House Hunters Renovation - Season 3 / Year 2014

Wisconsin couple Lori and Cory have their heart set on purchasing a vacation home in the Hollywood Hills. Lori is hoping for something with a beachy feel, while her husband Cory is more interested in a mid-century modern style house. They are eager to do renovation, which is a good thing since the place they purchase needs a total overhaul. However, they quickly realize that managing a whole house renovation from across the country is easier said than done. And even though living in another state has its challenges, watch as they transform the space into the vacation home of their dreams.

Thousand Oaks, California couple Matthew Chrstina are ready to upgrade from condo living and get more space for themselves and their four young daughters. Christina grew up in Texas and wants a big home that looks like it came from the pages of a design catalogue. Matthew prefers a California ranch style home with some bohemian character. Since their styles differ so drastically, finding a house that suits both of their tastes is not a small task. Once they agree on a home, Matthew and Christina immediately begin updates in just about every room, but their main project space is the master suite. They've never had one to themselves, and they make it a priority to create an oasis that is just for them.

Married couple Fiona and Alex are ready to sell their condo and upgrade to a single family home. Fiona has her heart set on a place with charm and character, while Alex wants a clean and modern space. Since their styles differ so drastically, finding a house that suits both of their tastes is a tall order. Complicating matters is that Alex wants to keep renovation to a minimum, while his wife is eager to get her hands dirty with construction. Once they purchase a place, Fiona convinces Alex that a renovation is in order, and they immediately embark upon redoing the back half of the house, including a total overhaul of the master suite and guest bathroom. Watch as this young couple turns an outdated space into a perfect blend of her charm and his modern style.

With the birth of their first baby, Sarah and Skye have outgrown their current Mar Vista, CA home. They both love Spanish style and are looking for a place they can fully customize. Having renovated their current home themselves, they prefer if their new house needs a little work so the can make it their own. Once they purchase a place, the two embark upon an extensive and total re-do of the house. With renovation comes stress, and for Sarah and Skye the biggest problem is timeline: they can't list their current home for sale until the new one is complete and they can move into it. But when you're doing a whole house makeover, that is easier said than done! In spite of the time crunch, watch as the house transforms into a chic and dramatic mediterranean showcase home.

Engaged couple Ron and Gwen are looking to buy their first house together. Gwen is hoping for a ranch style home with vivid pops of color, while Ron prefers the Cape Cod look from his childhood on the East Coast. He also wants the space to be sleek and modern. Once they purchase a place, the two tackle updating it to their own styles. They quickly realize that between planning a wedding and renovations, managing stress levels can be a challenge. Luckily, Ron's parents lends a helping hand with the work as they undertake improving the master, backyard, dining room, and living room. Watch as this young couple turns their outdated space into something they're proud to call their first home together.

Anastasia and Eric have outgrown their rental house in Orange County, California and are ready to buy a place of their own. While they'd both like something with vintage charm, Eric still wants the space to be modern; his wife is more concerned that it be single story since she's afraid of tripping on stairs. Once they purchase a place, they immediately embark upon extensive renovations, including an total overhaul of the outdated kitchen. Early in the process, however, Anastasia has to learn to manage her expectations when things don't go exactly as planned. Watch as this couple overcomes the challenges of living through a renovation, and see the great payoff as their beautiful new space comes together.

Los Angeles, California couple Robert and Nathan are ready to upgrade from their small guest house and buy a place of their own. While they're excited to buy something, agreeing on what they want isn't easy; Robert wants a charming, granny chic vibe to their new house, while Nathan is all about modern. It takes some searching, but they finally agree on a house that works for both of them. Once they get the keys, they waste no time updating it so that it's a blend of their two styles. First up is an extensive overhaul of the kitchen; with Robert overseeing the renovations, tensions run high when he begins to second guess the work of the construction team. Watch as in spite of a few bumps along the way, Robert & Nathan transform their first place into their dream home.

Meghan has been living with her twin sister Lauren while she begins the process of looking for her own place to buy. Eager to find the perfect starter home, Megan is looking in the Leimert Park neighborhood of L.A., where she grew up. In addition to wanting to live close to her family, she's only interested in seeing Spanish style homes. This proves to be a challenge in her budget and desired area- will Meghan be willing to compromise on style and location in order to get a foothold in L.A's competitive real estate market? Watch as she finds a place and then embarks upon an extensive renovation of the kitchen and bathroom, which tests not only her budget but her patience. But in the end the ups and downs are worth it, as Meghan creates a beautiful place to call her own.

Rebecca and Kari have outgrown their current place, in part thanks to their two dogs, one who's a puppy. They're hoping to find a place near Encino, CA, where they've been renting. Kari prefers Spanish-style, and wants to be sure that the place they buy incorporates her love of circular design patterns. Rebecca leans more towards Mid-century modern homes. Once they purchase a house, the two embark upon a total re-do of the main living spaces, including the kitchen and backyard. And even though the renovation has its ups and downs including attempting to undertake more work that they can handle themselves, watch how these two manage to come out ahead with the house of their dreams.

Newleyweds Andrew and Caitlin are ready to buy their first home together. Andrew, a pastor, hopes to buy in Burbank, CA, near their church. He'd love a crafstman style place, whereas Caitlin is more interested in a traditional style home. They're okay with a fixer-upper, and once they get the keys to their new home, overhauls of the kitchen and bathroom get underway. Caitlin quickly becomes overwhelmed with the amount of work they've taken on, and wants nothing more than to get through the reno as quickly as possible. All of their hard work pays off, when after several months of construction they are able to enjoy a beautiful space all their own.

Erica and Jeff are ready to buy their first home together in the Los Angeles suburbs. Erica, a nurse, wants a clean and modern space, whereas her husband prefers a more rustic style; they're both hoping for an open floor plan for hosting poker night with their friends. Erica is open to a fixer-upper since she has great faith in Jeff's handyman skills. Jeff, on the other hand, is more reserved about his renovating abilities. Once they purchase a place, Jeff's renovating prowess immediately gets put to the test when they attempt to knock down a wall, but find some unexpected surprises inside. Watch as they figure out how to tackle a bathroom and kitchen makeover, and see how all of their hard work pays off.

Joelle and Nick are busting out of their Hollywood condo and would like to buy a single family home for their young son to grow up in. They'd like a two-level home with a nice kitchen and 4 bathrooms, but the biggest challenge for this couple is that they don't see eye-to-eye on the style. Since Joelle is a city girl, she wants a modern home with touches of feminine glamour. Nick on the other hand prefers a more rustic home with a masculine rock and roll vibe. It's tough for their agent to find a house that they both like, but when he does, major renovations begin. Unfortunately a number of unforeseen obstacles and set backs increase their renovation budget and cause the project to take longer than anticipated. But in the end, it's a stunning transformation that is more beautiful than Joelle and Nick could have imagined.

Ani and Allen have been dating for four years and both currently live at home with their parents. Instead of renting a place together, they have been living at home to save up money to buy a place of their own. They both want a traditional style place, but Allen wants to make sure it has some modern touches. Not only is this their first time buying a house, this will also be their first time living together. They are not very handy but want to find a house to renovate so that they can make it their own. But they quickly learn there's more than meets the eye in home renovation when hidden problems arise. In the end, they are able to enjoy a beautiful space all their own.

Relocating from Colorado, Eric and Jillian Dowsland are finding the Boston real estate market hard to navigate. With higher home prices but smaller floor plans than they're use to the couple is questioning if they'll ever be able to put down roots in their new city. Eric is looking for a place with rustic wood elements that remind him of home, whereas Jillian just want it to be clean and contemporary. Once they decide on a home, the couple then faces a massive, full house renovation they were not expecting, nor budgeted for. Eric admittedly knows nothing about construction yet finds himself deep in a renovation that keeps expanding from room to room. Way in over their heads, the young couple turns to designer Shelly Cates to create a new master bathroom where there once was only a small closet. Under Shelley's guidance the couple also tackle the kitchen and living room along with turning a small alcove into a guest room that doubles as an office. Watch as Shelley's clever ideas paired with the couple's fearless can do attitude create a stunningly picture perfect home.

Pentagon City, Virgina residents Seth and Simchah are ready to upgrade from apartment living and get more space for themselves and their young daughter. They both work in nearby Washington D.C. and are hoping to find a place that has train access. Simchah is targeting a light and bright Hamptons style home. She especially wants a white kitchen with Carrerra marble countertops. Seth prefers a city-like loft with a low-maintenance yard. They're comfortable doing renovations, since they know that their $525,000 budget will most likely buy them a fixer-upper in the pricey Virgina suburbs. Once they agree on a home, Seth and Simchah immediately begin renovations only to have their contractor uncover major structural and safety concerns in the master bathroom and kitchen. It takes the crew extra time, money and resources to shore up the house before progress can move forward. And even though their patience and $50,000 budget is put to the test, Seth & Simchah end up with a beautifully updated home that includes Simchah's dream kitchen.

Debbie and Sean have been living with their respective families near Boston, MA. Ready to strike out on their own, they are looking to buy their first house together. Debbie, a real estate agent, is set on finding a Cape Cod style home that she can overhaul. Sean, however, prefers a more rustic look; he's also wary of undertaking too many renovations. Debbie finds them several places to look at, but agreeing on one proves to be a challenge. Once they do, work gets underway and quickly takes on a life of its own. What starts out as a simple kitchen update spearheaded by designer Tiffany LeBlanc turns into a redo of the entire house. The ups and downs of renovation prove to be a challenge for everyone, especially when it comes to the ever-mounting costs. And with Debbie acting as the project's general contractor, she faces a steep learing curve in the world of construction. But after many months of dust and demo, they come out with a beautiful home for themselves and their family.

Newlyweds Eric and Erin have been living with roomates to save money for their first home. They're now ready to ditch their frat lifestyle and set out on their own, but agreeing on what house to buy may cause a hiccup in their marital bliss. While they disagree on architectural style, they share the same love for entertaining and wanting a kitchen that's big enough for both of them to cook in. After much bickering and debate they agree on a cozy single family home with good bones and begin demolition right away. Looking for a design plan and details that are a little outside-the-box they turn to seasoned designer Samantha Knapp. With Sam's vivid imagination and keen sense of color and style their house is transformed from a bland box to a stunning retreat, but getting there is no easy task. The road to perfection is paved with perspiration, pitfalls and plenty of ups and downs. In the end all the shenanigans cease and the renovation comes together for a fanciful masterpiece like you've never seen before.

Intern architects Chris and Lindsey are moving from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, Maryland. Chris is all about the functional style of Frank Lloyd Wright houses, and he's hoping to find an unconventional space he can completely overhaul. Lindsey, on the other hand, prefers an old word feel with modern updates; and unlike Chris, she is not interested in a massive renovation. Once they agree on a place and start the updates, these young architects quickly discover that renovation is not for the feint of heart. Inclimate weather, mold, and ever-increasing expenses make for a steep learning curve; but after several months, the house takes shape into a modern and functional space for them to enjoy.

New parents, John and Jacki, are looking for a baby friendly home in the competitive real estate market of coastal Connecticut. John, a realtor, and hunting and sailing enthusiast, has lots of needs on his househunt wish list, one of them being lots of storage for his boats. His wife Jacki, the practical planner of the two, is looking for a cottage beach style home they can grow into. When they finally find a perfect fit they tackle the kitchen renovation themselves, getting their hands dirty to cut some costs. But cutting costs turns doesn't always save on time so they solicit help from John's childhood friend, now a contractor, to help get the kitchen done. In a hurry to get out of their rental they double up on the help and hire designer Susan Glick who transforms their drab bedroom into a rich luxurious master suite. It's a long road of reno with a multitude of pitfalls but in the end this young couple has the home of their dreams.

Newly engaged Jessica and Eric just relocated from Buffalo, New York to the Baltimore area and finding a home to buy is no easy task in a new city. Jessica wants to put down roots in the suburbs, while Eric is dead set on embracing the Baltimore rowhouse lifestyle in the downtown area. After seeing a variety of homes in various neighborhooods they finally agree on a place that suits both their wish lists. Armed with enthusiasm, and with help from designer Jamie Merida, they jump right into a full kitchen renovation, along with adding a new powder room on the first floor. Upstairs plans for a new master bath don't smoothly as Jessica changes the design plans multiple times causing the plumber to be a familiar face around the house. Back downstairs the kitchen project comes to a complete halt when Eric and Jessica face off about the size of the kitchen island. Watch as this soon to be married, young couple, work out their difference as they create their new home and life together.

Chris, Erin, and their baby Sebastian have been living in Chris's native Australia. But Australia's high cost of living and wanting to be closer to Erin's parents has prompted them to move back to her hometown of Milton, MA. They've been living with her family as they search for a place of their own. Erin is clear that she doesn't want a Cape Cod home, which she feels is all too common in New England. She'd prefer a contemporary split-level; Chris loves all things modern, paired with rustic elements like exposed beams. Of utmost importance is finding an in-law suite for Chris's parents, who visit for months at a time from Australia. They have a max budget of $600,000 which includes buying furniture and any renovations the place might need. Once they agree on a home, renovations begin straightaway, since Chris's parents are coming to visit in only 9 weeks. With a tight turnaround and rising costs, Chris & Erin struggle to finish extensive kitchen and basement updates in time for their guests.

Married for five years but high school sweethearts Caitlin and Paul spent a year living with her parents before purchasing their forever home. Caitlin hopes for a home that compliments her traditional sensabilities while Paul doesn't want to raise his kids in an old fashioned house. Once these picky buyers agree on a home for their family, the couple embark on a massive interior and exterior renovation. Hitting roadblocks at every turn, Caitlin and Paul must remedy their differing design styles while staying on budget. Watch as this determined couple transform an unbelievable fixer into their amazing dream home.

Lindsay and Scott have been renting a downtown Maryland townhouse with Lindsay's brother. Now that Scott and Lindsay are newly married and with a baby on the way, it's time for the couple to move out but they can't agree on where. Lindsay wants to raise their baby close to her parents in rural Maryland in a home surrounded by rustic charm but Scott loves Baltimore and wants to stay in the city in a place with a hip industrial feel. Once these two settle their differences and choose a home, they take on a journey of renovation. Figuring out how to merge their styles while keeping to a budget is not easy task for these high school sweethearts. Watch as these soon to be parents tackle remodeling awkward rooms into an inviting home for their new family.

Newly married Ella and Michael Sandin are looking to buy a home for their blended family of five in the quaint and pricey town of Fairfield, Connecticut. With a long wish list of must haves finding a four bedroom house that fits both their styles is quite the challenge. When they finally do settle on a home, they work hard to make it their own. Michael, a self proclaimed architect, tackles a full house renovation head on only to be met with hurdles and obstacles at every turn. After giving it his all he surrenders the kitchen renovation to the expertise of designer Jenna Piccirillo who pulls out all the stops to give Ella her dream kitchen. With less projects to oversee Michael's able to transform the unfinished basement into a stunning master suite. It's a slow race to the finish line but the detours along the way are well worth it to get their picture perfect home!

Alan, Jen, and their dog Harry have been living in a 1 bedroom, 625 square foot apartment in Manhattan's Battery Park City. While they love city living, they're ready to buy a place of their own. They are leaving Manhattan's high real estate prices behind to look for a fixer-upper in Westchester County, where they both grew up. With a budget of $600,000, Alan likes mid-century homes, and is hoping to find something they can transform into his modern style. Jen, on the other hand, loves two-story tudors and colonials. Once they purchase a home, they waste no time getting to work. They've set aside $40,000 to tackle renovations, and they have plans to update nearly every room in the house. But it doesn't take long for problems to occur, from asbestos-laden pipes to lead paint that must be removed before any other work can occur. After over two months of ups and downs, they end up with a first home to be proud of.

Picking up her West Coast life Fran moved to the Boston suburb of Norwood so her husband Tim could be close to his ailing mother. When it came time for them to sell Tim's family home, they opted to look for a place to buy in the same close knit neighborhood. Fran wants to find a house that's move-in-ready, and reminds her of her California upbringing. She prefers ranch style homes with lots of light and little renovation. Tim is adamant about buying a Cape Cod since that is what he grew up in, and is eager to take on a fixer-upper. With conflicting wish lists and a tight first-time buyers budget, finding a house that meets both their standards is quite a challenge. Once they find a place, staying on budget proves to be difficult as electrical and plumbing issues unexpectedly drain their funds. While money may be tight, they agree that hiring designer Elizabeth Benedict to blend their styles together is a smart decision if they want to get the kitchen of their dreams. As the kitchen progresses, Tim takes on renovating the master bathroom himself, infusing the space with a Cape Cod style. Watch as this fun-loving, competitive couple fight the odds to get their new home finished.