The Big Build - Dartford

Episode image for The Big Build - Dartford

Episode 5 of 6, DIY SOS, Series 22

Duration: 1 hour

Nick Knowles and the team enlist the help of the local community and guest designer Oliver Heath to transform a post-war prefab house in Dartford into a warm and safe home for the future.

Single mum Louise had to stop work on her house when her son Thomas was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. With the help of over a hundred local trades, friends and family, the DIY SOS team spend nine gruelling days renovating Louise and Thomas's home; adding an extension, reconfiguring the layout and transforming the garden.

With Thomas on the brink of adolescence, Nick and the boys are determined to hand back a home that will help Thomas develop the skills he needs to move on with his life and give Louise back her independence.

  • Before-Outside of house

    Before-Outside of house

    The 1940's prefab looking tired and old.

  • After-outside of house

    After-outside of house

    The outside of the house complete with the new extension and render.

  • Before-Back garden

    Before-Back garden

    The miserable back garden that had seen better days.

  • After-Back garden

    After-Back garden

    The back garden transformed with Thomas's shed taking pride of place.

  • Before-Lounge

    Before-Lounge

    The lounge before complete with electrical wires hanging down and a duvet to keep Louise and Thomas warm.

  • After-Lounge

    After-Lounge

    Louise's new Lounge looking warm and cosy.

  • Before- Kitchen

    Before- Kitchen

    The old drab kitchen.

  • After-Kitchen

    After-Kitchen

    The new kitchen in the timber framed extention with filled with lots of natural light.

  • Before-Living room-Dining area

    Before-Living room-Dining area

    A glimpse of where Louise had tried removing a wall and chimney.

  • After-Dining Room

    After-Dining Room

    The new dining area looking fresh, clean and stylish.

  • Before-Louise's bedroom

    Before-Louise's bedroom

    Louise's room before the work was carried out.

  • After-Louise's bedroom

    After-Louise's bedroom

    Louise's bedroom transformed so she can finally have a bedroom she can relax in.

  • After-Thomas's room

    After-Thomas's room

    Thomas finally has an inside space he can enjoy, complete with a map of Dartford and a medical theme.

Credits

Series Producer
Hannah Corneck
Presenter
Nick Knowles
Participant
Oliver Heath
Executive Producer
Simon Knight

Broadcasts

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