Entertainment
Can you apply to DIY SOS? Here’s how
Can you apply to be on DIY SOS? (Picture: BBC)
The heartwarming and, often, life-changing show DIY SOS has carried out a number of transformations since it first began over 20 years ago.
The series sees Nick Knowles, who has hosted the show since its inception, and a crew of his team and local volunteers transforming the homes and lives of people across the UK.
Finales of the show often leave participants and viewers in floods of tears with emotional tales of the impact the project has had on them – though it doesn’t always quite go to plan.
In October, filming for the BBC series took place in Bristol, where the team and volunteers undertook a 10-day playground makeover project after it was vandalised.
If you’re keen to be a part of the show, whether its for a home transformation or volunteer, we’ve got everything you need to know.
How to apply for DIY SOS for a free renovation of your home
DIY SOS welcomes applicants throughout the year, and you can apply yourself to be on the show or nominate someone else who needs help with their home renovation.
There’s an easy online form to fill in on the BBC website, which takes you through the application steps.
Community project applications are also welcome if there’s a community group project that needs ‘large structural changes to their property’.
Participants pay no costs towards the building work or materials.
If your application is chosen, Nick Knowles and his team could transform your home (Picture: BBC)
However, there are a few rules and guidelines, with the website stating: ‘If you’re a homeowner, or know of a homeowner, who’s had a change in circumstances that means you now require major building work to your property, then we may possibly be able to help.
‘The winning team of Nick Knowles, Billy the Spark, Chris and Jules and Irish charmer Mark are all here to try to help and would love to hear from you.’
And, it seems the bigger the task, the more likely you are to get chosen as an applicant.
It continues: ‘We’re not looking for projects that only involve painting and decorating a few rooms.
‘In previous episodes we’ve built single and even double-storey extensions, we’ve installed wet rooms, stair lifts and completely renovated and redesigned homes from the garden to the loft.’
In the application, you’ll need to outline what the your or the homeowner’s situation is in up to 200 words.
If you’re applying as an individual, you must be a UK homeowner of a private residence and own one single property.
How to apply as a volunteer on BBC’s DIY SOS
There is no official way to apply as a volunteer on BBC’s DIY SOS. However, you can be chosen to participate last minute.
Your best chances of being chosen as a volunteer on DIY SOS is by following the official Twitter page @DIYSOS and keeping an eye on their tweets for a project near you.
The show’s host, Nick Knowles, also put out a request for help on Twitter, so it would be worth following him too if you’re keen to take part in any future projects in your area.
If you fancy getting your DIY on, keep an eye out for volunteer requests for the show (Picture: apomares via Getty)
On October 24, the page sent urgent tweets calling for volunteers to help with specific aspects of the renovation project they undertook in Southmead, Bristol.
The tweets read: ‘CALLING ANY FREE DECORATORS!
‘We are very low on numbers at our build in Southmead, Bristol today. If anyone is able to even come along just for a few hours it would be massively appreciated!’
They also tweeted: ‘CALLING ALL LANDSCAPERS, CARPENTERS, GENERAL BUILDERS IN THE BRISTOL AREA!
‘We are in DESPERATE need of you!’
MORE : DIY SOS star Julia Kendell shares her top ten kitchen design tips
MORE : Nick Knowles to keep DIY SOS job after facing axe over Shreddies advert
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
