Documentary
Richard Turcotte meets people who, like him, had to live through the nightmare of a renovation project gone wrong. Water leaks, fungi, vermin infestations, undrinkable water, shaky structures: these unlucky owners have seen it all! Richard explains the consequences that a…


Himself - Host

Over two years, International Designer Sibella Court, follows the trials and tribulations of 7 groups of Australians committed to the daunting task of restoring heritage ruins into living homes. From Georgian mansions to colonial pug and pine huts, these Aussie battlers attempt to restore the buildings to their former glory.

Hosted by Suzanne Whang, the show takes viewers behind the scenes as individuals, couples and families learn what to look for and decide whether or not a home is meant for them. Focusing on the emotional experience of finding and purchasing a new home, each episode follows a prospective buyer and real estate agent through the home-buying process, from start to finish.

Build Your Own Home follows the trials and tribulations of homeowners from across Ireland, as they take on the mammoth challenge of building their own home – under the watchful eye of master builder and building teacher, Harrison Gardner. From a brand new build in West Cork, a Midlands cottage doer-upper, a Limerick farmhouse renovation to a Dublin extension each episode has one thing in common – no building experience and very tight budgets. As the initial excitement of a new project invariably dies down these brave self builders still need to work, pay rent, mind kids and... build a house. No-one said it was going to be easy – as Harrison told them from the start. Across days, weeks and months of hard labour the homeowners are taught and mentored by Harrison, who believes that anyone can learn how to build.

The series follows Karine Vanasse's latest project: renovating an ancestral home she bought on a whim in the Eastern Townships. Having fallen under the spell of this old residence in the heart of nature, Karine dives headfirst into this challenge with the desire to create a space that truly reflects her. No more magazine-style houses; now she wants a home that defies convention, where every imperfection tells a story. Surrounded by artisans from all walks of life, Karine also hopes to make it a place where art plays an important role.