Love your home with Home Network! Home Network is giving one lucky winner $15,000 to put towards their home to transform their space. Starting March 30, tune in to Renovation Resort on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT to look for the weekly code word and enter below for a chance to win $15,000!

The Renovation Resort Watch and Win Contest runs from March 30 to May 23. Entries close May 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET/PT.

CONTEST ENTRY FORM WILL OPEN ON MARCH 30

Regardez et gagnez avec Renovation Resort sur Home Network

Aimez votre foyer avec Home Network! Home Network offre à un.e heureux.euse gagnant.e 15 000 dollars à investir dans la transformation de son espace de vie. À partir du 30 mars, regardez Renovation Resort les dimanches à 21 h HE pour repérer le mot-code hebdomadaire et participez au concours ci-dessous pour avoir une chance de gagner 15 000 dollars!

Le concours “Regardez et gagnez” de Renovation Resort se déroule du 30 mars au 23 mai. Les inscriptions se terminent le 23 mai à 23 h 59 HE.

Related: What to Watch This Spring on Home Network

Calling all pro designers and skilled contractors from all over North America! The search is on for talented designer/builder duos to compete in season 3 of Home Network’s competition show Renovation Resort, hosted by Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler.

We’re looking for dynamic pairs with experience working together on unique projects, who have the confidence and expertise to take on a full property makeover!

This is your chance to showcase your talent on a major television competition series and compete for a game-changing cash prize.

To be eligible you must be:

• • • A resident of the US or Canada
    • Available for filming in Southern Ontario for 6-7 weeks in August & September
    • 21 years & older
    • Non-union

…and of course, you must be outgoing and enthusiastic about all things design and renovation!

Deadline for applications is April 4, 2025. Apply to Renovation Resort today by filling out THIS FORM.

You can now stream Renovation Resort on STACKTV. Try it free today!

Scott Brothers Entertainment is heading to the Greater Toronto Area with a new home makeover series!

Life is Messy with Kortney and Kenny works with families facing unique life changes that are putting a strain on both their relationships and their homes. Together Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain will tackle the messiest, most chaotic households by creating custom design solutions that will bring families together.

If you (or someone you know) needs help tackling the home spaces that are causing strain in your life, we want to hear from you!

For more information, including casting requirements, please visit lifeismessy.castingcrane.com

Contact: candace.c@sbentertainment.com

Related: Welcome to HomeNetwork.ca!

Welcome to HomeNetwork.ca! Home Network promises to deliver the feeling of “home” beyond four walls with inspiring storytelling, offering a unique and fresh destination for home and lifestyle content, specifically designed and programmed for Canadian audiences.

Launching on December 30, 2024, this Corus-owned network will feature a mix of Canadian original programming, as well as international acquisitions through new and expanded license deals. The broad slate of exclusive content delivers new voices and formats, familiar faces from proven hits, and global representation. The broad slate of exclusive content delivers new voices and formats, familiar faces from proven hits, and global representation.

The new HomeNetwork.ca offers a fresh take on real estate, DIY projects, home decor and more, delivering inspiring articles, expert tips and the latest decor trends to help audiences create beautiful, functional living spaces. Stay tuned for video content, featuring fresh, new creators, exclusive content from new and familiar shows, and easy-to-follow DIYs.

Corus Studios titles originally slated for HGTV Canada will air on the new lifestyle networks, including new seasons of Scott’s Vacation House Rules and Pamela’s Garden of Eden and Top 20 specialty entertainment series Renovation Resort. Brand-new greenlights from a mix of new voices and proven stars include Building Baeumler with Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, Rentovation with Natalie Chong, Beer Budget Reno with Kristen Coutts, and Life is Messy with Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain. Corus is also in development on new seasons of Rock Solid Builds, House of Ali, and a series with Sebastian Clovis’ production company Shoots ‘N Leaves.

The Home Network family grows further with a diverse roster of acquired programming from around the world. The Home Edit experts, Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer, take on big challenges in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis team up in Honest Renovations. Additional acquired programming includes Empty Nest Refresh, George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Key to a Fortune, A Place in the Sun, Your Home Made Perfect, Selling Houses Australia, Dream Home, and Interior Design Masters.

Additional programming details and greenlights will be announced later this year, as well as supporting social channels. Home Network will replace the current channel position of HGTV Canada in 2025. Customers can contact their service provider for more details. Home Network will be available for free preview for two months, from January 3-February 28, 2025. Viewers will also be able to stream full episodes from both networks on STACKTV.

Tired of expensive contractor quotes? Are your design dreams held back by your renovation budget? Beer Budget Reno gets it.

The exciting new renovation series Beer Budget Reno is searching for homeowners who want expert help maximizing their design budgets. If you’re a homeowner eager to transform your space but feel limited by your finances, then this series is perfect for you!

With the guidance of our design and build expert, Kristen Coutts, homeowners will receive budget-friendly renovation solutions, tips, and tricks to ensure they get the most out of their investment—all without sacrificing style or quality.

To be eligible you must:

• Have a renovation budget of at least $5,000 for a small scope renovation or $60,000 for a large renovation
• Own a property in the Greater Toronto Area
• Be available for filming between July-October 2024

Don’t let a tight budget hold you back from achieving the home transformation you’ve been dreaming of. Apply today by filling out THIS FORM.

Related: 7 Innovative Design Ideas to Elevate Your Home

Although a staple in every home and office, it’s easy to forget how useful a single paper clip can be. To celebrate this simple (and incredibly versatile) office staple, we’ve put together a list of ten smart ways to use paper clips around the home.

Whether you’re in a pinch and need an emergency hem solution (hello, office events or weddings) or need to unclog a small hole, these five-minute hacks will give the humble paper clip plenty of persuasion power for becoming a permanent fixture in your household.

1. Smartphone Stand

You can easily bend a paper clip into a holder for your smartphone to make video watching more convenient. Sure, it’s not the most sturdy solution long term, but if you need a one-off hack to prop up your phone for photo taking or to follow a new recipe, it’s the perfect DIY.

2. Emergency Hem

Did you change from heels to flats after work, and now your pants are too long? Simply cuff in each pant leg and secure the fold with a paper clip. Whether pant, skirt or shirt cuff, this is a super useful hack to keep in your back pocket (literally).

Related: This Kitchen Upcycling Idea is the Best Way to Organize Produce

3. Hang Christmas Ornaments

Ran out of hangers for all your glittering Christmas tree ornaments? No problem — at least if you have a paperclip on hand! Simply slide the clip through the ornament hole, and hang it from the branch. Bonus points if the paper clip is green to blend in with the tree.

4. Unclog Small Holes

Another great use for a paperclip is to clean everything from salt and pepper shakers to a can of hairspray. And while this tip isn’t unclogging per se, you can even use a paper clip as a pin to remove a phone SIM card.

5. Replace Broken Zippers

Did your pant zipper bust at the most inconvenient time? Utilize a paper clip as a DIY pull tab to allow a zipper to continuing functioning. These handy little items are the perfect thing to have in an emergency sewing kit to make repairs a cinch!

Related: I Stopped Using Paper Towels — Here’s How and Why You Should, Too

6. Tie a Food Bag

If you need to keep a plastic bag closed, unbend a paperclip and use it as a sturdy twist tie for an opened bread bag (or any other bag you need to keep sealed tight).

7. Letter Opener

Opening mail by hand is never as successful as we intend. If you don’t have a letter opener, straighten one end of a paperclip to easily slit open a sealed envelope.

8. Keychain

In need of a last-minute keychain so you don’t lose your precious house key? Straighten a paper clip, then slip the keys onto it and bend in a circle. This quick DIY will keep your keys together in a pinch.

Related: IKEA Desks for Every Style and Budget

9. Emergency Toothpick

If you have food stuck in your teeth and your finger just isn’t cutting it (and toothpicks are no where to be found) remove that stubborn bit of food with a clean, bent paperclip.

10. Money Clip

Yes, paper clips are for more than just documents! Make use of the office supply item to keep money bills organized, whether in your wallet or around the house.

Growing up, Brian McCourt had an obsession with real estate and, by the age of 25, he had successfully flipped seven properties. With heavy demand, he eventually started his new venture: Brian McCourt Designs. His well-rounded skill set, knowledge of building products and creative mind make him a true asset to the world of renovation. Read on to find out more about the co-host of Backyard Builds!

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Who’s your biggest inspiration? I’d say my dad inspired me. I know that’s the cheesiest answer ever, but it’s true. My dad is very handy, he does a lot of cabinet work and renovation, he’s a very focused, detail-oriented guy. That kind of inspired me and gave me confidence to try things on my own. And I quickly learned that I really loved it, so I followed it.
            2. What’s your proudest career moment? My proudest career moment would be my first flip, because it was a big struggle. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I dove right in. It took longer and cost more and took a lot more out of me than I thought it would. But it just made the sale of it even more sweet. I realized there was really something to this, and something in me that I should follow.
            3. What’s the best thing about being a contractor? My favourite thing about being a contractor is the creative aspect. I love before-and-afters, I love transforming something, I love creating something and I love building something. It’s a visual reward, and the endorphins start going as soon as it’s finished. I stare at it for awhile and I’m proud of myself.
            4. What’s the worst thing about being a contractor? The worst thing about being a contractor would be surprises. Crappy surprises, and having to break the news to homeowners.
            5. What’s your favourite contractor trick? My favourite contracting trick is just having the right tool for the job. Early in my career I didn’t have all the right tools, and so I was trying to do things with handsaws and basic tools that weren’t meant for the job. Now I always make sure I have the right router bit, I have the right saw, and so that way I can do a great job and do it time-efficiently.
            6. What was your first job? My first job was delivering newspapers in the wee hours of the morning at the age of nine, but I was taking out the trash when I was five.
            7. What’s your dream vacation? My dream vacation would be to backpack around Australia and take some surf lessons along the way.
            8. What’s your hidden talent? I’m a pretty good athlete and played just about every sport growing up, but my claim to fame is landing a back-flip.
            9. Do you have siblings? If so, how many? Yes, I have four brothers and two sisters; seven kids within nine years and yes… my parents were busy!
            10. Cats or dogs? I love both but I have to go with dogs, especially my dog Malick. I thought he was a lab, but when I brought him home he never grew. He’s kind of a forever puppy and he’s the best cuddler. Dog lover to the max.
            11. What’s a movie you can watch over and over again? Bridesmaids makes me laugh every time! Pretty much any movie with Kristen Wiig or Melissa McCarthy – total fan of hilarious women.
                

                Bryan Baeumler definitely has the best hair. Very consistent, full of shine and no split ends.

            12. What’s your favourite ’90s jam/band or artist? I love a good singer/songwriter and I have a thing for female vocals, Alanis was killing it back in the day and Jewel made me feel fuzzy on rainy days.
            13. How did you feel the first day of your first time shooting for your show? I was 80 per cent anxious and/or excited and 20 per cent confused. It was a complete change of pace for me and I felt guilty for taking time away from doing the work so that I could tell the camera what was happening. I had to learn how to balance the work with the filming.
            14. If you could have any career, what would you do? My dream job is to run my own furniture and home renovation product company. Catering to the shrinking footprint trend and green living.
            15. What’s a guilty pleasure that would surprise your fans? Chocolate eating marathon… Zero self control when it comes to chocolate and caramel.
            16. What’s the most embarrassing item in your home? A newspaper clipping of me on Canadian Idol in 2004.  I’m wearing a pink button up shirt with a popped collar and loose tie. Not sure which look I was going for there…
            17. What’s your favourite season and why? My favourite season is spring because the days get longer, and it almost feels like you’re on vacation when we get the first run of nice weather after winter.
            18. What’s your favourite way to relax? Netflix and candy.
            19. What’s your biggest source of design inspiration? My clients. I’m always trying to find ways to customize a space to reflect each person I work with. Whether it be based around their heritage, travel experiences or interests, the home just has to be unique to them.
            20. What’s your favourite home you’ve ever flipped? A 150-year-old stone house in Montreal I flipped in 2011. I converted the home into an open-concept loft space with custom open-riser stairs made from a recycled I-beam along with ash wood steps my brother made in my dad’s shop.
            21. Least favourite design trend? I just can’t hop on board with the bold floral wallpapers. They were a mistake in the ’80s and they are a mistake now.
            22. Biggest mistake you see in homes? I think the biggest mistake I see in homes today is when four different types of materials are used on the facade of a house. I find it looks messy and disjointed.
            23. Next big trend in home design? I think the next big trend will be removable walls made of interlocking bricks. Similar to a life-sized Lego trend – it’s already starting!
            24. Next big project you plan to take on at home? I’m planning a move in the next few months, so that will be a big project on its own! I’ll likely be gutting it and reworking the floor plan. Time will tell!
            25. Favourite tradition at home? Playing the ukulele and singing old Irish songs with my whole family.
            26. Favourite part of the holiday season? Definitely spending time with my family and my moms cooking. “Hi mom!”
            27. Who’s your Home Network celebrity crush? Dave and Kortney Wilson. Man, they make me laugh on Masters of Flip.
            28. Who has the best hair on Home Network? Bryan Baeumler definitely has the best hair. Very consistent, full of shine and no split ends.
            29. What’s the hardest part of days on set? When the makeup artist pokes under your eyes with makeup. I can’t believe people do that everyday, voluntarily.
            30. Describe your dream backyard. It would definitely have a workshop in it. I love making custom pieces, so having a proper space to do that would be a dream. I would also want an open field for my pup Malik – and I have a new need for a few goats in my life. So a little hobby barn or “goat house” is on the list. A four-season greenhouse and space to entertain would be great, too.

Learn everything you need to know about Brian’s co-host Sarah Keenleyside and don’t miss the season premiere of Backyard Builds  Thursdays at 10pm e/p on Home Network!

This post is an update of a story that was originally published on March 16, 2017.

Taking on a renovation is daunting enough on its own, not to mention when you’re left to estimate how much the project will cost once complete. In our Common Renovating Costs series, Danny Edell of Toronto-based boutique construction and renovation company True Contractors outlines what you can expect to pay for various home improvements. Next up, we’re shining the light on walls, windows and doors.

WALLS
Whether you’re knocking down old walls, erecting new ones or cosmetically altering existing walls, aesthetics matter. So before you pick up a paintbrush or attempt to hang that expensive pattern-happy wallpaper, consider calling on an expert.

Painting

• If hiring a professional, the average labour cost is $2 to $3 per square foot.
• For an average-sized room that measures approximately 12×12, a complete paint job will cost between $800 and $1,000 (i.e. basic walls, ceiling and trim). Keep in mind that these prices are subject to the prep work required, such as if the existing paint is oil or latex and needs a primer.

Wallpaper

• Wallpapering a room, especially if working with heavily patterned designs, is truly an art form – so it’s worth relying on an expert to ensure a seamless result.
• The average cost for installation is $600 per room (this price will fluctuate depending on the size and shape of the space).
• Wallpaper can range from $60 to $800 per roll, depending on the brand, designer, material and intricacy of the pattern.

Wainscoting/Trim

• Wainscoting, trim and other architectural detailing is a terrific way to add texture and character to your living space.
• The typical cost of mouldings and trim is $2 to $3 per linear foot (materials like MDF are more affordable than solid wood options).

DOORS
Doors can also have a tremendous impact on the look and feel of your home (they are a person’s first impression upon entering a space, after all). Whether you’re a modernist, traditionalist or minimalist, a new entrance promises to breathe new life into any room.

• If hiring a professional, installing and trimming a basic interior door will cost between $250 and $300 (this price includes a standard Masonite door and casing).
• Exterior doors are far more pricey, averaging $1,200 to $2,200 – but prices can increase from there (for instance, a stained fiberglass option can cost upwards of $2,500).

WINDOWS
Shiny new windows often come with significant energy savings (say goodbye to unwanted drafts that sneak through old panes and result in heat loss).

• The average price to install, trim and flash a new 5×7 foot window is $1,000 (including supply).
• Prices fluctuate depending on size and material. A small basement window, for instance, will cost around $500. And when it comes to type, vinyl styles are more affordable, while wood, fiberglass and aluminum-clad options tend to be more costly.