Elaine and Graeme Kaney transform the disused basement in their Edinburgh townhouse into a light and airy kitchen, living and dining room. Before they get started, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already converted their basements to get some advice about adding light to dark spaces, creating feature walls and installing a log burning stove.
Roz and John Dougal pull down the ugly 1970s extension on their Newcastle end terrace and replace it with a new one built with Yorkshire stone, giving them space for a relaxing family sitting room and a stylish mezzanine level. Before they get started, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already extended their properties to get advice about clever storage solutions, choosing traditional building materials and how to plan a mezzanine floor.
Claire and David Lynch in Rainham, Kent convert the loft in their 1960s family home to create a master bedroom and ensuite shower room and demolish the chimney stack to create more space in their narrow sitting room. Before the builders descend, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already revamped their homes to get advice about making the most of space in a loft conversion, choosing colour schemes to maximize light, and fitting a new fireplace.
Susan and Chris Barker convert the damp cellar in their Victorian home in Leeds into a relaxing sitting room complete with its very own bar. Before the builders descend, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already revamped their cellars to get advice about lighting, how to add character to a new room – and to hear some home truths about the realities of bringing in the builders.
Cerydwen Evans and Alison Bennett extend their 1930s semi in York to create a new open plan kitchen, living and dining area with bi-folding doors to the garden. Before the build kicks off, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already extended their homes to get advice about the benefits of underfloor heating, how to plan mood lighting and the importance of choosing the right flooring.
Paul and Ruth Smith extend their two up two down Victorian terrace in Twickenham with a bright and airy loft conversion and a new kitchen/living room with huge glazed panels opening out to the garden. Before they get started, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already extended their homes to get advice about designing open plan spaces, clever storage solutions for a loft conversion and planning a flexible lighting scheme.
James and Liz Sergant build a traditional country kitchen in their Georgian farmhouse in the Yorkshire village of Alne. Before the work begins, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already installed new kitchens to get advice about the practicalities of an Aga, choosing the right work surfaces, and how to accessorize to add a touch of country charm.
Cath Coogan and her partner Dale Huey dig down into the disused basement in their South Manchester Edwardian semi to create a family sitting room and guest bedroom. Before the builders descend, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already converted their basements to get practical advice about planning electrics and damp proofing, how to keep the house clean when builders move in and how to make a basement room feel light and airy.
Tim and Verity Williams knock down most of the walls in their Victorian terrace in St Margaret’s near Twickenham, to create a light and airy contemporary home with a loft conversion and huge glass extension at the back. Before they get started, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already transformed their homes to get practical advice about using bold colour, planning the perfect kitchen, and the realities of sleeping under the flight path.
Mark and Helen Welch extend their Edwardian semi in Hale to create space for their dream bespoke kitchen with open plan living and dining areas. Before they kick off, Amanda Lamb takes them to visit neighbours who have already extended their homes to get advice about planning the perfect kitchen, laying a wooden floor, and adding atmosphere with lighting.