Ep 11. Race to the Finish

Bargain Mansions is an American home renovation and design show, where host Tamara Day takes on the challenges of restoring and rehabilitating historical properties with significant architectural value. In season 3 episode 11, titled "Race to the Finish," Tamara takes on a massive 10,000 square foot mansion in the sought-after neighborhood of Hyde Park, Kansas City.

The home, built in 1915, has an interesting history and a unique architectural style, but it has fallen into disrepair over the years and is in dire need of some TLC. Tamara and her team face a tight deadline for this project as the homeowners, a young family with a baby on the way, are eager to move in before the due date.

The episode starts with a walkthrough of the mansion, which reveals structural issues in the foundation and a patchy roof. Tamara wastes no time in planning the necessary repairs and upgrades to meet the high standards of the Hyde Park Historic District. She enlists the help of her crew and gets to work.

There are many challenges to overcome in this restoration, from the outdated electrical and plumbing systems to the rotted flooring and non-functional windows. But Tamara is determined to pull off the impossible in record time. She races against the clock to complete the home's renovation while battling Kansas City's extreme weather and material delays.

As she works on the main living space, Tamara discovers a hidden gem—an original fireplace that has been boarded up for decades. She restores the fireplace to its former glory, adding a beautiful mantel. Tamara also incorporates several modern features into the design to make the home more functional and practical for the young family.

One of the more exciting parts of the episode is when Tamara decides to add a rooftop terrace to the home, which provides a stunning view of the Kansas City skyline. The terrace is a unique feature that sets the house apart from others in the area, and one that Tamara believes will add significant value to the property.

Throughout the episode, Tamara is faced with unexpected challenges, but she remains determined to finish the renovation on time. There are some setbacks along the way, including a major issue with the HVAC system, that come close to ruining the homeowners' move-in date. However, Tamara and her team push through and manage to complete the project just in time for the family to move in.

In the end, the transformation of the Hyde Park mansion is nothing short of remarkable. Tamara's expert design skills and attention to detail have brought this old gem back to life, while maintaining its historical significance. The family is overjoyed with the outcome, and Tamara and her team bask in the satisfaction of a successful project.

Overall, "Race to the Finish" is an exciting and inspirational episode that showcases Tamara's talent and expertise when it comes to restoring and renovating historic homes. She proves that with hard work, dedication, and a solid team, anything is possible.