Ep 8. The Shanahan Family

The Shanahan Family is the eighth episode of the first season of the popular home renovation show Love It or List It. In this episode, a couple seeks the help of the show's hosts, interior designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin, to solve their home renovation woes. The couple, Mike and Dana, are struggling with their starter home and are facing a tough decision: to love it or list it.

Mike and Dana have lived in their home for ten years and have two young children. They love their neighborhood and the memories they have made in their home, but the house no longer fits their growing family's needs. Mike would like to list the house and find a move-in ready home with enough space for their family, while Dana hopes that Hilary can work her magic and transform their home into the perfect space for their family.

Hilary plans a major renovation to accommodate the family's changing needs. She sets out to create an open-concept living space by removing a wall that separates the kitchen and the living room. She also plans to add a powder room on the main floor and renovate the basement to create a new family room. In addition, she wants to transform the outdated exterior of the house by adding a new stone facade, new siding, and window boxes.

David's challenge is to find a move-in ready home that meets the family's needs. He takes them to see three different homes that are spacious and feature modern amenities. However, none of the homes can compare to the neighborhood that the Shanahan family has called home for so many years.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Dana struggle with their decision. They are torn between their emotional attachment to their home and the appeal of a move-in ready home. They also face obstacles during the renovation process, including unexpected costs and delays. As the deadline to make their decision approaches, Hilary and David work tirelessly to provide the Shanahan family with all the information they need to make the right choice.

The episode culminates in a dramatic reveal where the Shanahan family gets to see their newly renovated home for the first time. The transformation is breathtaking, and the family is thrilled with the results. Hilary's renovation gives them the space and amenities they need while preserving the neighborhood they love.

In the end, the family makes their decision: love it. They choose to stay in their home, knowing they have the perfect space for their family, thanks to Hilary's renovation. The show ends on a positive note as the family reflects on their experience and looks forward to making new memories in their newly transformed home.