Fixer-upper

In real estate slang, a fixer-upper is a property that will require maintenance work (redecoration, reconstruction or redesign), though it usually can be lived in as it is.

They are popular with buyers who wish to raise the property's potential value to get a return on investment, a practice known as flipping, or as a starter home for buyers on a budget. Home-improvement television shows touting do-it-yourself renovation techniques have made fixer-uppers more popular, but during a real-estate downturn, with newer homes available at depressed prices, there is often reduced interest. Inexperienced buyers frequently underestimate the amount and cost of repairs necessary to make a home livable or saleable. Structural and service issues such as a home's foundation or plumbing, which may not be visible at first, can require expensive, professional contracting work.

Film and television

Many comedy films have used fixer-upper renovations as a central part of the plot, among them:

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper may refer to:

Fixer Upper (TV series)

Fixer Upper is an American reality television series airing on HGTV starring Chip and Joanna Gaines, based in Waco, Texas. The shows pilot aired in May 2013, with the full season 1 beginning in April 2014, season 2 began in January 2015, and season 3 began in December 2015.

Premise

Prior to Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines worked with clients on buying and remodeling homes. In total the couple had worked on over 100 homes. On the show, the Gaineses start by showing one couple three potential homes for purchase in central Texas, each of which requires a varying amount of repair or renovation. Once the couple chooses their home, Joanna designs it while Chip is the lead contractor. The buyers typically have a total budget of under $200,000 with at least $30,000 in renovations.

Episodes

Season 1 (2014–15)

Season 2 (2015)

Season 3 (2015)

See also

References