Bargain Block is Restoring Detroit's Homes One Block at a Time

It's no secret that there are a lot of houses in Detroit that need some help. There are blocks and blocks of abandoned homes and then there are some that are just in great need of repairs. Luckily, there are people like partners Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas that are willing to do the job. This duo has been renovating and saving homes in Detroit and now it is being documented on a show on HGTV. 

Bargain Block isn't the first HGTV show to shine a spotlight on Detroit, however this show is a bit different from Rehab Addict with Nicole Curtis. On this show, Bynum and Thomas are restoring homes in Northwest Detroit that are often purchased from the Detroit Land Bank. The purchase prices range, but sometimes they get them for just $1,000. Then, they get to work cleaning out the home, repairing and renovating, and finally giving it a stylish vibe. Since Bynum is an artist, each home has amazing design elements that are usually out of the ordinary. The duo lives in each home while they work on it, and since most homes have been within the same neighborhood, they throw their things in shopping carts and move down the street once a house is complete. The finishing touches feature second hand items purchased from stores like the Habitat for Humanity Restore or thrift shops. Sometimes they find amazing items that are good to go, while other times they need to give them a face lift. Overall, the renovation and décor seems to average between $40k- $50k. Then, the houses are usually listed for under $100,000. The duo works with local real estate agent Shea Whitfield to hold an open house and get the home sold quickly. Then it's on to the next project! The transformations are always amazing, and turn an inhabitable house into an beautiful and amazing home.

We guarantee that this show will inspire you and make you want to buy houses to restore in Detroit. But, as Evan and Keith will show you, it isn't always glamorous and it is a lot of work! We are so glad that they are willing to put in the work and it's pretty awesome that HGTV is sharing it with the world! New episodes of Bargain Block air on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. on HGTV. A few episodes have already aired, so head over to the show's official HGTV page to find out when the replays are scheduled. Make sure you also follow Bargain Block on Instagram for a behind the scenes look at the homes that they have restored and to learn more about this great team that is saving homes in Detroit.

~C