Ep 1. On Shaky Ground

In the first episode of Love It or List It season 16 titled "On Shaky Ground", hosts Hilary Farr and David Visentin are called upon by the homeowners, Nikki and Tony, to help them with their unstable foundation situation. The couple has been living in their home for almost a decade and they’ve grown to love the location and their friendly neighbors. However, the house has many problems such as the fact it is situated on unstable ground, which is causing major issues with the foundations, and there is limited space for their growing family.

Upon arrival, Hilary and David meet with Nikki and Tony to discuss their needs and preferences. Nikki loves the house and neighborhood but wants to update the space, while Tony is open to moving if necessary. To address their concerns, Hilary plans to renovate their house and create more space, while David searches for houses in the area that will provide the couple with more living space.

Hilary begins her renovation plans by removing some walls to create a more open concept living area. She then updates the kitchen and living room, adding more storage and modern fixtures. To provide more space for their growing family, Hilary designs a new two-story addition that includes a play area and a bedroom for their children. She also plans on fixing the foundations of the house, which she believes will greatly increase the home's value.

David, on his end, starts his search for a new home for the family. He shows them several houses in the area, highlighting the differences between their current home and the potential new ones, and also showing how much more space they can get. Some of the houses he shows them have multiple en-suites, which the couple finds appealing, but they feel the distance from their current community is a significant drawback.

As the renovation progresses, the family becomes more involved in the decision-making process. They have some reservations about Hilary’s plan but are ultimately impressed by her ability to deliver a beautifully modernized living space, addressing their needs and preferences.

David, on his end, experiences roadblocks as the housing market in the neighborhood is highly competitive, and the couple has specific preferences that need to be met. Despite this, he manages to show them a few houses that intrigue them but still do not compare to the home they’ve come to love.

At the end of the episode, Nikki and Tony must make their decision – whether to love their newly renovated home or list it and potentially find a new house that fits their needs. In true Love It or List It style, the couple’s decision will only be revealed at the very end of the show.

Overall, "On Shaky Ground" is a classic Love It or List It episode that follows the familiar format of renovation versus relocation. The episode shows how Hilary and David are able to cater to the needs of their clients, and how the homeowners eventually make their decision based on their preferences and lifestyle.