Sweat Equity

Homeowners Erin and Toby bought the ugliest house in the best neighborhood. Licensed contractor Amy Matthews jumps in to renovate the exterior and pump up the lake views-and builds some serious equity in the process.

Licensed contractor Amy Matthews tackles a Bavarian-style house and helps homeowners transform a bathroom and bedroom into a luxurious master suite.

A pair of identical twin homeowners want to renovate their chopped-up basement. Amy Matthews leads the charge to tear down walls and install a state-of-the-art man cave for the bros.

A young couple's 1930s Tudor is in desperate need of help. They've updated most of the main floor, but there's still the tiny -- and ugly -- 1960s kitchen left to tackle. They've got $35,000 to spend and are hoping for a 100 percent return.

Nick and Jessica have a 1920's bungalow that has been meticulously kept up - except for the kitchen. The only advantage it has is that it's large, but they need more storage and counter space and some major changes to the layout.

Lisa and Mic O'Brien bought their 1930s home for one reason - the schools. After renovating nearly every inch of the house, the basement stands out like a sore thumb with its crumbling walls, asbestos tile and drafty fireplace.

Merhawit and Nabil Ghebre looked at almost 100 houses before they found "the one." They bought for the quiet suburban neighborhood, mature trees and curb appeal, but the 1979 decor throughout needs to go.

Ryan knew a good deal when he spotted his 1980's suburban home located adjacent to a wildlife preserve. He's set aside 5 grand to knock out a list of projects including repairing the cedar shake roof & painting the exterior trim.

New homeowners Griffin and Trinara just bought the ugly duckling home in a beautiful neighborhood. They have 15 thousand dollars and a big plan to transform the home's bland exterior and boost its curb appeal.

Living just steps from a lake was the dream for Jeff and Heather when they relocated from California to the Midwest. Now they want to renovate their basement and add the perfect entertaining kitchen.

First time homeowners Ryan and Erin never imagined that their unfinished backyard would be such an issue. They want to fix their privacy problems by enlarging the yard with a retaining wall, a deck, and a fire pit.

When this newlywed moved into her husband's home, she cried because it was so ugly. Amy Matthews and her team bring in a plan to add updates and curb appeal that makes their house look like a million bucks on a budget of just 24 grand.

The mudroom has become the workhorse of the American home, so these homeowners are hoping their room expansion will pay off now and perhaps with future buyers if they decide to sell their home.