The Big Build - Chessington

Episode image for The Big Build - Chessington

Episode 1 of 2, DIY SOS, Series 20

Duration: 1 hour

Nick Knowles recruits extra help to renovate a whole house, making it a home with the latest designs. The team transforms the life of a family who have spent years living in a building site.

Liz and her son James live in Chessington in Surrey, in a house that has been totally trashed by builders. Liz needed to get work done to help James with his special needs, so in July 2008 she spent 60,000 pounds on an extension. Six months later her builders scarpered, leaving her house in chaos and Liz in debt. The house was left unfinished and unsafe, leaving Liz feeling desperate and James vulnerable. Liz's sister Sue wrote to the DIY SOS team asking for help and, with an army of local traders, family and friends, Liz and James' building site of a house was turned into a home.

Last on

Thu 17 Mar 2011 20:00 BBC One except Scotland

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  • Photo: Sitting room before DIY SOS arrive

    Photo: Sitting room before DIY SOS arrive

    Liz and James had nowhere to relax and spend time together. Their sitting room was like an obstacle course and unsafe for James to use.

  • DIY SOS floor plan of the sitting room and kitchen

    DIY SOS floor plan of the sitting room and kitchen

    Julia’s floor plan of the living areas of the house is the basis of the teams’ makeover.

  • Photo: Sitting room after the DIY SOS transformation

    Photo: Sitting room after the DIY SOS transformation

    Using calming green tones transforms this once chaotic lounge into a relaxing space for James and Liz to enjoy.

  • Photo: Kitchen before DIY SOS arrive

    Photo: Kitchen before DIY SOS arrive

    Liz's kitchen was a cluttered, unusable space that barely functioned as a kitchen.

  • Photo: Kitchen after the DIY SOS transformation

    Photo: Kitchen after the DIY SOS transformation

    Using neutral tones and additional storage completely changes the family kitchen.

  • Photo: Liz’s bedroom before DIY SOS arrive

    Photo: Liz’s bedroom before DIY SOS arrive

    James had nowhere in his home where he could spend time alone and have any independence. Even his bedroom was unsafe.

  • DIY SOS floor plan for Liz’s bedroom

    DIY SOS floor plan for Liz’s bedroom

    By adding storage to the room the DIY SOS team are able to transform Liz’s room.

  • Photo: Liz’s bedroom after the DIY SOS transformation

    Photo: Liz’s bedroom after the DIY SOS transformation

    The master bedroom is transformed into a chilled out sanctuary where Liz can relax.

Credits

Series Producer
Hannah Corneck
Presenter
Nick Knowles
Executive Producer
Simon Knight

Broadcasts

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