Buy It or Build It

"Buy It or Build It" is a dynamic HGTV series that made a splash in the 2022 home renovation show lineup, captivating audiences with an intriguing premise that spices up the typical renovation and design genre format. At the heart of the series are twin brothers Chris and Calvin LaMont, Dallas-based building and real estate power duo, each with their distinct expertise and personalities. The show combines the excitement of home buying with the creativity and challenge of custom construction, tailored to the desires of clients looking to create their perfect home.

As the name of the show implies, the central theme revolves around a pivotal decision faced by prospective homeowners: Should they buy an existing house and renovate it to meet their vision, or would it be better to start from scratch and build a custom home that can include every feature on their wish list from day one? The LaMont brothers take on this challenge each episode, bringing their individual skill sets to the table as they guide their clients through the decision-making process.

Chris LaMont, leveraging his real estate smarts and an eye for potential, scours the Dallas housing market to find hidden gems that he believes could be transformed through smart renovation and design. His focus is on showing the clients how an older house or a less-than-perfect property can become the home of their dreams with the right modifications and updates.

On the other hand, Calvin LaMont is a master builder and contractor who pitches the idea of building a brand-new home. With his architectural insight and construction expertise, Calvin works to convince clients that a custom build can offer them an opportunity to create a personalized space that suits their exact preferences and lifestyle needs without the constraints of an existing structure.

Each episode kicks off with the LaMont brothers meeting the clients to discuss their wish list and budget. Armed with this information, they set off on their respective tasks: Chris to find a property to buy and renovate, and Calvin to design a new home from the ground up. Their friendly rivalry creates a compelling narrative throughout the series, as each pulls out all the stops to sway their clients in favor of their approach.

Once the clients are presented with the two options, they weigh out the pros and cons of each choice, considering factors like cost, time frame, resale value, and how well each proposal aligns with their aspirations for their new home. The drama unfolds as the brothers attempt to sway their client's decision with charismatic sales pitches that often highlight the strengths of their proposition while pointing out the drawbacks of the alternative.

After the decision between "buying it" or "building it" is made, the real work begins. If the clients choose to buy and renovate, audiences get a front-row seat to Chris's process as he steers the transformation of the chosen property, jumping over hurdles that come with every renovation project, such as unexpected issues or budget constraints. The renovation works aim to modernize and personalize the space, applying clever design elements and perhaps even reconfiguring the layout to align with the homeowner's vision.

Alternatively, if the clients decide to build anew, the show shifts focus to Calvin and his construction team. Viewers are taken on a journey from groundbreaking to the final touches, watching as a blank slate morphously becomes a fully realized dream home, built with attention to detail and tailored to every specification provided by the clients.

Throughout each build or renovation, the LaMont brothers often face challenges and obstacles that test their abilities and creativity. Time crunches, budget concerns, and client expectations all play pivotal roles in creating tension and drama in each episode. However, their competitive spirit, combined with their expertise and a bit of brotherly banter, only adds to the entertainment value as they navigate through these issues.

The climax of each episode is the final reveal, where the vision comes to life and the clients see their new home for the first time. Whether it's a once-dated property turned modern sanctuary or a plot of land turned bespoke abode, the reactions are often emotional and highlight the genuine impact of the work that the LaMont brothers have invested in.

Overall, "Buy It or Build It" is a show that offers much more than just home renovations and new constructions; it's a series about dreams, family, and the idea that with the right help, creating the perfect home is within reach. It appeals to those indecisive about entering the housing market and serves inspiring transformations and clever building solutions that might just persuade viewers to embark on their own home adventures.