Episode 1: Hello Contestants, Goodbye Contestants

The twenty finalists are given two sheets of plywood to build anything they want within the time limit of two hours. Ten finalists make it the next stage, which includes the shape challenge and quizzes on building code and tools.^[2]

Episode 2: Teams of Two

The remaining eight contestants are paired into teams and given the task of finishing a section of a room. They must install a window, drywall, wainscot, trim, and wood flooring. To top it off, contestants have to install a flat screen TV on the wall.

After dropping two more contestants, the remaining six get one hour to install a salvaged door slab (including making the door frame) on a laundry room, as well as make a shelf above the washer and dryer.^[3]

Episode 3: Lay Out Kitchen Designs

Contestants are given one hour to incorporate a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave and sink into a small, L-shaped kitchen. They must design and build the cabinets and install countertops as well.

After eliminating another handyman, the final four contestants face a trio of challenges, each to be completed in 30 minutes or less: repair a broken window pane; shingle a dog house; install a toilet.^[4]

Episode 4: This is the End My Friends

The final three contestants are given the task of designing and building an outdoor space including a deck, furniture, and a barbecue grill.^[5]

Episode 1: Make or Break

Initial findings, cutting down from 20 competitors to the top 14

Challenge 1:

Use two sheets of plywood to build anything the contestant wants

Low: Howard, Marcus, Chris, Edward, Mike, Tonya

Eliminated: Edward Wurch, Mike Burns, Tonya Tyler

Challenge 2:

Build a fence gate (no plans)

Low: Howard, Marcus, Chris, Josh, Andy

Eliminated: Chris Gill, Joshua Cohen, Marcus Bailey

^[6]

Episode 2: Good on Paper

Challenge 1:

Rough line drawing sketch of either Adirondack chair, planter box, or a small table

• Chair: Shaun, Kurt, Neil, Allison, Stefano
• Planter: Howard, Cheryl, Jared, Natalie
• Table: Matt, Pete, Andy, Kate, Lawrence

Eliminated: Matthew, Steffano

Challenge 2:

Follow precise plans to build a toolbox

Eliminated: Kurt, Howard

^[7]

Episode 3: Behind Closed Doors

Challenge 1:

Each contestant is tested one-on-one by each judge

• Mike Holmes asks questions about building codes and general building knowledge, then has them attempt to find errors in a poorly built bathroom
• Scott McGillivray has them transfer shapes from one board to cut those shapes out of another board
• Guest judge Bill Kiss, CMO of Sears Tools, tests 'tool IQ' by having difficult situations where they must select the correct tool to use

Challenge 2:

Build a staircase up to a 49 inch high platform

^[8]

Episode 4: Terrible Twos

Challenge 1:

Contestants are randomly divided into teams of two. Each team must finish a room, starting from studs, they are asked to put in insulation, drywall, a window, hardwood flooring and trim, and mount a TV to the wall

The teams are:

• Shaun and Cheryl
• Allison and Andy
• Jared and Kate
• Lawrence and Neil

After the first challenge, the weakest team (Lawrence and Neil) compete one-on-one to install crown molding around a number of difficult corners

Challenge 2:

Build a brick patio from the ground up

^[9]

Episode 5: Know it or Blow it

Challenge 1:

Obstacle course of 3 30 minute challenges that require prior knowledge to simply accomplish. Replacing a damaged piece of hardwood flooring, install an electrical socket and light with a switch on a wall, and build a small stack of bricks to test masonry knowledge.

Challenge 2:

Install a double door, including frame, on a linen closet. Then install a shelving system and fill it with linens.

^[10]

Episode 6: To the Top

Challenge 1:

Build a large garden shed in 6 hours, with the help of 2 crew who they must manage, having the night before to plan it.

Challenge 2:

Layout and build a kitchen using random used kitchen cabinets and new appliances.

^[11]

Episode 1: Outhouse to the Doghouse

"Toilet Fixes and Custom Doghouse Build"

Challenge 1

Toilet replacement

Challenge 2

Custom doghouse build

^[12]

Episode 2: Playground Battlefield

"Crying Babies and Playground Battles"

Challenge 1

Perform household fixes quietly without waking a sleeping baby

Challenge 2

Build custom playground

^[13]

Episode 3: The Dream Garage

"From Clutter and Chaos to the Dream Garage"

Challenge 1

Window repair

Challenge 2

Teams of 2 to rebuild garage

^[14]

Episode 4: Inspect and Garden

"Handymen Turned Home Inspectors Turned Garden Builders"

Challenge 1

Find home problems and repair them

Challenge 2

Build a tranquil garden retreat

^[15]

Episode 5: Burnt by the BBQ

"The Crawlspace Obstacle Course and BBQ Island Build Off"

Challenge 1

Obstacle course

Challenge 2

Build a BBQ

^[16]

Episode 6: Kitchen Crowns the Winner

"Media Room Redo and a Full Kitchen Build Out for the Win"

Challenge 1

Rebuild a media room

Challenge 2

Build a kitchen

^[17]