The 2023 winner of The Block has weighed in on this season’s persistent budget blowouts, as fans and contestants continue to scrutinise just how much they’re spending on the build.
As a refresher, the current season of The Block is home to more than a few teams who have consistently gone over budget in the delivery of their rooms. The biggest overspending culprits are Courtney and Sev, who have been dealt multiple warnings from Scott Cam over how frequently they’ve exceeded their budgets in order to secure a room win.
Fellow teams like Adam and Jolene and Chantel and Wyatt have likewise outspent the suggested weekly amount across various rooms, with the pattern coming to the forefront during the Main Ensuite room reveals. Despite exceeding their budget by almost $16,000, Chantel and Wyatt came second to Lisa and Rosco, who went just $8,000 over budget.
The Block winner questions contestants over “leaking money”
Lisa and Rosco’s win, while staying closer to the constraints of the budget, has led some to question whether the teams’ constant overspending actually earns better results. One person weighing in on that question is Steph Ottaviano, who won the 2023 season of The Block alongside her husband, Gian.
Reacting to both Lisa and Rosco and Chantel and Wyatt’s Main Ensuites, Steph said she found it difficult to tell which team had spent more money. “It doesn’t even look like it. You can’t tell,” Steph told News Corp of Chantel and Wyatt’s overspend. Steph went on to say that the discrepancy should force the couple to take a look at where and how their money is being spent, and whether their splash-outs will actually yield visible results.
“Where are we leaking money, and how can we be saving?” Steph said. Offering more budget advice, Steph warned contestants against splurging on expensive pieces simply to check the luxury box. “It’s not about just ticking the box of, ‘I’ve got a fireplace in my room.’ It’s actually about having the spatial layout that actually complements it and works,” she explained.
“Otherwise, you may as well not spend the money if you haven’t executed it correctly.”
Budgeting is a major flashpoint on this season of The Block
The Block winner’s advice comes as budgeting remains a heated talking point among both the 2026 teams and the fans. Courtney and Sev have been accused of playing an “unfair” game by spending far more than their competitors, with concern mounting that they might run out of cash before their house is complete.
Budgeting again caused a stir earlier in the season, when The Block’s production team infamously miscalculated Chantel and Wyatt’s spending and very nearly caused them to quit the show. Whether or not the teams’ budgets remain intact is yet to be seen, but here’s hoping some of them take Steph’s advice and invest wisely — or risk an unfinished build.
The Block airs Sunday – Thursday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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