When the BBC’s DIY SOS team came to Southampton to transform a family’s home, Storage on Site was proud to join hundreds of other local businesses and volunteers to help with the build.
The team were called in to help the Ahmed and Rifat Ali, and their three children, who had been left in an incredibly difficult situation after their home extension went wrong. Having spent their savings on work that was never safely completed, the family were left unable to use much of their home and were living upstairs, cooking in a bedroom and unable to access their garden. With the help of DIY SOS, the project set out to rebuild not just their home, but their sense of normality and their trust in the construction industry.
From the early stages of planning through to the big reveal, we provided a range of containers and offices to support the production and on-site operations. Our units helped keep the fast-paced build running smoothly, providing essential space for tools, equipment, and the hardworking crew.
This wasn’t just any building project. Set to be completed in just seven days, the build relied on the skills of hundreds of local tradespeople and suppliers to get the work done in record time.
On-Site Support For The Build
To help the production team and volunteers stay organised, we supplied:
- 2 x stacked offices for producers’ use
- 1 x 20ft x 8ft container
- 2 x 20ft x 8ft racked containers with electricity points
- 2 x 20ft x 8ft containers
- 2 x 10ft x 8ft racked containers with electricity points
These units became home to everything from PPE and Billy the Electrician’s tools, to equipment used throughout filming.
Getting Stuck In
Having supported behind the scenes, our team couldn’t resist getting hands-on when the build began. On Day 1, Julie and Libbie joined an incredible group of 200 local volunteers, rolling up their sleeves to help with everything from shifting bricks and clearing rubble to dismantling fencing. Their enthusiasm summed up exactly what DIY SOS is all about – community spirit, teamwork, and a shared goal of making a real difference.
”Seeing the number of volunteer tradespeople come together on Day 1 of the build was amazing. The family have been through such a difficult time, and being able to play a small part in making their house a home again is really special.
Libbie MaloneMarketing Manager
The Big Reveal
Yesterday, we were thrilled to return to site for the emotional big reveal. Seeing the family step into their newly transformed home for the first time was a moment to remember, and a powerful reminder of how much can be achieved when a community comes together.
We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in such a meaningful project and to support the DIY SOS team.
