In Week Three of “The Block,” the contestants had their mettle tested both by the stringent requirements of constructing work-from-home spaces and an unexpected deluge of rain.
The storm served as an unplanned variable, separating the prepared from the unprepared, and adding another layer of complexity to an already intense competition.
Gian stood out this week as the contestant who most efficiently managed his budget. The man knows his numbers, and it showed. While others struggled with the balance between extravagance and frugality, Gian seemed to have found the sweet spot.
Steph and Gian, along with Kristy and Brett, had taken the weather forecasts seriously. They were the ones who diligently covered their roofs with tarps, heeding the multiple warnings provided to all contestants. They were prepared for what was coming, and it paid off.
Others, most notably Leah and Ash, adopted a more relaxed approach to the rain warnings. Their casual attitude was summed up as, “everything will be alright.” Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. After Keith called “Tool’s Down” at 5:20 pm on Saturday, the skies opened, and they didn’t close again for quite some time. The result was as predictable as it was heartbreaking. Leaks manifested throughout the properties, with Leah and Ash bearing the brunt of the downpour. A section of their roof in House No.2 actually collapsed under the weight of the accumulated water. Leah was emotionally shattered, her despair evident to all.
Eliza and Liberty and Kyle and Leslie were also affected, although to a lesser degree. The recurring theme was all too clear: the contestants who had dismissed the significance of the weather warnings now found themselves wrestling with the consequences.
Judging went ahead as scheduled on Sunday morning, albeit in a modified sequence.
House No.5, belonging to Eliza and Liberty, was first on the roster. They had managed to finish their space at a cost of $27,051. Shaynna was visibly impressed, expressing her amazement that they had completed the project despite the severe weather disruptions. The judges appreciated the room’s ambiance but criticized the Slim Aarons-styled artwork and the blue wallpaper for appearing cheap and out-of-place.
Steph and Gian followed, presenting their room which had cost them $22,380. Shaynna was particularly taken by their usage of beams, stating that she was now beginning to grasp the couple’s overall vision for their space. Marty agreed, adding that the room had an air of sophistication that was palpable. Darren, initially skeptical about the beams, eventually acknowledged the high quality of the construction.
Kristy and Brett, who had spent $29,919, received mixed reviews. While they had indeed created a work-from-home space, the judges felt that they had taken the brief too literally, resulting in an ambiance more suitable for a corporate office than a suburban family home. Marty particularly pointed out that this room did not gel with their previous design choices, which could be a serious issue for House No.2 going forward.
Leah and Ash had to listen to fairly critical comments from the judges. Despite the couple’s considerable spend of $37,728, the room was seen as problematic for its lack of functionality and for not presenting itself as a bedroom. The judges pointed out that this design choice meant House No.2 would be marketed as a three-bedroom property, a potentially detrimental factor in the sale.
Finally, Kyle and Leslie showcased their budget-conscious room, completed at the cost of $13,917. The judges were impressed by their financial discipline and lauded the consistent styling. The couple’s prudent use of Blockbucks was especially commended, offering a lesson in budget management for the rest of the competitors.
When the scores were tallied, Steph and Gian edged out the competition with a total of 26.5 points, earning them a night at the Sorrento Hotel as part of the Ford Getaway.
WEEK THREE WORK FROM HOME SPACE JUDGING
| Darren | Shaynna | Marty | Total | |
| Kyle and Leslie | 9 | 9 | 8 | 26 |
| Leah and Ash | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 22 ½ |
| Kristy and Brett | 9 | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 24 |
| Steph and Gian | 9 | 9 | 8 ½ | 26 ½ |
| Eliza and Liberty | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 22 ½ |
Leah and Ash found themselves at the opposite end with 22.5 points, adding insult to injury for what had already been a challenging week. Leah was later found in distress, crying in the toilet backstage at Scotty’s HQ.
In an act of benevolence, Scotty reassured the contestants that his team would take care of all water damage repairs, thus removing one stressor from the contestants’ list of worries.
