Wilmer Valderrama Turns a Garage into a Guest Suite for His Best Friend

Wilmer Valderrama celebrates a friendship 20-years strong. With help from the Property Brothers, he transforms a two-car garage into a multi-purpose living space on Celebrity IOU.

January 04, 2023

By: Emily Fazio

Show: Celebrity I.O.U.

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Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

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Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Photo By: DENNYS ILIC

Transforming a Garage Into a Finished, Functional Retreat

Tadao — the former roommate, security guard and “brother” of actor Wilmer Valderrama — comes from a Polynesian family that moved to Los Angeles more than 45 years ago. For decades, Tadao's family home has been a haven for loved ones visiting from Samoa. Upon the recent passing of his brother and both of his parents, Tadao and his seven siblings realized their home no longer had the room for everyone they wished to host. The answer: Renovating the home's two-car garage into a space for guests. “This is a game-changing opportunity,” said Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott. During this episode of Celebrity IOU, Wilmer and the bros worked together to transform the garage into a finished apartment honoring Tadao's faith and culture.

SEE MORE: Celebrity I.O.U.

Before: The Garage

The former two-car garage offered plenty of space for guests and overflow space for the family, but Tadao knew a much larger renovation would be required to address hanging wires, falling insulation and a cracked concrete slab.

After: The Living Room

The now spacious living area (with a revamped floor plan) features a channeled leather sofa, a modern coffee table and ample storage for clothes and luggage. The bros reinstalled the washer and dryer out of sight in a new closet. They also lofted the ceiling to make the garage feel open and airy. A frosted glass door lets in natural light, while LED recessed lights and woven pendants add extra brightness. Wilmer opted for a neutral color palette throughout the entire space so the family could continue to add their own touches as it evolved.

see more: Cheryl Hines Upgrades an Old Garage Into a Sophisticated Guest Suite

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Bathroom

The Polynesian-inspired full bathroom features texture-rich tile and a teak wood vanity. A round mirror and bright sconces create a cozy, modern feel. Gray-marbled floor tile grounds the space, while white-textured wall tile adds subtle contrast and depth.

see more: Cindy Crawford Gets a Workout While Surprising Her Trainer with a Home Remodel

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Bathroom

Drew and Jonathan thoughtfully designed the stunner of this space: a chic shower. Desert-hued tiles featuring one-of-a-kind watercolor designs make a stylish statement. Reminiscent of the morning sunrise in Samoa, Tadao immediately resonated with its design. A sleek glass door adds a spa-like ambiance.

see more: A Very Special Home Renovation for Halle Berry's Fifth Grade Teacher

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: The Garage

The space also lacked natural light and amenities. Drew and Jonathan planned to make the structural repairs as well as transform the garage into a cheery, stylish living area that felt separate from the actual home.

After: The Bathroom

Here, artwork adds soft color while wall hooks provide storage for lush towels. A veined quartz countertop resembles sleek marble and incorporates orange and gray tones that tie the design together.

see more: Leslie Jordan Transforms His Friends’ Home Into a Southwestern-Inspired Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: The Garage

The garage also housed a washer and dryer, which Tadao's family used often. Wilmer wanted guests to have the facilities they needed to feel comfortable, while providing additional living space for the family.

After: The Living Room

The crew installed a new concrete slab to correct cracks and create a level surface for new, luxury vinyl floors. They framed and insulated the walls with noise-blocking layers to reduce the sound of traffic, then updated the electrical system and installed a tankless water heater to support the new bathroom. A closet enhances storage while concealing the family’s washer and dryer.

see more: Terry Crews Transforms a Backyard Into an Athletic Oasis on Celebrity IOU

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Kitchenette

Wilmer knew amenities were key for this reno. To make the most of square footage, the team relocated the former entryway and installed a cute kitchenette in its place. A refrigerator, freezer and built-in convection oven offer visitors convenience and the comforts of an actual home.

see more: Snoop Dogg Surprises His Business Partner With an At-Home Office and Entertaining Space

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Kitchenette

Jonathan and Drew revel at the quartz selection Wilmer chose for the kitchenette. Designed to mimic white marble, it includes shades of gray and blue. A brass undermount sink complements shiny brass hardware. Open shelving above the sink offers a spot to display family photos, dinnerware and other mementos.

see more: Kate Hudson Transforms an Overgrown Landscape Into a French-Inspired Retreat

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

Before: The Garage

Wilmer knew Jonathan and Drew could transform the old garage into a five-star suite for the family and their guests.

After: The Living Room

Optimizing the square footage of the garage was the bro's biggest challenge. The solution: Murphy beds — which the team constructed as part of the entertainment unit. The beds remain entirely hidden when not in use, but the mattresses fold out easily.

see more: John C. Reilly Embraces Funky With a Unique Cabin Preservation Project

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

After: The Media Center

The remodeled garage serves primarily as a place to accommodate guests, but Tadao and his family also enjoy the living area as an extension of their home. Custom built-in shelves wrap around a new window. As a special touch, Drew and Jonathan carved designs by Tadao’s cousin (an artist who specializes in Polynesian patterns) into the doors of the media center. The two Murphy beds flank the television.

see more: Lisa Kudrow Surprises Her Cousin with a Chic, Pet-Friendly Condo Remodel

From: Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott

A New Multi-Function Space that Embraces Culture and Family

“It means everything to me to be able to show up for my friends like they’ve shown up for me,” said Wilmer. “Tadao was my compass. My guardian angel. I leaned on him a lot.”

"My father always dreamed of renovating this garage,” said Tadao when he saw the finished room. “This was his vision.” From hand-painted tiles to custom die-cut Polynesian patterns, Wilmer and the Property Brothers poured their hearts into the project.

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