THE BLOCK girls v boys

The Block NZ Contestants. Photo / Mediaworks

The Block TV series is in its fifth season -- and this year the makers of the TV3 show decided to shake things up a little by introducing a Girls v Boys theme.

The four teams are made up of two pairs of female friends and two pairs of male mates -- and competition between them has been fierce. Each team was given the keys to a 1980s townhouse in the Auckland suburb of Meadowbank to make over and they had their work cut out -- the houses had all seen better days.

Homes are in school zones for Meadowbank School, St Thomas's School, Remuera Intermediate, Selwyn College.

Though each team has renovated their house according to personal taste and flair, there are some things the homes all have in common -- they have been made as warm and healthy as possible.

The homes have extensive ventilation systems and hydronic radiators. Other features include new plumbing, rewiring and re-lining, an internal building wrap was also used to help control moisture by keeping each dwelling airtight.

NIKI & TIFF

The Yellow team: From Christchurch and Wanaka, film set dresser Tiff Mair (35) and forensic research scientist Niki Osborne (29).

Niki and Tiff

Despite the fact neither Niki nor Tiff had renovation experience before appearing on The Block, the pair set themselves high standards. "We really wanted a house that was upmarket and high quality," says Tiff. "It was really important to us to give it as much character as we could and we're really happy with the way it turned out. We think it has a bit of soul."

Favourite room?

I really love the bathroom. I love our floor tiles, I love the black tapware, the toilet -- I think it all looks great. I also love the fact we've got speakers in the bathroom so you can listen to music in the shower.

What are you proud of?

I'm really pleased we managed to choose the only north-facing house, so it gets lots of light and sun. I think we have been pretty smart when it comes to lots of things, like our design decisions. I feel like we've kept things in perspective.

Favourite features?

The iLi One Touch system which combines internet, digital media and home entertainment -- including the Bluetooth speakers in the bathroom. And the Velux solar-powered skylights that close automatically when it rains.

What was your inspiration?

We wanted something that was individual, with a bit of soul. I think it has a bit of a calming boho vibe, and a designer feeling.

What's your advice to other DIYers?

You have to be organised and plan ahead. It's important to work out what you want. Get good tradies and listen to their advice. And just enjoy the whole process.

DYLZ & DYLS

The Orange team: From Tauranga, Dylan Cossey aka Dyls (27) who is a qualified builder and Dylan Guitink aka Dylz (25), who is his apprentice.

Dyls and Dylz

Dylz and Dyls may seem to have had an unfair advantage, being in the building trade, but they faced the challenge of making tough design decisions -- which they weren't used to.

"That was something we've had to think carefully about," says Dyls. "We took our time, and we put a lot of passion and love into this house. My design skills have gone through the roof and I've learned things I never thought I would be able to do, like dress a room. I know how to throw a throw now!"

Favourite room?

The living room, dining room and kitchen. We wanted it to be the real heart of the house, and we feel we achieved that. It is a huge open plan space with lots of room for everyone. We're especially proud of the wooden barn slider door, which we crafted with our own hands.

What are you proud of?

Our floating staircase. It is an amazing feat of engineering and carpentry and we were very, very happy with the way it turned out. We're also proud that we finished everything, and that we haven't fallen out once during the whole experience!

Some of your favourite features?

The underfloor insulation and the radiator system -- it's a really warm house. It's got an internal vacuum system, attic storage in the garage with pull-down attic stairs, outdoor speakers and wheelchair access.

What was your inspiration?

Being a beach boy, I liked that laidback coastal feel. We wanted to combine rustic with contemporary to make it feel relaxed but at the same time knock your socks off.

What's your advice to other DIYers?

Don't rush it. We had to work quite fast because we were on TV, but we tried to slow down and take time to enjoy the journey. And keep the big picture in mind -- don't just focus on it room by room.

COURTNEY & EMMA

The Blue team: From Dunedin, Courtney MacKay (25), who works for a homewares and interior design business, and Emma Diamond (27) who works in administration for the Otago Rugby Union.

Courtney and Emma

Courtney and Emma reckon good taste has won out over sheer strength when it comes to their townhouse. "Yes a pair of strong muscles is always useful, and we haven't always been able to carry heavy things, but we've been able to get people to do that for us," says Courtney. "But what we've got is a good eye for design and knowing what works, and I think that really shows in our house. We just love it."

Favourite room?

The bathrooms. We girls like to spend a lot of time in the bathrooms and they've both got a real luxurious feel. We like the double chalice vessel basins, the Progetto fittings, the freestanding bath, the honeycomb tiles -- we just love what we have managed to create in both rooms.

What are you proud of?

Using space well. We think we've done a really good job of making the most of every centimetre. We're the only house with a butler's pantry, which is fantastic for being able to hide stuff away out of sight. We also like the walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom, which has lots of space.

Some of your favourite features?

The solar-powered Velux skylights that have rain sensors, so they close automatically and the battery that stores power generated by the solar panels. Plus the house has the best view.

What was your inspiration?

We really like the clean, simple lines of Scandinavian style. We also wanted to make sure that it would appeal to all sorts of buyers, from professional couples to families.

What's your advice to other DIYers?

Stick to your guns. Listen to other people's advice if they offer it but have confidence in your ideas.

SAM & EMMETT

The Purple team: From Wellington, business development manager Sam Cable (29) and HR advisor Emmett Vallender (29).

Sam and Emmett

The key to a successful renovation is a positive attitude and a lot of research, reckon Sam and Emmett. Neither had extensive building experience -- although Emmett was used to doing odd jobs, thanks to growing up on a farm and having a builder for a brother. Design was challenging, says Sam, but having done plenty of research in advance helped to boost their confidence.

"We sat down beforehand to get lots of ideas and find out what people are looking for," says Sam. "Pinterest was great!"

Favourite room?

The master bedroom. It's a great sanctuary, a bit like being on holiday when you are at home. We were very happy to have a walk-in wardrobe, there's a lot of storage space. And we were happy with the en suite -- the tiling and the copper-look taps turned out really well.

What are you proud of?

I'm proud of the whole house -- I think it's great. I was pleased we won a lot of the challenges, but also that Emmett and I stayed friends through the whole thing.

Some of your favourite features?

The wine cellar, dedicated laundry and office space -- or extra half bedroom. It's also great to have the security system, an extra downstairs bathroom and a guest patio.

What was your inspiration?

We wanted to keep things pretty simple design-wise, and invest in big items that would make a difference. It's a functional house and we wanted it to appeal to a variety of people.

What's your advice to other DIYers?

Never be too scared to delegate to the professionals. If you've got someone there who can do a better job than you, let them.

Open homes Saturday August 6, 9am-3pm. All auctions on Sunday, August 14.