Behind the Scenes: Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

In HGTV's four-part series, professional dancers Derek Hough and Mark Ballas team up off the dance floor to buy an outdated California home and flip it in just four weeks. Get a first look behind the scenes, with Mark and Derek at work and play.

By: David L. Haynes

Related To:

Beyond the Ballroom

Derek Hough and Mark Ballas, best known for their incendiary performances on Dancing With the Stars, are stretching their talents outside the footlights, joining forces to renovate a '60s ranch-style home in Studio City, California.

Derek Hough

Derek is the son of dancers Marianne and Bruce Hough. All four of Derek's grandparents were dancers as well. His dance partners on Dancing With the Stars have included Jennie Garth, Ricki Lake and Jennifer Gray, of Dirty Dancing fame.

Mark Ballas

Mark is the son of dancers Corky and Shirley Ballas. He was born in Houston, Texas, though he spent much of his youth in the UK. He has appeared on 13 seasons of Dancing With the Stars so far, and his dance partners have included Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, reality TV's Kim Kardashian and actress Shannen Doherty.

Working Through the Details

In the first phase of the renovation, Mark and Derek discuss remodeling options with designer, Carmine.

Mark Ballas

Pinpoint Accuracy

Derek Hough tries his hand with a paint sprayer on some of the newly installed doors. The renovation includes replacement of all doors and windows throughout the main part of the house.

Outside Work

Derek and designer Andrew Gulyas get their hands in the dirt as the dig in on some of the exterior landscaping.

Outside Work

The cameras roll as Mark pitches in installing landscape edging in the backyard.

Moms Welcome

Mark's mom Shirley Ballas pays a visit to the house to check out the new kitchen design. Shirley is one of the world's leading Latin ballroom dancers, having won several international competitions, and earning the nickname "The Queen of Latin."

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Derek and Mark discuss costs and design choices with Andrew Gulyas, designer and real-estate agent for the project.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Derek Hough adds a new coat of black paint to to dress up an outside railing.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Multi-talented

Mark spots as Derek Hough demonstrates his juggling skills, proving once and for all that his talents go beyond just dancing, acting and flipping houses.

Hammer Time

Mark installs hardwood flooring as part of the renovation. New oak wood flooring is used throughout the main part of the house.

Dividing Up Responsibilities

Mark offers air-guitar accompaniment as Derek gets serious with a hardwood flooring nailer.

Level and Plumb

Derek brings attention to detail in the installation of a subway-tile backsplash in the new kitchen.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

The crew films as Derek and designer Andrew Gulyas discuss plans for the iron fence and exterior landscaping.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Derek and Andrew discuss the remodeling plan for the master closet.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Derek installs recessed lighting in the living room.

Just Don't Touch the Globe

Mark and Derek inspect the newly installed circular pendant light in the dining space.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Derek and Mark negotiate some of the finer points of the design plan.

You Have a Call

Hero Shot

Mark and Derek do their best to remain solemn and serious as the photographer takes a portrait shot on the set of Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

The resolve to be serious fades quickly...

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

...and the on-set photo shoot erupts spontaneously into a demostration of Derek and Mark's ninja skills.

Smile, Please

Mark documents a behind-the-scenes moment on his phone.

That's a print.

Derek Hough and Mark Ballas get a look at a rough cut of the promo spot for their new HGTV series Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Are those two adorable, or what? Be sure to check back and visit the Mark and Derek show page for an expanded gallery featuring the finished reno.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Alyson Aliano / Getty Images

Photo By: Kailey J. Flynn

Photo By: Alyson Aliano / Getty Images

Photo By: Kailey J. Flynn

Photo By: Alyson Aliano / Getty Images

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Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Behind the Scenes: Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Related To:

Beyond the Ballroom

Derek Hough

Mark Ballas

Working Through the Details

Mark Ballas

Pinpoint Accuracy

Outside Work

Outside Work

Outside Work

Outside Work

Outside Work

Moms Welcome

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Multi-talented

Hammer Time

Dividing Up Responsibilities

Level and Plumb

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Just Don't Touch the Globe

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

You Have a Call

Hero Shot

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Smile, Please

That's a print.

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip

Shop This Look

Mark and Derek's Excellent Flip: A Stylish '60s Ranch Reno 49 Photos