Home renovation shows tend to showcase all kinds of builds for all kinds of people. We’ve seen builds to suit the needs of a diverse background of people. However, a renovation for chickens, that’s a first. So, when a client requests a designer chicken coop, it can be uncharted territory. However, that’s exactly what Randy Spracklin and the team were hired to do. Never being ones to shy away from a challenge, they tackled this designer chicken coop with the same determination they would any build.

Catch Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

No Cluckin’ Around

When building any kind of utility or agriculture building the priority will always be function. If the building isn’t good at its purpose, then everything else ceases to matter. So, for the Rock Solid Builds team, they needed to make a space that allowed the chickens to stay safe from predators, shelter them from the East Coast weather, and allow the clients easy access to them. Once the team had accomplished all of those things, then they could focus on the aesthetics. Sticking with traditional Newfoundland designs, they painted the exterior in bold and bright colours as if it were one of the many fishing huts from the area.

Related: Randy Spracklin Builds a Stunning Gazebo With a View

 

Refined Roosting

Just because the aesthetics weren’t first on the list of priorities doesn’t mean they weren’t still important. Once the primary build was complete, Randy and the team were determined to make this more than just a functioning space. Like every part of your home, this coop was meant to be enjoyed. So, with some striking wallpaper and some bespoke woodworking, they made sure that this coop would be one to remember. Plus, we hear it’s where all the chicks hang out.

Read More: Keeping Up With Randy Spracklin

See more of Randy and his team’s spectacular builds on Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Most deadlines are dictated by logistics, things like supplies and weather. For Graham and Ruth, their deadline was the local blueberry festival. It may sound trivial, but in small towns events such as that are what create bonds in the community. It made sense that they would want to be in their own home during such a special time. That’s where Randy Spracklin and his team came in. The home was a new build but needed to have all the feeling of a true East Coast home, a traditional coastal retreat with all the modern comforts.

Catch Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Ground Up

It’s not often that the Rock Solid team gets to work on a new build. Normally, they’re trying to overcome age-related issues in a home, so this Brigus home in Harbour Pond was a treat for them. Though the house was easier to work on, it also meant that it was a blank slate. This left a challenge for the designers, who had the task of creating that timeless and traditional East Coast charm in a modern construction.

Check out: It’s Time to Put Newfoundland on Your Destination Bucket List

Controlled Comfort

Once the house was built, it was a matter of making it feel like a home for Graham and Ruth. By adding old school charm throughout, as well as some of their own personal vintage pieces, the house began to feel like it had been there all along. Paired with cool, relaxing palettes, the space seamlessly blended form and function. Now Ruth and Graham are settled into their forever home, just in time for the Brigus Blueberry Festival.

Related: How Home Network’s Nikki Spracklin Went From Stay-at-Home Parent to Succesful Tradesperson

See more of Randy and his team’s spectacular builds on Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

 

When we think of design and renovations our minds often go straight to residential homes. It’s easy to see why, they’re what we see the most. However, there’s a lot more to restore than just that. Randy Spracklin and his team are back for another season of Rock Solid Builds and it’s anything but typical. From chicken coops in the sky to homes built from a ship’s mast, nothing is too strange or challenging for this crew. That’s why, when a school in St. John’s needed to transform a derelict yard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom, they called Randy and his team.

Catch Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Rough and Rugged

For most spaces there is a clear divide between the indoor and the outdoor. Normally they have varying and distinct purposes. That wouldn’t be the case for this future outdoor classroom. The space would become a versatile area for children to learn and study in a peaceful environment. Before any of that could take place, the yard was in desperate need of an overhaul. So, the Newfound Builders with the help of a few local volunteers, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Check out: Get to Know the Cast of Rock Solid Builds

Outdoor Overhaul

After repairing the area for new sod and landscaping, the space was ready for a muralist to come in to create a massive piece, celebrating inclusivity. From there the team, including the designers, installed various forms of seating as outdoor workstations. The end result was a place where students ages K through 9 could escape and feel safe during their studies. Thanks to the Rock Solid Builds team this build will stand the test of time for countless students to come.

Related: Meet Randy Spracklin: 10 Things You Need to Know

See more of Randy and his team’s spectacular builds on Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

There’s one element of any property that immediately makes a space special. That element is the view. In beautiful Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, there’s no shortage of gorgeous views overlooking the bay. However, having the view is only half the battle, you still need to take full advantage of it. For artist Andy, that meant creating a space where he could comfortably take in those views while working on his paintings. The solution was obvious: a cliffside artist pod. That’s where Randy Spracklin and the Rock Solid team came in. Together, the team rallied to overhaul a bland backyard and create a cliffside artist pod worth of those stunning Newfoundland views.

Catch Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Keeping It Simple

When designing a space such as this, it’s easy to overdo it. For both Randy and the homeowners, they knew that the design of the space was not the focal point. Instead, they opted for a simple white interior with panoramic windows to showcase the Newfoundland beauty all around them. As a designer, you can’t outdo mother nature, so sometimes it’s best to just let her be the star.

Cliffside Creativity

When taking in the exterior of a project that values the view so much, it’s crucial to remember that that building will be a part of that view. The team had a responsibility to create something that would add to the view as well as hold up to the challenging conditions found on top of a coastal cliffside. For these reasons the team stuck with simplistic designs that they could build strong and insulate well. Now this cliffside artist pod will be a beautiful addition to this stunning view for years to come.

Related: Randy Spracklin Builds a Stunning Gazebo With a View

See more of Randy and his team’s spectacular builds on Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Building any kind of structure can be high pressure, each build represents the builder after all. This is especially true when building for personal connections. This was exactly the case at the Dory House. Randy Spracklin and the Rock Solid team were called into create a stunning gazebo for Tommy and Nancy. Since the couple was family friends with the team’s designer Sasha, the stakes felt elevated. Despite that, the team dove right in to create a stunning gazebo with a view.

Catch Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Already Good

The Dory house was a beautiful home and property before Randy and the team ever arrived. Whenever constructing something new it’s easy to make a mess while building. Often, we forget about the people that live in these spaces during a renovation. That wasn’t the case for the team, they were dead set on maintaining the beauty even during the build. So, taking extra care to not burden the homeowners, the team started delicately adding on to this already gorgeous property.

Related: Get to Know the Cast of Rock Solid Builds

Getting Great

Whenever designing an outdoor space it’s a balancing act. On one hand, you want the structure to wow, on the other you don’t want it to take away from the nature you’re trying to highlight. Randy and the team kept this in mind, creating a space that felt both luxurious but also comfortable. Now Tommy, Nancy, and their family can enjoy their property and the nature around it to the fullest in this stunning gazebo.

Check out: Welcome to HomeNetwork.ca!

See more of Randy and his team’s spectacular builds on Rock Solid Builds, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Get ready for an exciting lineup of new and returning Home Network series coming to STACKTV! From genius home staging to complete gut jobs and luxury design, here are the shows you need to add to your watch list:

Styled Season 2

Premiere: Tuesday, July 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Finale: August 20

Styled returns for its second season, following the dynamic duo of Nicole Babb and Caffery Vanhorne as they undertake ambitious staging and renovation projects. With the support of Nicole’s family-operated staging business and a talented team of contractors, these best friends turn drab spaces into dazzling showcases. From prepping homes for the market with chic elegance to crafting polished, glamorous forever homes, Nicole and Caffery infuse creativity and value into every project they tackle.

Related: Catching Up With Nicole Babb

Coming This Fall…

Rock Solid Builds Season 3

The Rock Solid Builds crew returns for a third season, taking viewers to Newfoundland, where third-generation builder Randy Spracklin and his team battle the island’s rugged terrain and notoriously harsh weather. Set against breathtaking views of ‘the Rock’, they pull off historic renovations and jaw-dropping builds. From spectacular new homes on the coast to loving restorations of centuries-old properties, Randy and his crew showcase the unique charm of living and working on the extreme eastern edge of North America. With plenty of laughs and pranks along the way, it’s a year-round labor of love.

Farmhouse Facelift Season 3

Siblings Billy and Carolyn return for the third season of Farmhouse Facelift. Combining Billy’s careful craftsmanship with Carolyn’s unique design sense, this duo renovates heritage farmhouses, breathing new life into these vintage homes. Having grown up on their own family farm, they know how to blend modern conveniences with classic farmhouse charm, resulting stunning transformations without compromising the original character of each property.

Gut Job Season 2

Gut Job returns for a second season, following seasoned builder Sebastian Clovis as he takes on major renovation projects. Former pro athlete turned top-notch builder, Sebastian faced a nightmare renovation with his own ‘dream home,’ and now he’s helping others navigate their own massive overhauls. Stripping homes back to the studs and rebuilding them to be safer and more beautiful, Sebastian’s mission is to guide homeowners through the daunting renovation process, making sure the end result is nothing short of their dream home.

Related: 7 Innovative Design Ideas to Elevate Your Home, According to Sebastian Clovis

All New…

House of Ali

The new series House of Ali joins the Fall lineup, featuring luxury home designer Ali Budd and her all-female team. Ali began her business in her basement over a decade ago and has since grown it into a leading firm responsible for some of North America’s most upscale homes. Her team tackles extensive renovations and high-end builds, facing tight deadlines, supply chain issues, and demanding clients. From remote island lake houses to modernized century-old farmhouses and bold beach houses, Ali’s team delivers luxurious, custom designs that cater to each client’s needs.

Stay tuned for the official premiere dates of all of our new and returning Home Network shows! These series will be available to Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

Read more: How to Bring Fashion Into Your Home, According to Caffery Vanhorne

Becoming an entrepreneur comes with a heavy workload and to-do list. It’s easy to get caught up in all of your objectives and forget the reasons for starting a business. For teachers-turned-business-owners, Rob and Larraine, they didn’t need to look very far to see that reminder. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of Northwest Newfoundland’s mountains and sea, reminders were all around. Armed with his crew, RV, and a familiar face, Bryan Baeumler sets out to make the Riversea Motel the ultimate getaway in Pollard’s Point.

On-the-Rock Rustic

Having worked on one hotel on an island before, Bryan was a perfect match for Rob and Larraine’s Riversea motel. Although it wasn’t on a literal island it may as well have been. With a lack of access to the normal resources needed for a renovation, business owners need to get creative. One way to mitigate this issue is by leaning on local friends and experts. So when Bryan found himself in beautiful Pollard’s Point, he reached out to Newfoundland and Rock Solid Build’s very own Randy Spracklin.

Stage Ready

There is a lot one can do to spruce up their business, the possibilities are near endless, but one thing you can’t change is the scenery. It’s for this reason, that when you have a spectacular view, you do everything you can to emphasize it. For the Riversea Motel, this meant building an outdoor amphitheater. Given their love for their community, Rob and Lorraine wanted to create something that would entice both locals and tourists alike. Building a stage with a truly breathtaking backdrop was an easy decision.

Cozy Retreat

Fancy isn’t always better. That was the case for this renovation being so far off the beaten path, guests wanted to enjoy a rustic retreat, away from the modern world. This meant that the decor needed to match, so rather than upscale modern designs, the space was best suited to tasteful, rustic, and comfortable amenities. When visiting a place like Pollard’s Point, the draw isn’t the hotel room, but the people, places, and experiences. It’s important to know what matters to your clientele to give them the kind of stay that will make them want to return.

 

The king of construction and Rock Solid Builds, Randy Spracklin has been up to a bunch these days. From family time to good eats, and even reacquainting with painting. Next on his list? Opening up his new cafe — a venture Randy has been dreaming about for ages. Read on to learn more about our chit-chat with Randy and what he’s been up to.

How are Melissa and the kids doing? 

“Everyone is great. Grady’s now eight and in grade 2. And our big girl Rhiannon is five and in Kinderstart— that’s what we call pre-K out here in Newfoundland. Hard to believe it’s already been five years since we started filming the show. Time flies when you’re having fun. Melissa is super busy as always, keeping everything and everyone on track — from our business to the kids’ activity schedules. And the kids are already looking forward to baseball season! Time flies when you’re having fun.”

What have you been cooking most in your kitchen lately? 

“All kind of things. There’s nothing like a good feed of fish and chips. But baking is what I like to do most. I’ll bake whatever pops into my mind. I might see a video with a good pastry and I just have to try it. When I bake bread, I always remember my grandmother. I used to help her all the time. Right now, I’m really trying to master the croissant. Oh, and I want to start making sour dough so if you’ve got a solid recipe, please pass it along.”

What were your biggest accomplishments of 2023?

“I’m still humble — but there were quite a few. The show was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award, and it was the first time I ever attended a big awards show. It was especially nice that the Old Man got to come along. Plus, I got to speak on stage at the home and garden show for the first time ever, and was so happy that the kids got to attend and see me on stage. We’ve also expanded our woodshop since we’re now doing full custom kitchens in house. Plus, I’m fixing to open a coffee shop and bakery in Brigus.”

What are you most looking forward to in 2024? 

“I’m definitely looking forward to opening up the new coffee shop, Vindicator Press. And on the construction side of things, we have a lot of interesting projects just starting up. I’m counting the days until spring so we can dive in. Also, we currently have a big housing crunch in Newfoundland, so we’re looking at building modular homes. The Newfound team can build everything right here on site and then ship them anywhere. So keep an eye out for that.”

Any plans to travel across Canada this year? 

“We went to Calgary last year with the kids and got to see Banff. And then visited Toronto and cheered on the Blue Jays. This year we’d like to check out Prince Edward Island and eventually explore more of BC. I love sightseeing and visiting bakeries.”

Have you had any time to pick up a new hobby since we last saw you? 

“I can’t say it’s a new hobby, but I’ve started painting again. As a kid I loved to draw and paint, and now the kids are in on it. Grady and Rhiannon are at the age to start picking it up, and we love having paint night. It’s so sweet to see them at work. I love it.”

If you could drop everything and do one thing right now with your family, what would it be? 

“That’s easy — we would travel. Jump on a plane or get in the car and just go. No plan, just all of us together, finding the next place to visit. Any day you can drop everything and spend the day with the kids, whatever you end up doing, that’s always the best.”

How has the rest of the cast been since last season? Any news to share across the team? 

“The team is doing great, everyone’s got a new story to tell. We all went on a weekend ATV trip last year and we’re definitely planning on doing that again.”

What is your favourite song at the moment? 

“I love all kinds of music, but you’ve got to love Newfoundland music. I’d say Rum Ragged, Ghost in the Fog is my favourite Newfoundland song. And my favourite Country song would have to be Luke Combs, Love you Anyway.”

Any movies or shows you’ve been hooked on recently? 

“We’re hooked on Home Improvement from the early 90s. I used to watch it with my Old Man back in the day and now me and the kids are into it. One night we were watching and I said to Grady, “Tim looks old.” Then I looked up his age on that season—and he was the same age as me right now! Too funny. I was Grady’s age when I first started watching it.”

Talking renos, are there any renovation trends that have caught your eye? 

“I especially love it when you take an old home and give it a modern twist. I see tons of old homes that I’d like to get my hands on. But the truth is, I just love taking any project and turning it into the homeowner’s dream. We kinda have a knack for that!”

Lastly, what is a game-changing home or life hack you think everybody should know about? 

“If you have dirty hands after a hard day’s work and soap alone won’t do the trick, mix together some butter and sugar and rub it between your hands and they’ll be clean in no time. Also, try mixing together some water and wood glue and brush it on wood knots to help keep them from bleeding through the paint. Works every time.”

Related: Catching Up With Nicole Babb

In a show that seems to have it all: incredible renovations, stunning builds, breathtaking views and a whole lot of unpredictable weather, it’s charming Randy Spracklin and his fun-loving crew that makes Rock Solid Builds such a success.

Just in time for season two, we sat down with Randy to learn more about the beloved third-generation builder. Without further ado, here are 10 things you need to know about Randy Spracklin:

1. Randy Married His Highschool Sweetheart
Yes, Randy Spracklin is married! Just like a plot out of a movie, Randy met his wife Melissa when they were high school students. The couple started dating in their teens and have been together ever since.

2. Randy is a Proud Dad
Randy loves fatherhood and has two children. His son, Grady, is five, and his daughter, Rhiannon, is two.

3. What Randy Loves About Parenthood
One of Randy’s favourite parts about being a dad is seeing how Grady and Rhiannon love to join in on what he does. “It’s pretty amazing to see how kids follow along with what you’re doing, your actions, mannerisms and what you say,” he says. In fact, his kids are already expressing interest in the family business. Whenever they’re visiting Randy at a worksite, they love picking up a paintbrush or want to learn about tools, he says.

4. Words of Wisdom
Looking back at his childhood, Randy values how his parents always pushed him to do something he loves. “The construction business is what I love, and I appreciate all the skills they taught me to do this,” he says. “I hope to pass it down to my kids, too.”

5. Randy’s Favourite Pastime
When he’s not working, Randy loves spending time with his wife and kids. Their favourite pastimes include visiting the beach, spending time in the garden or cooking a meal together. Oh – can’t forget about fishing! (It is Newfoundland, after all)

6. His Favourite Foods
Randy enjoys cooking, and his two favourite meals to make are smoked ribs and homemade pizzas. Of course, fries are always a hit, too.

7. His Morning Non-Negotiable
According to Randy, every perfect morning starts with a fresh cup of coffee. No buts!

8. His Dream Travel Destination
Randy has travelled a lot through Canada, but there’s one province he’s yet to see: beautiful British Columbia.

9. Randy’s Catch Phrase
As a proud Newfoundlander, Randy’s favourite local idiom is “best kind,” which means “all good.”  Learn more about all the Newfoundland slang we learned from Rock Solid Builds.

10. Randy’s Favourite Newfoundland Attraction
After watching a few episodes of Rock Solid Builds, it doesn’t take long to start dreaming about a trip to Newfoundland. We asked Randy where every person should visit when travelling to his home province for the first time. “Cape Spear in St. John’s is the number one place you should visit after hopping off the plane,” he says. “It’s the most easterly point in Canada and North America.”

Nikki Spracklin, one of the stars on Home Network’s Newfoundland-based home reno series Rocks Solid Builds, was a stay-at-home parent for years (a tough job at the best of times!). But with her extended family far away and her husband travelling for work, she eventually started to crave more interaction with other adults. At about the same time, she and her husband were having their house renovated – and that’s when the penny dropped.

“Every step of the way I was watching the progress, and thinking ‘I love this, I could do this’,” says Nikki. It was then she decided to take a leap of faith and go back to school for training.

After setting her goal on getting into the renovation business, Nikki registered with The Office to Advance Women Apprentices, an organization with offices throughout Canada that helps women break into the male-dominated construction sector. She received the information she needed and registered for a nine-month Carpentry Program at Carpenters Millwright College in Paradise, Newfoundland.

“I was coming into this completely blind,” she says. “I bought my first hammer a couple of days before I started school. I’ve been going at it ever since: Learning every day and just taking the challenges [as they come].”

Nikki graduated as a Carpenter in 2018, and reconnected with Randy Spracklin (no relation) who she had met when they were both teenagers. Randy heads up Newfound Builders, the east coast family business featured in Rock Solid Builds. He offered a place where Nikki could succeed.

“I graduated on a Friday, and by Monday morning, I started to work with Randy. He took me under his wing and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

“I had myself convinced that this is going to be hard. ‘Oh my God, I’m a woman. I’m not going to be able to lift as much as them. I’m not going to be able to do what they can do,’ but my team never treated me different – not once.”

Nikki’s success even has her young daughter, interested in the trades.

For Christmas one year, Nikki gave her a kids’ tool belt and hard hat, and says she was so proud. “‘I’m going to go and work with you mom.’ So she sees me every day coming home, full of sawdust and dirt. And she’s like, ‘what did you do today?'”

Related: Soak Up East Coast Charm From These Rock Solid Builds Season 2 Reveals