Renovation, Inc. — Before the Island

HGTV's Renovation Island has become one of the network's most celebrated new series. But before hosts Bryan and Sarah Baeumler took their giant lifestyle leap — moving to the Bahamas to renovate an entire island resort — they were already known in their native Ontario, Canada as successful renovation pros. Now Renovation, Inc., a prequel, of sorts, takes viewers back to some of the Baeumler's original home-makeover undertakings. Find out how it all began.

Show: Renovation, Inc.

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Shop This Look

Photo By: John Queenan

Photo By: Jarrett Ford

Photo By: John Queenan

Photo By: Jarrett Ford

Photo By: John Queenan

Photo By: Jarrett Ford

Just Leave It to Bryan

Bryan Baumler's penchant for building and emerged in his childhood when he spent summers helping build his family’s cottage from the ground up. By age 14 he had already opened his own handyman business, doing odd jobs for neighbours. As an adult, after getting a college degree in political science, Bryan ultimately returned to his passion for building and founded Baeumler Quality Construction, a full service construction and renovation company.

Detail Oriented

Bryan inherited and picked up some of his passion for building, creating and precision from his father, a meticulous aircraft engineer.

Renovation, Inc.: The Lajoie Project

After working together on three separate home builds, Bryan's wife Sarah (left) joined Bryan's construction company in an official capacity — as a project manager. In the first project documented in the series Renovation, Inc., Bryan and Sarah worked with James and Lisa Lajoies, helping guide them through their first home renovation.

Team Member

Sarah has keen design expertise and masterful organizational skills, so eventually it just made sense for Bryan to bring her on as a partner to help manage the challenge of multiple jobs and clients. Here Sarah meets with clients to discuss a renovation game plan and design specifics.

The Lajoie Project

Before. A shot of the "bonus room" on the main floor, prior to renovation. Clients James and Lisa had been using this rather undefined space as a home office,, but it's far fron an ideal arrangement..

The Lajoie Project

In progress. This is James and Lisa's first renovation, and they want to get it right the first time so they won't have to revisit upgrading further down the road. In effect, they are wanting to custom-create a forever home.

The Lajoie Project

Before. Work begins on the living spaces on the main floor. After something of a bidding war (22 offers!) James and Lisa bought this suburban house that, prior to their purchase, had undergone a latter-day update. They are now interested in updating the entire house in a way that will better suit their needs.

The Lajoie Project

Before. Work begins on the main living spaces.

Team Participation

Work In Progress. In the Baeumlers' early projects together, Sarah faced a steep learning curve for Sarah as she juggled clients expectations, inevitable construction delays and strict budgets. Here she meets with the Lajoies mid-construction to review progress and plans.

The Lajoie Project

Living room renovation, in progress.

The Lajoie Project

Living room renovation, in progress.

The Lajoie Project

Living room renovation, in progress.

The Lajoie Project

Living Room, After. Sarah went with simple, clean design and midcentury modern style furnishings for the living room, creating a sleek but welcoming vibe.

The Lajoie Project

Kitchen renovation, in progress. The kitchen renovation involved removal of an existing wall and reframing to create a new floor plan.

The Lajoie Project

Kitchen renovation, in progress.

The Lajoie Project

Kitchen, After.

The Lajoie Project

Kitchen, After.

The Lajoie Project

Behind the Scenes

In Tee-Shirt Veritas. A crew member sports a tee that echoes an ominous warning regarding the importance of selecting the right contractor and professionals for a home renovation project.

Behind the Scenes

Before. Bryan and Sarah struggle with some serious design decisions with respect to the Lajoie renovatoin.

Behind the Scenes

After. Well ... maybe not that serious.

Behind the Scenes

Down to Brass Tacks. Bryan and Sarah are filmed for one of the show's on-camera testimonial segments. "Juggling multiple projects while learning to work with your spouse isn't exactly easy," Bryan said early on in this project. "I normally take the tough-love approach with my clients, and that's something Sarah's just going to have to learn to do."

Only the Beginning

The Adventure Continues. Be sure to check back at 'Renovation, Inc. Central' for additional photos, exclusive video and updates on the Baeumlers' continuing adventures in home renovation.

Renovation, Inc.

Renovation, Inc. — Before the Island

Related To:

Shop This Look

Just Leave It to Bryan

Detail Oriented

Renovation, Inc.: The Lajoie Project

Team Member

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

Team Participation

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

The Lajoie Project

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

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