The pandemic gave everyone the unique opportunity to re-access the contents of their homes, condos and apartments. Where I live, in western Quebec, we were able to pare down our stuff by joining a social media group designed to offer gently used items to those interested for free. The idea? To foster community while saving things from the landfill.
Some folks look to cash in when getting rid of clutter, and that’s explored to the nth degree in Hoarder House Flippers.
Returning for Season 2 this Wednesday on HGTV Canada, house flippers from across the country, buy, clear out and overhaul houses that, in some cases, are packed to the rafters with the previous owners’ things.
In the first episode, siblings Heather and Nathan head to Portage la Prairie to assess the trash and treasure lurking in their latest flip. They are greeted with rooms that are filled with stuff. Picture a packed storage locker… in each room. Overwhelmed by glassware, an overgrown fish tank, clothes and creepy dolls, the siblings call on friends to help fill dumpsters and sell small items, with the profit returning to the community. (The siblings acquired the property from relatives who had encountered unexpected challenges with the property, including a hoarding situation.)
Then it’s on to gutting, renovating and reselling. With the rooms emptied, the true potential of Heather and Nathan’s purchase and big issues are revealed. A complete rewiring of the home could eat into their profits big-time and delay their planned two-month reno schedule. The end results? Simply stunning.
I watch a lot of renovation series on HGTV Canada, and what sets Hoarder House Flippers apart for me is how relatable—in the first episode anyway—Heather and Nathan are. Funny, capable and honest, I feel like I could grab a drill, hammer or pry bar, and help without feeling embarrassed or out of place.
This second season includes episodes featuring the Mbaye brothers, more of Heather and Nathan and new flippers Stephanie and Deidre.
Hoarder House Flippers airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada.
Image courtesy of Corus Media.