Extreme Make Over Home

 Extreme Make Over Home is a reality tv home improvement program currently seen on ABC. It began as a unique edition of the program Extreme Makeover, which includes actual folks as they utterly change their appearance through cosmetic surgery, weight reduction, clothing, hair and make up. Both programs are produced by Endemol USA, which is responsible for a number of primetime reality shows like Big Brother, Fear Factor and Deal or No Deal. Sears sponsors the program, with Craftsman and Kenmore products highlighted prominently throughout each episode. Ty Pennington, a former model who worked as a carpenter on another reality home renovation show, Trading Spaces, hosts the show.

 The premier extreme home makeover was seen in November of 2003. The popularity and first success led to the creation of the spin - off programs that started out running in Feb. ‘04. Just as the premier Extreme Makeover spotlighted folks having their appearances overhauled, Extreme Make Over Home shows family homes ( that include exteriors and landscaping ) being completely re modeled. In addition, the 2 shows share in common an interest in helping those deemed “deserving” based on needs arising from unique conditions, disability or illness. Families, just as the individuals in the premier, are chosen through entry videos, which can either be sent in by a friend or by the family themselves.

 Most episodes consist of a single hour, however, in some more complex cases, a 2 - part show is necessary. The mission in each episode is to provide a family that is facing difficult stumbling blocks with new hope in the form of a home that suits their needs. Each show uses the same basic formula. The chosen family is profiled and their submission video is shown. The design team starts out with a visit to the family’s home. In what has become a trademark of the program, Ty wakes up the family and shocks them with the news that they have been chosen. The team checks out the house and learns about the family’s interests and requirements to use as decor inspiration.

 The family is sent away on a 1 - week vacation while their house is remodeled or demolished and reconstructed. A community building firm or two along with community crew begin the basic work. As the house is being re - built, the decor group makes plans for the more creative aspects of the new house. A part of each home is claimed by Ty as his “secret area. ” No 1 is allowed to observe this room before the last reveal.

 As the week progresses the varied phases in the renovation are shown along with the sometimes - desperate efforts of the crew to keep on schedule. Problems that arise during the building and conflicts within the decor team are also screened along with more mundane tasks such as a run to Sears for supplies.

 At the end of the week the family returns home to the enthusiastic construction workers and design team. 1 or two buses block the view of the family’s new home for maximal suspense. The new home is revealed and the family gets to see the end result. The “secret area, ” often directly relating to the family’s reason for being nominated, is normally the ending part of each episode. In some episodes, the family is also given a present from an outside vendor.

 In the 04 - 2005 tv season the series produced a spin - off programs of its own with Extreme Make Over Home: How’d They Do That? This series featured extra footage depicting more detail relating to the home makeover in that week’s episode.

 Guest appearances have included the Los Angeles Dodgers, LeAnn Rimes, the Harlem Globetrotters, Regis Philbin, Randy Travis, Mr. T, Elton John, Jeff Foxworthy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Trisha Yearwood, Lance Bass, Patti LaBelle and many other notable celebrities.

 In ‘06, a four - week long unique series focused on reconstructing efforts in the Gulf Coast areas that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in 05. In these episodes the team’s efforts were focused on rebuilding important community buildings. These included a free medical clinic, a food kitchen, a Little League field, a church and a firehouse.

 Extreme Make Over Home has proved to be even more well received than the initial Extreme Makeover and is one of ABC’s most most watched shows. It has won two Emmy Awards back - to - back in the category of non - competitive reality program.