- Cottagey.- Yeah.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14It depends on what, obviously, we can source wicker baskets-wise.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16So, it could be slightly linen lined.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- Yep.- With the light, we will probably say just put some smart LED
0:22:20 > 0:22:22in there. Paint it white, it will brighten it up.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Yeah. That sounds good.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Elliott and Mark are offering country cottage-style wicker basket
0:22:29 > 0:22:33pigeon hole storage, a crisp white paint refresh, and LED lighting.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Rebecca didn't want to spend any more than £1,000.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38So, what's their quote?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Our price is £1,085.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- OK.- We would like to think it's approximately two days' labour.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49It may be two and a half days' labour.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51So, Mark and Elliott are just over budget.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57But there are two more pairs of rival builders waiting to pitch.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Next up are burly bears Simon and John.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Si?- Yes.- Woolly hat but shorts?
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Well, yeah. Woolly hat, bald head.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Shorts, good legs.- Oh!
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Is that how it is?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13What do you reckon? Look at that.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- They suit you, mate.- I feel a bit smart with these on.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21These two have been critiquing each other's fashion for the last six years.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24I do all the brick work, do plastering...
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- Yeah.- You lend you a hand for most things, don't you?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Yeah, I'd say plumbing and chippy work.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Left a bit, Si, left a bit. - You look like a black Woody Allen!
0:23:32 > 0:23:33HE LAUGHS
0:23:34 > 0:23:37So what's their plan for the cupboard?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Maybe, like, a little Scandinavian look, John.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Yeah.- All white. All white, MDF, all painted.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Yeah, very crisp, clean.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46I like the upside-down plug.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I tell you what, John, maybe that's not upside down.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50Maybe we are.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Feeling topsy-turvy,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58can John and Simon sell Rebecca on the Scandi storage?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01As you walk in on the right-hand side,
0:24:01 > 0:24:05we'll have a long hanging section for your ironing board.
0:24:05 > 0:24:06- OK.- And your vacuum cleaner.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10As you go up, obviously, the rake becomes less, doesn't it?
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Yep.- So just up the top there, put some shelving in.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16And then this side, we'll split up into, like, four shelving areas.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19You could put some big pockets in there, MDF pockets, could you?
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Yeah, so they're deep.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24We'd put four box sections in there on castor wheels.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26A lot of the stuff at the back you never get to.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I know it's quite exciting in years to come when you find things you
0:24:28 > 0:24:32haven't seen for 20 years, but storage-wise, not great, John, is it?
0:24:32 > 0:24:33What about the floor?
0:24:33 > 0:24:36We could maybe latex the floor, John, and paint it white, as well,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38- couldn't we?- Yeah, we can do that.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42John and Simon's Scandi-style design has plenty of built-in storage,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45with space for the ironing board and vacuum cleaner.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48They're also offering to latex the floor and paint it.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50So, what's the damage?
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Price for the cupboard is £700.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- OK.- Wow, £300 under budget.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02That's a pretty tough act to follow.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05But it's not putting clean-cut duo Wayne and Steph off.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Interesting space.
0:25:08 > 0:25:09We like tight spaces.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10We're good at those.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Yep, these two have been squeezing in together on jobs for the past
0:25:16 > 0:25:18couple of years.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I tend to do most things wood-wise or carpentry-based,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and Steph does all the plumbing, tiling.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Yeah. I make the best tea, though.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- Which is why it's the best. - How do you call
0:25:29 > 0:25:32yourself a builder when you don't even drink tea?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34You should see me on caffeine, it's not good!
0:25:35 > 0:25:39We could go quite cottagey in the realms of, like, apple crate.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Can we hang a coffee sack on the door?
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Yeah...- Or put a coffee sack on the inside?- Yeah.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48So they're giving things an upcycled twist,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50but can they convince Rebecca?
0:25:50 > 0:25:55We've decided that a nice route to go down would be a walk-in larder.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59You can do a lot of wraparound shelving so you can stand in it,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01have access to all areas of it.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- Yeah.- Because there's a fair amount of floor space.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10We are going to focus on using apple creates...
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- OK.- ..to give you a cottagey feel but with no chintz.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16So the one that we've brought here,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19this has been washed, kind of whitewashed,
0:26:19 > 0:26:23but it could just be left wood or it could be a more watered-down version
0:26:23 > 0:26:25of this. Do we put a door on this?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Yeah, I think she wants a door, just to hide it all away.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33We did a job recently where we used coffee sacks and created
0:26:33 > 0:26:35a curtain out of coffee sacks. OK.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37So it's not a physical door that you have to open,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39you just move it to one side,
0:26:39 > 0:26:42so it covers it over but also you've got a nice feel to it,
0:26:42 > 0:26:43and it's not too chintzy.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44And would you paint the floor?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46We haven't factored in the floor,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49only because it's another day, because we'd have to paint it,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- let it dry before we came back... - And let it dry, OK.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53If you had that pre-painted before we arrive...
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- I want to keep it within your budget, you see.- Yeah.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Wayne and Steph are going for a kitchen larder feel,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01with wraparound shelving and fruit crate storage.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Instead of a door, they'll make a sack cloth curtain,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06and they've asked Rebecca to paint the floor herself.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09They're clearly trying to keep costs down.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11So, what's their quote?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Including all materials and everything we've discussed,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16the quote is £700.
0:27:16 > 0:27:22- OK.- They're even-stevens with Simon and John at £300 under budget.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26The pitches are in,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28but it's up to Rebecca whether she goes with any of them.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31What did you do, then, Elliott?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34We're going to give it a pigeonhole effect all the way round.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- Wood pigeons, or...?- Yeah, they come free, as well.
0:27:38 > 0:27:44Our price was a little bit over budget, we went in at £1,085.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Whoa.- So, what did you go in with?
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- I've seen the...- He went in with a crate!
0:27:49 > 0:27:50I see the crate!
0:27:52 > 0:27:55All the builders can do now is wait.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58They've all come up with a storage solution.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Will it be Mark and Elliott's top-price pigeonholes,
0:28:04 > 0:28:09John and Simon's Scandi shelving, £300 under budget,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13or Wayne and Steph's kitchen larder design, also at £700?
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I liked all of them, which made it harder.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22I didn't think they'd be quite as creative as they have been.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24But I think I've made my choice.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Only the winner's phone will ring.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34PHONE RINGS
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- Hello?- Hello!- Oh, hello!
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Hi, it's Becks.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53I'd really like you to come and do the work for me, if that's OK?
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- Oh, wow!- Thank you very much. - That's brilliant.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59It's a job in the bag for Simon and John.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- Excellent.- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- Speak to you soon. - BOTH:- Cheers, bye!- Bye.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09Yes, done!
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Good, really pleased.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- That's it, mate.- Jolly good.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Very good. Happy days.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20They're delighted, but it's not such happy days for the losers.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22Well done.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Congratulations. It's one of those, isn't it?
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Well, I look forward to seeing how it ends up,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30because I haven't got a clue what it is.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33We'll see what design it is.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35But they'll do a good job, whatever, they're always good.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45Rebecca's understairs cupboard is about to get a total revamp,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48but if you're getting the builders in, what do you need to know?
0:29:50 > 0:29:53Some people find it awkward to talk about money but it's really
0:29:53 > 0:29:55important to agree a price with your builder
0:29:55 > 0:29:57and any stage payments upfront.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Always get a receipt and keep a record of how much you've paid and
0:30:00 > 0:30:01how much you still owe.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Communication throughout the build is the key.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07If you do want to change your mind - we're not mind readers -
0:30:07 > 0:30:09tell us right from the onset.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12At least that way we can change things, we can adapt the price,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16everybody's happy and we know where we're going.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20Simon and John hope to get Rebecca's cupboard sorted out in two days.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23There's some gear in that cupboard, isn't there?!
0:30:23 > 0:30:25It's like a TARDIS, that cupboard, isn't it?
0:30:25 > 0:30:28And the losing builders are ready to watch them at work.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30I hope they're not going to do flat-pack.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- I'll let you take that one.- First job is to clear everything out.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39That includes the washing machine and a rather furry resident.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- It's a rabbit!- It's Bertie!
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Sorry, Mr whatever-you-are.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46What is it with you blokes not remembering names?
0:30:46 > 0:30:48How do you remember a rabbit's name?!
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- What is that, John?- That is a hairy rabbit.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Is that a rabbit?- Yeah. - Funny-looking rabbit, isn't it?
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Clearing out may take time, but John's got a cunning plan to catch up.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02Basically, we're going to take some measurements in here,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06we had a little quirky design, and those measurements, I'll phone
0:31:06 > 0:31:10through to someone and they'll cut it out of a sheet of material.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Phone a friend!
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Screwdriver needed, I think.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18With Simon on demolition duty...
0:31:20 > 0:31:22He's been on the weights again, look.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24His arms are getting bigger than yours.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26He's probably got more time to go to the gym!
0:31:26 > 0:31:27He'll finish at three o'clock!
0:31:29 > 0:31:31John hits the phone.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Hi, Kevin, can I do a cutting list, please?
0:31:34 > 0:31:38Normal MDF, yes. One at 800 x 860.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Main advantages of doing it like this is we're going to cut it on a
0:31:42 > 0:31:44machine and you'll pay 30p a cut.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Like, I can't cut it that quickly for that money, do you know what I mean?
0:31:48 > 0:31:49It doesn't make sense.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52See, when I do a cutting list, I lay it all out like a jigsaw on one big
0:31:52 > 0:31:55sheet of paper then just e-mail it over to them.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59You're relying on someone else writing down the numbers correctly.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00Mistakes can happen, you know.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- We're only human, aren't we? - All right, lovely, cheers, bye.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06That was hard work, wasn't it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09HE LAUGHS
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Beautiful.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15He makes me laugh.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20But the division of labour hasn't gone unnoticed.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22I do everything, he doesn't do a lot, obviously.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26John don't do painting.
0:32:26 > 0:32:27I'm allergic to paint.
0:32:27 > 0:32:28Is that a scraper?
0:32:30 > 0:32:31He's painting with a scraper?!
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Brilliant!
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Next job is to tackle that uneven floor.
0:32:37 > 0:32:43Right, self-levelling compound is just a powder-based levelling compound.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47You mix it with water so as you pour it out, it just self-levels,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50so if you're doing tiling or floor laying of any sort,
0:32:50 > 0:32:51it's a great product.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56And it seems this is something John is happy to get hands-on with.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- He's not going to get that whole 20-kilo bag in a ten-litre bucket.- No.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Is the bucket not big enough?
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Maybe not.- Going to need a bigger bucket!- Uh-oh!
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- How's that?- Is he going to put more water in with that?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Looks a bit wet.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14Just tip some into there.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17So, who's Mary Berry and who's...
0:33:17 > 0:33:20I think John's the baker and Simon's definitely Mary Berry.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Right, all done?
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Then, after prepping the floor with PVA glue, down goes the latex.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Got the old socks on, mate, it's always serious then.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35Shoes off.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40This helps the latex level itself out, the aerator.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43It makes me sad, covering up old floorboards.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48There you go. Couple of hours of drying and we're done.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Happy days.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53But it's three o'clock, so it's home time.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Another long day, eh, lads?
0:33:59 > 0:34:01In Farnworth, Greater Manchester,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05Vic and Darryl are doing Sarah and John's bathroom.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08They've decided against the wood-panelled ceiling and, instead,
0:34:08 > 0:34:13the whole room has been plastered and painted in a very '70s shade of orange.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Vic needs to build a lower sink unit for homeowner John,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19which is flat-packed, so should be easy.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20A bit of flat-pack.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Right, so if you build it but then leave the doors off it.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- You think so?- Got to get the pipes in, haven't we?
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Oh, course, got to get the pipes in.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30Come on, Dad, sort yourself out.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Oh, my God!
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Another quick fix!
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Done that much of it, it's untrue.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Having said that, I'll probably make a mess of this one.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43You end up crying if you don't know what you're doing.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46Give it another ten minutes, I'll be in tears.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47What's all this about reading instructions?
0:34:47 > 0:34:50You're not supposed to read instructions!
0:34:52 > 0:34:56Sarah is a keen recycler, so wants to keep the bath.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59But it's in a shocking state, so Vic has called in the professionals
0:34:59 > 0:35:01to get it re-enamelled.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- I'm going to mask up the bath... - Yeah.- ..put me fan in the window to
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- take the fumes out, because it's fairly fumy.- Yeah.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- Lock yourself in.- I will. - We'll disappear.- All right, thanks.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Cheers, mate.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14The enamel is so toxic and difficult to remove,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16they need to cover every surface,
0:35:16 > 0:35:18making it look like there's been a murder.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21They're good, these guys, aren't they? It's a nice skill.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Two whole days later, the bath is finally dry.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26That's come out really well, hasn't it?
0:35:26 > 0:35:29It's better than I expected, it's come out really nice.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31I've got to admit, that's a lot better than I expected, as well.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- Looks great, doesn't it?- Mmm. - Looks like a new bath.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36The final touch is some very '70s cork,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39which the homeowner has requested.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40I must admit, I wasn't sold on the cork.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44- No. Me, neither. But...- But, yeah, I think it's come out quite nice,
0:35:44 > 0:35:45- hasn't it?- Customer's always right.
0:35:45 > 0:35:46And the job is complete.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Ten days ago, Sarah and John's bathroom was in a shocking state.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56And so was the window.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58That was ridiculous, that sink, wasn't it?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00What will the losers think of it now?
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- Can't wait to see what's been done. - Yeah.
0:36:08 > 0:36:09- Wow, what a difference. - Loads better, right?
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Yeah. Miles better.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13The bath has been completely re-enamelled
0:36:13 > 0:36:14and looks brand-new.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- What a difference.- The whole thing's cool.- Yeah.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20No stilettos, then.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23The sink has been lowered for John,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27and the whole room decorated in a warm, vibrant orange.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- Big turnaround.- Yeah, massive turnaround, you know,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- in comparison to what it was. - Yeah.- No, looks good.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36It's a bit disappointing, really, to be honest!
0:36:36 > 0:36:39I know! I was waiting for the foot to go through the floor or something!
0:36:39 > 0:36:41Yeah, I know. No, nice job again!
0:36:41 > 0:36:45The losers are impressed. But what will Sarah and John think of it?
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- Oh, gosh!- Oh, can't wait for this bit...!
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- No! I so hope they're going to like it!- Hope they like it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01Oh, God! What do you think?
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Daz and Rick have done a good job, hey?
0:37:06 > 0:37:08They have, haven't they? Really good.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- Really good job.- No, that's brilliant.- That's fantastic.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Oh, God, I'm glad she likes it, because it really was a difficult job.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21I can get onto the sill, too, which I couldn't before.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23We can put the mouthwash up there!
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- That is so good.- Incredible, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28So much better.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30The colour really surprised me, because when you walk in,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33it's like you hold your hands up, you're going to get a suntan.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36It's absolutely brilliant. It grows on you, the colour grows on you.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- Well, it's unique to their home, isn't it?- Yeah.- It's what they wanted.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41It's what they wanted. As long as they're happy, that's all that matters.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44They were really brilliant, they were really brilliant.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45I'm really happy with this,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- and this is just so much cleaner than what we had before.- Yeah.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Come on, five - well done. - Well done, job done.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- Worked out well. Worked out well. - Yeah. I'm pleased with that.- Me, too.
0:38:02 > 0:38:03Down south in Cobham,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07John and Simon are sorting out Rebecca's understairs storage.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11They've cleared everything out and put self-levelling latex on the floor.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- But there's a problem. - For some reason,
0:38:13 > 0:38:18we've found that the latex we put down yesterday hasn't set correctly.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21But we found the bag's out of date, so maybe that's an issue.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- So, it was out of date... - Fancy that!
0:38:26 > 0:38:29We've got some oak flooring on the van,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31which I think we may use to do the floor job.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34It's just left over from another job, so rather than throw it away...
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Yeah.- It'll look quite nice... - Agreeing, that.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Good recovery, boys.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44John had the MDF for the shelves and boxes cut off-site to save time.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48He looks like he's doing a jigsaw puzzle with MDF!
0:38:48 > 0:38:51So, I'm just checking the measurements and I thought they'd
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- missed... Oh, no, that ain't good. - That's the wrong size, isn't it?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Shelf's about an inch short.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Ooh, this doesn't sound good.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59So, I've gone through all my cutting list,
0:38:59 > 0:39:03and it looks like some bits are missing, or have not been cut.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04So... Urgh!
0:39:04 > 0:39:06If you want something done right, John...
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- Do it yourself.- You know it, do it yourself, mate.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Oh, dear. John's not a happy bunny.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16By the time it takes to cut this, I should have two things made.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Get them made, I'll feel a bit better then.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19Come on, John!
0:39:23 > 0:39:28He rises to the challenge, though, and knocks up the boxes in no time.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Yeah, that's lovely. We're good to go.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35Back inside, Simon's fitted the first shelf.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37It looks like one of those pod hotel rooms.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39You're going to try it out like a bed.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- Yes, like a Japanese hotel room!- Yeah!
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Oh, my God. Got the old John test out.
0:39:43 > 0:39:4620st of John on there, mate, look.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51If you've fall splat on your face from the laughter...
0:39:51 > 0:39:53HE LAUGHS
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- Well, he's tried it out. It seems to work.- Yeah.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- In we go, John. - With the shelving recut
0:39:57 > 0:40:00and fitted in the other side of the cupboard,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Simon gives everything a coat of primer.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06As you can see, I'm using a small roller here, as well,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09because I think it's a little bit better, you get better coverage,
0:40:09 > 0:40:10and it's a bit quicker.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13So... Then you've got to just touch up the corners with the brush, then, really.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14It's all over him now.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19It's that small, he's touched every arm, every wall!
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Yeah!
0:40:21 > 0:40:23So, that's the storage system done.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27Now, the last big job is to fit the wooden flooring.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31But fitting is easier said than done in such a small place.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- Oh!- My God!- Oh, all right, mate?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38All I've got to say, that must be a big old cupboard space if that's
0:40:38 > 0:40:42just the bottom, there. We could lose a John in here.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44That's just on the bottom shelf, as well.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47John makes it out of the cupboard in one piece.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48And with the flooring finished...
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Well done, mate. Lovely job, that.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53..the storage boxes are rolled into position.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55John! John!
0:40:55 > 0:40:56Don't push it!
0:40:57 > 0:41:02- Guess what?- What?- That's wheely good, mate.- Thanks.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04No prizes for comedy, gents.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08But this pair are pretty pleased with themselves.
0:41:08 > 0:41:09- Well done, mate.- Happy days, mate.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11There's a lot of storage there, isn't there?
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- I think the storage is good. - That was the prime idea, wasn't it?
0:41:17 > 0:41:21With a few mishaps along the way, the job has taken four days to
0:41:21 > 0:41:24complete, so having watched their every move,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26what do the losing builders think of their work?
0:41:33 > 0:41:34They've done it well.
0:41:34 > 0:41:35Yeah.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37There are deep shelves and drawers...
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- Good job.- Good job, yeah.- Yeah.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42..space for the iron and vacuum cleaner...
0:41:42 > 0:41:43Yeah, think that's a good one.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48..an all-white colour scheme...
0:41:48 > 0:41:51And I think she'll love it, because anything that's painted bright new
0:41:51 > 0:41:54and clean and sleek lines, you always like.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56She should be happy with that.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59And of course, a new door means Rebecca can tuck it all out of sight.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- This is for you, Simon and John. - Well done.- Well done.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09They've given it the thumbs - or doughnut - up.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10But what about Rebecca?
0:42:17 > 0:42:18Oh, my God!
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- She looks a bit stern, though, John, doesn't she?- I'm scared.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Oh, it's so much better.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32- BOTH:- Oh!
0:42:34 > 0:42:37It's really good. For one, the storage goes all the way back,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39which is just, like, amazing.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41And these are so good. Look at these!
0:42:41 > 0:42:46So handy. You can put all of the toys and stuff in here now.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- That's good, she's happy. - Ah, that's handy. She's happy.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Floor's nice. It's really good.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54And so much better than it was, and just fresher and brighter.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Really handy having the door on there, as well.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02- Well done, mate.- Well done, mate. Beautiful.- Whoo! Whoohoo!