Top Home Improvement TV Shows: Best Renovation and Remodeling Series to Watch
Home Improvement ProjectsTop Home Improvement TV Shows: Best Renovation and Remodeling Series to Watch. Home improvement TV shows have become a staple in many households, offering not just entertainment but also valuable tips, inspiration, and motivation for tackling home renovation projects. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or someone looking for professional guidance on your next remodeling venture, there’s a home improvement show for you. From transforming old spaces into modern havens to offering expert advice on tackling home repairs, these series have earned their place as some of the most popular programs on television.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top home improvement TV shows that have captured the attention of viewers and inspired millions of renovations worldwide. We’ll cover a mix of classic favorites, modern hits, and specialty shows, offering you a diverse look at the world of home renovation and remodeling.
1. Fixer Upper: The Ultimate Home Renovation Show
Network: HGTV
Hosts: Chip and Joanna Gaines
No list of top home improvement TV shows would be complete without mentioning Fixer Upper. Hosted by the charming couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, Fixer Upper became a massive hit on HGTV for its heartwarming approach to home renovations and its emphasis on family, design, and community.
The show revolves around Chip and Joanna helping homeowners buy run-down properties and turn them into their dream homes. They’re experts at taking older, outdated houses and transforming them with modern, stylish designs while preserving elements of the property’s original character. Their design aesthetic, often called modern farmhouse, has influenced millions of homeowners looking to bring a rustic, cozy vibe into their homes.
Why Watch?
- Realistic and Budget-Friendly: Chip and Joanna’s renovations show that transforming a home doesn’t always require a big budget. Their down-to-earth approach to renovations offers practical advice for viewers looking to tackle similar projects.
- Design Inspiration: Joanna’s design skills are showcased in every episode, from simple, chic upgrades to full-blown transformations. Whether you’re into open shelving, shiplap walls, or cozy farmhouse kitchens, the show is a goldmine for home decor ideas.
- Engaging Personalities: Chip and Joanna’s relatable and humorous interactions make this show not only inspiring but also entertaining.
2. This Old House: A Timeless Classic
Network: PBS
Hosts: Various (Including Bob Vila, Norm Abram, Kevin O’Connor)
One of the longest-running home improvement shows in TV history, This Old House has been a go-to resource for DIYers and professional contractors alike. Premiering in 1979, the show has helped educate generations of viewers on the ins and outs of home remodeling, from simple repairs to intricate restorations.
This Old House is beloved for its focus on craftsmanship and the attention to detail required to preserve the integrity of older homes. The show often features expert advice from professional carpenters, electricians, and plumbers who break down the complexities of home improvement projects, making them accessible to homeowners looking to learn or take on their own projects.
Why Watch?
- In-Depth Expertise: The show covers a wide range of topics, from major renovations to the finer details of maintaining historic properties. Viewers gain practical knowledge from the pros, including how-to tutorials and product recommendations.
- Restorations and Historical Homes: This Old House often focuses on restoring classic homes, showcasing techniques that preserve their original character. It’s perfect for anyone passionate about maintaining the integrity of older homes.
- Veteran Hosts: The show has had several hosts, including the legendary Bob Vila and more recently Kevin O’Connor. Their wealth of knowledge and calm demeanor provides viewers with an educational yet engaging experience.
3. Property Brothers: Renovation Meets Entertainment
Network: HGTV
Hosts: Jonathan and Drew Scott
Property Brothers has become one of HGTV’s most popular home renovation shows, thanks in part to its charismatic hosts, twin brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott. The premise is simple: Jonathan, a licensed contractor, leads the renovation of the home, while Drew, a real estate expert, helps families find the perfect property. The brothers’ dynamic and humor make the show incredibly engaging, and their renovation results are nothing short of spectacular.
In each episode, the brothers take a rundown or outdated home and completely transform it into a stunning space tailored to the homeowners’ needs. Whether it’s a kitchen overhaul or a complete home makeover, Property Brothers delivers jaw-dropping renovations that inspire viewers to reimagine their own spaces.
Why Watch?
- Before-and-After Magic: Property Brothers is known for its incredible transformations. The “before” homes are often in disrepair, and the “after” result is a dream come true.
- Expert Guidance: Drew and Jonathan’s combined expertise—real estate and construction—gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of how to approach a renovation project, from finding the right home to making smart design choices.
- Fun and Engaging: The brotherly banter between Drew and Jonathan adds an element of entertainment that makes this show one of the most enjoyable in the home improvement genre.
4. Love It or List It: Deciding Between Renovation and Relocation
Network: HGTV
Hosts: Hillary Farr and David Visentin
Love It or List It takes a different approach to home improvement by challenging homeowners to decide whether they should stay in their current home and renovate it or sell it and buy a new one. Each episode features Hillary Farr, an interior designer, and David Visentin, a real estate agent, who work with homeowners to present both options: a renovation plan to make the current home more livable and an option to sell and buy a new property that better meets their needs.
The tension between the hosts and the homeowners, who often have very different ideas about what to do with the property, adds drama to the show. It’s an emotional rollercoaster as viewers root for one side to “win” the homeowners over.
Why Watch?
- Unique Concept: This show presents a dilemma many homeowners face—whether to invest in a remodel or move to a new house. The split focus on design and real estate keeps it interesting and relatable.
- Transformations: Hillary Farr’s renovation expertise shines as she tackles major design challenges, often working with limited budgets and space constraints.
- Engaging Personalities: The contrast between Hillary’s calm, professional demeanor and David’s humorous, often playful banter with homeowners provides a fun dynamic.
5. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Big, Bold, and Emotional
Network: ABC
Hosts: Ty Pennington (Original), Various (Reboot)
If you’re looking for big transformations with a huge emotional payoff, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition delivers exactly that. The premise of the show is simple: families who are facing difficult circumstances (whether it be illness, financial hardship, or other personal struggles) receive a complete home makeover. A team of builders, designers, and experts led by host Ty Pennington would come together to redesign and rebuild the family’s home within a matter of days, all while capturing the emotional journey.
The show’s mix of dramatic renovations and heartwarming stories made it a favorite, and its legacy continues in the rebooted version with Jesse Tyler Ferguson as host. While the emotional aspect of the show often takes center stage, viewers are still treated to impressive design and renovation work.
Why Watch?
- Emotional Impact: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is famous for its heartwarming stories and tear-jerking reveals. Viewers see families’ lives change for the better as they are gifted a new home.
- Massive Transformations: The scope of these renovations is incredible, with entire homes often being rebuilt from the ground up.
- Inspiring: The show provides inspiration for how home design can truly impact a family’s well-being, and it encourages viewers to think big when it comes to their own home improvement projects.
6. Bargain Mansions: Luxury Renovation on a Budget
Network: HGTV
Host: Tamara Day
In Bargain Mansions, host Tamara Day takes viewers inside large, often neglected homes that have the potential to be stunning properties. With a focus on budget-friendly renovations, Tamara works with her team to restore these homes to their former glory while adding modern touches that make them attractive and functional for today’s homeowners.
What sets Bargain Mansions apart is Tamara’s ability to create luxury-looking spaces without breaking the bank. Each episode highlights how smart design decisions, budget-conscious purchasing, and a little bit of creativity can transform a home into a high-end masterpiece.
Why Watch?
- Affordable Renovations: Tamara shows how big transformations don’t always have to come with a massive price tag. The show provides great ideas for budget-conscious homebuyers and renovators.
- Stunning Before-and-Afters: Like Property Brothers, Bargain Mansions thrives on incredible before-and-after transformations.
- Design Inspiration: Tamara’s design sense focuses on blending old and new, creating timeless and stylish spaces.
7. Holmes on Homes: Hard-Hitting Renovation with a Focus on Quality
Network: HGTV
Host: Mike Holmes
For viewers who want to see no-nonsense, quality craftsmanship, Holmes on Homes is a must-watch. Mike Holmes is a seasoned contractor who steps in when home renovations have gone wrong. Whether the work is shoddy or unsafe, Mike comes