When searching for a new home, there are numerous ways to make it more livable and functional. Some of these improvements include updating appliances, building an outdoor patio or pool, updating furniture – the list is endless!
Though some of these upgrades may be out of your budget, there are other ways to get them if you’re on a tight budget. One option is entering a home makeover contest for the chance to win cash prizes.
HGTV’s Fixer Upper
If you’re a fan of the show, then you’ve likely seen Chip and Joanna Gaines work their magic on some stunning home renovations. They are true masters of shiplap, and their passion for transformation is one major draw for millions of show viewers worldwide.
Fixer Upper is not just about home renovations. The series also follows Chip and Joanna as they run an upscale Magnolia Market shop and restaurant in Waco, Texas alongside their remodeling business.
The Gaines’ HGTV fame stems from their ability to transform houses that appear hopeless into stunning dream homes tailored to their clients’ preferences. Through their work, the couple has helped revitalize central Texas streets.
They’ve also launched their own cable network, Magnolia Network, that features a variety of home design and lifestyle shows. From Restoring Galveston to Super Dad, you’re sure to find your next favorite show on this channel that specializes in house makeovers.
Home Town is another popular series on the network that follows Ben and Erin Napier as they renovate Southern homes that need a freshening. While their renovations might not involve as much shiplap as the Gaineses’ do, they’re known for their amazing renovations and passion for restoring historic houses.
Their style is similar to Joanna and Chip’s, though they take a more hands-on approach. Additionally, they collaborate with homeowners on projects to determine their needs and preferences – which may mean doing additional research before finding the ideal items for the task.
But they still do an incredible job, and their clients often become fans long after the show ends. That’s why we can’t help but be excited to see their work in action!
One common question from Fixer Upper viewers is if the participants on the show get to keep their furniture. While they don’t usually pay for items as part of their renovation project, any custom woodwork or designs they order from Chip and Joanna can be kept.
HGTV’s Home Town
Home Town is one of HGTV’s most beloved shows. In it, husband and wife Ben and Erin Napier renovate historic homes in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, offering a refreshing take on Southern living for all who admire it.
On the show, the Napiers renovate turn-of-the-century homes for first-time buyers and young families, keeping their history while adding modern updates. Their background in graphic design helps guide their projects while Ben’s expertise as a woodworker and builder ensures each residence remains true to its character.
Ben and Erin have made a splash on HGTV, but they’re not the only locals to catch their attention. Four Alle-Kiski Valley communities submitted videos for a chance at winning an HGTV house makeover in 2021: Apollo, Harrison, Freeport and Leechburg.
The contest, “Home Town Kickstart,” seeks to revitalize six classic American small towns. It’s part of HGTV’s commitment to giving back to communities that have been touched by the channel.
According to HGTV, six small towns–including Thomaston, Georgia–were identified as needing help reinvigorating their revitalization efforts. As such, the network has recruited stars from other shows to spearhead initiatives of community renewal in each town.
For instance, HGTV recently filmed an episode in Cornwall, New York which was chosen as one of five cities featured in the program. In this episode, viewers get to witness as the cast of Home Town leads initiatives designed to transform the town’s economy and culture.
In addition to aiding residents of these towns, the cast also visits various shops and restaurants within each community to highlight its distinctive features. HGTV has even joined forces with PEOPLE magazine to profile these towns.
No matter your opinion on the show, you shouldn’t miss out on these places. Start your adventure at Pearl’s Diner in Laurel with some delectable Southern food before continuing onto the Laurel Welcome Center for an informative walking tour through downtown Laurel.
HGTV’s Love It or List It
Since 2008, HGTV’s Love It or List It has been a favorite among viewers. On this show, contestants must decide if they want to renovate or sell their homes and move into something else. Designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin collaborate with each other to assist them with this difficult decision.
Participants in a renovation must be willing to spend serious cash. The minimum payment requirement is $100,000, though this amount may increase if your home requires extensive improvements.
They must also be available for five separate filming days spread out over six to seven weeks. For some homeowners, this can seem like an intimidating amount of days in front of the camera.
Acing a casting call on an HGTV show is no small feat, but the experience can be rewarding to see your home transformed by an interior designer. To be considered, you must reside in the area where filming is taking place and submit an application to HGTV.
Once you have your budget in mind, HGTV offers a section on their website which breaks down the requirements by show and location so you know exactly what to expect.
Many people mistakenly believe they can get their hands on a home makeover from an HGTV pro by applying for the show, but this isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, some former homeowners have discovered this to be the case.
One North Carolina couple who appeared on Love It or List It sued, alleging the work done on their home was defective. Ultimately, the case was settled out of court, but not before Big Coat TV, which produces the show, countersued them for libel and product disparagement.
In addition to lawsuits, some homeowners have had issues with HGTV after their house has been finished. Some claim contractors damaged floors, painted their windows shut and used subpar products during renovation.
HGTV’s Property Brothers
If you’re a fan of HGTV’s Property Brothers, then you know the show has become one of their most successful franchises. Starring twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, the show helps homeowners turn their house into their ideal residence.
They’ve helped thousands of homeowners turn their houses into beautiful homes, and aren’t afraid to make some bold changes when needed. Now the brothers are taking on another major project on Property Brothers: Forever Home.
In May, HGTV will debut the series Home Makeovers that follows couples as they transform their homes from ordinary to extraordinary. While the brothers have always specialized in flipping properties, this time around they want to assist clients who are searching for a place that will last them years.
To qualify for the show, homeowners in Los Angeles and nearby areas who want to transform their current house into a loving sanctuary for the remainder of their lives must apply. Producers will be searching for families eager to make their house unique while creating an environment that brings them joy every day.
To learn more about applying for the show, visit their official website. In addition to your basic bio, you’ll need to fill out an application and send in a video explaining why you want to be on it.
Once you submit your application, a team member will reach out to you within two business days to arrange an interview. This interview helps the production team gain more insight into your goals for the show as well as your lifestyle and family.
Additionally, you’ll be asked to describe your home for production; this helps them plan the best renovation possible. Furthermore, the production team can work around your schedule.
In February, the winners of this contest will be revealed. According to PEOPLE exclusively, Jeff and Amber Moffitt from Southern California have been selected as the lucky recipients. These deserving families will each receive a $250,000 home renovation by Scott brothers as well as an ADT smart home security system.
