This post was updated October 13, 2017 to include current information and recommendations.
Television channels like HGTV are wonderful and deadly all at once because of their ability to suck you into marathons and full binge-watching weekends. We become invested in a young couple’s ultimate home-buying decision, we feel for the family undergoing a stressful and often comedic renovation, and we marvel at a complete stranger’s new granite countertops. And, thanks to streaming services like Netflix, we no longer have to depend on the schedules of HGTV and other cable networks — and we don’t have to endure commercials!
The beauty of services like Netflix is the ability to pick and choose the movies and the shows we want to watch, pause them when we need to, rewind when we miss something important and, of course, skip that whole commercial scene.
So we opened Netflix in hopes of finding all of our favorite home improvement shows neatly organized in a category found on the drop-down menu. But, alas! To our horror, there was no “Home Improvement” genre to be found. So we had to — and we’re not making this up — manually search for some of our favorite home-related shows. To save you from our same misery, we jotted down those titles so you’ll exactly which home improvement shows to binge-watch this weekend!
Grand Designs
This British television show takes self-building houses to a whole new level. Featuring unusual and often elaborate architectural home-building projects, host Kevin McCloud follows every step of the home-builders’ ambitious plans from the empty site to budget and building delays and, eventually, to the stunning finished projects. There are two seasons on Netflix so get ready to binge!
Small is Beautiful: A Tiny House Documentary
This independently made documentary is just over an hour long and follows the journeys of four people who are building their own tiny homes. With plenty of laughter, tears and inspiration along the way, you’ll see how these buildings come together and understand the necessary hardships and adaptations of tiny home living. For a preview, check out the website.
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things from The Minimalists on Vimeo
Minimalism is the documentary and the movement that has been taking over our Instagram and Facebook feeds — and our lives — in recent years. Presented by authors, podcasters, filmmakers and public speakers The Minimalists, the documentary rejects the American abundance of things and explains why less is more. Warning: You may be inspired to throw away a majority of your things after watching. Check out the website here.
Buy Herself
This Canadian reality television show follows real estate expert and host Sandra Rinomato as she helps single women navigate the ins and outs of buying their first home. Similar to her HGTV show, Property Virgins, Rinomato shows the potential buyer three homes and discusses how they can manage and balance needs, expectations and complications during the home-buying process. There’s currently one season on Netflix!
Hidden Houses
In this BBC show, host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen invites us to combine our love for home design, history and travel. He tours some of the most memorable and beautiful mansions in Wales and uncovers their hidden histories along the way. There are currently two seasons on Netflix and they will definitely inspire a trip to the UK!
Brojects
In this Canadian television show, we meet real-life brothers Kevin and Andrew and follow along as they retreat to their cottage sanctuary where they engage in challenging and quirky building projects. Get inspired to build your own weekend getaway while The Buckles Brothers share tips and laughs in their first season on Netflix. Learn more on the Brojects website here.
Deals in the Desert
Merge travel and home inspo while you’re watching the first season of this unscripted real estate show on Netflix. Bahrain’s elite brokers sell the islands’ hottest homes while working with some of the most demanding clients. Along the way, you’ll gawp at stunning properties, glamorous pools and much, much more.
Escape to the Country Collection
In this British property-buying show, the hosts help prospective home buyers select country houses from all over Great Britain. Join them as they highlight each area’s natural beauty and history and try not to move to GB right away. There’s currently one season on Netflix.
What’s for Sale? With a View
Building on the popular series What’s For Sale, this show merges stunning home design with even more jaw-dropping mountainous, beach and valley views. Tag along as homebuyers visit mountain retreats, island oases and other scenic spots across North America in search of these spectacular vistas.
Reno my Reno
This home improvement show is a must for anyone embarking on a DIY renovation. The show dives into the world of cottage reno projects gone wrong while Dave Depencier and his team right the wrongs and teach the DIYer how to do things properly. There’s currently one season on Netflix, but there’s plenty to learn!
Want more Netflix?
If you would rather enjoy the peace and quiet of a silent and cozy living room, we have another Netflix solution for you. Check out Fireplace for Your Home to add a serene background to your indoor activities!
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