Sweat Equity - Season 5

Mike & Leslee Koob have a large collection of wine currently being stored in a pile of boxes. They'd like to create an organized space for the collection and they think they can transform a 7x10 storage room in the basement into a decked out wine cellar for $9,000. The wine cellar would flow well with the great entertaining space that they already have in basement. Not only do the Koob's think that the wine cellar will be that extra room that separates their home from their neighbors, they are hoping it will add some extra money in their pocket when it comes time to sell.

Per and Katherine took a gamble when they purchased an "As is" 1970s walk-out rambler. The deep snow didn't hide the homes outdated decor, but it did obscure the condition of the backyard and swimming pool. Although they have a huge backyard, an 8' fence that's literally falling down encloses the pool area and makes the rest of the yard invisible-and inaccessible. They're aware that a pool can be a drain on the budget and are hoping their $25,000 budget is big enough for their wish list. They think the investment will be something they can enjoy-and when it comes time to sell, it won't need to be listed "as is".

Wade McInroy took the plunge and purchased his first home last year. It was vacant for six years so it's in need of EVERYTHING. Wade knew he'd be house poor for the first year, but now he's ready to start putting some money into boosting his investment. He spent the year watching DIY and has the ambition, the know-how, and the friends to start work. Wade wants to start in the kitchen because he's heard that's one of the best things you can do for your home's value. The budget renovation will include painting the existing cabinet boxes, having a cabinetmaker friend fabricate new doors and making his own granite countertops from a kit.

Adam and Melissa Haviland closed on their four-level split home just 6 weeks before their wedding. They spent that time painting, re-carpeting and trying to update the early 90s decor. However, the pink laminate counters in the kitchen and accents in the bathroom need more than a coat of paint. They want to update the bathroom first because it currently doesn't have a shower. Since the bathroom has plenty of square footage with an odd layout, they think the $11,000 budget and their own hard work will give them a bathroom suite complete with a separate shower, tub and updated surfaces that will appeal not only to them - but to any future buyer.

Girish and Vashalee Ballolla built their suburban home 5 years ago and couldn't be happier with the space. Although the front of the house has plenty of curb appeal - the back is definitely an empty slate. Last year Girish built a very nice deck, but it leads to a bland backyard and the empty space looks ignored and deserted. Since Vaishalee is a yoga instructor, she'd like to build a Zen retreat in the backyard, complete with a water feature, gazebo, slate tile under the deck and lush landscaping. They think that their neighborhood can support their grand backyard plan and if designed properly and executed well they can see 100 percent return on investment.

When Alyese Vierling graduated from college and got her first nursing job, she knew that she didn't want to throw away her money on rent. She dreamed of owning one of the classic homes in town but knew that was out of her budget - until she came across an 1877 Victorian with a double lot, two-car garage and solid bones, however everything else was in desperate shape. The house was an uninhabitable mix of filth and "work in progress". It needs just about everything, but since it was priced $60,000 below value, she jumped at the chance with high hopes and promises of help from her family and friends.

Ben & Jennie Roman bought their 1973 split-entry home three years ago. With very unusable living space in the lower level, their house is starting to feel more like an apartment than a home. Their lower level was considered finished when they purchased the home. All the walls were drywalled & the carpet had been replaced; however all the work was done poorly. The Roman's are ready fix the problems so they can enjoy all the square footage their home offers. The plan is to finish off & update most of the lower level to include a master bedroom suite.

Shane & Janine Mechelke stalked their neighborhood for a year, waiting for the right house to go on the market. Situated just blocks from a chain of scenic urban lakes it's always a hot real estate market. Finally, a 1952 mid-century ranch style home came on the market - and the rest is history. So far, they've transformed the interior of the home with a clean, contemporary style and they'd like to continue that style outdoors. Their plans include: refacing the existing concrete with an aggregate epoxy, adding a patio made of 24 x 24 concrete squares with pebbles between the squares, and building a conduit and cedar contemporary style fence they'll fabricate themselves.

First time homeowner Ryan Maddux was thrilled to purchase his 1964 split level. Although it was terribly outdated, he knew that he could handle the cosmetic fixes it needs to make it make it more livable for him and more desirable when it's time to sell. Next on his to-do list is giving a contemporary makeover to the entryway and living room. He's hoping the updated look will set the tone for the rest of the house and appeal to future buyers.

Zak & Tricia loved their turn-of-the-century two story because of the wrap around porch and the potential it contained. They've lived in the house two years and have saved enough money to do some of the much-needed improvements. The "ivy" bathroom tops the list because it's not only ugly, but it contains a washer and dryer and the washer drains into the tub-which isn't exactly a selling point and is seriously weird. There's a relocation plan for the washer and dryer, which will free up space for a separate shower and tub. The new bathroom will have a contemporary flair with glass tile and a concrete sink.

When Julia and George found their rundown 3,000 sq. ft. Dutch Colonial in a beautiful urban neighborhood filled with charming cottage style homes, they knew it was a moneymaker. They spent the last two years taking down wallpaper and even tearing carpet off the ceiling! They now need to turn their attention to the exterior - the plain white siding, chain link fence and huge untouched yard stand out like an eyesore. They see this project as a service to the neighborhood and hope that it will be a huge draw when it's time to sell.

When Jeff & Lisa Provo bought their 1930s Tudor style home, it needed plenty of TLC to bring it up to date. However, the kitchen needed more than cosmetics to bring them it to speed. The 1960s style kitchen isn't just out of style, it's compartmentalized and not practical. Their makeover plan includes opening up the nook and creating a large open space for a table with banquette seating, installing wood flooring to match the rest of the house, adding white wood cabinets, new countertops, appliances and a backsplash.

John & Jessica were looking for a starter house where they could get in at a low price and hopefully add some sweat to boost their equity. They found a small house that needed the works and for the past six months have been working hard on the floors, walls and even the kitchen. The backyard is next on the list. The steps aren't to code and the raised paver patio was built incorrectly and slopes into the house carrying water right into the lower level windows. They plan to stretch their $12,000 budget by reusing the pavers for a new separate patio, building a wraparound composite deck, painting the house, and adding a screen of arborvitaes and other landscaping elements to bring their home up to code and up to par.