0:00:02 > 0:00:04We are all obsessed with having lovely houses.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Wow! Jaw drop.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- Looks great, doesn't it? - It does, it is so impressive.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13But the road to perfection isn't an easy ride.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Whoa, what have you done?
0:00:16 > 0:00:17I've had enough. Literally...
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Argh!
0:00:19 > 0:00:20DRILL WHIRS
0:00:20 > 0:00:23How do you choose the right builder for the job?
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Oh, that's another seven years' bad luck, as if I need it.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28We have scoured Britain for pairs of builders...
0:00:28 > 0:00:30I really hope we get this job because we are nearly out of fuel!
0:00:30 > 0:00:31THEY LAUGH
0:00:31 > 0:00:34..who think they have got what it takes...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36We will go in full guns blazing, I think.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37..to pitch against each other...
0:00:37 > 0:00:39The job is in the bag.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40..and win work.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Can you come round and pull me out?
0:00:43 > 0:00:44That's what happens when you get to 40, mate.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Only one pair will win each job.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Woohoo!- Told you.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Got one in the bag, brother!
0:00:52 > 0:00:53But...
0:00:53 > 0:00:54Oops!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56..they are going to be put through the ultimate wringer.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Hello...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59THEY LAUGH
0:00:59 > 0:01:01The losing pairs will be scrutinising their work.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02HE SUCKS IN BREATH
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Can anyone else hear the sucking of builders' teeth?
0:01:05 > 0:01:06SHE LAUGHS
0:01:06 > 0:01:08THEY LAUGH
0:01:10 > 0:01:13We are kicking off in a cosmopolitan area
0:01:13 > 0:01:18where the average flat fetches more than a whopping £800,000,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21over three-and-a-half times the national average.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24We are in Battersea in south-west London.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27So...who is looking to get the builders in?
0:01:27 > 0:01:31This flat has been home to born-and-bred Mancunian Sam Hewitt
0:01:31 > 0:01:32for the last six months.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34At 28 years old,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37he was finally able to get a foot on the London property ladder.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Originally, I was flat-sharing with friends.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43I just wanted to sort of have some more independence,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46probably live here for another six months to a year
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and then, hopefully, move in with my girlfriend.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Sam plans to let the flat out,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54but before he can do that,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57every single room is in need of some serious TLC.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02I don't think the previous tenants had taken much care.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04I think they'd lived here quite a long time.
0:02:05 > 0:02:091960s ex-council flat so, yeah,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11it's not in the best of shape.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12Yep, there is a lot to do.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15But Sam knows where he wants to start.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17The kitchen needs a lot of work.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21As you can see, on my cooker, there's no numbers on the dials,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24so I never know what temperature I am cooking my food at.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27It's a sort of horrible cork flooring,
0:02:27 > 0:02:28the worktop is quite dated
0:02:28 > 0:02:32and, generally, a lick of paint wouldn't go amiss.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Sam's not planning to rip the whole kitchen out,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38but merely give it a spruce up and bring it up to date.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41So...how much is he prepared to spend?
0:02:42 > 0:02:46The budget for the kitchen would probably be about £3,000.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49The sort of style would be like the trendy Shoreditch-type
0:02:49 > 0:02:52artisan kitchen, dark tiles.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I think a sort of nice, new sort of granite worktop
0:02:55 > 0:02:56would look quite nice.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Sam's not the only one dreaming of a new kitchen.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03It is one of the first rooms anyone wants to renovate when they move.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06So, come on, builders, what do we need to know?
0:03:07 > 0:03:08Changing the doors in your kitchen
0:03:08 > 0:03:10will make an absolute world of difference.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14But just bear in mind they have to match the carcass size behind it.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Ideally, you want to replace both the carcasses and the doors.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19It is slightly more expensive, obviously,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21but you get the best finish and exactly what you want.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24If you have got the old-school style doors,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27if you want a quirky and shabby chic kind of design,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29you can always paint them, undercoat,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31then paint them with a top coat and sand them back slightly
0:03:31 > 0:03:33and you will get a nice finish out of them.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Let's see which builders are pitching for Sam's kitchen.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Sometimes they are quite roomy, these ones, inside.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41They all know it is a revamp,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44but it is how they approach the job that'll set them apart
0:03:44 > 0:03:47and they are all determined to win.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53First to give it their best shot are smooth operators Martin and Mick.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Here we are, London. Proper London, too, this.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58They'll need a slick idea to beat their rivals.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I hope it's not on the top floor.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- I reckon it might be. - Yeah, probably!
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Cheer up, Mick.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10Believe it or not, these two have been building buddies for 15 years.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I am in charge, although Mick's been doing it a lot longer than me,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15knows a lot more than I know.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- I must admit, I'm a man who likes a bit of clean work.- Clean.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22And I normally do all the horrible stuff.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I'm a one-man team, really, so...
0:04:28 > 0:04:33Now, now, boys, you'll need to be a team if you want to win this job.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35What can we do? So we're saying new worktops.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39I found these tiles, as well, which I'm taking... He wants these off,
0:04:39 > 0:04:40which I think is a lot cooler.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44If he wants this to contrast it with a white Italian marble,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46coffee shop, artisan, Italian...
0:04:46 > 0:04:49They think they've got Sam's style sussed.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Time to find out if they're right.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- So we were thinking new worktops. - Yeah.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- Like a white Carrara sort of marble effect.- OK.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01We think that would look really nice contrast with your black tiles
0:05:01 > 0:05:05and we're looking for this artisan coffee shop look.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I mean, the thing is, Mick, with kitchens and bathrooms,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11as you know, they spiral, they can be literally...
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- The cost.- ..anything.- Yeah.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17We don't want to get possibly carried away.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- We could change the sink.- Might have to look at the sink, mightn't we?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Oh, no, yeah. We'll see how the sink comes up.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- If it doesn't come up nice, we'll put a new sink and tap in for you. - Oh, right, OK.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- Something a bit more modern, maybe. - Yeah.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- We're going to put a new light fitting in as well.- Oh, yeah.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- A new sort of hang-down light in there.- OK.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Something a bit cool, maybe something a bit coppery.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36You know like you get in coffee shops.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39You can see we've sort of tried to do, give it an uplift,
0:05:39 > 0:05:40but not go too crazy,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43cos we don't want to just destroy your budget completely, you know?
0:05:43 > 0:05:44OK, great, yeah.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Martin and Mick are doing their best
0:05:46 > 0:05:49to work with Sam's coffee-shop scheme
0:05:49 > 0:05:52with new tiles, new worktop, new sink,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54floor and industrial light to boot.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59So...what's the price?
0:05:59 > 0:06:00We were looking at, erm...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02..2,500.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03OK.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05We're hoping the whole thing can be done in about three days.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- Oh, wow!- Two to three days. Might have to be takeaways.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12And a man like you looks after your physique, but you can have a day off. We all do.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Martin and Mick are clearly confident.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17But their rivals are still to pitch.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20Next up...
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Oh, right. - Small and compact.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25..are clean-cut Wayne and Steph.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27They need to convince Sam
0:06:27 > 0:06:29their ideas are better than Martin and Mick's.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Maybe get a big mirror up there.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33THEY LAUGH
0:06:33 > 0:06:34We're in the kitchen, why wash up?
0:06:34 > 0:06:36THEY LAUGH
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Passionate about their work, they call themselves DIY doers.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- We're more like siblings.- Yeah.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Do you know what I mean? Like, that silly kind of banter that you have
0:06:45 > 0:06:47with your brother or sister.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Where did you get this from? The 1950s?- My dad!
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Aww...!
0:06:51 > 0:06:54And Wayne's an only child, so I sort of fill that void in his life.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58We want to talk to him about the black tiles, black worktop.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Yep.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02It's only a small area, but it's amazing what black tiles will do,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04they just suck the light out of the air.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- Yeah, especially if they're matte black.- Yeah.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09So maybe steer him towards an oak-topped worktop,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- which will keep the warmth against the black.- Yeah.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13- Which would work.- Yeah.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15So they need to help Sam see the light
0:07:15 > 0:07:20and convince him their idea is better than Martin and Mick's.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23One of our concerns was that the...
0:07:23 > 0:07:25..the granite-effect worktop and the black tiles
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- will make the space quite dark. - Yeah.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32We thought we'd go with an oak worktop.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- OK.- So it just warms the space up a little.- I like that.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36You can get really smart black sinks
0:07:36 > 0:07:39and if he wants that kind of matte-black look...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- They're in at the moment. - ..against the wood...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- So then we had the idea of actually a matte-black sink.- OK.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Which could kind of tie in with your tiles,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- but the wood would break it up. - Perfect, yeah.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Wayne and Steph have pushed the brief with smart oak worktops
0:07:55 > 0:07:57and a fancy black sink.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01But Sam's only got three grand,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03so what are they quoting?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05It'll be 3,500.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06OK, great.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11That's £500 over budget, but it's not a done deal yet.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Last to pitch are dependable duo Gavin and Jimbo...
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I believe this is what's called "compact bijou".
0:08:18 > 0:08:19Er, just a bit.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22..who've worked together nearly 25 years.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Our paths crossed when we both lived in south-west London,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28working on various jobs.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Our chosen kind of work is, like, full refurbs, really.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Yeah, make a silk purse out of a pig's ear.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37So, Jim, how come your pleasure face
0:08:37 > 0:08:40is the same as your knocking-tiles-off-a-wall face?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44We've got a really, really good working relationship,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- as long as Jim does as he's told. - Yeah, that's about it, really.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I know my place.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53They'll need to cook up a clever idea to win Sam over.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56I think, if we're going for the dark tiles, I think a dark worktop as well.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- A granite-looking one or...? - Er, I think it's got to be, yeah.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Something with a vein in it. - A bit of spangle in it.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05So Gav and Jimbo are going dark and mysterious.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08But what will Sam think of their ideas?
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Right, Sam, we think we know what you want.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Very metrosexual.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Very.- Very kind of clean lines.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Yeah, quite sort of, like, bachelor.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Well, listen, if we're going to do the worktop, which is going to be dark,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21the tiles are dark and the floor's dark,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25under-cabinet lighting, just to light those shadowed areas.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28With the concrete ceiling, it's very difficult to move the lights above.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- Sure.- But we can get LEDs underneath.- That's quite cool.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36Make it look like a very chic metro city-centre coffee shop.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39You want someone to walk in there and just go, like, "Flipping heck!"!
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- Yeah.- I think that's my best Manchester accent.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44It's not bad.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49So...Gav and Jimbo have gone for a bachelor pad look,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53with black on the tiles, worktops and flooring,
0:09:53 > 0:09:57all set off with under-cabinet lighting and chrome utilities.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00But what's the price?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04We've come in at £4,800.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05- OK.- Crikey!
0:10:05 > 0:10:09That's £1,800 over budget
0:10:09 > 0:10:11and the most expensive of the three.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15All three pitches are in,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17but are any of them Sam's cup of tea?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20If not, no-one will win the work.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24We went in for £4,800.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26I am feeling a bit more confident now.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28I'll have a little wager with you on that.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Jim, give him the money. - LAUGHTER
0:10:31 > 0:10:33The builders can do no more.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34They just have to wait.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Will Sam pick Martin and Mick's artisan design,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40which came in £500 under budget?
0:10:40 > 0:10:41PHONE RINGS
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Wayne and Steph's smart oak worktop,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48black tile and matching sink at £500 over budget?
0:10:48 > 0:10:49PHONE RINGS
0:10:49 > 0:10:53Or Gavin and Jimbo's dark masculine scheme,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56that blew the budget by £1,800?
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Only the winners' phone will ring...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Hello?- Hi, it's Sam.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Oh, hi, Sam. It's Martin.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07So I've got some good news. I'd like to sort of take up your offer
0:11:07 > 0:11:09on the kitchen refurb, please.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Oh, brilliant!
0:11:11 > 0:11:12Great news, Sam!
0:11:12 > 0:11:13What swung it for you?
0:11:13 > 0:11:17I just think the fact that you were looking to follow the artisan coffee theme,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19I think that is what swung it.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Oh, brilliant.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24We thought we'd go in at a really competitive price on this, so you've got a good price, Sam.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You got a good price out of me.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Appreciate it. Thank you.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30While Martin and Mick are full of beans...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Another one in the bag, Micky boy! Another one in the bag!
0:11:33 > 0:11:36..their rivals walk away empty-handed.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37Did they really?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41OK. Fantastic, they deserve it.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- Yeah?- Ah...
0:11:43 > 0:11:44- I see.- Yeah, that was...
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Yeah.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47I think it was a good choice, actually.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- We'll see if it looks good at the end, though.- Yes, we will.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Yes.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Yes, indeed, as you will be watching every move.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00If you are thinking about revamping your kitchen,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02our builders have some handy tips for you.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06If you are having work done on your kitchen,
0:12:06 > 0:12:07then make sure you clear everything out
0:12:07 > 0:12:10so we don't waste your time and, more importantly,
0:12:10 > 0:12:11your money doing it for you.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16Nowadays, a lot of customers are ordering kitchens off the internet.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Always make sure that they are going to arrive on time
0:12:19 > 0:12:22for when we are there because it does cause us a lot of hassle
0:12:22 > 0:12:24waiting on materials, it delays us a lot.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25Don't forget, pack everything away,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27except for your microwave and toaster,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29because you might have to live on soup for a week.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33It is day one of the build.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Oh, I am excited to see this one. - Yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39And the losing builders are all eyes on Martin and Mick.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Right, are you comfortable, dear? - Just.- OK.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43But a few things have changed at Sam's.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46He has decided to renovate the whole place at once,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50as he has found someone who wants to rent it in just a few weeks.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53All the work that I am having done is just getting it into a state
0:12:53 > 0:12:56where I would be proud to let it out in just six weeks' time.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59So there's a bit of a mad rush to get it all done.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03The only room that has not been touched is the kitchen.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04That is Martin's job.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Mick is busy, so he has drafted in Dan to give him a hand.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Mick is digging out the rest of a cesspit somewhere, actually.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13HE LAUGHS
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- Happy as a pig in...- Yeah!
0:13:16 > 0:13:19But before they can start, there's a few things to clear out.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21I always like to keep a printer under my sink.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23HE CHUCKLES
0:13:23 > 0:13:28Always, always empty the room that people are working in.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30Wow, lots to clear out.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Watch the eggs. There's some eggs in here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- They'll be scrambled. - Scrambled eggs now.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38With everything finally out, they can actually start work.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40They have got to be changed.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- They are replacing the tiles anyway, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Part of me thinks he should just get a new kitchen.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48- That's what we said, didn't we? - Mm-hmm.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Hey!
0:13:50 > 0:13:52There she is.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55That looks like fun, ripping that out. Doesn't it?
0:13:55 > 0:14:00Martin and Dan are going to replace the old worktops, tiles and floor.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I am feeling quite relieved we didn't get this job now. Are you?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Whoa...!
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Are you seeing Martin doing anything yet?- No. Moan.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16With the old worktops and appliances finally out of the way...
0:14:17 > 0:14:19..next it is off with the tiles.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Wallpaper on there, that's coming off easy.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Which means even more work.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29One of my worst jobs, wallpaper stripping.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Cor, stop whingeing!
0:14:32 > 0:14:33Four hours later,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37and Martin and Dan are still trying to remove the wallpaper.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Four layers of mind-numbing wallpaper.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44Oh...!
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Absolute joke.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Use white vinegar.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Saves you loads of time.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Reminds me why I never became a decorator.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Really?!
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Oh, he is not happy.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58I actually do feel for them a bit.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Underneath all of that wallpaper is concrete, that's it.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05There is no plaster. So it is either we paint straight onto the concrete,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07which is not going to look pretty,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10or he is going to have the walls plastered as well in here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12And plastering wasn't factored into the budget.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15It's always brilliant getting that text from your builder saying,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17"We need more money," isn't it?
0:15:17 > 0:15:21I find that what softens that is a smiley-faced emoji.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Crunch them numbers, Sam, crunch them numbers.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27You might have to be doing some overtime this week.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30We'll be back to find out if they ever finish
0:15:30 > 0:15:33stripping the kitchen later.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Our next job takes us to an area that is home
0:15:40 > 0:15:44to both a world-famous football club and a major county cricket club.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It was once known as Street-on-the-Ford.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51We are up north in Stretford, Greater Manchester.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56An average terraced home here will cost you around £168,000.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02So...who is looking to get the builders in?
0:16:02 > 0:16:04University lecturer Sean,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06partner Elizabeth and son Riley
0:16:06 > 0:16:10live in this four-bedroom mid-terrace with their dog Gruff.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13They made the big move from the States three-and-a-half years ago.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- That was a nice walk.- Yeah.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19We came to Manchester because I got a job at the university here.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22We've lived in this house for nearly two years
0:16:22 > 0:16:26and we haven't spent very much money on changing things around.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28This is our first real home improvement project.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32And it's not hard to see why this job needs doing!
0:16:33 > 0:16:36We wanted to open up the fireplace.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38And the original plaster, that was there,
0:16:38 > 0:16:39you can see the outline of the board.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42And so we decided to try to take that off
0:16:42 > 0:16:46and then it was a sort of process of unveiling from there.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49It's been like that for about six months.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52We've kind of gotten used to looking at it,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55but it would be nice if it was a pretty focal point of the room.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57It doesn't need to be functional, just pretty.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I was at the time considering doing it myself.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02But, then, once I saw the entire thing,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I decided that we would try and get someone in.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08So how much money have they put aside
0:17:08 > 0:17:10to replace this unsightly hole?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12Our budget is...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I think we were thinking of £700 or £800.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18With the cap being £1,000.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23Opening up a fireplace is a great way to add personality to any room.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27But be warned - it can mean opening a can of worms.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30The chimney might have been blocked for years, so brace yourself,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33you might find all sorts of rubbish coming down there - even,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35and I kid you not, the odd dead pigeon!
0:17:35 > 0:17:38First of all, make sure you've got enough dust sheets around the place
0:17:38 > 0:17:40and a good industrial Hoover,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43because the soot that accumulates over the years
0:17:43 > 0:17:45can be very, very messy.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47It's a dirty job,
0:17:47 > 0:17:49but we've got three sets of builders
0:17:49 > 0:17:52who all think they should be the one to do it.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Need to nail this one today. Give it to us, give it to us!
0:17:55 > 0:17:57But who is going to come up with the best idea
0:17:57 > 0:18:00and snatch the job from their rivals' grasp?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Let's look at it first, yeah?
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Well, we can argue about this later, can't we?
0:18:04 > 0:18:05OK.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08First up and already champing at the bit...
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Let's go!
0:18:10 > 0:18:13..are trendy twosome Sian and John....
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Hi.- Hi. Is it Elizabeth? - Yeah.- I'm Sian.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18..who are feeling confident,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21having already spent the morning thinking about their pitch.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Here is the offending article.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26One fireplace! I love a good blocked-up fireplace.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I quite like getting inside and getting dirty!
0:18:28 > 0:18:30SHE CHUCKLES
0:18:30 > 0:18:33And these two go way back.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35John and I have known each other since university,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37so a long time ago.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- And then...- '93!
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- You just don't need to say the year! - Don't say that.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43No dates!
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- We work well together, I think. - I think we are a good team.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- To the edge? - No, that one goes across.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53It's like dealing with the Three Stooges!
0:18:53 > 0:18:54Oh, she's getting bossy!
0:18:54 > 0:18:57They'll need to put their heads together
0:18:57 > 0:18:59to beat their rivals and win this job.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03What about using a nice heavy bit of steel for the mantel,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05rather than timber?
0:19:05 > 0:19:08We'll just have to do some work on what the metal is
0:19:08 > 0:19:11and make sure that it fits with the rest of the client's aesthetic.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13And we could just have a couple of brackets that hold it,
0:19:13 > 0:19:17plastered up, up to that edge. I think it'll look pretty neat.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18I really like the idea.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23I suppose, for me, seeing that arch just, er...
0:19:23 > 0:19:24..inspires me that way.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Well, I think, on this one, we should go with your,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29we should go with your inspiration.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31I think it'll look pretty cool.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34But will Sean and Elizabeth go for the metalwork idea?
0:19:36 > 0:19:41OK, so, we want to leave the original brick arch.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45You're quite keen to have some sort of mantel there.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48I was thinking a bit of wrought iron,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51sort of industrial-type design,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- so that you can keep a flatness at the top...- Yeah.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59..but on the underneath, follow the line of the arch.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- It sounds amazing.- We were thinking of timber originally.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04But that sounds like a good idea.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- You weren't sure about that, were you?- I wasn't.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07- Just trying to tie in that arch. - Yeah.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- It seems a shame to... - Yeah. Don't push it!
0:20:09 > 0:20:11It was a good idea, we've all said!
0:20:13 > 0:20:16They are obviously not afraid of pattern and colour, are they?
0:20:16 > 0:20:20There's greens and really vibrant patterns in the room.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21And you're going to kill me,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25but we could use a hexagon or a geometric-shaped tile.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29If the brickwork is not in good repair,
0:20:29 > 0:20:34we can board over that and then possibly add some tile designs.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Because there's only one or two metres,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40you can often go for something that is a little bit more extravagant.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Mixing the old with the new,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Sian and John have majored on style,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49with a bespoke steel mantel and geometric tile centrepiece.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51But what's the price?
0:20:53 > 0:20:58We're probably looking to the higher end of your budget.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03So we're looking at about £1,000.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07But you would get an excellent job, something bespoke.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Yeah. - You know, something really unusual.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13So no change left over for Elizabeth and Sean
0:21:13 > 0:21:14if they go with this pitch.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19But have Sian and John given their rivals
0:21:19 > 0:21:21an opportunity to come in cheaper?
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Man United just over there.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- As long as I can't see it, you're all right!- Yeah.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Grafters Alex and Chris might not agree when it comes to football,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31but at work, it's a different ballgame.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33We complement each other very well.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Chris tends to be a lot more artistic than I am.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38I suppose I am a little bit more the practical side.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42Just getting them roughly in place, then we can adjust them after.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45We get on well with the customer. I think it's personalities come out.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46So, how's it going?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Coffee, one sugar, black.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- They can understand my posh Scouse accent.- Yeah.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Well, I always interpret for him, anyway, so...
0:21:54 > 0:21:55It's not really an issue.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Now you just need to translate your ideas into a killer pitch.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Yeah, still alive.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05I feel like a doctor!
0:22:05 > 0:22:06HOLLOW KNOCKING
0:22:06 > 0:22:08That's the sound.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09It's like a hollow sound.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12The plaster's not stuck to the brickwork behind.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14If it's wallpapered and you take the wallpaper off,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17you normally find it'll take the plaster with it.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20And you're looking at replastering it, then.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24So either we can sink, like, pitch pine or oak into the wall,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26or we could even put a floating shelf on
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- and sandblast it down.- Yeah.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Got a choice of stains, then, haven't we?
0:22:30 > 0:22:32It's in keeping with the age of the house as well.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Of course, yeah.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35So Chris and Alex want to embrace the period charm
0:22:35 > 0:22:37of this Victorian house.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43Rather than fully opening it up to where the extended bricks were,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46we're going to come back in just a little bit,
0:22:46 > 0:22:48and then plasterboard the sides.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50What we have priced up for
0:22:50 > 0:22:55is a really nice reclaimed and floating oak mantel on there,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- so like a really chunky piece. - Yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59We'll take up the broken concrete that's on there.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Perfect preparation prevents poor performance!
0:23:02 > 0:23:06And then infill it with a nice old-style tile.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07I think that would look pretty smart.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10We also noticed that the hearth was in quite bad condition.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14So what we have priced up for is to remove that, to sort that out,
0:23:14 > 0:23:19level it, and then tile it, fitting to the age of the property.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23And also, we've got the option, if you want to change those shelves
0:23:23 > 0:23:25and you want to change them for oak.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27You know, it's going to match the mantel,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30so the whole thing just ties and blend in.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33At the end of the day, the house has got a lot of character.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34You've got to emphasise that character,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36rather than try to change it.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Alex and Chris have gone for a traditional look,
0:23:39 > 0:23:43a reclaimed oak mantel with matching shelves and a feature tiled hearth.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46They are also offering to box off the lower part of the alcoves
0:23:46 > 0:23:49to create more storage space.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51What's the damage?
0:23:51 > 0:23:52That would come in at...
0:23:54 > 0:23:56..£1,190.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Alex and Chris are over budget,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00but Elizabeth and Sean are giving nothing away.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05And still to pitch...
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Oh, here we go. - ..is family firm Tracey and Daz.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11That's not exactly the prettiest of things, is it?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Come on, brain. Start working.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19This mum-and-son combo been working together as general builders
0:24:19 > 0:24:22for 11 years, with hardly any family feuding.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26I think the fact that we have a good relationship is key.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Otherwise, I think we would drive each other nuts sometimes.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30Yeah.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- Hello!- We're up here!
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Nice and easy for me to get through.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36You can put it in the van, if you want.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38I think we're both very patient people.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39Yeah, I definitely am.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40THEY LAUGH
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Time to come up with a winning idea
0:24:43 > 0:24:46that will keep this job in the family.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47We could look at the possibility
0:24:47 > 0:24:49of dropping that to floor level with the opening,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51putting some sort of stone in
0:24:51 > 0:24:53and bring it out and making a bit of a hearth out of it.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Like some Indian stone or some slate or something like that?
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- Some York stone or something.- Yeah.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- It'll tie everything in, won't it? - Yeah, I think so.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Will Tracey and Daz's York stone idea
0:25:02 > 0:25:04help pave their way to success?
0:25:04 > 0:25:06The opening, at the moment,
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- it's obviously just got the concrete floor.- Yeah.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11What we could do is get some, like, York stone
0:25:11 > 0:25:13and flag it out.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15I know it sounds a bit random, saying flagging,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17because you associate that with gardens and stuff,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19but it actually does look quite effective.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Because then you've got a sort of a nice hearth to finish off.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23I just think keep it simple.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- I don't think you need to complicate it, do you?- No.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28If this is all going to be re-plastered, we can paint everything.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- No point just doing this section. Might as well do the whole of it. - Yeah, definitely.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34We'll plasterboard it all, skim it all,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36emulsion it in a colour of your choice, the whole wall.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Tracey and Daz
0:25:38 > 0:25:41are planning to re-plaster and repaint the entire wall
0:25:41 > 0:25:43and use York stone for the hearth.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45But will it come in on budget?
0:25:45 > 0:25:46It comes in at...
0:25:48 > 0:25:49..946.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51OK.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52That's near the top end
0:25:52 > 0:25:55of Elizabeth and Sean's maximum £1,000 budget.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00The builders have all pitched,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03but Elizabeth and Sean don't have to go with any of them.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- We didn't go for wood on the mantel. We went for...- Oh, the wild card!
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Oooh...! - Yeah. We went for wrought iron.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- All right, show you. - All right, come on, then, let's go!
0:26:16 > 0:26:19It's now a waiting game for the three teams.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Will it be Sian and John's bespoke metal mantel,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24bang on budget at £1,000?
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Alex and Chris's more traditional oak fireplace,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31over budget at £1,190?
0:26:33 > 0:26:38Or Tracey and Daz's York stone flags, mid-price, at £946?
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Maybe we're the losing team.
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Never give up.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Ring!
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Only the winners' phone will ring.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51PHONE RINGS
0:26:52 > 0:26:54PHONE RINGS
0:26:54 > 0:26:57PHONE RINGS
0:26:57 > 0:26:58- Oh, oh, oh!- Oh, hello...
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Hello?
0:27:03 > 0:27:04Hello?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07We've considered all the offers and we really liked what you had to say,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10so I think we're planning on going with you.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Oh, that's absolutely fantastic. Thank you very much.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Say thank you to Elizabeth, as well, for us.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Yeah, and we'll be in touch shortly.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19OK. Thank you.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20Bye.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- All right, mate.- Yeah, baby!
0:27:24 > 0:27:26One of the things we liked was that they seemed to be stressing
0:27:26 > 0:27:29that it would fit in with the original features of the house,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31the style of the house.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35So Alex and Chris are thrilled, but the losers are gutted.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- I'm a little disappointed in that, I think.- Yeah. Hey-ho.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41I'm sure the guys will do a fantastic job
0:27:41 > 0:27:44and I very much look forward to critiquing their work
0:27:44 > 0:27:46when they have finished.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48Meow....!
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Oh, the claws are already out.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52And I'll bet they'll be sinking their teeth in
0:27:52 > 0:27:55when Alex and Chris start building.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Our builders are full of money-saving ideas
0:27:59 > 0:28:02when it comes to fireplaces.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04If there is no fireplace or fire surround at your house
0:28:04 > 0:28:05and you want to restore it,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08think about going and asking the neighbours what they've got.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10They may still have their original.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Take some photos before you begin your search.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16You can always go to a reclamation yard to get an old fireplace
0:28:16 > 0:28:17or old railway sleeper or anything
0:28:17 > 0:28:19that you want to dress your fireplace up with.
0:28:21 > 0:28:22After you, sir.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24It's day one of the build for Alex and Chris.
0:28:24 > 0:28:25DOG YAPS
0:28:25 > 0:28:26Good morning.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Someone's pleased to see them. And it isn't the losing builders,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32who are watching their every move.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- All right, ready? - Come on, I'm ready for this.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Yes, I am ready for this.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- That dog sat on my knee and we still didn't get the job.- I know!
0:28:39 > 0:28:42We're going to get this brick and cement out, make the opening,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44ready for the plasterer to come in.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Chris hasn't even taken his hat off in the house.
0:28:46 > 0:28:47She says!
0:28:48 > 0:28:50They obviously want the back exposed,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52so we've got to see the condition of the bricks at the back.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Worst-case scenario,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56the chimney falls down and takes next-door with it.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57No!
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Doesn't sound that funny to me.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03But before the boys start any work,
0:29:03 > 0:29:05there's a small amount of clearing to tackle...
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Oh, my goodness!
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Get as much out as we can so, obviously,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13when we start taking the bricks out,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16it doesn't disturb it all and just go airborne.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18I love a bit of soot up a chimney.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21If it was a building site and nobody was living here,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23we'd just break it out.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Oh, he's got his dust mask on. Good lad, health and safety.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Yeah, full of soot, innit? It's horrible.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Now the soot's cleared,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Alex can get on with removing those old bricks,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36while Chris is tidying up after him.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37Oh, my hands are getting dirty.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40See, Chris isn't doing the dirty work.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43They'd better be strong rubble sacks.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44I'm going to build across
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and I'm going to put a couple of extra little supports in.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50You've got to be careful, just because it's old.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53You've got to realise how many tonnes of bricks there are.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56As soon as you don't start supporting things properly,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58you run the risk of major structural issues.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01So the key is now is to get this out as quick as I can.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03THEY LAUGH
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Get it out as quick as I can!
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- Yeah.- Oh, dear...
0:30:09 > 0:30:11With most of the bricks gone,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Alex can assess the condition at the back.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17That's in great nick, which is really going to please Elizabeth.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21It's nice when you do uncover something that is pretty old
0:30:21 > 0:30:24and it's still in its original condition. It's in really good condition.
0:30:24 > 0:30:25Hm...
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Oh, you see, it is a nice arch, that.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Oh, my God, have you been up that chimney?
0:30:32 > 0:30:33Human sweep, I am!
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- It's such a messy job, isn't it? - It is a mess, yeah.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40It's such a messy job. I quite like doing that job.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Now the area is cleared and the hole has been widened,
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Alex can fit wooden batons around it.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51These will not only add support but also create the framework
0:30:51 > 0:30:53for the new fireplace opening.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Oh, they're squaring it off.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- Yeah. - I would have kept the arch.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02With the framework in place,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04it's over to their colleague Steve
0:31:04 > 0:31:07to get that wall plastered as quickly as possible.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Oh... I thought Chris would have done that himself.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- So they're leaving the bricks on the rear.- Yeah.
0:31:14 > 0:31:15I quite like that.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18With the chimney cleared and widened and the plaster left to dry,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21the next job will be the alcoves.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23We will see how Chris and Alex get on later.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Back in Battersea, South London,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31the walls in the kitchen are finally stripped
0:31:31 > 0:31:34and Martin's sidekick Mick is back.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Oh, there he is!
0:31:36 > 0:31:38His first job is to fit the worktop.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42After the pitch, Sam decided to swap the tiles to white
0:31:42 > 0:31:44and the worktop to black.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46Tuck into place.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Mick's got a nifty way to template the worktop.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51He marks out the rough size in gaffer tape
0:31:51 > 0:31:55and then draws round the old worktop to get its exact shape
0:31:55 > 0:31:57before cutting it out with a jigsaw.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- Good idea, I reckon.- Mmm.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02So it should slot straight in.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- Are you in?- Hopefully, I am, yeah.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06Yeah, it's not too bad.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Nice, chaps. Very nice.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14While Mick cracks on with the rest of the worktop...
0:32:14 > 0:32:17It's right on the money. I think I'd better go home now.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19..it's Martin's turn to go AWOL.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Martin's gone to pick up some plumbing material.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26He was only going to go for five minutes and it's...
0:32:26 > 0:32:30..an hour now, so I think he's probably stopped for
0:32:30 > 0:32:32bacon and eggs, don't you?
0:32:32 > 0:32:34I'm just the brawn. He's the brains.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38We won't tell him too much about him being all the brains cos it just...
0:32:38 > 0:32:40You know, his head starts to swell a little bit.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- Is this what you say when I'm not there?- Yeah. That's it.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45You're just the brawns and I'm the brains, yeah?
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- HE CHUCKLES - Never!
0:32:47 > 0:32:49And bang on cue, here he is.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Michael, I have a sink for you.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Oh, he's got a new sink.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- About time! - I stopped for a little slippery egg breakfast, don't you worry.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58Oh, poor Mick!
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Oh, he didn't bring him back a sandwich.
0:33:02 > 0:33:03He's not happy, is he?
0:33:04 > 0:33:08Mick can now measure the worktop and cut out the right-sized gap.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I'm going to drill a hole in each corner.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13I've got to drop that...
0:33:13 > 0:33:14..into the hole,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16and if I didn't have a hole there,
0:33:16 > 0:33:18I wouldn't be able to get the jigsaw bit in.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- Dot-to-dot?- Done that before.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25It is almost ready for the sink.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Mick just wants to make sure the worktop is waterproof.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33What I'm using here is, erm, waterproof PVA,
0:33:33 > 0:33:35just to seal the, erm, chipboard edge.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38We don't want Sam ringing us back in six months' time
0:33:38 > 0:33:39telling me his worktop's blown.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Wouldn't it be nice if they'd used a nice bit of solid wood,
0:33:42 > 0:33:44like we wanted to?
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Chipboard, chipboard, booooo!
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Sink in. Next job, the floor.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Callum is stripping all the cork tiles off the floor at the moment.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56They were all the rage in the '70s, and...
0:33:57 > 0:33:59..woodchip paper.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02That's when he had his 21st, in the '70s.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03HE CHUCKLES
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Some things good came out of the '70s, didn't they, Wayne?- Yeah!
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- All right! - It was me, too! Me, too!
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Just!
0:34:10 > 0:34:12All right!
0:34:12 > 0:34:15With the floor clear, they can fit the new cooker.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17But that throws up another problem.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21He's chosen a slightly different oven,
0:34:21 > 0:34:23which is a completely gas oven.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Erm, the issue we have is this kitchen's so small,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28it's actually less than five square metres,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31so we have to put a permanent gas vent in here.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33That's even more work for Martin.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35What we're actually doing, we're putting a cat flap in.
0:34:37 > 0:34:38Because the cat can't get out of the flat!
0:34:38 > 0:34:40THEY LAUGH
0:34:40 > 0:34:43I thought he was being serious for a minute!
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Gas vent and cooker safely installed.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Next, the washing machine.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Oh, look at the water.- That's all right, we'll just lift the floor up.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Oh, no, it was all down my leg, I'm more worried about.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59I don't know what's been going through this.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00Gross!
0:35:02 > 0:35:04It's got nothing to do with the washing machine, Mick!
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Fits like a glove, that does.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Actually, the more appliances that keep going back in here,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11the better it is starting to look.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13It's the home straight.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15The floor is going down.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18And the white tiles are going up.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20And while Mick is going great guns,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23he's not so impressed with Martin's efforts.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Oh, he's got his hands dirty, Martin.
0:35:25 > 0:35:26Did you see what he'd done all afternoon?
0:35:26 > 0:35:30One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, ten tiles.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Put that drink down. You ain't got time to drink that.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35CHUCKLING
0:35:36 > 0:35:37We're not far off, now.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38Just making a bit of plinth up,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41as I can't get in there, cos Martin's in the way,
0:35:41 > 0:35:43moaning about doing a little bit of grouting.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46My old mum used to say, "If you've got nothing nice to say,
0:35:46 > 0:35:47"don't say anything at all."
0:35:47 > 0:35:49My old granny used to say,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51"If you've got something to say, say it."
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- All day long!- It's like Mr And Mrs, isn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Just going through, doing all the last finishing touches.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00I always like doing a little bit of electrical work.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Easy stuff.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05Oh!
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Sam's decided to decorate himself to save money.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11So after a quick clean, Martin and Mick are done.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13It's made it more functional.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16We've brightened the place up and we've got him a nice new floor,
0:36:16 > 0:36:17new lights.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19So, no, hopefully, he'll love it.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Martin and Mick have worked on Sam's small kitchen for just under a week.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30This was a tricky job, just because of the size, wasn't it, really?
0:36:30 > 0:36:33So what will their rivals think of the changes they've made?
0:36:33 > 0:36:35I'm excited to see their work.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40- It looks all right, doesn't it? - I think it's fantastic.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43I think they did a good job, actually,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46considering they had a few hurdles to jump there.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48It's been given a new lease of life.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51I tell you what, seriously, for that that budget,
0:36:51 > 0:36:52they've done very well, yeah.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58Obviously, it would have been nicer if he'd had real wood tops.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00They've kept the old cupboard doors,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02but it's got a smart new slate-effect floor,
0:37:02 > 0:37:06a black worktop and crisp white metro tiles.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09Nice. Well done, boys.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Yeah, very well done.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Ten out of ten for their work. They nailed it.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16But, yeah, eight out of ten for just...
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Nice.- It's nice. There's that word.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22The builders have given it their seal of approval.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Now it's the moment of truth.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Martin and Mick are in position and they are ready to find out
0:37:27 > 0:37:29if it's a hit with Sam.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Let's see what his reaction is.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Well, hopefully, he enjoys it.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Nice worktop.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47New flooring.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50A cooker that actually works.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Whoa, that's a big improvement.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Given the budget I had, it's, erm, a nice freshen-up
0:37:56 > 0:38:00and the best use of the money and the resources that I had.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- I think he was happy, which is all we wanted.- Yeah.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05It was a straightforward swap out.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Overall, really happy.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11The theme fits what I wanted and I'm hoping that the new tenant
0:38:11 > 0:38:14will really enjoy the experience of cooking in here.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17He's done what he needs to do. It looks appealing now.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20It's clean, it's tidy, it easily maintained.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21Yeah, it does the job.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24They had a few issues along the way,
0:38:24 > 0:38:28so the final cost has come in at just under three-and-a-half grand,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31£1,000 more than Martin and Mick originally quoted.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Back up north in Stretford,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Alex and Chris are hoping to transform an ugly hole
0:38:38 > 0:38:42in Liz and Sean's lounge into a fabulous feature fireplace.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44With the walls painted and dry,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47it is now time to start fitting the shelves and the mantel.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Trying to get a decent fixing, so we can put this oak mantel on.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54It's a struggle, there, into old brick.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56It's quite a big piece of timber.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58What are those fixings they are using there, Dad?
0:38:58 > 0:39:02This goes into the wall, into the plug
0:39:02 > 0:39:05and then this whole part will fit nicely
0:39:05 > 0:39:07into the pre-drilled holes in the mantel.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09It sounds like a plan, Alex.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14But this next step is definitely a two-man job.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16Easy does it.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20This heavy four-foot oak timber has cost £130.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- Close enough to the centre, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26I'm not sure that I would have done that in this period of property,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28but you know what they say, the customer's always right.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- If the customer likes it... - Exactly.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- Well, he obviously didn't like ours! - I know.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34THEY CHUCKLE
0:39:34 > 0:39:35I hope they like the crack.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36It's a shake.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- It's not a crack. - It's the crack.- It's a shake.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43It's character. It's a beautiful piece of oak.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- It's a crack. - THEY LAUGH
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- That looks smart, that. - Yeah, I think so.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- I think that looks lovely. - Those fixings are good.- Yeah.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Next, they move on to those oak shelves,
0:39:55 > 0:39:58which they put up in exactly the same way as the mantelpiece.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01They do look good. Not my style, though.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05I'm not sure that I'd have done that in that style of house.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07It's a race to the finish now,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10with cabinets that need to be painted and fitted
0:40:10 > 0:40:12on both sides of the chimney breast.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14I don't recognise him without his hat!
0:40:15 > 0:40:16It's definitely Chris.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Put it on nice and thin.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20It stops any runs and you can just build the layers up
0:40:20 > 0:40:22and it dries quicker.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24A decorating masterclass, oooh!
0:40:24 > 0:40:28And the last job, laying those feature tiles.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30There's five different patterns.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32I can't follow it each line the same.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36With the tiles down, Chris gets on with the grouting.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I'm going to use grey grout.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41You generally don't put white grout on the floor.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- Well, not necessarily. It depends what grout you use.- Yeah.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46It would look better, but it will get dirty.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Those tiles are a good idea.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I still think that stone would have been nice.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Yeah.- But it's a nice contrast.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It's those little finishing touches that make the job or break it,
0:40:57 > 0:40:58as they say.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01I quite like the look of lots of pattern in a fireplace, though.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I think that looks quite cool.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Right, just got to clean my paintbrush, clean my tray,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09load the car and that's me done.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Chris and Alex have spent three dirty days
0:41:15 > 0:41:18working on what was an eyesore.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- I can just see, I can see ours there.- I know.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24So what will the losing builders make of the finished job?
0:41:26 > 0:41:27Oh, here we go. Ready?
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- Oh, looking forward to seeing this. - I know.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- I think ten out of... - Overall finish, yeah. - Ten out of ten.- You can't fault it.
0:41:36 > 0:41:41Now it's been transformed into a stylish fireplace.
0:41:41 > 0:41:42- There is a massive difference... - Yeah.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44..to there and the one before.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48The main feature is a floating oak mantel.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- I like that, though. - Yeah, it's lovely that, isn't it?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Eight-and-a-half out of ten? - Yeah, I was going to say nine.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Were you? Mr Generous!
0:41:56 > 0:41:59And a trendy tiled hearth.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- The tiles look good. - Yeah.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04They're pretty tiles and it's very of the moment.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Patterned tiles in the fireplace, I like those.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09With matching oak shelves
0:42:09 > 0:42:11and bespoke cupboards.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Oh, the doors look great.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Yeah. No, no they've done a wicked job.- That's a really nice job.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Job well done, I think.- I think they did, yeah, I think, er...
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- Chris and Alex.- Chris and Alex...
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Mostly Alex!
0:42:22 > 0:42:23..did a great job.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Sorry, Chris!
0:42:25 > 0:42:27The builders like it
0:42:27 > 0:42:29and now Alex and Chris are going to find out
0:42:29 > 0:42:32exactly what Elizabeth and Sean think.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Hopefully, they're really happy with it. So we'll see.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- Here we go.- Oh...
0:42:43 > 0:42:45It looks great.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46It's so bright in here.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- Nice.- It looks good, doesn't it?
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Yeah, baby.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Really happy that we decided to go with the shelves.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Oh, I love the tiles. I like the alternate patterns.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00They look fantastic.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03And it all came in only £20 over budget.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Another satisfied customer.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Yeah, boy!