CAN WE FIX IT? YES WE CAN...
First episode helps create space for three generations living together And builder Peter reveals how to make changes in our own properties
IT’S the telly DIY show that brings order to chaotic homes across the country.
Home Rescue: The Big Fix is back on our screens tonight for a new series, as the team of experts change the homes – and lives – of families in just five days.
Builder Peter Finn, designer Dee Coleman and their crew of fitters, plumbers and carpenters will revamp and renovate six homes in Louth, Kildare, Dublin and Clare over the coming weeks.
The Big Fix team travels to a different home each week. For the first episode they’re in Dundalk with the Kelly family, where three generations are living in the one bungalow – granny Doreen, her daughter Claire, Claire’s husband Pearse Jeffers and their three children.
The home was originally built by Doreen’s husband, former firefighter Pat.
It’s a large living space in a house that should be big enough for all of them but is not fit for purpose.
Claire, Pearse and the kids moved in with Doreen two years ago when Pat, who has dementia, moved into a care home. Mum and dad share a cramped bedroom with nine-year-old Odhran, who has additional needs.
Claire is an account manager while Pearse is a fulltime carer and
» stay-at-home dad. But the house has a chaotic layout with a disconnected dining room and a tiny kitchen, so it’s a struggle to manage.
Dee sets out to re-invent the kitchen and create a sensory space in the bedroom for Odhran, taking expert advice from the teachers at his school.
Meanwhile, Peter and the build crew lay the groundwork for a new kitchen to replace the cramped, cluttered and storage-free galley.
And the results are impressive, showing what’s possible in just a few days.
The dated, glum-looking kitchen becomes a modern, bright space
that is functional, clean and clear, with plenty of storage space. The bedroom is transformed from its plain beginnings to a cosy, comfortable and calm room in natural shades of oatmeal and cream and relaxing lighting.
Peter told the Irish Mirror that such a transformation is not only possible on TV, you can make it work in your own home once you have the confidence to know what’s possible.
You don’t need a crew of workmen, or even a big budget.
He said: “Don’t be afraid of doing a bit of DIY. You can paint a room or lay a floor. You’d be surprised what you’re capable of.”
Peter – known to TV audiences as Pete the Builder – advised to start small and
build on that. He added: “Plan to do one thing or one area. One chest of drawers, three shelves or one room, like the utility room or the area under the stairs.
“Once you do the first step, it becomes doable and then anything is possible.
“Sometimes it’s the fear of not knowing how to do something that stops people, whereas you can take it step by step.”
And he stressed that clutter begins outside the home.
He said: “When you’re out shopping ask yourself, do you really need this item? Go to second-hand shops, markets and swap items online.
“We salvage things. Get things second-hand and also just sand them or paint them. Upcycling is so satisfying.”
Our homes have also changed since the pandemic, becoming more functional spaces rather than simply places you enjoy.
Peter said: “We work at home now so it’s not just a place for our time off. So keep in mind that you may convert an area with a desk or workspace.
“Give yourself a blank canvas. We can clear out a lot of stuff, create room. Use spaces we don’t use.
“We get the sledgehammer out for the shows but you don’t have to go that far and take down walls.
“Lots of small projects can be done by the homeowner.
“With the shortage of trades now, people can be waiting so you may have to do it yourself. Be ruthless. There’s nothing more satisfying.
“Do some painting. Sand down a table. Don’t start too big.
“Also, if you’re renting, don’t be afraid of updating something – a day or two will make a huge difference. After all, you live there and are paying enough to make it comfortable.
“Plants bring calm and energy to a room. They don’t have to be expensive and it’s very calming to look after them too.
“You never get in trouble with plants.
“Try hanging some pictures. You don’t have to drill big holes in the walls, sometimes a nail and hammer or command strips will do.
“Sand things down, let light in. Replace curtains with blinds. See what you can do and include the kids in the revamp.
“They will love being assigned various jobs and will feel good about themselves.
“When it’s done, you have a reminder – we did that.”
Peter said he loves working on the show, which is a mixture of human stories and home makeovers.
He added: “We have to come up with solutions quickly but it’s worth it, just seeing people’s reactions at the end.”
Home Rescue: The Big Fix starts tonight at 9.35pm on RTE Two.