Season 1

2003 · 15 episodes

In the season that launched one of Australia's most beloved shows, four couples renovate four floors of an apartment block in Bondi.

1Episode 1The four couples are introduced and move into The Block. They randomly draw keys to discover their assigned flat. Everyone is shocked to discover the level of devastation in each apartment. After ripping out horrible old carpets to discover hardwood, one couple finds weak boards...and then termites. An ongoing issue with water leaking from an upstairs apartment creates strife.
2Episode 2Upstairs noise becomes a major issue for the downstairs tenants as there is no carpet or insulation to muffle it. All the couples meet for a body corporate (homeowner's association) resulting in a coup.
3Episode 3Termites are discovered throughout! The tenants begin to spy on each other and renovation turns into reconstruction as floorplans begin to change.
4Episode 4Couples work hard to complete their second room for judging. More division between the upstairs and downstairs tenant develops. Poor communication between the tenants results in near electrocution.
5Episode 5No running water for some and judgment for the next room. More intrigue develops between the neighbors as they continue to spy on each other.
6Episode 6The couples rush to finish their third room to win a bonus. Issues arise when one couple plans to relocate their hot water unit.
7Episode 7Emotions run high as all the contestants juggle renovation with their day job responsibilities. They all take a break from the hard work to see Amity launch her singing career at a bar around the corner.
8Episode 8Emotions run high as all the contestants juggle renovation with their day job responsibilities. They all take a break from the hard work to see Amity launch her singing career at a bar around the corner.
9Episode 9Room four winners are revealed. The front garden and attic spaces are still a point of contention as every dollar must be accounted. Amity's dream of becoming a recording artist move closer to reality.
10Episode 10Work on the final rooms leaps ahead. A couple switches up their floorplan by redoing a room they'd already completed. The couples pull out all the stops.
11Episode 11Judgement on the last room at last. Tempers break and one couple threatens to leave the competition.
12Grand Finale AuctionThis season finale covers auction day and the winners of the real estate challenge.
13Reno Rumble (Part 1)The original four couples from The Block return as a team to compete against designers from other home improvement shows. The 'Reno'vation Rumble pits the two teams against a one week clock to refurbish identical homes to be given to a local childhood cancer charity.
14Reno Rumble (Part 2)Despite the need to cooperate to complete the tasks for charity, one team completely unravels while a trip to the pub becomes a point of contention for the other. One team show much better organization than the other. One team fails to deliver the first four rooms on time, even after negotiating an extension.
15Reno Rumble (Part 3)The teams must deliver their houses complete, including front and back yards. Generous donations from many contributors keep costs so low, that one team actually makes money. Another time extension makes it possible for both teams to finish even though not all team members work the final day. The winners are announced. Families are given the keys to the new homes.

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