'We have certain ways we want things done': On site with The Block's foremen, Keith and Dan

It might sometimes seem as if The Block’s two foremen, Keith Schleiger and Dan Reilly, exist on the show simply to create tension and give the contestants a hard time. In reality, their job is a little more nuanced and a lot more important.

Mostly, it’s about quality control and ensuring the integrity of both the buildings and the show.

“Our role is to basically make sure that the contestants and their builders build to code,” explains Schleiger. “And not only build to code but build to our code. We have certain ways we want things done … Dan and I just make sure that’s happening.”

Reilly adds that new contestants often assume they’ll be handed a book of tradespeople to call, when in fact they have to find their own. Tradespeople brought onto the show are sometimes surprised at the standard of work expected.

• The Block 2022 listings are now live, and updated weekly. See them here.

“That’s one thing that catches trades out,” he says. “Some of them don’t have site foremen looking over their workmanship [outside the show], and we find them out. And it’s not a good time for anyone when that happens.”

Contrary to how it may appear on TV, neither Schleiger nor Reilly enjoy having to pull contestants or their tradespeople up on poorly executed work, messy job sites or unsafe conditions.

But the pair say that their scrupulousness is ultimately for the sake of getting the best outcome for everybody – the contestants, the show and the people who eventually buy these homes.

“At the end of the day, all Keith and I are trying to do is just get these houses or these products to the best they can be, for the contestants to sell the most and make the most,” says Reilly.

“They’re expensive homes now … The homes last year sold for $4 million each,” adds Schleiger. “We don’t want people living in them and ringing us up to say, ‘Oh, I’ve got a leak’, or ‘Something’s moved’, or something like that. We take a lot of pride in our build.”

Behind the scenes, the duo will sometimes advocate for the contestants by approaching tradespeople and pointing out that they’re overcharging the contestants or not delivering what they should be.

And there’s actually more bonhomie between foreman and contestant than viewers may realise.

While not all contestants become best friends with the show foreman, as Reilly did, Schleiger says that this year’s season has been particularly enjoyable because he’s formed “great friendships” and forged bonds with the contestants in the difficult conditions of The Block’s first build on acreage.

Reilly, meanwhile, has a soft spot for the contestants because he’s been one himself.

“I’ve obviously been in their shoes before,” he explains. “ I understand the actual stress and pressure that they are under every day, and trying to deliver a room every week is quite stressful. And it’s stressful on your relationship as well, so, you know, I’m empathetic of that.”

Scheliger says it may take a while, but amid the stress and tension of life on The Block, the contestants eventually realise that he and Reilly are on their team and riding the emotional waves with them.

“It’s funny, I caught up with all the contestants … during the week, and they were all thanking Dan and me a lot for helping them get through,” he says. “We want the contestants to finish their rooms off each week. We do what we can do to help them do that.”

“I love seeing structures take place, and I love seeing the vision of contestants come to fruition towards the end and seeing their vision become a product, which then becomes a home,” says Reilly. “That’s probably the most exciting part.”

The latest from The Block

See The Block listings plus recaps, room reveals and renovating advice.

Visit The Block Hub