Original Airdate: Oct. 20, 2004

Host:
John Bruce

Designer:
Evan Farmer

Carpenters:
Leslie Segrete
Jason Cameron

Our very own host, the multitalented Evan Farmer, is the designer on this special show. So, who's doing Evan's host duties? That would be the man who put the "Ooh!" into cool, John Bruce. Are you salivating at the thought of our two WYWO stalwarts swapping roles? We hope so, because this is one juicy episode!

For starters, homeowner Jackie gave us a great reason for a makeover, and it will resonate with anyone who's in a second marriage or has inherited a new family. Jackie and partner Joe have been in their new home for just six months. Joe, a state trooper, has two young sons from his first marriage, (two of the most clever scene-stealers we've ever had on WYWO), and they stay over whenever they can. Jackie wants to give Joe and the boys a cool basement room of their own: a place where they can hang out, bond, play games, and do guy stuff.

Now, this is pure music to Evan's highly tuned ears, because he remembers exactly what it was like doing stuff with his dad when he was a kid. When we asked him to be the designer on this show, he jumped at the opportunity. (Heck, the guy just designed and built his own apartment from scratch, so he knows a thing or two.) And John Bruce was more than happy to take on the host role; in fact, he had a lot of fun with it (and Evan), in his own wry, understated way.

And the room? Well, let's not give away too much here, but it's safe to say that Jason, Leslie, Evan and John pull off one of the most exciting builds we've ever accomplished on WYWO. It's the boys' room from heaven, the playroom of playrooms, the basement "pit stop" that every dad and son in America will want. Oh yeah, and just to whet your appetite further, there's a special guest working magic with a paintbrush on this show — Pete Finlan. Remember him? The cool dude from San Diego who called us in to redo a bedroom for his wife? How can it get any better than this?! You'll find out when you see Joe and his boys' faces during the reveal … it's as good as it gets!

1st Prize
Car detailing by Pete Finlan

2nd Prize
Video Game System, donated by www.Xbox.com

3rd Prize
Television, donated by www.JVC.com