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Posted on 09/05/2018

Chiara and David fly Perth renovation flag in House Rules 2018

Chiara and David fly Perth renovation flag in House Rules 2018

Perth couple Chiara (32) and David (38) show no signs of trepidation when it comes to living their life.

There was no fear when David made a spur of the moment decision to drive the Nullarbor and move to Perth one night, nor when he hit a Northbridge nightclub the day he arrived and falling in love at first sight with Chiara.

But what did stop the pair, who married in 2011 and have three children, was when they decided to renovate their first home which they bought in 2013 and had no money.

“We bought an older house, which was the only thing we could afford,” Chiara said.

“After moving in things started falling apart. The bathroom walls got more and more water damage, the kitchen bench was lifting and the cupboard doors were falling off.

“When we went to the bank to borrow some money to fix it up we got knocked back.

“I saw the ad to apply for the new season of House Rules and thought ‘What have we got to lose right now?’. The kids are quite young but I was sure they’d be OK. I’m so blessed to have my mum looking after them.

“It’s short term sacrifice for long term gain, so we entered and were lucky enough to be selected.”

With no renovation experience, hairdresser Chiara and FIFO warehouse officer David are representing WA in House Rules 2018, hosted by Johanna Griggs.

The show follows seven teams as they hand over the keys to their home and leave the opposition to transform it, guided by only five house rules.

David said their experience so far had been a relationship builder.

“We haven’t spent this much time together during our whole relationship,” David said.

“I’ve worked away on the mine site pretty much since day one of being together with Chiara.

“We’ve grown as a couple and leant a lot more about each other which has made us even closer. Chiara is my rock and we never filter how we’re feeling.”

Chiara said there had been ups and downs and House Rules 2018 had been “a tough love situation”.

“There are times where I’ve wanted to kill him and other times where I love him to pieces,” she said.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride. There have been negatives and positives along the way, which I’m sure everyone will get to see on the show.”

House Rules 2018 screens on Channel 7 from May 7.

Chiara and David’s tips for surviving a renovation with your partner:

  • Learn each other’s boundaries and when you have to push them or support them.
  • Listen to your partner, even though you think you might have the best idea.
  • Bounce ideas off each other.
  • Play to your strengths and know your weaknesses and when to ask the other for help.
  • Pick your battles.