Chip and Jo Take It to the Next Level in a New 'Fixer Upper' with Room to Spare

A sizable budget and lofty ambitions allow Joanna and Chip the latitude to work with lots of square footage and create a magnificent dream home for a family of five.

As seen on Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines outside the Morrison's rennovated house. (Portrait)

Chip and Joanna Gaines

Photo by: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim

Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim

Chip and Joanna Gaines

When it comes to the homes seen on Fixer Upper — in their raw state, before any renovations — the houses have varied widely in both condition and purchase price. Many skew toward the "distressed home" end of the spectrum, having languished on the market because of some critical flaw or damage. Case in point: remember these?...

Tackling the Beast, Before

The Crawford Reno, Before

Clint and Kelly Harp took a risk and purchased this 100 year old colonial home that had great bones, but was in need of a deep clean out and a complete overhaul, as seen on HGTV's Fixer Upper. (Before 2) Befores.) Befores.

The exterior of the Matsumoto house before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #2)

Some project homes — like "The Beast" from season 1, or the "Colossal Crawford Reno" from Season 4 — started out as little more than shacks or ready-for-the-wrecking-ball disasters that would seem to require no less than a miracle to rescue.

The houses featured in this new episode are not like those.

As seen on Fixer Upper, the living room in the Morrison's house after renovations.

As seen on Fixer Upper, the living room in the Morrison's house after renovations.

Photo by: Jennfer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Jennfer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

This is one case where some latitude in the clients' budget, and the overall condition of the homes under consideration, offers Joanna and Chip opportunities to reach a little and take things beyond their usual boundaries.

Leigh Ellen and Matt Morrison are starting out with a budget of $850,00 — truly a hefty budget by Waco standards and offering a good bit more than the limits Chip and Joanna are accustomed to working within.

These three houses you've narrowed it down to are exceptional houses. Y'all have a tough choice to make... Whatever you decide, we can't wait to dig into whichever project you sic us on.
Chip Gaines

The square footage in the homes under consideration is in the 3500 to 4500 sf range. They have some interesting and elegant features and are fairly modern or contemporary in design. The nicknames that Chip coins for the options in this project pretty much tell the story: The Chateau De Waceau, The Clubhouse and The French-Quarter Estate.

As seen on Fixer Upper, the Morrison's renovated guest bathroom has a new sink. (After)

As seen on Fixer Upper, the Morrison's renovated guest bathroom has a new sink. (After)

Photo by: Jennfer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Jennfer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Compared to many past Fixer Uppers, these really do feel like mansions. There are courtyards, vaulted ceilings, sweeping staircases and, in one real wow-factor example, a replica of a vintage barber shop re-created right inside the home.

As seen on Fixer Upper, the mantle in the new room off of the kitchen in the Morrison's rennovated home. (After)

As seen on Fixer Upper, the mantle in the new room off of the kitchen in the Morrison's rennovated home. (After)

Photo by: Jennfer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

Jennfer Boomer/Verbatim Photo Agency

That's not to say there aren't a few "OMG moments" encountered — and not in a good way. The kitchen in the selected home, for example, requires some strong measures to rectify past wrongs in terms of design. But in essence, Joanna gets to delve into some elegant and European inspired design, with special emphasis on French Country and lots of room for incorporating antiques. And not forgetting a contribution by wood craftsman extraordinaire Clint Harp.

Things to look for in this episode include Chip's loaner car (his truck is in the shop) and his take on fountain design. And a special bonus — right at the outset; don't blink or you'll miss it — is a trademark Chip spiel wherein he bends the English language in his own special way. (Could someone please define "grammarically"?!)

If you're ready for a Fixer Upper that's more an exception than the rule, be sure to check out the episode titled "Big Home, Big Budget", premiering Tuesday, February 6 at 9p|8c. Check here for repeat airings, and keep checking back here for more new galleries, exclusive video and Fixer Upper updates.

Next Up

New Chip and Jo Spinoff Series 'Fixer Upper: Behind the Design' Comes to HGTV

It’s a wrap for Fixer Upper’s fifth season, but Tuesday-night appointment TV with Chip and Jo lives on in a new series that offers viewers an in-depth look inside Joanna’s creativity and designs.

Fresh News for 'Fixer Upper' Fans: Chip and Joanna to Open 'Hillcrest Estate' in Waco

Chip and Joanna Gaines announce their latest project — a beautifully restored colonial style home that will open as a vacation rental property.

Chip, Jo and Tim Tebow Team Up for One Extraordinary 'Fixer Upper'

Are you looking for something to feel really good about? Then don't miss this Fixer Upper which, incidentally, features a pretty well-known sports hero. And have tissues at the ready. You have been warned. 

Chip and Joanna's Restaurant: Where Everyone Has a Seat at the Table

Order up! Chip and Joanna's new restaurant, Magnolia Table, is now open and serving breakfast daily. Get all the details in a new Fixer Upper special on HGTV.

Fixer Upper: A Country Farmhouse and an American Dream

Chip and Jo help a wounded war veteran and his girlfriend turn an odd conglomeration of house-and-barn into a stunning country retreat.

When 'Fixer Upper' and Skate-Punk Collide

Shiplap and white subway tile meets flannel and black leather when Chip and Joanna help a bona fide punk-rock artist (MxPx bassist and frontman Mike Herrera) and his family find a place to settle down in Waco — and fashion a dedicated space for a home studio.

A Spacious and Stately Retreat in Woodway, Texas

Fixer Upper Sneak-Peek: Chip and Jo help a young couple with three daughters find the space they need and the traditional design they crave.

Fixer Upper: A Modern Cabin for Jimmy Don + A Very Special Guest Appearance

Joanna and Chip Gaines take on a close-to-the-heart project for friend and colleague, Jimmy Don Holmes, and his son Jake. The Fixer Upper features an amazing one-of-a-kind country-home renovation — and a very special VIP drop-by.

Coastal and Rustic in a Magical Blend, Fixer-Upper Style

Joanna works her magic, divining her clients' wishes and giving them just what they're looking for in their first fixer-upper — and maybe a few things they didn't even know they were looking for.

Fixer Upper: A Forever Home For 'Patti B'

When Patti decided to move to Waco to be near her two sons, she was determined to find a house that would bring her joy. Chip and Jo delivered with a warm and welcoming home that produced both smiles and "happy tears."

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