House Hunters Renovation: A Los Angeles Couple Goes Rogue on Designer's Renovation Plans

Ben and Katie are expecting their second child and are ready to upgrade from their Cambridge, MA, condo to a house with more space. They both love the charm of old Colonials but he wants a traditional home out in the country with lots of land while she wants a more contemporary place that's walkable to shops and restaurants. Finding something that suits both their styles and also has a fireplace for him and a soaking tub for her will be a tough challenge for their agent Ellie Botshon. But things will only get worse once they get the keys and start renovation as their old home creates a lot of new problems. From sagging structural beams to collapsed ceilings, the renovation proves difficult at every turn. But with the help of their contractor Bill Poillucci and designer Melissa Hammond, they work though all the construction issues and style debates to pull together a gourmet kitchen and spa-like master suite that will make their new house feel like home.