Are you handy with a hammer, dreaming of a new home, or wishing you could turn your existing home into an income-generator? Check out these three home television shows for inspiration.
• Income Property – What’s not to love about the prospect of improving your home and turning it into a cash generating machine? Income Property, hosted by Scott McGillivray, does just that. Each episode, which has been extended from its original 30-minute format to 60 minutes, follows Scott and a homeowner as they design and build a rental suite within the home (typically by converting a basement). Surprise touches, such as custom granite countertops or a splash of designer colour, add appeal to the completed living spaces. Watch Income Property and get inspired by the return on investment and the real income potential homes throughout Canada provide.
• Property Virgins – On the air since 2006, Property Virgins continues to inspire homebuyers and first-time homebuyers. The host (Sandra Rinomato or Egypt Sherrod depending on which season you watch) helps prospective buyers to articulate their vision of the perfect home by initially showing them homes in their desired neighbourhoods and asking them to estimate the value. In most cases, the “property virgins” are usually shocked by the reality of what their dream homes, in their dream neighbourhoods, actually cost. The host then helps them find comparable homes nearby at more affordable prices. While buyers may dream of custom granite kitchen countertops and huge backyards, they often need to compromise. Perhaps they’ll eventually upgrade ordinary kitchen countertops to custom granite or landscape a smaller yard to make it feel more spacious. In any case, Property Virgins inspires viewers by revealing that with a little compromise and determination, it is possible to find a great, affordable home that meets the buyer’s most important criteria.
• Canada’s Handyman Challenge – The second season of Canada’s
Handyman Challenge launched in January 2013 bringing with it HGTV’s cast
of judges, Scott McGillivray Income Property), Bryan Baeumler (House of
Bryan), and Paul Lafrance (Decked Out) along with the show’s host Jenn
Robertson who replaced the first season’s host, Jillian Harris. Mike
Holmes (Holmes Inspection / Holmes on Homes) also appeared as a judge on
season one and as a guest judge on season two. Canada’s Handyman
Challenge challenges contestants to perform various home improvement
tasks ranging from installing bathroom countertops and recessed lighting
to designing and tiling bistro-table tops – and beyond. Watch as
do-it-yourselfers show off their stuff and inspire you to do the same.
