Room to Improve Season 1 Episode 1 Ballybrack

As a highly sought-after architect and property developer, Dermot Bannon is always on the lookout for his next project. In the first episode of Room to Improve's first season, titled Ballybrack, he is tasked with transforming a 1960s suburban bungalow into a space that meets the needs of a growing family.

Dermot meets with the homeowners, Paula and Barry, who have been living in the house for ten years and are ready for a change. With two young children and a third on the way, they are in desperate need of more space, but they also want their home to reflect their individual tastes and personalities. The challenge, as Dermot soon discovers, is to marry their desire for practicality with their desire for design.

The existing house is a fairly typical suburban bungalow, with a cramped and cluttered interior. Dermot immediately identifies two major issues: the house is too small, and it lacks natural light. He suggests several options for extending the footprint of the house, including adding a second floor and a rear extension. To address the light issue, he proposes removing the partition walls in the living area and replacing them with large open-plan spaces that allow light to flow through the house.

The homeowners are initially thrilled with Dermot's proposals, but the reality of the budget soon sets in. They had hoped to keep the cost of the renovation to around €100,000, but Dermot's plans would cost significantly more. In typical Dermot fashion, he is undaunted, and he sets to work finding creative solutions to keep costs down. He suggests using materials like polished concrete and plywood, which are more affordable than traditional finishes like marble and timber. He also proposes reusing some of the existing furniture and fittings, rather than replacing everything.

Throughout the episode, we see the tense negotiations between Dermot, the homeowners, and the builder. There are several moments where it appears that the project might fall apart due to budget constraints or disagreements over design details. However, Dermot's charm and expertise ultimately prevail, and he is able to deliver a beautiful, functional home that exceeds the homeowners' expectations.

The finished product is a stunning modern home that is both spacious and inviting. The open-plan living area is flooded with natural light, thanks to the removal of the partition walls and the addition of skylights. The new extension provides much-needed space for the growing family and includes a sleek and modern kitchen with plenty of storage. The second floor houses the bedrooms and bathrooms, with a spacious master suite that boasts a spectacular view of the nearby hills.

Overall, Ballybrack is a fantastic first episode for Room to Improve. It showcases Dermot Bannon's talent for creating beautiful and functional spaces, as well as his ability to navigate the challenges of working within a budget. The homeowners are also engaging and relatable, and their story is a great example of how a well-designed home can transform the lives of a growing family.