The Block 2026: Leonie Akhidenor reveals why missed inspections can force contestants to rip work apart

The Block’s frantic build schedule leaves little room for error, with new foreman Leonie Akhidenor warning missed inspections can force completed work to be opened back up. Picture: Nine The Block’s stand-in foreman Leonie Akhidenor has warned contestants against blowing renovation budgets on flashy fittings that future buyers can easily replace. The Melbourne builder said money was better spent on layout and functionality, including kitchens, doors and connections to outdoor areas that were difficult to change later. Ms Akhidenor, who is filling in for Dan Reilly while he is on paternity leave, said expensive lights were among the items renovators could afford to think twice about. RELATED: Ex-Premier Ted Baillieu sells $8m+ Hawthorn home ‘I’m leaving’: Block star storms out over detail $55k Melb home sells after 44 years She said the orientation of kitchen benchtops, access to outdoor areas and the position of doors could be critical to a home’s eventual value because they were difficult to alter once construction was complete. By comparison, a buyer spending millions could simply replace a light fitting they did not like. Ms Akhidenor said flooring, external cladding, render and...