The stakes are higher than ever as Home Network’s Renovation Resort returns for its third season on Sunday, April 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network and streams on STACKTV. This year, real estate expert Scott McGillivray and builder Bryan Baeumler are heading to the lake to oversee the transformation of a long-neglected resort into a premier vacation destination. Four elite contractor-designer duos are moving in for an eight-week battle, competing for a life-changing $100,000 prize and the ultimate bragging rights.
We’re sitting down with this season’s competitors to go behind the scenes of the build. From blending Japanese Minimalism with entrepreneurial grit to bringing a “Modern-Funk” Bahamian flair to the Canadian lakeside, these teams are sharing what they learned about themselves under pressure and why they’re obsessed with the art of the renovation.
- Tatianna and Thomas (Vancouver): Co-workers who merge Red Seal craftsmanship with a “Modern-Organic” aesthetic.
- Marcy and Melissa (Niagara): Sisters who pair design finesse with hands-on execution in a “Rustic Coastal” style.
- Chalon and Liz (Texas): Friends bringing “Modern-Funk” design and sharp business acumen to the competition.
- Taylor and Mehrdad (Vancouver): A duo pairing “Japanese-inspired Minimalism” with serious grit.
Our interview with Marcy and Melissa below! —Noa Nichol
The Shoreline Signature: This season, you’re tasked with transforming a neglected resort into a premier vacation destination. How did you translate your specific design aesthetic—whether it be Modern-Organic, Rustic Coastal, Modern-Funk, or Japanese-inspired Minimalism—into a lakeside retreat that feels both luxury and functional?
When transforming the neglected resort into a premier vacation destination, we took a walk down memory lane. Melissa and I grew up spending our summers at cottages, often out on the dock from morning to dusk. Those experiences became the heart of our vision. We embraced a rustic coastal style, reimagining the entire space as a charming oasis for both renters and families looking to escape. Each area was thoughtfully layered for comfort, designed to reflect and complement the serene beauty visible just beyond the windows, the lake itself.
The Duo Dynamic: From co-workers and sisters to long-time friends, every team brings a unique personal history to the construction site. What was the most surprising thing you learned about your partner’s “entrepreneurial grit” or “design finesse” while working under the eight-week pressure cooker?
Since we are sisters, we’ve shared so many life experiences together, which made this opportunity truly once in a lifetime for us. Going into this competition, our main goal was to fully soak in the experience, have fun, and support each other every step of the way.
For me (Marcy), it was incredible to see Melissa in her element. Watching her on the tools was so inspiring, it made me feel like a very proud big sister. I think Melissa handles pressure extremely well and always looks on the bright side, even in stressful moments. That positive energy was refreshing to be around and made the high-pressure situations feel much more manageable.
Working together over the eight weeks, what surprised me (Melissa) most about Marcy was how quickly she picked up the tools, whenever I needed an extra set of hands! Going in, she had zero experience, but by the end, she could tackle just about anything she set her mind to. Not only was she a huge help, but I never forgot that she’s my sister first and she’s not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’ve always known she’s an incredible designer and a hard worker, so that part didn’t surprise me at all.
The “McGillivray & Baeumler” Factor: Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler are titans of the renovation world. Without giving away any spoilers, what was the most valuable piece of “tough love” or expert advice you received from them that completely changed how you approached a specific challenge?
Whenever Bryan or Scott came around, we definitely felt a bit nervous. We’ve looked up to both of them for so many years, and at the end of the day, we just wanted to do our best and prove that we deserved to be there.
For me (Marcy), one of the toughest moments was missing a few details in one of our challenges due to time constraints. I’m a hostess at heart, so overlooking those specific touches, things I would normally never forget, and then having them pointed out was hard for me to process, especially as a perfectionist.
A few things stand out for me (Melissa), but one in particular was a custom build where I didn’t get to complete the final finishing touches. Again, this is a competition, not a real-life project, so unfortunately, time constraints sometimes mean things can’t be perfect.
The Resort Evolution: Renovating a resort is a different beast than a standard home flip. What do you love most about the “vacation destination” aspect of home renovation, and how did you ensure your space offered that “wow factor” needed to compete for the $100,000 prize?
Renovating a resort is different from a typical residential project. We were constantly thinking about the guest experience while creating an inviting, comfortable space where families and friends could gather.
Throughout the design process, Melissa and I often envisioned what our own family would want when coming to a rental, how we’d spend our time and the kinds of memories we’d want to make. Because of that, we focused on incorporating special touches that felt personal and thoughtful.
As for the “wow factor,” we wanted each space to feel unique, with carefully chosen elements that reflect our rustic lake house style. By layering textures, using natural materials, and adding distinctive details, we aimed to create spaces that are both memorable and welcoming.
We truly fell in love with our lake house, we didn’t want to leave, and we hope every guest who stays there feels exactly the same way.
The DIY Takeaway: For the Vita Daily readers currently staring at their own “neglected” spaces at home, what is one professional secret or mindset shift you gained on the show that every DIYer should adopt before picking up a sledgehammer?
It’s always important to go in with a thoughtful plan, but also be prepared for pivots and changes along the way. We learned so much about problem solving and thinking quickly on our feet. Renovations don’t always go exactly as planned, so being able to adapt and trust the process is key.
One of the biggest mindset shifts is understanding that not everything has to be perfect right away. Focus on the bigger picture and the overall vision, rather than getting stuck on small details too early. Prioritize what will make the biggest impact first and build from there.
Also, don’t be afraid to step back and reassess when something isn’t working. Sometimes the best decisions come from being flexible and open to a new direction. At the end of the day, confidence, creativity, and a willingness to adjust can make all the difference.
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