Real Reno’s

Time Schedule

Not currently onAir

Overview

As we watch master contractor Jim Caruk open up his world, no other show takes you behind the scenes the way Real Reno’s does…revealing what really happens when the homeowners aren’t looking.

Jim’s a little older, the jobs are a lot bigger, but some things never change. There are the usual erratic trades, weather delays, and on-site errors that make a million dollar renovation even more fraught than the jobs Jim used to do.

The focus, as always, is renovating from the contractors point of view. Other shows focus on clients and their dreams of what they want, but Real Reno’s looks at what it actually takes to get those jobs done. And, the bigger the job, the less room for error.

This is true verité, where neither he nor we actually know the outcomes until they happen — which truly differentiates the show. Because in Real Reno’s real life renovations, you will never learn how to put up drywall or plumb a sink, but you will learn what it’s like to truly experience a renovation.

Real Reno’s is the true story of turning paper dreams into real homes, told through the eyes of a likeable, amiable but stressed-out pro. Once again it’s a very bumpy ride.

Episode 1 – Here we go again

Real renos is back and contractor Jim Caruk is still going strong, but the jobs he’s taking on now make his old world look like a walk in the park. Between untouchable landscaping, a one-year delay and some major structural issues looming, Jim’s off to a very bumpy start.

Episode 2 – Digging out

With several big jobs on the go contractor Jim Caruk is back in the thick of it. But with a brutal winter that keeps on storming, digging these monstrous job sites out seems to be all that’s getting done. 

Episode 3 – Must be completed

With several huge projects well underway contractor Jim Caruk is already getting pressure on deadlines. Just as he tries to juggle managing the sites with quality time for his daughters, another big project comes along!

Episode 4 – Missing the point

Contractor Jim Caruk gets caught between indecisive homeowners and restless trades. Things must keep moving, or the trades will be gone. If decisions don’t come soon, Jim and the homeowners will face bigger delays than they bargained for.

Episode 5 – Totally in control?

Jim ‘lends a hand’ on the job site. The exteriors are going well but inside there’s a watery mess and an overdesigned bathroom. It’s a relief for Jim to retreat outside and have some fun in the dirt.

Episode 6 – No means no

It’s all going so well for contractor Jim Caruk, until one prickly project gets even pricklier when a neighbourly dispute escalates and tests Jim’s customer service skills.

Episode 7 – Sick of it

Its errors all around on the jobsites: a homeowner plays contractor creating chaos, Jim’s math skills muck him up, walls are built too high and to top it off… Jim is sick as dog! 

Episode 8 – Stairway to heaven

Returning from a back-breaking vacation, Jim is greeted by a series of anxious homeowners; there are creative differences over a set of stairs and another delayed move-in-day. Jim drops in on his Dad.

Episode 9 – Due dates 

Jim is run off his feet with 5 jobs in full swing. There’s an army at work on his million dollar project; another tension filled jobsite needs some ground rules; and Jim starts a tiny job with a very tight timeline.

Episode 10 – Making me nervous

A giant fish tank forces Jim to get down and dirty. Elsewhere Jim cuts it close finishing a much needed bathroom for a very pregnant homeowner. And another project is painfully inching to its finish; will Jim end up with some homeless homeowners? 

Episode 11 – Picture perfect

A million dollar project is finally finished and the results are spectacular, the homeowners are thrilled and Jim is right on budget…almost. If only all his jobs could go this smoothly. Judge Jim takes a day off from the job sites to check in on some “superstars”.

Episode 12 – Long time coming

Another job complete for Jim – great clients and a great outcome. All the construction crises and a four month overrun are forgotten. But there’s always next time, starting right now with a new complete gut, addition and Jim’s startlingly optimistic forecast of “three to five months maximum”.

Episode 13 – Extraordinary ending 

Another major renovation wraps up for Jim. The homeowner is ecstatic with the result…and hopefully with time will forgive Jim for a not finishing in time for Christmas. Jim heads west for an unforgettable family reunion.