Life Under Renovation

Step into the tumultuous yet rewarding universe of home renovations with the 2021 discovery+ original series, Life Under Renovation. A heartwarming cross-country adventure through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of five families located in different parts of the United States as they embark on extensive renovation journeys in an effort to transform their houses into dream homes. The show sets a refreshing premise in the saturated genre of home makeover reality programs by allowing viewers to step into the authentic roller coaster ride of real-life renovations, replete with unexpected surprises, unforeseen setbacks, ensuing frustrations, and ultimately, immense satisfaction.

Life Under Renovation is far removed from the standard home-improvement show tropes. This is no quick, flashy, 'tear-down-the-house and build-it-up-in-a-post-produced-week’ type of show. Instead, this series presents the true, real-time updates of renovation projects as they unfold over months, and sometimes, over a year. From cramped ranch-style houses begging for roomy expansions, historic homes requiring elaborate restorations to retain their natural charm, to rundown properties in need of complete overhauls, the show explores the broad spectrum of home renovation endeavors.

The series delights in showcasing the diversity and individuality of the families who are the heart of each home renovation. Each episode is masterfully curated to introduce the home renovating families, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of their unique stories, inspirations, styles, and personal aspirations behind their renovation endeavors. There is an upscale couple seeking to create their forever mansion from a vintage countryside property, a creative mom trying to find space for her artistic pursuits amidst her loving chaos of her large family, a couple transporting their urban sensibilities to a picturesque mountaintop setting, each story speaks to a different viewer, and each setting is as representative of America's architectural landscape as it is visually pleasing.

Each family is seen taking the rein of their renovation themselves, undertaking procedures from demolitions to decoration, making way for major feel-good moments. As the series progresses, Life Under Renovation carefully unravels the narrative of transformation, not just of the houses, but the bonding, resilience, and evolution of the family unit as they negotiate the realities of the renovation process.

This unique renovation chronicle also provides a refreshing, candid picture of the painstaking and exhaustive process of renovating, reality television at its finest. From dauntless DIY attempts to hiring local contractors, harsh budget realities to the sweet victory of finding the perfect decor, the show mirrors the factual hits and misses of a layman's renovation process, unfiltered and raw. In this journey, there are unseen expenses, miscalculated timelines, plans gone awry, but also the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands, the excitement of discovering the potential of your own home, and the euphoria of settling into the comfort of your dream space.

Life Under Renovation also seamlessly ties in the location of these homes by infusing local aesthetics, material, and techniques into the renovation process. This aspect provides a broad, educational spectrum on diverse home building traditions and styles across the United States, enhancing the appeal of the series to architecture and design enthusiasts.

The cinematography and direction deserve a special mention for their ability to capture both the minute aspects of renovation jobs and the larger scale transformation of the properties. The production does not shy away from presenting the gritty, intense, and occasionally frustrating aspects of renovation, creating an honest, engaging watch for the viewers.

To summarize, Life Under Renovation on discovery+ is an original blend of reality television and home renovation shows. A celebration of the spirit of transformation, resilience, and love, it presents a ringside view of the tumultuous journey of turning a house into a dream home. This series is not just about the final reveal but the process, the journey, and the growth that makes one fall in love with their space. For anyone with a penchant for interior design, architectural makeovers, or simply heartwarming narratives of love, family, and resilience, Life Under Renovation is one discovery+ gem that you would not want to miss.