This is an old post, but thought I would update posters to a couple of new shows on with a similar premise as Hidden Potential. One is called "PROPERTY BROTHERS". One brother is a realtor who shows the home buyer houses within their budget, generally they are not in great condition and are fixer-uppers. The other brother is a contractor who performs the renovation to update the house they select. The homeowners are given a 3D rendering of the proposed renovation, including the time frame for completion, generally 6-8 weeks. They do a good job and even like real life (gasp!) run into unforeseen problems that require adjusting the plans due to the hit to the budget...now that is realistic! LOL Like Hidden Potential, they do not typically address the entire house, so they may have a remodeled kitchen and LR, but still will have a sucky bedroom or bathroom to contend with. I remember on Hidden Potential thinking, there is NO way that remodel will cost that amount and you know there will be overruns (plumbing or electric being brought up to code, dry rot, termite damage, etc.) and like another poster - they couldn't possibly move in for at least 4-9 months with some of Hidden Potential renovations like roof changes, adding a second floor, etc! I still like the show for displaying the creative ways some of these homes could be renovated, but I thought the cost estimates were not realistic. The other show that I like a lot is "LOVE IT OR LIST IT" on the OWN - Oprah network. I think it is a Canadian import but quite enjoyable and fun. It definitely seems rehearsed, but the hosts are great. The concept is a family has a house that is no longer working for them (too small now they have children, etc). The realtor will find them a house in their budget to get them to "list it"; the Interior Designer will renovate their home to get them to "love it" again. I definitely would say it is a great alternative to some of these old and dumbed down shows that are now on HGTV. These two are my favorite new home design/decor/renovation shows.

I finally watched it yesterday....liked some things, didn't like others. I actually liked the orange and thought it was a nice departure from the typical blue, aqua, pale greens that are typical beach house colors. All the "stuff"...yes, too much, especially for a beach rental. Would he even know if someone walked off with some of it? I didnt mind the bench seating in the DR....it is supposed to be casual and I think of kids sitting there mostly...but agree, not conducive to a leisurely meal or sipping wine. DH has often taken calls while on vacation, so the desk in the BR did not bother me...I guess if you have to work...a glimpse of the beach wouldnt be bad. And that is what it was...a glimpse. For that $$, I would want a house right on the beach and not have to look out onto rooftops with the beach behind them. Anyplace on that first level to stow all the beach gear....boogie boards, towels, chairs, etc.? Lugging groceries, etc... up to the second floor....uh, no. Liked the all white color scheme...but those dark floors will show every speck...not a good thing, especially in a rental. Didn't really show the kitchen at all...why was that skipped over? All the white tile and grout....super hard to keep up. From what I could tell..the pool almost looked too small to be worth all the trouble. Was really surprised he wanted the landscaping all lined up like an English estate....especially at a casual beach house! A natural landscape can be orderly too. Cracks me up that he will rent it out...he definitely seems like the type that would not want strangers sleeping in his house.

Usually on Sat afternoon - 1 pm CT So far I've seen Galveston, Richmond , Butte, SoCal, NJ, Atlanta, Northern IN, Chattanooga, maybe CO & New Orleans too Particularly liked Galveston couple - if something could be salvaged during demo it was They reused a beam from another hse on current project and they saved themselves $500. http://uhclthesignal.com/wordpress/2017/06/21/hgtvs-saving-galveston-focuses-on-restoring-the-historic-island/

We suggest you start right here in Houzz. Look for pictures that fit your idea in design, save them and then take them to your local Kitchen and Bath designer so they can see your vision and guide you through the selection process of picking tile, cabinets, etc. We love these shows but they are unrealistic in the time frame they seem to show. An average time line for bath renovations is 3-4 weeks from studs to finish work. Please come prepared when it comes to looks you want so your designer can help yo realize your dream. Good luck. We are all here to help you.....Good luck.