First-time homeowner Jeanne Panuczak invests $4,000 into her century-old brick bungalow by upgrading the living room adjacent to the foyer. With help from her friends and guidance from general contractor Adam Berlin, she creates a stunning first impression with restored walls and a new hardwood floor.
Newlyweds Kim and Marc Chaney wisely invest in their $330,000 home by upgrading the dated original kitchen with a more sophisticated motif. General contractor Adam Berlin helps them stay within their $10,000 budget and do most of the work themselves, but will their kitchen renovation translate to increased equity in the end?
Homeowners Sam McGibbon and Lia Matarrese set aside $7500 and target their untamed backyard as the major detractor of their $175,000 home. Battling scorching summer temperatures and occasional sticker shock, Sam, Lia and family members enlist the guidance of a general contractor, Adam Berlin, to help construct a low-maintenance deck and add new landscaping to create a relaxing outdoor living space.
Homeowners Laura and Joel Cantalamessa target the master bathroom of their $380,000 home as the ideal place to invest their hard earned money. With a budget of $5,000, they place a premium on boosting value, but also want to enjoy their results. General contractor Adam Berlin helps maximize the Cantalamessa's dollar as they do most of the work to transform the bathroom into a natural stone oasis.
Dave and Anne Husted set aside $8,000 and target their small, improperly finished basement as an ideal area to add both value and multi-use space to their home. Will a properly finished basement be enough to raise the value of their $295,000 home? With general contractor Adam Berlin helping to maximize each dollar spent, the Husteds save even more money by doing most of the work themselves.
John and Colleen Rauscher's 1970s basement is holding their $265,000 house back. With an $8,000 budget and the help of host Amy Matthews, they roll up their sleeves and bring the basement back to the future. With their livable space doubled, how much will their home value increase?
Most of Matt and Anita Seitz's house is updated and attractive, but their outdated kitchen is dragging down their home's value. They get busy installing a tile floor, hanging new cabinets and replacing their countertops. With host Amy Matthews helping them maximize their $15,000 budget, will their renovated kitchen make their home's value skyrocket?
Ron and Dawn Watson are armed with $15,000 and awesome DIY skills. Add host Amy Matthews to the mix, and they get to work building an outrageous home theater room for him and a home office for her. But will these renovation projects add to the home's value?
The Glenn kids are off to college so Dave and Melanie are on a budget. With only $5,000 to spend and with the kitchen and the family room to renovate, the Glenn’s have to choose the project that will give them the best return on their investment without breaking the bank.
Kim Karsh and her 3 kids are in need of some extra space, and especially an extra bathroom. Can Kim totally demolish her Brady Bunch basement, add 2 bedrooms, a family room and a bathroom and still stay under her $15,000 budget?
Doug and Jeanette Ekstrand and their 3 young kids are in love with their old house, but its old yard is a problem. With some creative thinking, a $10,000 budget and a little help from Amy Matthews, see how they can enhance their home's curb appeal and transform a tired exterior into a great yard everyone can enjoy
The Larneds are ready for a remodeling project but with a baby on the way and a $20,000 budget, will their DIY skills be enough to update their kitchen in time for the due date, and make some dough in the process?
Kim Douglas is a commercial landscape architect; but her backyard could use a little of her expertise. With some help from Amy Matthews, a landscaper boyfriend, and a $10,000 budget, find out if Kim can add a patio, pergola and water feature to create a backyard oasis and still gain home equity.
Kristen and Scott Thomas have a low end budget of just $3,000 and some high end kitchen upgrades in mind. By doing most of their own labor can they make their budget work or will their project break the bank?
Tyler Depew and Tia Pedrett decide that on a $4,000 budget, a garage workshop is a more realistic remodel than refinishing their basement. Will their equity boost make a garage upgrade worthwhile or will this end up as a pet project.
Just about every room in Ted Hagan and Jennifer Martz's turn of the century house is updated, except their galley kitchen. Can they keep their remodel under the cost of their return or will a completely new kitchen send them over their $15,000 budget?
A $50,000 budget is the starting point for Kathy and Aaron Zimmer's addition. But with a luxury master bedroom/bathroom suite in mind, will they be able to keep their renovation within the neighborhood specs or will they price themselves out of the market?
Jason and Laura Dickman have a couple home improvement projects that need their attention. With only $7,000, finishing their basement is out of the question, but by doing most of the work themselves, can they keep a high-end backyard within their budget?
A complete kitchen overhaul is what Heather Watson and Chad Karns need. But will a brand new kitchen and some high-end appliances price this couple out of their neighborhood?
Eric and Lisa Smith make a bold decision to split their master bedroom in two, and struggle to squeeze a full bath into a closet. Can they stick to their $10,000 budget and make this remodel pay off?
Reggie and Victoria Grotewiel purchased a fixer-upper home for a steal! And renovating room by room their first big, and most equity building project, is the kitchen. But with just $10,000 and a quickly approaching wedding, will they be done in time and under budget?
Scott and Kristen Thomas have just $5,000 to turn their cookie cutter master bathroom into a spectacular retreat. But, will adding character cost more than it's worth?
Tim and Dawn Cassaday have big plans for their new house. They can either finish the basement or their yard but with a 12,000 budget, they'll get the most bang for their buck in the backyard building an 800 square foot deck, pergola and water feature.
Steve & Kim Busheff have $60,000 to remodel their 1960's ranch house. But, will it be enough to gut everything and remodel the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen?
Charlie and Julie Buchanan drop more than $20,000 finishing their attic bedroom. But, a surprise mid-construction costs them thousands more. Will their dramatic choices help or hurt the homes value?
Homeowners Eddy Koss and Joan Fanganello are sinking $20,000 into their outdated kitchen. But, delays and complications turn this basic remodeling job into epic challenge.
When Beckie and Aaron first saw their 1930s Cape Cod, they knew they wanted to buy it before they walked in the door. They've already tackled updating the kitchen and the rest of the main floor, as well as the landscaping. The master bedroom is currently dragging down the value of the house so Beckie and Aaron are budgeting $6000 to revamp the dated space. With a good plan and plenty of sweat equity, they might double their investment-and their pleasure.
Kim Bryson has $7000 to spend and a large backyard with lots of untapped potential. Although she'd love to spend time in her yard, it's an ugly embarrassment. As long as she doesn't go overboard, she should see a boost in equity as well as enhancing the marketability of her property.
Todd & Mica Franks have lived in their three-bedroom 1960s rambler for 5 years. Now that their kids are 16, 11 and 5 years old, the house is busting at the seams. An exercise room and fourth bedroom in the basement would provide much needed space as well as add to the home's value and desirability.
Deb and Jerry Jovanovich are game for any improvements and our experts suggest starting on the outside - with an exterior facelift. Not only will Deb and Jerry appreciate the new look, the "first impression" for future buyers is a must. They have a $20,000 budget and are hoping to double their return on investment.
Kelli and Steve Friese have owned their home for 14 years and over time have customized it into their dream home. Only one thing is missing- their newly finished basement lacks a bathroom. Already priced at the top of the housing market in their neighborhood, Kelli and Steve are concerned about overspending and not getting a return on their investment when it comes time to sell.
Andy and Sally Kim have put plenty of sweat equity into their 1990 built home already, including painting, adding a new deck, re-doing a bathroom and finishing a lower level office. They have been planning to renovate their kitchen for two years so that's where they'll put their next chunk of change and sweat. Completely gutting and renovating a kitchen on just $15,000 is a huge task, but the Kim's feel they are up to it.
When Mike Stone's Grandma moved into an assisted living apartment she left behind a fully furnished 1990-built town home with a sea of pink carpet and floral wallpaper borders. Mike was ready to invest his money in a home so he jumped at the chance to own it. Mike wants to make the right updating decisions so he sets it apart from the others-but keeps the expenditures in check so he can get his money back when it comes time to sell.
Christine & Sean moved into their suburban split-level two years ago. They were expecting a baby and the home offered a lot more space. It also offered a lot of 1980s style - which they have worked hard to remove with cosmetic changes. However, cosmetic fixes just aren't enough for the main bathroom, which doubles as the master bathroom, so they are budgeting $8000 to update it.
Justin and Kristin Schaack love the house they purchased a year ago, but when they entertain more than four people, it starts to feel cramped. They've planned to expand their living space into the basement since day #1 and have lots of ideas. However, what they want, what they can afford, and what their neighborhood supports are three different things.
Jeff and Emily Piper bought their fixer-upper 1960's rambler a year ago to accommodate their growing family. They've already completed lots of fixes but are ready to move on to the next eyesore- the kitchen. As avid DIYers, Emily and Jeff are hoping to use a good plan, sweat and their $15,000 budget to substantially increase the value, style and function of their home.
Dan and LeAnn Dow moved into their ranch style house four weeks ago and have been working on it ever since. Most of the work was cosmetic-painting every room, replacing a few appliances and installing new granite countertops. They are now ready to move on to a bigger project - turning the hideous family room into a game room. Dan and LeAnn are avid sports memorabilia collectors and want a great area to display their treasures. They'd like to create a seating area for TV watching, have space for game tables like ping pong and add a wet bar. With $10,000 to complete this project and the ink still wet on the purchase agreement, they better hope they're not over doing it.
Andrea and John Krueger purchased their Cape Cod home in a sought after part of the city just last year. It had great bones, but everything needed updating, so it didn't appeal to the majority of buyers. They took the plunge and so far, they've tackled most of the to-do list. Renovating the upstairs bathroom remains on the must list and they'd also like to open up the enclosed stairway that leads to the second floor. The trick is to do it all for $10,000 - but John and Andrea are confident that they'll stay on budget and increase the bottom line.
When Merry and Joe Clerkin first saw their home, they weren't crazy about it, and most other buyers probably weren't either. The lower level gives a strange first impression of the home and gives no clue to the beauty of the main floor-which is just upstairs. They are ready to turn their bland entry and log cabin room into an inviting lounge area that will be more inline with the updated look of the rest of the home.
Todd & Amy Hase designed and helped build their first home and since the initial completion of the home, they have continued to add equity with a deck, a paver patio and landscaping. With the upcoming birth of their second child, they have decided to finish off their basement to add more living space for this growing family. Since most of their neighbors have finished basements, they're sure that it's a project they'll need to do anyway when it comes time to sell, so they figure they might as well enjoy the improvements while they live there. With a $16,000 budget, Todd and Amy would like to turn the catch-all storage space into a family gathering place complete with a fireplace, entertainment area, exercise room and extra guest bedroom.
The Iikubo's love their 1990 home's location and open floor plan, but hate that it looks much like the typical cookie cutter suburban home. They feel their home has potential but is void of anything that would make their home a stand out in the market. There are multiple areas they would like to update including a bland kitchen and a boring landscape, however, in their opinion the upstairs master bath is on the top of the list. While the bathroom offers good size it is not very practical, and worst of all, it's carpeted! The corner tub is too big to bathe their young son, there is an enormous low hanging chandelier that presents a safety hazard, plus the entire space is worn and dated. They would like to make modifications that fit their lifestyle and sense of design, while keeping in mind the changes that will make the most cents.
James and Kristin have lived in their suburban home for six years. While it has good bones, a large lot and is in a good neighborhood, it is sadly stuck in the 1970's. Their thirty-year old kitchen has almost all of the original features including the harvest gold flooring, countertop and stove. Not only does the U-shape design make anyone in the kitchen feel secluded from everyone else in the eating area and family room but it also makes it seem small and dark. They are ready to spend $18,000 to take their kitchen out of its disco days and are hoping when the room is transformed it will translate into a great space and a greater home value.
Seth and Stephanie Scott were looking for a fixer upper where they could put in some sweat and build their equity. They found that in a 1918 Arts and Crafts style home in the city with beautiful woodwork, hardwood floors that needed refinishing and a large unfinished attic space. They'd like to create a master suite with a sleeping area, lots of storage and a bathroom and have $45,000 to complete the conversion. Finishing this area would increase their square footage by over 50 percent and they hope to see a major increase in value as well.
Amy and Jimmy Luxbacher are very happy with their house, but what they're not so thrilled about is their garage. It's a one stall detached building that's not only small, it's falling down. They want off street parking and some extra storage. The idea is to start from scratch. They've done some research and think that they can get the job done for $20,000 if they do as much work themselves as possible.
Christine Hoffman Steve Sollien are no strangers to sweat equity. After spending four years renovating a dilapidated farmhouse, they put it on the market because the location was just too far out for their jobs. They bought another fixer upper-this time in the city. The location is great and the house has all the features of a beautiful older home - gorgeous woodwork, gleaming hardwood floors and built-ins. They've personalized the interior with paint and are now looking at pumping up the curb appeal. Right now, the house is hideous. With a mix of metal siding and a bad paint job on the stucco, crumbling steps and no landscaping it's no wonder they were able to buy the home for $20,000 less than its appraised value. They're sure that their $7,000 investment will add much more to their bottom line.
In 2002, Mike and Monica Anderson bought a multi-level 1990's home on a spacious lot in the suburbs. The home has been newly resided and looks great from the front, but the backyard is another story. It's a very large square lot with a couple of randomly placed sheds and that's it! The backyard doesn't appeal to the homeowners and certainly wouldn't appeal to any potential buyers and would need some serious upgrades when it's time to sell. Mike & Monica are anxious to turn their yard from a bland, uninviting, blank slate into a fabulous and functional living space that they can enjoy while they live there and cash in on down the road. In the end, the Anderson's hope their backyard transformation will give them a larger return when they eventually sell.
When Abby and Jamey Moeller relocated to the Midwest from New York, their 1200 sq. ft. Tudor seemed huge in comparison to their New York City loft. Fast-forward a few months and the unfinished upstairs space is always on their minds. They've been dreaming of adding two dormers and turning the upstairs into a spacious master bedroom and bathroom. They know that building the dormers is out of their league, but they think they can hire out that work and do all the finishing themselves. After the sticker shock on the project that will be at least $65,000, they forge ahead figuring they can save as much as possible by doing as much as possible. A new upstairs will be sweet and definitely add equity, but do they have all the skills it takes to make this project work-and pay for itself?
When Dean Von Bank bought his 1922 bungalow, it wasn't love at first sight. Coming in at about 1,000 square feet, it had good bones, woodwork that had potential and a two-car garage. However, it needed all the usual updates like refinishing the floors, painting, lighting upgrades - and a kitchen makeover. Fast-forward four years, Dean has made the entire house shine, except for the 1970s kitchen. The stove is a fire hazard positioned right next to the wall, the 70s cabinets look cheap and dated and the wallpaper has to go. Dean wants to create an arts and crafts style kitchen with quarter sawn white oak cabinets, new windows, maple flooring, honed granite countertops and all new appliances. We'll find out if Dean's grand plans really make sense for his pocketbook or if he needs a reality check.
Lann and Christian Briel have lived in their 1950s home for 3 years with kids, Ava, 3 and Jonah 6. They bought their home for its "move in" condition and find it very charming but with their growing family, it's starting to feel a little close. So, they'd like to add a little more "living space" outside and they think adding a $10,000 open-air addition will not only add to their enjoyment-but also to their bottom line. Starting with nothing but a big tree and an overgrown pathway, the Briel's hope to convert the unappealing plot into the perfect backyard bistro. They hope adding square footage in an open-air setting will in turn add equity to their home.
When Gabe Claypool was looking for a house, he called on realtor Casey Oakes for assistance. She helped him find and buy a charming two-story cottage in a great neighborhood. In the process, they also found out that they were a great match and decided to get married. When their house was on the market, buyers all noted it's biggest flaw-three nice bedrooms upstairs, but no bathroom. There's a fourth smaller room upstairs without a closet. The obvious idea is to put a bathroom in that space, but most buyers didn't want to tackle adding new plumbing to a 1918 house. Now, with a budget of $20,000, Gabe and Casey are going to take the challenge head on. It's going to take some major plumbing work to get the room ready for a bathroom, but the Claypools think that they can do the rest themselves and not only add equity, but make it much more attractive to any future buyer.
Jessica Keymer bought her home because of the awesome loft/master suite upstairs. She also loves the open living/dining room and that there is a bathroom on each floor. But Jessica has been living without a kitchen for almost a year since she and her husband gutted the kitchen and then ended up divorcing. With one less income & no help with the labor she was at a standstill. Her current kitchen looks more like a storage room while the dining room has become a makeshift kitchen, where she has a microwave, mini-fridge, and some shelving. Before the kitchen was gutted it was an ugly tourqoise , the cabinets were sloping and the stove was completely broke, etc. In addition to having a functioning kitchen again, Jessica is hoping to boost the value of her home.
Two years ago Paul & Heather Asencio decided to give up apartment and condo living in New York City and invest in a 1930s brick home in the suburbs. Their days of calling the "super" every time something went wrong were officially over. The house was in great shape overall but the big problem is the single car garage. It's filled with lawn and garden equipment, toys, junk and a refrigerator left from the previous owners. The inability to get a car in the garage could affect resale value since on-street parking isn't allowed overnight and there's only room for two cars in the driveway right now. Paul and Heather think they can tackle upgrading the garage on their own. They're willing to put about $8,000 into the project and hope they'll see a return of at least that much when it comes time to sell.
Mike & Leslee Koob have a large collection of wine currently being stored in a pile of boxes. They'd like to create an organized space for the collection and they think they can transform a 7x10 storage room in the basement into a decked out wine cellar for $9,000. The wine cellar would flow well with the great entertaining space that they already have in basement. Not only do the Koob's think that the wine cellar will be that extra room that separates their home from their neighbors, they are hoping it will add some extra money in their pocket when it comes time to sell.
Per and Katherine took a gamble when they purchased an "As is" 1970s walk-out rambler. The deep snow didn't hide the homes outdated decor, but it did obscure the condition of the backyard and swimming pool. Although they have a huge backyard, an 8' fence that's literally falling down encloses the pool area and makes the rest of the yard invisible-and inaccessible. They're aware that a pool can be a drain on the budget and are hoping their $25,000 budget is big enough for their wish list. They think the investment will be something they can enjoy-and when it comes time to sell, it won't need to be listed "as is".
Wade McInroy took the plunge and purchased his first home last year. It was vacant for six years so it's in need of EVERYTHING. Wade knew he'd be house poor for the first year, but now he's ready to start putting some money into boosting his investment. He spent the year watching DIY and has the ambition, the know-how, and the friends to start work. Wade wants to start in the kitchen because he's heard that's one of the best things you can do for your home's value. The budget renovation will include painting the existing cabinet boxes, having a cabinetmaker friend fabricate new doors and making his own granite countertops from a kit.
Adam and Melissa Haviland closed on their four-level split home just 6 weeks before their wedding. They spent that time painting, re-carpeting and trying to update the early 90s decor. However, the pink laminate counters in the kitchen and accents in the bathroom need more than a coat of paint. They want to update the bathroom first because it currently doesn't have a shower. Since the bathroom has plenty of square footage with an odd layout, they think the $11,000 budget and their own hard work will give them a bathroom suite complete with a separate shower, tub and updated surfaces that will appeal not only to them - but to any future buyer.
Girish and Vashalee Ballolla built their suburban home 5 years ago and couldn't be happier with the space. Although the front of the house has plenty of curb appeal - the back is definitely an empty slate. Last year Girish built a very nice deck, but it leads to a bland backyard and the empty space looks ignored and deserted. Since Vaishalee is a yoga instructor, she'd like to build a Zen retreat in the backyard, complete with a water feature, gazebo, slate tile under the deck and lush landscaping. They think that their neighborhood can support their grand backyard plan and if designed properly and executed well they can see 100 percent return on investment.
When Alyese Vierling graduated from college and got her first nursing job, she knew that she didn't want to throw away her money on rent. She dreamed of owning one of the classic homes in town but knew that was out of her budget - until she came across an 1877 Victorian with a double lot, two-car garage and solid bones, however everything else was in desperate shape. The house was an uninhabitable mix of filth and "work in progress". It needs just about everything, but since it was priced $60,000 below value, she jumped at the chance with high hopes and promises of help from her family and friends.
Ben & Jennie Roman bought their 1973 split-entry home three years ago. With very unusable living space in the lower level, their house is starting to feel more like an apartment than a home. Their lower level was considered finished when they purchased the home. All the walls were drywalled & the carpet had been replaced; however all the work was done poorly. The Roman's are ready fix the problems so they can enjoy all the square footage their home offers. The plan is to finish off & update most of the lower level to include a master bedroom suite.
Shane & Janine Mechelke stalked their neighborhood for a year, waiting for the right house to go on the market. Situated just blocks from a chain of scenic urban lakes it's always a hot real estate market. Finally, a 1952 mid-century ranch style home came on the market - and the rest is history. So far, they've transformed the interior of the home with a clean, contemporary style and they'd like to continue that style outdoors. Their plans include: refacing the existing concrete with an aggregate epoxy, adding a patio made of 24 x 24 concrete squares with pebbles between the squares, and building a conduit and cedar contemporary style fence they'll fabricate themselves.
First time homeowner Ryan Maddux was thrilled to purchase his 1964 split level. Although it was terribly outdated, he knew that he could handle the cosmetic fixes it needs to make it make it more livable for him and more desirable when it's time to sell. Next on his to-do list is giving a contemporary makeover to the entryway and living room. He's hoping the updated look will set the tone for the rest of the house and appeal to future buyers.
Zak & Tricia loved their turn-of-the-century two story because of the wrap around porch and the potential it contained. They've lived in the house two years and have saved enough money to do some of the much-needed improvements. The "ivy" bathroom tops the list because it's not only ugly, but it contains a washer and dryer and the washer drains into the tub-which isn't exactly a selling point and is seriously weird. There's a relocation plan for the washer and dryer, which will free up space for a separate shower and tub. The new bathroom will have a contemporary flair with glass tile and a concrete sink.
When Julia and George found their rundown 3,000 sq. ft. Dutch Colonial in a beautiful urban neighborhood filled with charming cottage style homes, they knew it was a moneymaker. They spent the last two years taking down wallpaper and even tearing carpet off the ceiling! They now need to turn their attention to the exterior - the plain white siding, chain link fence and huge untouched yard stand out like an eyesore. They see this project as a service to the neighborhood and hope that it will be a huge draw when it's time to sell.
When Jeff & Lisa Provo bought their 1930s Tudor style home, it needed plenty of TLC to bring it up to date. However, the kitchen needed more than cosmetics to bring them it to speed. The 1960s style kitchen isn't just out of style, it's compartmentalized and not practical. Their makeover plan includes opening up the nook and creating a large open space for a table with banquette seating, installing wood flooring to match the rest of the house, adding white wood cabinets, new countertops, appliances and a backsplash.
John & Jessica were looking for a starter house where they could get in at a low price and hopefully add some sweat to boost their equity. They found a small house that needed the works and for the past six months have been working hard on the floors, walls and even the kitchen. The backyard is next on the list. The steps aren't to code and the raised paver patio was built incorrectly and slopes into the house carrying water right into the lower level windows. They plan to stretch their $12,000 budget by reusing the pavers for a new separate patio, building a wraparound composite deck, painting the house, and adding a screen of arborvitaes and other landscaping elements to bring their home up to code and up to par.
Brian and Collette couldn't let this 1935 fixer upper pass them by when they purchased it just a year ago. They saw a lot of potential in this Tudor-style home and appreciated the space that the 500 square foot attic offered. However, to make it into the master suite that people are looking for today - it would need some improvements. The attic is currently used as their master bedroom but the attached bathroom isn't much to look at. Lucky for them, their attic-bedroom is already finished off and they only have cosmetic improvements to do. With an awkward bathroom floor plan that must be reworked and a sizeable master bedroom to decorate, will their $16,000 budget be enough?
Amy Matthews bought her home years ago because it was in a great location close to walking and biking paths plus the neighborhood also has charming cafes and coffee shops just steps from her home. Amy's two-bedroom 1920s bungalow has been meticulously maintained and offered just enough space. Amy loves the neighborhood and doesn't want to move right now - but needs a little more elbowroom. She'd like to cut the top off the house and add a second story - or make the most of the unfinished 650 square feet of living space in the basement. Because the upstairs addition would be cost prohibitive and might not give the return, Amy will concentrate on making the most of the basement space. Going green will be at the heart of the design as she finds space for a TV room, a bathroom, laundry room and mudroom. We know that Amy can do nearly all the work herself, but is it a good idea to put $30,000 into a basement remodel in a 1,000 square foot house? And will she really see that money back in the end or will the up charge on some of the green products hurt her return?
When Jennifer McDavid purchased a brand new townhome two years ago she figured there would be lots of finishing options to choose from. Unfortunately, the best she was offered was a just a couple colors of boring builders grade materials. While Jennifer plans on living in her townhome for at least another five years, she's wise to think ahead about competing with similar townhomes in her area when it comes time to sell. The top project on her list is the kitchen. She wants to install granite countertops, update fixtures, change out the florescent lighting, add a tile backsplash, spice up the walls with paint and incorporate a decorative flair that her kitchen is missing. She also plans on extending hardwood flooring from the small entryway into the attached dining room and through the kitchen to create consistency. Jennifer is confident that with a budget of $9,000 and her knack for shopping she'll be able to make her cookie cutter townhouse stand out from the pack.
Dave and Carrie Bourland bought their suburban two story four years ago with big plans for giving it all the cosmetic fixes it needed. Now, they've tackled nearly every inch of the house, but haven't totally completed any of the projects. As time has gone on, they've become desensitized to all of the unfinished projects. It's not their dream house and know they'll be moving at some point and that they should finish all their projects so they can enjoy their home now - rather than scrambling to finish everything when it's time to sell because they would lose a lot of money if they had to sell the house "as is. They think $9,000 is more than enough to really finish this house and make it shine.
Brett and Amy Werger weren't serious about moving when they casually stopped at an open house four years ago. But they soon became buyers when they fell in love with all the space the 1968 split-level offered. Over the last few years they've opened up several walls, remodeled a bathroom, updated the fireplace and living area, and added wood flooring throughout their home, giving it a very "current" feel-exactly what future buyers will look for. They want to continue this spacious flow within the rest of their home by expanding the cramped master bedroom suite. They are up to the challenge of another remodel but the expansion would mean removing one of their bedrooms. With 6 bedrooms in their home, Brett & Amy are happy to give one up if it means a more spacious master suite, but can removing a bedroom be a good idea when it comes to resale?
It was a five year search that led Aaron & Cassie to their log home situated on five wooded acres just 25 miles from the city. They aren't ordinary people and they didn't want an ordinary house. They're both University Professors who teach courses on how to integrate technology into K-12 school settings. Since they purchased the 1970's log home as a fixer upper two years ago, they've cleared away brush, replaced the roof, repaired the windows, torn out unfortunate wallpaper and carpet, replaced the furnace and made electrical upgrades. They still want to tackle the main floor bathroom, the master bedroom and the kitchen. Since the kitchen sticks out like a sore 1970s thumb in this charming log home, they're moving it to the top of the list.
Brad and Jennifer Stone purchased their lakeside home six years ago. They really appreciate the water in the warmer months and they take every opportunity to jet ski and go out on their boat. But the Stone family is quickly outgrowing their spacious, but undefined, entertainment room and they would love to update the space to be an area that the whole family can enjoy. Our homeowners plan to transform this spot by creating a new media room and bar for $30,000. With a new media room and bar, they can create the perfect space to both entertain and hang out as a family any time of the year. She's more modern and he's very rustic but they envision Brad putting some of his own elements into the bar. Brad worked as a carpenter in the past and the couple remodeled an entire home together several years ago so they're certainly up to this challenge. But how will future buyers feel about having a bar in this open family space? And can a media room be considered over-personalizing?
It was love at first sight when Nora Passe found her 1926 Bungalow. The new master suite with soaring ceilings, hardwood floors and original woodwork were the things that sold her. She looked past the cramped kitchen, knowing that the pros outweighed the cons. She and her real estate agent boyfriend, Ryan Hansen, figured she could make some money if she brought the kitchen up to speed with the rest of the house. Starting with a $10,000 budget, they plan to open the kitchen to the dining room to create the open floor plan that buyers are after these days. They're both interested in environmentally friendly products and want to be as earth friendly as possible with the renovation. Nora has experience rehabbing another old home and Ryan has made several huge improvements to his own property already, so this couple is up to the challenge of a green renovation. Will they be able to stick to their budget, or will costly eco-friendly products be their downfall?
Kevin and Nicole Murphy had plans to remain in their condo for a few more years...but they saw a lot of potential in an imperfect flip project in a great neighborhood. Originally built in the early 60s, this home was almost finished when the seller ran out of money. The Murphy's stumbled across it and were able to get a good deal in purchasing it from the bank. It's got a few quirks, but one of their problem spaces can be addressed by turning an oddly placed bedroom into a mud & laundry room. Kevin and Nicole are looking to put $10,000 towards making this a usable space instead of an empty room. They would love to tackle their unfinished basement but they don't have the funds to take on such a large project right now. Will adding a mudroom to their home add any value or are they better off saving that money to put towards finishing their basement in the future?
Luke and Courtney Wippler appreciated the charm of their 1910 home when they moved in a year ago. The close proximity to lakes was a great fit for them because they both spend a lot of time outdoors exercising. They've already conquered a major project when building a new 2? car garage on their own but they're not finished yet. While the interior of their home has a polished look the front entry sunroom leaves something to be desired. The outdated doors, linoleum floor and painted paneling make the sunroom a bland, wasted space. Having a $9,000 budget, these homeowners are looking to convert their 3-season porch into something they can finally be proud of and enjoy all year round. These homeowners are sure they will save money by doing most of the work themselves. Though they are not looking to relocate anytime soon, Luke and Courtney are confident that their dollars will be well spent towards creating an alluring first impression for future buyers.
Mark Nelson and Shelly O'Neill are actors who moved from New York to the Midwest-looking for a slower paced lifestyle to raise a family. Their house hunting led them to a home with a huge backyard. Having spent so much time in the city, the yard clinched the deal. They've made countless cosmetic changes to the home that adds to its appeal. However, they need another bedroom for all their out of town guests and the best place to do that is by making the most of the square footage they already have. So the plan is to reconfigure the basement to include a new guest bedroom, complete with egress window and closet. Then, they'll revamp the family room to give it the quality finishes found in the rest of the home and step up the finishes in the dingy laundry room. They have only a $15,000 budget to work with so they may have to stretch their DIY skills to new heights. An additional bedroom and higher quality finishes should add value, but will they stretch their budget too thin and come up short?
Nick & Christine Thompson have a to-do list that includes a main floor bedroom, an upstairs knotty pine bonus room and an unfinished basement. With only $9,000 to spend they think that redoing the top floor bonus room will not only increase the value of their home but it will be a better fit for their lifestyle. This catch-all space from floor to ceiling is equipped with knotty pine paneling and brown linoleum tile to match. Nick and Christine are looking to modernize this room by removing the wood paneling, installing hardwood flooring and adding some built-in shelving & storage to transform this area into a space where they can watch TV, work on the computer, hang out, or where a guest can sleep. Giving this space an updated feel will definitely add equity to their home, but would they be wiser to complete all those unfinished projects on the lower levels first?
His 1970 condo was built 10 years before he was born, but Jed Hirschfeld knew that the outdated space could easily be fixed with cosmetic updates, elbow grease and cash. As a full-time waiter in a high-end restaurant, Jed has been socking away money for two years so he can bring the place into the 21st century. He's thinking that $15,000 will be enough to tear out the weird half wall in the kitchen, upgrade the flooring throughout the kitchen, living, dining room and hall, add new cabinets for the kitchen and a built-in for the living room, plus countertops, a sink, appliances and a backsplash. Jed thinks he's handy enough for the project and he's banking on help from his roommate and go-getter mom to keep the budget on track.
Jesse Johnson & Amy Marolt have remodeled the entire inside of their house, but the outside is so hideous they have yet to invite anyone over to show it off. They've got a $12,000 budget to give their house much-needed curb appeal but they'll have to stretch those dollars as they plan to upgrade or repair every inch of the property including the yard, driveway and exterior siding. Sweat Equity Boost: $50,000.
Small spaces can be challenging and when that small space also floats, it adds a whole new set of obstacles. Houseboat owner Dawn Brodey would like to modernize the interior of the 70s watercraft and up the functionality of her year-round home. She has a budget of $8,000 to create a better layout, add multipurpose furniture with hidden storage and insulate to prevent the pipes from freezing in the winter. Sweat Equity Boost: $20,000
Neal Perbix & Sarah Elhardt bought a house that needs fixed up both inside and out. They've addressed much of the interior space and now would like to add an open porch to the flat front of their home. They only have $10,000 for the addition, so they are hoping they can tackle much of the work on their own. Sweat Equity Boost: $15,000
Rob & Noel Cesena got a steal on a former bed and breakfast that had extensive damage due to two years of abandonment. The plan is to turn it back into a single family home. They have a budget of $175,000 to make the 4,000 square foot 19th century home grand once again. Sweat Equity Boost: $350,000
When Josh and Jessica Lund bought their new home in the exurbs, they thought it seemed picture perfect. However, now that they've lived there a couple years they've discovered its one major flaw. The home features roomy and attractive living spaces, but the cramped laundry room and back entry closet don't offer the storage that most people would expect in a new home. They have a budget of $8,000 to create a large mudroom with cubbies, lockers, lots of counter space for the laundry area and even an apron front sink. Sweat Equity Boost: $20,000
When New Jersey residents Jonathan and Jordana Comito were transplanted to the Midwest they bought a two-story home in the suburbs. The house has nice updates, but the main problem areas are the front and back yards. The old landscape walls that are built out of railroad ties have seen better days, the driveway needs replacing and the backyard looks like an abandoned lot. They want to put their $15,000 budget into the front yard since everyone plays in the cul-de-sac and. The Comito's plan to create a user-friendly area by installing a paver patio complete with a sitting wall, adding a water feature and simplifying the landscaping. They think by doing the work themselves they can stretch their budget and are confident that they'll get quality results that will give them a big return. Sweat Equity Boost: $50,000
Steve & Amy Williams have a townhouse that looks like all the others in the neighborhood - bland. They'd like to upgrade some of the features and make their home stand out to buyers since they plan to move in the next year. With a budget of just $5,000, they'll have to do all the work themselves and try to figure out the best improvements to draw buyers' attention.
The only thing worse than having one outdated pink bathroom is having two outdated pink bathrooms. Bachelor Rob Rieckenberg has updated much of his 50's rambler but the maze of pink bathrooms is next on the hit list. Rob is handy, but with the average bathroom remodel running $16,000 and a budget of just $10,000 for two bathrooms, he's definitely got his work cut out for him.
Dan Spengler & Amy Fox have a modern home in an ideal location but their backyard is less than ideal. Their first joint home improvement project is to bring the backyard in line with the standards of perfection set on the inside. With just $14,000 to make it happen, can they keep their expensive tastes from ruining any chance to build equity?
Jack Sutton & Emily Burton have two big projects on their wish list - an updated lower level and a new garage. But the garage has to come first since they need to create more storage space for the stuff that's in the basement. Their current garage is in shambles so the whole thing is coming down and in its place will be a more spacious structure with a second story dedicated to storage.
When Heather Brown's parents decided to say good-bye to their hot tub, she and her husband Tim inherited it. However, that little windfall has snowballed into a backyard renovation that's bound to cost the Browns a whole lot of money. The plan includes a two-tier cedar deck built around the hot tub with an adjoining circular patio and firepit. Tim has experience deck building, which is another plus. However, designing around a hot tub could put a kink in the numbers and that could mean disaster for any equity building plans.
Amber Hoang and Bihn Tran were renting in the neighborhood when a 1980s two-story home caught their eye. The price finally dropped and they snapped it up. The house was unkempt and in need of some major care. They started outside by removing the dilapidated swimming pool and creating a beautiful landscape. Then, they moved into the lower level, refinishing it with a sleek contemporary style. Now, they're ready to do something to the kitchen. They've already bought new appliances and have a nice wood floor, but the 1980s style cabinets and traditional rail separating the eating area and family room have to go. They'll reconfigure the bad cabinet layout and bring in contemporary style.
When Christine Matthews bought her first house, she knew she'd be relying on her family for help. Since big sister Amy is a licensed contractor, dad is Mr. Home Improvement and mom is a master gardener, they can handle it all. Christine will need the help because the 1920s bungalow needs a new bathroom, a finished basement and a landscape makeover. Christine wants to start in the backyard that currently is nothing but overgrown grass and weeds. The yard slopes toward the garage and that needs addressing. Dozing and leveling the yard and adding drainage are essential. The key is keep the yard low maintenance because Christine is young, single and doesn't want to be tied to yard work, but still wants it to look great.
As a real estate developer himself, Ryan Deible knew a good deal when he spotted his 1980's built suburban home located adjacent to a wildlife preserve. He started a number of projects in the house, but has yet to fully complete them, and he has an additional list of items to repair and replace. He's set aside 5 grand to knock out his list including repairing the cedar shake roof, patching & sealing the driveway and garage floor, painting the exterior trim, and replacing the last remnants of the 80's that are lingering inside his home. Sweat Equity boost: $15,000
New homeowners Griffin & Trinara Sonstegard just bought the ugly duckling home in a beautiful neighborhood. They have fifteen thousand dollars and a big plan to transform their home's bland and worn-down exterior with outdoor rooms and boosted curb appeal - but they only have three weeks to make it all happen. With the help of licensed contractor Amy Matthews, their home will make a startling transformation. Sweat Equity Boost - $35,000.
Living just steps from a lake was the dream for Jeff and Heather Johnson when they relocated from California to the Midwest. And now they want to renovate their basement and add the perfect entertaining kitchen so they can get the most out of their lake experience and have an all-inclusive living space for their frequent out-of-town guests to stay.
When buying their first home, newlyweds Ryan and Erin Carter knew they wanted to live in their hometown. Ryan is a professional hockey player and spends half of the year away from home, so low maintenance was key. However, they never imagined that their unfinished backyard would be such an issue. Their house sits at the bottom of a steep hill. Ryan and Erin want to fix the landscape and the privacy issue. Plus they need to address a questionably dangerous egress window that seems to be just waiting for someone to fall into it. Ryan is handy and because it's the off-season he has time to spare, and plenty of friends willing to help. We know that a good landscape job can return 100-150 percent and if the Carters keep their project in check they're hoping to achieve that. With dreams of enlarging the backyard with a retaining wall, a patio, deck, fire pit other cool design elements, and the need to go low maintenance, will they go too far?
When Mindy married Jeff and had to move into his house, she cried because it was so ugly. The 1950s split sits between two identical homes. Jeff says guests sometimes go to the wrong house because they all look the same. Inside, the house is solid but could use updates throughout. Outside, the lack of curb appeal makes them cringe when they pull up to their home. We're bringing in a designer who works on high-end homes to give Jeff and Mindy a plan to make their house look like a million bucks, but on a budget of just 24 grand.
Homeowners Erin and Toby bought the ugliest house in the best neighborhood. Licensed contractor Amy Matthews jumps in to renovate the exterior and pump up the lake views-and builds some serious equity in the process. Sweat Equity Boost - $40,000.
Nick & Jessica have a 1920's craftsman bungalow that has been meticulously kept up over the years - except for the dated kitchen. The only advantage it has currently is that it is quite large, but they need more storage and counter space and some major changes to the layout. They've had their kitchen remodel on hold for a couple years, but once their faucet stopped working they figured it was time to bite the bullet and make a major overhaul. Sweat Equity boost - $35,000
Drew and Jen Tarara bought their early-1990s suburban house because of the large rooms and finished basement. As roomy as the house is, the place is missing a mudroom, so the plan is to close off the entryway from the front door and tear down the wall from the laundry room to the hallway to open the space up and expand it out. Since the mudroom has become the workhorse of the American home, these homeowners are hoping that future buyers will see the benefit, too, and the hard work will pay off now - and later.
Licensed contractor Amy Matthews tackles a Bavarian-style house and helps homeowners transform a bathroom and bedroom into a luxurious master suite. Sweat Equity Boost - $40,000.
Identical twin homeowners Josh and John want to renovate their chopped-up basement. Licensed contractor Amy Matthews leads the charge to tear down walls and install a state-of-the-art man cave for the bros-all with a budget of $25k.
John and Sarah Young dreamed of living in the same treelined neighborhood where John grew up. But the 1930s Tudor they could afford was in desperate need of help. They've updated most of the main floor, but there's still the tiny (and ugly) 1960s kitchen left to tackle. The plan is to tear down the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent dining room and create a killer kitchen with white Shaker-style cabinets, a center island, Silestone countertops, subway tile and all new appliances. Best of all, they're carving out a little space for a powder room, which they're hoping will be both convenient and a good investment. They've got $35,000 to spend and are hoping for a 100 percent return.
Lisa and Mic O'Brien bought their 1930s home for one reason--it's located in one of the top school districts in the state. After renovating nearly every inch of the house, the hodgepodge basement stands out like a sore thumb with its crumbling walls, asbestos tile and drafty fireplace. They use the space every day for exercising and as a playroom for their son. Amy is going to help this couple turn the space into a home gym that's on par with the rest of the house. A rubber floor that looks like slate, custom cabinets, new windows, recessed lights, fresh walls, a mix of marble subway tile for the fireplace surround and gas fireplace insert, two TVs and some new exercise equipment will turn the space into a dreamy home gym that will make these homeowners rush to their workouts. Sweat Equity Boost: $19,000
Merhawit and Nabil Ghebre looked at almost 100 houses before they found "the one." They bought for the quiet suburban neighborhood, mature trees and curb appeal, but the 1979 decor throughout needs to go. The kitchen is on the chopping block for this renovation. But Merhawt likes traditional and Nabil likes contemporary style, so Amy and the crew will find some middle ground and redo the entire space on a $17,000 budget. With a Brazilian Tigerwood floor, clean-lined cabinets, granite countertops and new appliances, this renovation will need every penny. Sweat Equity Boost: $30,000
Chris and Jen Reynolds have been upgrading their home--a 1970's ex rental unit--piece by piece over the last 3 years. However, with the recent addition of their baby son Jack, they plan on converting their empty basement space into a spa-worthy bathroom. Will they be able to complete the project for six grand and also get a boost in equity? But more importantly will they finish in time for Grandma Reynolds's visit from the UK?
Amy and Tony Carr's 3-level home has an appealing layout and a great location on a cul-de-sac. But its cookie-cutter construction means it won't stand out to potential buyers. They don't plan to sell anytime soon, but they want to add value to their home while making the space more comfortable for their large family. They must decide if they're going to focus on interior upgrades to give the home some pizzazz, or invest in bigger ticket items like new windows or a roof.
Mat & Leslie Edstrom had a few good reasons to buy their 1930s home with a big lot 8 years ago. The property has an outbuilding that Mat could use as a studio for his photography business, plenty of acreage for exterior shots and a charming house that they could continue to upgrade for their needs. Now that their two young boys are 'tweens', they need more space for the kids and want to turn the tuck under garage into family space with a mudroom/TV area & pool table area. As they expand the space to join with the existing basement, they upgrade the gym, laundry room and part-time bedroom. The budget is $35K and they plan to do as much as possible in order to stay on budget and hopefully pocket an equity boost.
It's a good thing that Jen & Jason Armstrong are handy because their split level house needed some love when they bought it. The apartment style laminate cabinets in the kitchen and outdated everything sits like a big eyesore in the middle of the house. The plan: To give the entire space a "Hollywood Regency" style to glam it up. On tap: Custom armoire style cabinetry, which will immediately give it an elegant look. We'll install wood flooring in both the kitchen & great room area.. Innovative magnetic leather floor tiles will surround the new kitchen island, giving the space a soft texture on the feet. Waterfall granite countertops, updated appliances, and LED lighting will finish off the new space, giving it just the right amount of glamour. Hopefully they'll not only get an awesome kitchen, but a nice bump in equity.
Marc and Lisa Stingley moved into their 1980's rambler six years ago. Lisa's a die hard DIY'er so they've updated almost every room of the home. But now that the family has expanded to include their daughter Langston, the house is starting to feel a little cramped. They don't plan to move, and must decided if they're going spend money on high end finishes in the kitchen or build an addition connecting the garage to the rest of the house.
Sabrina and Drew Ely supersized their living space when they left their 700 square foot downtown condo for a four bedroom home in the suburbs. This new construction home came in great shape, but the unfinished basement and backyard need serious shaping. Although the guest realtor feels finishing the basement will be the bigger equity bump, what these two really need is a backyard. They design and build a two level deck and lower patio, complete with high-end splurges and surround landscaping. In a community of boring backyards, this deck masterpiece will definitely stand them apart.
Liz & Joe Sheeran were happy to buy a move-in ready house in a sought after urban neighborhood. The picture perfect two-story house only had one sore spot-the dungeon-like basement. They want to create some livable space in the lower level, but don't want to break the bank doing it because they're not sure how long their jobs will keep in this city. With an $8,000 budget, their goal is to work with the exposed rafters and ductwork and create an industrial style basement that will enhance their lifestyle and hopefully boost their bottom line. But can that small budget get them any return?
Jared and Jane have created a comfortable vibe in their suburban split-level home. They love to entertain, but their big backyard is a bust: a tiny concrete patio, a chain-link dog run, and an elevated deck with no connection to the yard and storage tucked underneath. It all adds up to an eyesore. Our expert agrees: to bring this home up to the value of those around it, Jared and Jane have to bring the interior charm of their home outdoors.
In 1957, Alcoa Care-free homes designed a 1900 square foot home constructed completely of plate glass, framed by aluminum and supported by posts that were clad in aluminum. Today, only a few of these Alcoa homes remain in anywhere near their original form. Whitney and Robert McChane didn't mean to buy a piece of history, but now that they did, they're intent on keeping it as close to original as possible. With the help of Host Amy Matthews and a savvy real estate agent, they'll help the McChanes make the right restoration choices so they get the biggest bang for their 20k budget.
Tom and Constance Campbell are avid Diyer's, which is a good thing because their 1950s ranch style house needed plenty of work. Covered with pink, both inside and out, they've made plenty of neutral updates. But the pink bathroom and pink-toned exterior still need to go. Even though the house has those glaring sore spots, the couple really wants to turn the makeshift gym in their garage into a full-blow industrial style gym. Where should they put their $12,000 renovation dollars? Find out!
Kerry & Kate Hage are recently married... and when Kate moved into Kerry's 1960's bachelor pad rambler, she wanted to make it actually feel like a home. Kate has a laundry list of projects for the house... But the main priority is the kitchen. They are going for a cottage beach design with pebble tile, lots of bead board and light, bright colors. Since they are on a budget, they also want to do it all themselves and also plan to reuse the cabinetry.
Brittany & David moved into their home just a year ago & only had to do a bit of decorating to make it complete. But, their backyard is a jungle. But, they plan to stay in their home awhile so they'd like to make the backyard a place for them to live - while also boosting their potential equity down the line.
Monica Moses and John Reinan had no trouble updating their mid-century ranch style house with high contrast contemporary design. The main projects left to tackle: the swamp-like backyard and the chaotic, poorly finished basement space that Monica uses as an art studio. The swamp is an immediate red flag for future buyers, but a remodeled art studio will give them additional square footage that will up the value of the home. With no plans to sell for many years, where should they invest their $20,000 budget? Will they get a nice return on investment, or just a lifestyle boost? Find out!