Last night's episode of The Block: Tree Change left many of us stunned when Omar and Osman (Oz) were served a major penalty for breaking one of the show's key rules.
The best friends from western Sydney impressed the judges with their living room renovations. However, despite the luxe decor and finishings to transform the space in House 5, Omar and Oz landed in hot water due to a money issue.
When judge Shaynna Blaze noticed a baby grand piano on display which usually retails at $36,000, she questioned how the team managed to afford this because they hadn't won any prize money or allowances that would've allowed them to make the hefty purchase.
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"Do you remember last week I was saying in the kitchen, I was a bit worried about where they’re getting the money from? And now we’ve got a baby grand… they’re not winning every week," she told judges Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer.
When it came to announcing the scores, host Scott Cam grilled Omar and Oz, saying, "I'm with her boys, how are you affording this piano? I know what they retail for".
Omar revealed the pair nabbed the piano for just $7,500 — which ultimately exposed them to breaking a big rule on The Block.
Cam reminded all of the contestants that they are only permitted to land a discount of no more than 50% on any trade goods. This meant that Omar and Oz were penalised with a three-point deduction from their total score.
The incident has since sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with viewers wondering what the rules of The Block are, and if they're consistent every season.
So the mirror that Sharon and Ankur bought for the $100 challenge that was valued at $750 by the seller, does that meet the 50% of retail price criteria? Just checking? @TheBlock @Channel9 @9Now
— Aidan Regan (@aidanjregan) September 25, 2022
Its a knee-jerk reaction to the piano situation, the boys should have brushed up on the rules, but if the retail price is $36k then that is that, regardless of how old, used etc it might be #TheBlock
— oneregperson (@KoalaJayne) September 25, 2022
This show is getting beyond ridiculous. Rule 3?! Wtf have never heard this before. If they got it cheap, that's their bonus. That's strike 2 to this show #theblockau #theblock
— John (@jpthepower) September 25, 2022
What Are The Rules On The Block: Tree Change?
To put minds at ease, here's a rundown on what the rules — even those that are more often unspoken of — actually are:
— All trades must be paid the award rate.
— All trades must be inducted.
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— No help from any outside designer.
— All painting must be done by contestants.
— No more than 50% discount on any trades goods.
— No working ahead.
— No power tools after tools down.
— No power tools on Sunday or public holidays.
Omar and Oz are one of five pairs competing on the show's 18th season in Gisborne South in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges. The other teams are Sarah-Jane and Tom, Dylan and Jenny, Sharon and Ankur, and Rachel and Ryan who replaced Elle Ferguson and Joel Patfull. You can also read more about the 2024 season of The Block here.
The Block: Tree Change continues tonight at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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