House Hunters Renovation: A Young Couple's Hands-On Renovation Still Blows the Budget

Rachael and Ryan are ready to start a family so they need to get out of their cramped 900-square-foot rental and into their first home. They both want to stay near the Santa Monica, CA, coastline but the area's expensive real estate market is making finding an affordable place a real challenge. To lower costs, Ryan is willing to tackle a true fixer-upper and handle renovations himself but the idea of taking on so much work as first-time homeowners makes Rachael a little nervous. Adding to their home-search difficulties is their opposing criteria -- he'd like to find a home with a rental unit for extra income while she prefers a single-family home. With contrasting wish lists, their real estate broker Toni Patillo has quite the task in finding them a home that fits all their needs, but as renovation begins, they may discover they've taken on more than they can handle. Even with help from designer Bridgid Coulter and contractor Boaz Siton, they'll run into problem after problem. But after all the termite issues, sewer line problems and structural issues come to an end, Rachael and Ryan will wind up with the spacious kitchen and relaxing master suite of their dreams.