Drew and Jonathan Scott have been busy this past year. From new shows, to new adventures and even a new little one on the way! It’s full steam ahead for the Property Brothers. Read on to find out what’s been going on in their lives, their latest tips for tackling home renos and highlights from their new show Don’t Hate Your Hose With the Property Brothers.
Stream Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers now on STACK TV — try it free today! And don’t forget to tune in to Backed By The Bros premiering Wednesday, June 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada.
Related: 10 No-Reno Upgrades That’ll Boost a Homes Value
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How do you know when to go to a pro or fix it yourself?
Drew: “There are plenty of projects that homeowners can handle themselves, like tiling, painting, and cosmetic updates. But not everyone has a Jonathan in the family, so it’s important to know when to call an expert.”
Jonathan: “I always say anything major like electrical work, major plumbing issues, mold remediation, complicated HVAC repairs, and things like that should be handled by a pro.”
Are there any upgrades you think should always be done on your own?
Drew: “Things like hanging curtains, putting up a gallery wall, mounting a shelf, building furniture etc. Those are all projects you can totally handle on your own. Look online for videos from reputable trades for advice.”
Jonathan: “Also, home maintenance tasks, too! Like changing filters or fixing a running toilet. A lot of people don’t know how to do minor repairs anymore and it costs them a lot of money in the long run. But they’re actually pretty simple.”
Which home upgrades have the best ROI?
Drew: “Energy-efficient upgrades can be great investments because they save money on energy bills in the short-term, and make your home more attractive to buyers in the long-term. But don’t forget small projects that have a big impact, too, like upgrading your kitchen cabinets. People can spend way too much on home remodels expecting to get their investment back, and that’s not always the case. Something as simple as making the space look more modern can go a long way.”
Jonathan: “Another thing you’ll be hearing more about are Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs. You can convert a garage or basement into an apartment that you can rent out, which can bring in some extra income and add long-term value, too.”
What are the most common mistakes when renovating your house?
Drew: “Not planning properly is a big one. People get so excited and want to jump in, but with a big renovation, you really need to think everything through. Come up with a budget and speak to several contractors and professionals in your area. Don’t make an emotional decision or dive in without the right research.”
Jonathan: “Another thing people don’t talk about a lot is over-customizing and making the home too personal to you. Obviously if you plan to stay in the home for a long time, you want it to feel like you. But try not to go too overboard with super unique paint colors or finishes. Future buyers may not have the same taste and you could have to pay to change it later. I always like to recommend going a little safer on the bones and then using decor and furniture to bring out that personality.”
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If the homeowner has a small budget, where would you recommend they start renovating first?
Drew: “Small things like painting kitchen cabinets or changing a bathroom vanity can make a pretty big impact without costing a ton.”
Jonathan: “Tiling is another project that can make a big difference in a kitchen or bathroom, as well as updating the fixtures in those spaces. I also think landscaping is often forgotten about. Improving your curb appeal with some plants and flowers or even updating the mailbox or your house numbers can make the place seem more inviting and modern.”
Is there ever a point homeowners should call it quits and just move?
Drew: “Sure, and sometimes we do ask homeowners if they really want to go through the trouble of renovating instead of moving. But it all comes down to what they need.”
Jonathan: “Exactly. A lot of these families on Don’t Hate Your House want to stay in their current properties because they want to be close to family and can’t afford to live in their neighbourhood anymore if they move, or they only have the budget to do a few renovations. It comes down to what’s best for the homeowners and we’re just here to make that happen.”
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What are some red flags to look out for when hiring a contractor?
Drew: “If they have bad reviews or won’t connect you with references so you can do a background check, that’s a red flag. Or if they try to avoid putting things in writing, that’s not a good sign either. Make sure to document everything as you move through the process.”
Jonathan: “In general, trust your gut. If something seems off, explore other options. This is one of the most valuable investments you’ll make and you really have to put it in the hands of someone you trust. Don’t ignore a gnawing feeling if you have it. My biggest red flag is somebody who changes their phone number often.”
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Any words of encouragement for homeowners on a mission to love their home?
Drew: “Your home should be your favorite place in the world. If you don’t love it right now, put a little effort into making it better. And that doesn’t have to mean a massive renovation.”
Jonathan: “Remember it’s not just about the public areas — invest in spaces just for you and your wellbeing. Seasonally switching out bedding, window coverings, decor, moving things from room to room, can have a big effect on making a space feel fresh. There are a lot of little things you can swap that don’t cost a fortune and can make you feel more at home. And watch Don’t Hate Your House, because it’ll provide you a ton of inspiration.”
What was the most emotional moment while filming the show?
Drew: “It’s always tough to pick a moment that’s most emotional. Every time we see the look on a homeowner’s face when we reveal their new home is unbeatable. It’s honestly the best part of the job.”
Jonathan: “We did get to renovate our parents’ house this season, though, and that was an incredible experience. They’ve given us so much and they moved to LA to be closer to our families, so getting to do something for them was really special.”
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Have you done any travel since the start of the new year? Any travel plans for the future?
Drew: “We’ve been staying close to home during Linda’s pregnancy. Hopefully we can plan something soon once the baby’s here. Jonathan, wanna babysit?”
Jonathan: “Zooey and I have taken a few vacations this year to places like Paris and New York. We love traveling, trying new food, seeing shows, and spending time together so I’m sure there will be plenty more trips this summer.”
How are things with the families? Any exciting news we should know about?
Drew: “Linda and I are anxiously awaiting baby number two! We can’t wait to see Parker become a big brother even though we’ll probably never get to sleep again.”
Jonathan: “Zooey and I are essentially chauffeurs for the kids and their busy schedules. We haven’t done much wedding planning, but we know it’s going to be an awesome event.”
Any new shows or movies you’ve been tuned into?
Drew: “It’s pretty much all Bluey all the time at our house. Parker rules the remote these days.”
Jonathan: “I don’t have a ton of downtime to watch TV, but when I do it’s usually The Great British Baking Show. No calories if I absorb tv desserts!”
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When things get intense with work, what are some things you do to wind down?
Drew: “Spending time with the family is the best way to unwind. I love reading books or playing with Parker, and just relaxing with Linda.”
Jonathan: “We like to do activities like go to escape rooms or go out for a nice dinner. Zooey and I love to host, too, which may not sound relaxing to everyone but it is for us. Anytime we’re all together, we’re laughing and having a good time.”
Related: The Scott Brothers Reveal Their 10 All-Time Favourite Episodes of Property Brothers: Forever Home
