While she was on the series, Power became known for her straight-talking advice, no-nonsense approach – and for reining in Bannon’s occasional tendencies to overspend on his designs.
The celebrity quantity surveyor grew up in Waterford and went to Dublin to pursue a degree in construction economics.
She runs her own consultancy, Patricia Power Quantity Surveying and Project Management Practice, and lives in Ratoath, Co Meath, with her husband Barry Shelvin, managing director of Global Home Improvements, and four teenage children.
Power will be appearing at the Ideal Home Show when it returns to Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt from April 24 to April 26. The annual exhibition brings together the country’s leading home improvement professionals and suppliers under one roof to showcase the latest innovations in home building and renovations.
She will be at the show’s DFS Interiors Theatre at 12:10pm on April 25 to advise homeowners on how best to upgrade and invest in their current home for the future.
Was there ever a time you felt broke?
Definitely. During my college years, I remember having to choose between a bus fare to college or food, so I walked! That teaches you the value of money very quickly.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
My car. It’s my office for 50pc of my time, and it needs to be 100pc reliable and comfortable. I’m sitting in my car now answering this!
Do you ever haggle?
I’m not a great haggler, but I would ask for a discount. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!
Can you tell us what was your best ever investment?
Definitely my home – it’s the biggest and best investment of my life to date. I’m very much a homebody.
What would be your biggest financial regret?
I would have always loved a second home down where I grew up. Maybe someday in the future, when I retire.
Do you still carry cash?
It’s so rare that I have cash now. I use my phone for pretty much everything – it’s so much easier when out and about. And all the kids have Revolut.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I would love to be a better saver. I do save for annual goals, like holidays. But it just seems to be never-ending at the moment, with four teenage kids and bills.
Do you have a pension?
Yes. I’ve been contributing to a personal pension scheme since my early 30s. I put it off in my 20s, as funds didn’t allow for contributions and because retirement seemed too far off in the distance to focus on it then. But I would love to have more in my pension. It’s the one area of my finances I dare not touch.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you had to tighten your belt?
My daily coffee, as it’s my essential morning ritual. I’d have to say a Friday night takeaway too, as it’s my reward for a long work week and all those mid-week dinners. And I’d need an annual holiday. I need that time away to properly switch off and recharge. I love the sun.