Ep 3. Episode 3

"Room to Improve" is a television reality show that follows Irish architect Dermot Bannon as he helps homeowners transform their homes into their dream living spaces. Episode 3 of Season 9 of "Room to Improve" follows Dermot as he meets a couple who recently purchased an old cottage in need of renovation in County Meath, Ireland. The couple, Grainne and Colm, have a clear vision for their new home, but they need Dermot's expertise to make it a reality.

Dermot meets with Grainne and Colm to discuss their wish list for their new home and assess the work needed to bring it up to their expectations. The couple reveals they want to create an open plan living space, a large kitchen, and a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. They also want to add an extension to create a beautiful garden room with a view of the countryside.

The existing cottage has a lot of charm, but it also needs significant work. Dermot outlines the issues that need to be addressed and makes suggestions for improvements. He takes note of the layout, the outdated electrical systems, the lack of insulation, and the need for new windows and doors. Dermot also needs to figure out how to maintain the cottage's traditional aesthetic while incorporating modern, functional features.

Dermot's team begins by gutting the inside of the cottage. They remove old plaster and expose the original stone walls. Dermot and the homeowners discuss the layout of the new living space and how they can use the existing structure to create a larger, more open plan living space. They also tackle the need for an extension, drawing up plans for a garden room that will give Grainne and Colm the indoor-outdoor living space they want.

The challenge of keeping the cottage's traditional elements while incorporating modern features comes into play as they discuss flooring options. Dermot proposes underfloor heating, but it must be installed with care to ensure it doesn't impact the original stone walls and floors. They agree to use traditional wood flooring, but with a contemporary twist, to bring the old and new together.

As the renovation progresses, problems arise, as often happens in any construction project. The team uncovers a problem with the flooring and must come up with a creative solution to keep the plan on track. The couple also experiences a setback when they learn the cost of a new porch is beyond their budget. However, Dermot, being the problem solver he is, comes up with an alternative solution.

Throughout the episode, we see Dermot's passion for design and his ability to balance his creativity with practicality. He frequently checks in with the homeowners to ensure their visions align with the work he is doing. He juggles different elements, such as the practicalities of underfloor heating with the aesthetic of wood flooring, with ease. We see his team's hard work as they tackle a project with many challenges, and we witness Grainne and Colm's excitement as they see their dreams coming to life.

The episode ends with the big reveal of the finished renovation. Dermot leads Grainne and Colm through their new home, highlighting all the changes made. The traditional cottage now boasts a modern open-plan living space, complete with an updated kitchen. The garden room adds significant living space and creates a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. The master bedroom with en-suite is perfect for the couple, and the finished cottage is a beautiful, functional space that meets all their needs.

In conclusion, Episode 3 of Season 9 of "Room to Improve" is a fantastic example of the show's premise of renovating homes. Dermot Bannon shows his creative ability to balance both modern and traditional design. The challenges faced in the episode demonstrate the realities that come with renovating a home, and the final result stands as a testament to the hard work of all involved.