Room to Improve Season 1 Episode 2 Glasnevin

Room to Improve is an Irish television show that follows architect Dermot Bannon as he helps homeowners transform their houses into their dream homes. Each episode centers around a different home renovation project, and explores the challenges the homeowners face as they try to turn their vision into a reality.

In season 1 episode 2, titled Glasnevin, Dermot meets with a young couple who have recently purchased a 1930s bungalow in the Dublin suburb of Glasnevin. The couple, Lisa and Ivan, hope to turn the outdated and cramped space into an open-plan family home that can accommodate their growing family.

As Dermot steps inside the 1930s bungalow, he immediately sees the potential to transform the space. However, he quickly realizes that the renovation will be no easy feat. The bungalow is small and dark, with a cramped layout that does not cater to modern family living. There is no sense of flow between the rooms, and the small windows let in very little natural light.

Dermot's first task is to re-imagine the layout of the bungalow. He suggests knocking down walls to create an open-plan living space that includes the kitchen, dining and sitting areas. He also proposes adding a large glass extension to the rear of the house to flood the space with natural light, as well as adding a second-story to accommodate additional bedrooms.

The homeowners agree with Dermot's ideas, but they quickly realize that making their dream home a reality will come with a hefty price tag. Determined to stick to their budget, they ask Dermot to find cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Throughout the episode, Dermot works tirelessly to find ways to save money without sacrificing the design vision. He suggests keeping some of the original features of the bungalow, such as the fireplace, and repurposing them into the new design. He also advises the couple to shop around for bargains, and to use cheaper materials where possible, such as plywood instead of expensive timber for the stairs.

As the renovation progresses, there are several setbacks and challenges that Dermot and the couple must overcome. One of the biggest challenges they face is the discovery of a large tree in the back garden, which is protected by law and cannot be cut down. This limits the size of the planned glass extension and requires a creative solution to make the most of the available space.

Despite the setbacks, the couple remains optimistic and excited about the project. They are thrilled with the progress and with Dermot's expertise, and they can't wait to move into their new, modern family home.

In the end, the transformation of the bungalow is stunning. The new open-plan living space is bright and airy, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The glass extension seamlessly integrates with the existing structure and offers a stunning view of the garden and the preserved tree. The new second-story provides ample space for the growing family, and the clever use of materials and cost-saving solutions ensures that the renovation stays within budget.

Overall, Room to Improve season 1 episode 2 is a fascinating and inspiring look at the challenges and rewards of turning a dated and cramped property into a beautiful and functional family home. Dermot's expertise, creativity, and attention to detail are on full display, and the homeowners' enthusiasm and commitment to their vision make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in home renovation and design.