Ep 1. Boarded Up Beauty

Rehab Addict is an American reality TV show that premiered on the DIY Network in 2010. The series follows the renovation projects of host and home rehabber, Nicole Curtis, who strives to preserve historically significant homes while giving them modern updates. Season 4, episode 1 titled "Boarded Up Beauty" opens with Nicole on the hunt for her next project in her hometown of Detroit. After driving around the city, she discovers an abandoned brick Tudor that has been boarded up for years, and she sees the potential in restoring it to its former glory.

The episode begins with Nicole introducing the home to viewers and explaining the history of the neighborhood, which was once a prosperous area before being hit hard by segregation and economic decline. The Tudor, which was built in the 1920s, has been neglected for years and is in desperate need of repairs. Nicole takes viewers on a tour of the property, showing the overgrown landscaping, broken windows, and other damage the home has sustained over the years.

After assessing the damage and formulating a plan to restore the home, Nicole begins the renovation process. Her first order of business is to strip the overgrown ivy from the outside of the home, revealing its unique brickwork and Tudor details. She also begins to remove the garbage and debris that was left behind inside the home. As she uncovers layers of neglect, she's reminded of the importance of preserving homes with historical significance.

Nicole's next step is to begin the demolition process, and she removes walls and ceilings to fully expose the home's bones. As she works, she discovers a hidden fireplace and other architectural details that were covered up during past renovations. She also finds evidence of water damage, which she'll have to address to make the home livable once again.

Throughout the episode, Nicole interacts with her team of skilled carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, discussing her vision for the home and delegating tasks. She has high expectations for the project and demands excellence from her team, which includes her personal touch on every aspect of the renovation. Along the way, viewers get to see how Nicole breathes new life into the neglected home, with thoughtful design choices and an eye for detail.

As the episode progresses, viewers see the transformation of the boarded-up beauty as Nicole's team installs new windows, roofing materials, and wall finishes. Each step of the process is captured in detail, with Nicole carefully selecting appropriate design touches while considering the home's history.

Overall, "Boarded Up Beauty" is a compelling episode that showcases Nicole's vision for restoring historical homes to their former glory. The episode highlights the challenges of rehabbing an abandoned Tudor in a depressed area while educating viewers on the importance of preserving historic homes. Throughout the show, viewers see how Nicole's knowledge and experience work seamlessly with her team, and she demonstrates a level of care and passion that makes her an excellent home renovator. The episode ends with Nicole admiring the completed project, satisfied in knowing that she has saved another piece of Detroit history while bringing a new family home.