Sometimes even do-it-yourselfers find themselves in a bind. “DIY to the Rescue” offers its know-how to homeowners who made the effort, but the project took more time or expertise than anticipated.
Last week, “DIY to the Rescue” was in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood, where they made over two homes.
Gloria Moore unsuccessfully tried to repair the damaged ceiling and walls in her grandson Deontae’s room. The bedroom formerly belonged to Deontae’s great-grandmother, so he was happy to see the pink carpeting go. Lolita Brown-Johnson and her husband, Don Johnson, like to entertain in their backyard, and wanted to replace windows in the kitchen/dining room with a sliding door to the deck and yard.
In the course of 48 hours, hosts Amy Devers and Karl Champley, along with team carpenter Nathan Haun and other tradespeople, swoop in to assess the homeowners’ situation and save the day.
Along the way, they consult the homeowners before doing anything drastic (such as knocking down a wall), and work alongside them, offering instruction and encouragement. As homeowners are taught to install carpet and closet doors, illustrated tips and facts appear across the bottom of the screen, explaining nearly every move they make. The information is stated thoroughly yet simply, so that novice do-it-yourselfers and House Potatoes alike can learn the basics.
Kudos to “DIY to the Rescue” for speaking our language. The show frequently refers viewers to its Web site for further explanations, like how to fix squeaky floors.
Unlike many home-improvement shows, this one discloses the price of the project. The show also encourages renting of power tools to keep costs down, and it reveals how much homeowners saved by doing the job themselves.
TLC has a similar show called “In a Fix.” Although both series have an Aussie team member (Champley on DIY, James Lunday on TLC), the bailout similarities stop there. The seven-member team on “In a Fix” is overloaded with actors and comedians, and plays more like “The Real World” than a home-improvement show. And just what is it about handymen from Down Under, anyway?
Perhaps most refreshingly, there is no “reveal” at the end of “DIY to the Rescue.” You’ve seen the “reveal” on myriad other series: Homeowners are brought blindfold into the made-over room and proceed to hop and scream with glee. Thankfully, “DIY to the Rescue” can avoid this gimmick because the homeowners have been there helping all along. And it doesn’t take anything away from the finished project.
More Top Picks Best Handheld Magnifiers For Low Vision
The show airs on the DIY Network on Thursdays at 9 p.m. and repeats throughout the week. It can also be seen on HGTV, Sundays at 7 a.m.
Spud falls off couch, holds breath
The September/October issue of “eco-structure” asks, “Is Your Home Healthy?” An expert in “bau-biology,” or building biology, names common household items that could be harmful. Air fresheners and electromagnetic radiation are among the bau-biological offenders. The magazine also has a special report on ventilation and sick-building syndrome.
———-
Carmel Carrillo is assistant editor of the Sunday Real Estate section. You can e-mail her at [email protected].