Get ready, DIY enthusiasts! This month, the world of home improvement is about to get a whole lot more exciting with the premiere of a brand-new competition series that promises to ignite your creative spark and settle the age-old question: Who Built It Better? Brought to you by At Home with Family Handyman, this thrilling new show pits talented DIYers against each other in a head-to-head battle of skill, ingenuity, and pure passion for building. Mark your calendars! Who Built It Better? premieres Saturday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET, with fresh, inspiring episodes streaming weekly, completely free, and exclusively on At Home with Family Handyman.
Unleashing Creativity: The Heart of the Competition
Who Built It Better? dives deep into the dynamic world of DIY home projects, offering viewers a unique perspective on how creativity and problem-solving can transform ordinary materials into extraordinary creations. Each episode features two skilled builders tasked with tackling the exact same project – a concept that sounds simple but leads to vastly different and often surprising outcomes. From crafting a custom bookshelf that perfectly fits a unique space to constructing a robust and inviting backyard deck, or even designing a stylish piece of furniture that looks professionally made, these builders will lay bare their talents, showcase their unique approaches, and demonstrate their exceptional ability to overcome challenges.
The series is designed not just as a competition, but as a rich source of inspiration and practical knowledge. Viewers will witness the entire journey, from initial concept to the final reveal, observing how individual choices in design, materials, and technique can dramatically alter the finished product. It’s a celebration of the DIY spirit, encouraging everyone, regardless of their current skill level, to pick up tools and start building.
Judging Beyond the Blueprint: What Makes a Winner?
Every episode of Who Built It Better? is meticulously structured to provide both entertainment and educational value. Viewers are guided through each project step-by-step, accompanied by expert insights that illuminate the pros and cons of each builder’s chosen method. This critical analysis helps demystify the DIY process, making complex tasks seem approachable and highlighting key considerations that even seasoned builders might overlook. The suspense builds with each reveal as the judges deliberate, evaluating the projects across a comprehensive set of criteria:
Budget: Smart Spending for Stellar Results
In the world of DIY, managing costs is often as important as the build itself. The budget factor scrutinizes how efficiently contestants utilize their resources without compromising the final output. This teaches viewers invaluable lessons in material selection, smart shopping, and finding cost-effective alternatives, proving that amazing home improvements don’t always require a hefty investment. It’s about getting the most bang for your buck and achieving high-quality results without breaking the bank.
Quality: The Foundation of Lasting DIY
Beyond aesthetics, durability and structural integrity are paramount. The quality assessment delves into the craftsmanship, the robustness of the construction, the choice of appropriate materials, and the meticulousness of the finish. A truly well-built project stands the test of time, is safe, and looks professionally executed. This criterion emphasizes the importance of precision, attention to detail, and sound construction techniques that ensure a project’s longevity and functionality.
Ease of Build: DIY for Everyone
This category considers the accessibility of the project for the average DIYer. How straightforward was the process? Were the techniques easily replicable? This offers a crucial perspective for viewers looking to undertake similar projects at home, helping them gauge the time commitment and skill level required. It celebrates ingenious methods that simplify complex tasks, making DIY more approachable for beginners while still offering valuable insights for experienced builders.
Fun Factor: The Joy of Creation
Perhaps the most unique and engaging criterion, the fun factor evaluates the contestant’s personal enjoyment during the build, the creativity infused into the design, and the overall aesthetic appeal that makes the project a joy to behold and use. DIY should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and this factor acknowledges the personal touch and passion that transform a functional item into a cherished piece. It’s about infusing personality and joy into every nail, cut, and brushstroke, creating something truly unique.
As the competition unfolds, the judges meticulously analyze craftsmanship, efficiency, overall design, and the clever solutions employed by each builder. The tension is palpable as they compare and contrast every aspect, leading to the highly anticipated announcement of who truly built it better. Viewers aren’t just watching a show; they’re gaining insights that could transform their next home project.
The Battle Begins: Episode 1 – Firepits and Backyard Brilliance
The inaugural episode kicks off with an epic backyard showdown that will undoubtedly set your imagination ablaze! The challenge: building the perfect firepit. This segment perfectly encapsulates the show’s core premise, presenting two drastically different approaches to creating a backyard focal point that promises warmth, ambiance, and countless memories. The contrast between these two builds offers a fascinating study in DIY philosophies and practical execution.
From the Ground Up: The Artisanal Approach
In one corner, we meet the team behind “From the Ground Up.” Their philosophy embodies the traditional, hands-on spirit of DIY. This ambitious project begins literally from scratch – clearing the land, meticulously preparing the site, and laying down a solid concrete foundation that speaks to durability and longevity. From there, they embark on building a custom brick firepit, piece by painstaking piece, culminating in a beautiful structure topped with stylish flat stones. This approach is a true labor of love, often involving the whole family pitching in, fostering teamwork and creating lasting memories alongside the firepit itself. It highlights the satisfaction of a ground-up build, emphasizing craftsmanship, structural integrity, and a timeless aesthetic that will anchor any backyard for years to come. Viewers will learn about proper foundation work, masonry techniques, and the satisfaction of building something truly custom.
Patio Pit Stop: Speed, Efficiency, and Modern Solutions
In the opposing corner, “Patio Pit Stop” takes on the ultimate time challenge: constructing a functional and attractive firepit in an astounding 30 minutes! This builder proves that quick doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or style. Leveraging a pre-existing stone patio as a base, the contestant strategically uses matching stones and a pre-made metal ring to rapidly assemble a chic and practical firepit. This method is a masterclass in efficiency, demonstrating how savvy material choices and clever planning can dramatically reduce build time. It’s perfect for the urban DIYer, or anyone with limited time but a strong desire for immediate gratification. Viewers will discover the power of pre-fabricated components, smart spatial utilization, and how to achieve impressive results with minimal effort, making an outdoor gathering space accessible to all.
Both firepits, despite their divergent origins, are perfectly suited for enhancing any backyard space. Yet, the question remains: which method will truly reign supreme in the eyes of the judges? Witness the sparks fly as these dedicated DIYers battle it out, and let their ingenuity inspire your very next home project. Which approach resonates more with your own DIY spirit? You decide!
Beyond Firepits: A Glimpse into Future DIY Adventures
And that’s just the spectacular beginning! The excitement of Who Built It Better? continues with a diverse array of projects designed to inspire and educate. Following the firepit episode, prepare to be amazed as DIYers from across the country compete in a series of outdoor living challenges, transforming mundane spaces into captivating extensions of the home. These episodes will feature builders:
- Crafting Outdoor Benches: Discover innovative designs, durable materials, and clever joinery techniques for creating functional and beautiful seating solutions that enhance any garden or patio.
- Constructing Garden Sheds: Learn how to build practical and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions that organize tools, protect equipment, and even add charm to your landscape.
- Building Cornhole Boards: Dive into the fun side of DIY with custom cornhole boards, exploring personalization options, precise measurements, and techniques for creating perfect game-day entertainment.
Together, these four projects represent four thrilling showdowns that will undoubtedly inspire you to transform your own backyard into the ultimate family fun zone and a personal oasis.
But the inspiration doesn’t stop there! In subsequent episodes, viewers will journey indoors as builders tackle a variety of interior challenges. Prepare for engaging content on:
- Amazing Woodworking Projects: From intricate furniture pieces to bespoke shelving and decorative accents, explore advanced techniques, wood types, and finishing methods.
- Bathroom Makeovers: Witness dramatic transformations as contestants update fixtures, install new flooring, tackle tiling, and enhance storage, all while staying within budget and style preferences.
- Innovative Storage Solutions: Discover creative ways to maximize space and reduce clutter, including built-in cabinetry, clever closet organization, and multi-functional furniture designs.
- And much, much more! Each episode promises fresh challenges and new learning opportunities.
Your Ultimate DIY Resource: At Home with Family Handyman
Of course, Who Built It Better? is far more than just a captivating competition show; it’s a vibrant source of inspiration and practical knowledge for every DIY enthusiast. It offers invaluable tips, innovative ideas, and step-by-step guidance that you can directly apply to your own home projects. Whether you’re a seasoned builder looking for fresh inspiration or a beginner eager to take on your first project, this series provides the encouragement and expertise you need to succeed. The satisfaction of building something with your own hands, saving money, and customizing your living space is truly unparalleled, and this show champions that very spirit.
Don’t miss a single episode of this engaging and educational series. Tune in every Saturday at 8 p.m. ET exclusively on At Home with Family Handyman and finally discover, Who Built It Better?
Where to Stream At Home with Family Handyman
Accessibility is key to inspiring DIYers, which is why At Home with Family Handyman is readily available across a wide array of popular streaming platforms, making it easier than ever to tune in. You can stream episodes now on:
- Samsung TV Plus
- The Roku Channel
- DIRECTV
- Sling FreeStream
- fuboTV
- XUMOPlay
- Plex
For ultimate convenience, you can also access all the inspiration through the dedicated Family Handyman app, available on:
- iOS devices
- Apple TV
- Android devices
- AndroidTV
- FireTV
- Roku devices
And if you don’t see your preferred streaming option on this extensive list, stay tuned! Additional streaming platforms will be available soon, further expanding your access to the best in DIY entertainment and education. Get ready to be inspired, learn new skills, and transform your home one project at a time with Who Built It Better?