Lessons learned

As first time renovators, Queensland couple, Hannah and Clint are the first to admit they have ‘doughnuts’ when it comes to reno experience - in other words, absolutely no idea what they’re doing. No wonder they looked so nervous day one of The Block.

“When we first walked through those doors and looked around, there were holes in the ceiling, and mess everywhere - I was very overwhelmed,” the 33 year-old mother of two from Townsville admits. “I didn’t know where to start.”

Although they found their builder relatively early, that first day Hannah admits she was having problems seeing in her mind’s eye how everything would look. And given the fact the only renovating experience her and husband Clint, 33, had before doing the show was building “a dining table, a sandbox and a dog kennel” this is hardly surprising.

So what does she wish she’d known before coming on the show? Apart from the fact that it’s a LOT harder than it looks on TV?

“Well, we did used to watch the show and think, ‘We could do that!’ Hannah admits. “But I definitely do think it’s key to try and plan. Which is easier said than done when you don’t know what you are planning about,” Hannah admits.

She also now realises the importance of sticking to a budget. Like fellow contestant Sarah - who splurged over $3000 on a piece of art for the 48-hour challenge room - Hannah was tempted to spend up big that first week. And it didn’t take long to figure out the $1500 budget Clint had initially set, was woefully inadequate.

When we first started, we were not to know this,” she explains. “But you can talk to your builder, and to your trades, and work out, room by room, what you need to spend - with a little leeway on either side.”

Hannah also concedes that the single biggest thing that helped her and Clint get through the past seven days, was their ability to stay positive, “especially when things go wrong.”

She now knows just how important it is for them to present a united front. And unlike Ronnie and Georgia, who came to blows during the very first challenge, by and large they were able to do that.

“Clint is pretty much the one [in our relationship] that keeps the vibes high,” Hannah says.

“We have only got each other to rely on. Honestly - there is no way I could imagine doing this with anyone other than [him].”

To read more about Hannah and Clint click here and to shop their style click here.

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