Two tradie bros are returning home $100,000 richer this week after taking out the top prize in Chanel 7’s latest renovation show, Dream Home.
Queensland-based brothers Rhys and Liam Almond were one of six teams going head-to head in the renovation reality contest, with each competitor tasked with transforming a run-down Deception Bay property into a million dollar mansion.
After a full season of tight competition, only three teams remained in the shows season finale – leaving the boys, Lara and Peter and Taeller and Elly to battle it out for the top spot while the failed contenders sat in the judges chair.
While the remaining teams brought their A-game for the penultimate episode, the boys cemented their win and wowed judges with a stunning tropical backyard reno, scoring an impressive 37.5 out of 40 to take home the prize money.
“Boys, I felt like I’d stepped into a complete oasis. You absolutely created a tropical dream out there, perfect for a Queensland setting,” Lana Taylor of Three Birds Renovations described it.
Buyers’ agent Simon Cohen added that the “whole separate living area” was “a massive tick for any family home,” while interior designer Rosie Morley told them the layout all “worked in harmony”.
Runners-up Lara and Peter were so close yet so far with their Mediterranean-inspired backyard pool area, garnering a score of 37 from the judges.
Speaking to 7news.com.au in the wake of their win, Rhys said he and his brother had put in everything over the course of the season.
“Liam and I put everything into this. It’s gonna be life-changing and it means the world to me.”
“Can’t believe that we did it,” Liam added as the cast grouped around the pair to celebrate with them.
The boys said the “life changing” $100k would afford the pair some well-earned time with the family.
“We’re looking to sell our current renovated home on the [Sunshine] Coast to buy a new renovation project, and I’m planning to spend some much-needed family time without the stress of bringing in some income for a little while,” said Rhys.
“Taking $100,000 off my mortgage is going to be life-changing for myself and my family,”
“That means the world to me.”
“We’d like to find another reno (renovation) project and also just focusing on our next milestones in life, like getting married and having another baby,” added Liam.
While a bit of extra cash doesn’t hurt, Liam said the real prize was the “once in a life time” opportunity to reunite with his brother in the hard-fought competition.
“Rhys and I are mates, but we got to be brothers again, living under the one roof,” he said.
“Doing this with Rhys was one of the most meaningful and exciting things about the competition.
“We’re coming away from this very proud of every moment, and we’re both walking away as winners.”
