Caruk, host of the HGTV reality show, offers viewers a behind-the- scenes look at the adventures and misadventures of home renovation. Caruk is a special guest at this year’s Designs for Living Home and Garden Show, March 12-14 at Hamilton Convention Centre.

Working mainly with upscale residential projects, Caruk has experienced both struggles and successes, including the dreaded delays. Caruk is a residential contractor with more than 20 years experience. His show features actual projects completed by himself, his employees and sub-contractors.

While bad weather is the most frequently cited problem, Caruk said indecisive clients can also delay a home renovation project. When clients don’t know what they want, contractors are left to sit idle. If delays continue, contractors may move on to another job where the client has a clearer vision of the finished product.

“We just try to give (viewers) a little bit of an education,” Caruk said. “If you’re prepared for it, it can be fun. If you’re not prepared, it’s not fun.”

Caruk appears at the home show for two one-hour segments on March 13 at 1 and 4 p. m.

Hamiltonian Suzanne Schultz, host of House Poor, helps cash-strapped homeowners find the money they need to make urgent home repairs. The HGTV reality show recently completed its first season. Schultz will also appear at the Designs for Living show on Sunday, March 14.

For many homeowners, finding cash for renovations is as simple as setting a budget and sticking to it. House Poor participants must complete a series of challenges designed to improve their spending habits.

“It was a real eye-opener to find out where their money was going,” said Schultz.

Schultz said many Canadians struggle to balance a household budget with home repairs. Her show has profiled families whose homes are in such disrepair that they have become unsafe. Families who complete the challenges successfully can earn up to $10,000 towards a home renovation. Participants are often challenged to stick to a tight, cash-only budget, with no credit cards.

Caruk and Schultz were special guests at the Designs for Living Home Show media launch held last month at the Ancaster Old Mill. The Designs for Living Home and Garden Show features over 130 exhibitors displaying the latest trends in home renovation, decorating and landscaping.

Show manager Paul McNair said this year’s production will feature green-focused ideas to help homeowners save money by using energy efficient products.

Prize giveaways include a $4,000 Rona gift card, a $1,500 gas barbecue package from Barbecues Galore and Broil King and a $1,000 paint makeover from Sherwin Williams.

The home show runs Friday, March 12 from 10 a. m. to 9 p. m., Saturday from 10-7 and 10-6 on Sunday.