Hubbry Logo
Backyard BuildsBackyard BuildsMain
Open search
Backyard Builds
Community hub
Backyard Builds
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Backyard Builds
Backyard Builds
Backyard Builds
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Backyard Builds is a Canadian home renovation reality series, which premiered in 2017 on HGTV.[1] Hosted by designer Sarah Keenleyside and contractor Brian McCourt, the series features the duo redesigning and renovating homeowners' back yards into more flexible and versatile outdoor living spaces.[2]

The series received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Lifestyle Program or Series at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards in 2018.[3]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Backyard Builds

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Backyard Builds is a Canadian series focused on home renovation, which premiered on April 6, 2017, on HGTV . Hosted by design expert Sarah Keenleyside and contractor Brian McCourt, the half-hour program assists homeowners in transforming underutilized backyards into versatile outdoor living spaces tailored to their needs and lifestyles. The series emphasizes creative solutions to expand living areas beyond the indoors, addressing challenges like limited space or outdated designs through custom builds such as treehouses, sports bars, cake studios, and outdoor theaters. Over its run, Backyard Builds produced 41 episodes across four seasons, airing from 2017 to 2021, and garnered positive reception for its innovative approach to outdoor renovations. Each episode typically follows the hosts as they collaborate with clients, incorporating elements like sustainable , functional structures, and personalized to maximize backyard potential. Produced by Frantic Films, the show highlights practical DIY inspiration while showcasing professional craftsmanship, appealing to viewers interested in enhancing their outdoor environments. It has been praised for breaking conventions in renovation programming by prioritizing bold, family-oriented transformations over standard indoor fixes.

Premise and Format

Premise

Backyard Builds is a Canadian home renovation television series that focuses on transforming underutilized backyard spaces into versatile outdoor living areas tailored to homeowners' specific needs and lifestyles. The show partners with families to address common challenges such as limited indoor space by extending living areas outdoors, creating functional zones for entertainment, relaxation, and family activities within budget constraints. This approach emphasizes practical yet innovative redesigns that maximize the potential of backyards, turning neglected or cluttered areas into personalized retreats. The series highlights creative solutions to optimize space and functionality, often incorporating unique structures like converted shipping containers, treehouse villages, outdoor kitchens, and custom pavilions. For instance, builds may convert backyards into "mom retreats" for personal sanctuary or "pub paradises" for social gatherings, blending aesthetics with durability to suit diverse preferences such as family-oriented resorts or intimate dining areas. These transformations prioritize sustainable and attainable designs that enhance everyday usability without requiring extensive land. At the core of the premise is the collaborative dynamic between hosts Brian McCourt, who handles structural feasibility and , and Sarah Keenleyside, who focuses on aesthetic and . Together, they consult with homeowners to understand their visions, budgets, and requirements before executing builds that deliver surprising and impactful results. This partnership ensures that each project balances creativity with practicality, fostering outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate with home life.

Format

Each episode of Backyard Builds runs for 30 minutes and follows a structured process divided into distinct phases: an initial consultation with the homeowners to understand their needs and vision, followed by design sketches and planning, demolition of existing structures, hands-on construction, and a climactic reveal of the transformed space. Central to the workflow are practical constraints, including budgets that start at a minimum of $20,000 CAD and timelines spanning approximately four weeks from initial planning to completion, allowing for detailed execution while maintaining efficiency. The process often incorporates sustainable materials, such as repurposed shipping containers, to create eco-friendly and innovative outdoor features that align with modern environmental considerations. The narrative style combines elements of reality television drama with personal storytelling, featuring homeowner interviews that highlight emotional connections to their spaces, alongside time-lapse footage of the construction to convey progress and scale. Recurring tropes include heightened tension from on-site challenges, such as logistical hurdles during builds, and surprise enhancements unveiled during the reveal to elicit strong reactions from participants. The hosts, Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside, drive the process by providing expertise in contracting and design, respectively.

Cast and Production

Hosts

Brian McCourt is a Canadian contractor and with over 20 years of experience in and . He founded Brian McCourt Designs, a Toronto-based firm specializing in custom builds and timeless designs that blend heirloom elements with modern functionality, after beginning his career as a young entrepreneur who flipped properties and gained hands-on expertise starting in his late teens. Prior to Backyard Builds, McCourt appeared on Canada shows such as Home to Win and Family Home Overhaul, where he contributed as a participating designer and builder. In the series, he handles the technical aspects of the builds, applying his problem-solving skills to innovative outdoor structures like offices and treehouses. Sarah Keenleyside is a -based interior and exterior designer who runs Sarah Keenleyside Design Studio (SKDS), a full-service firm now located in , focusing on personalized residential and commercial spaces that celebrate heritage while ensuring livability. She holds a Bachelor of Design in from , earned between 2001 and 2005, and brings more than 20 years of multi-disciplinary experience in art and design to her work. Before joining Backyard Builds, Keenleyside operated her self-titled design company from 2010 to 2012 and co-owned Qanuk Interiors in from 2013 to 2019, where she developed projects emphasizing unique environments tailored to clients' needs; she also served as a product coordinator for television productions like Candace Tells All. On the show, she emphasizes aesthetic and functional outdoor transformations, selecting finishes and fixtures to create cohesive narratives across spaces. The duo's on-screen chemistry stems from their complementary expertise, with McCourt's practical, construction-focused approach balancing Keenleyside's creative vision for holistic design. Paired through a mutual friend, they collaborate seamlessly to deliver customized backyard solutions, moving beyond traditional designer-contractor divides to prioritize client-driven innovation. This dynamic enhances the series' appeal, as McCourt researches materials for structural challenges while Keenleyside connects zones for visual and experiential flow.

Production Details

Backyard Builds was developed in association with and produced by Frantic Films, with greenlighting the series in July 2016 due to its focus on transforming underutilized urban backyards to appeal to homeowners facing limited outdoor space. The series is filmed primarily in the of , where principal photography captures the real-time logistical challenges of outdoor renovations, including permit acquisition and material sourcing for each build. Production involves a core crew of approximately 3 producers, 1-2 directors, 1-2 writers, 1-2 cinematographers, and 1-3 editors per season, as reported in regulatory filings, with post-production handled in to streamline the workflow for the 30-minute episodes.

Broadcast and Distribution

Premiere and Airing

Backyard Builds premiered on HGTV Canada on April 6, 2017, with the first season airing weekly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET. The series is produced by Frantic Films in association with Corus Studios for HGTV Canada, with reruns airing on sister channels such as Food Network Canada and Global Television Network. Seasons typically feature 8–13 episodes each, airing with gaps to accommodate production timelines, and the show has been renewed annually based on viewership . The series aired for four seasons from 2017 to 2021. Production and airing faced a brief pause in 2020 due to restrictions on filming, though new episodes resumed later that year.

Streaming and International Release

"Backyard Builds" became available for streaming on select platforms following its initial Canadian broadcast on . Select seasons have been accessible on since at least 2019, with full episodes of Seasons 1 through 4 offered for streaming. In the United States, the series streams on , where subscribers can watch multiple seasons on demand. Canadian viewers can access episodes via , which includes Seasons 1-4 as part of its on-demand library. Full episodes are also available through the app and Global TV app with a subscription, providing on-demand viewing for domestic audiences. Internationally, the show expanded to the on starting in 2021, airing as part of the network's lifestyle programming block. In the , episodes are available on , with select content also accessible via Apple TV in the region. While there are no full international adaptations of the series, licensed clips and promotional episodes have been distributed on , reaching global audiences through official channels. The program has not been confirmed for broadcast on the Really channel in the UK. By 2022, "Backyard Builds" was added to directories like JustWatch and Apple TV, facilitating easier and access across devices. Although integration with has been noted for similar content, the series itself streams primarily through the aforementioned platforms without direct confirmation on . Regional availability in and remains limited, with primary access via on-demand services like Apple TV in select markets. As of 2025, all seasons of "Backyard Builds" are fully streamable in on platforms such as Prime Video, , and . are available in English, with French options provided on Prime Video for Canadian bilingual accessibility. This digital expansion has broadened the show's reach beyond its original television airing, allowing international viewers to explore the backyard transformation projects without geographic restrictions.

Episodes and Seasons

Season Overview

Backyard Builds premiered in 2017 with its first season consisting of 8 episodes focused on introductory family-oriented builds in urban backyards, which helped establish the series' core format of transforming underutilized outdoor spaces into functional extensions of the home. These early projects often highlighted kid-friendly structures like treehouses and clubhouses, emphasizing accessibility and play in compact city environments. Subsequent seasons broadened the thematic scope, with Season 2 in 2019 delivering 14 episodes that shifted toward adult-oriented designs, such as personalized retreats and entertainment zones, while maintaining the emphasis on innovative use of limited backyard areas. Season 3 in 2020 featured 11 episodes, and Season 4 in 2021 comprised 8 episodes, incorporating elements like sustainable landscaping in response to pandemic-era interests in outdoor living. Across its run, Backyard Builds evolved from straightforward renovations to ambitious multi-structure projects, amassing 41 episodes across four seasons from 2017 to 2021 and demonstrating a progression in design complexity and integration with natural surroundings. Thematically, early seasons prioritized children's spaces to foster family bonding, while later installments balanced these with wellness-oriented features like serene gardens and relaxation areas.

Notable Builds

One of the standout builds from the first season is the "" episode, where hosts McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside retrofitted an old into a versatile guest suite and home office for a couple whose work-from-home setup had overtaken their master bedroom. This innovative conversion provided insulated, wired space with modern amenities, exemplifying the show's approach to repurposing industrial materials for functional outdoor living. Another early highlight is the "Treehouse Village" from the same season, which constructed a multi-level kids' play area consisting of connected treehouses for a newly blended family of five, complete with slides, bridges, and climbing features to promote bonding and outdoor activity. The design integrated natural elements like rope ladders and shaded platforms, turning a simple into an adventurous communal space. In Season 2, the "Pub Paradise" episode showcased the creation of an outdoor bar tailored for sports enthusiasts, featuring a fully equipped setup, lounge seating, and for bachelor Kyle and his father Jack to host gatherings in their previously barren yard. This build emphasized durable, weather-resistant materials to support year-round entertaining. The "Rustic Barn Rehab" from Season 2 highlighted the use of reclaimed materials from an on-site to expand living space for a family of five who had relocated from the city to a smaller country home, incorporating a new deck, , and open-air living area. By salvaging and repurposing the barn's timber and beams, the project reduced waste while achieving a rustic aesthetic. Season 2's "Outdoor Kitchen" episode transformed a crowded multi-generational home's yard into an integrated cooking zone with a , serving Marlow, Phil, their three young children, and Phil's parents by providing dedicated and play areas. The design included built-in appliances and seating to alleviate indoor space constraints. The "Mom Retreat" build in Season 2 created a serene relaxation space for a overwhelmed by demands, alongside a sports area for her three boys, demonstrating the show's focus on balanced dynamics; the episode's YouTube clip amassed over 50,000 views for its emphasis on personal wellness features like a private lounge. Post-2020 episodes, such as those in Season 4, increasingly incorporated sustainable features like permeable pavers for eco-friendly drainage, as seen in builds like "Nana's Wonderland," which used Techo-Bloc products to enhance environmental integration without compromising design.

Reception

Critical Response

Backyard Builds has received generally positive critical and audience feedback for its practical approach to DIY outdoor renovations, with reviewers highlighting the show's ability to inspire viewers through attainable projects and the charismatic interplay between hosts Sarah Keenleyside and Brian McCourt. Critics have praised the series for transforming underutilized backyards into functional spaces, emphasizing innovative yet realistic designs that encourage homeowner participation. For instance, early reviews commended its fresh take on renovation television by focusing on outdoor living solutions rather than traditional indoor flips. On platforms like , the show holds an 8.0/10 rating based on 1,152 user reviews as of 2025, reflecting appreciation for the hosts' engaging dynamic and the educational value of the builds, which often include step-by-step insights suitable for novice DIY enthusiasts. However, some criticisms point to formulaic repetition in later seasons, with builds following predictable structures that feel overly commercialized, such as frequent product placements, and a lack of variety in homeowner profiles, predominantly featuring urban middle-class families. This perceived sameness has led to comments that the show underutilizes spatial potential in favor of generic aesthetics. Audience metrics underscore its strong appeal in , where it ranked among HGTV's top original series in key demographics during its early seasons, contributing to robust viewership and engagement on platforms like and , particularly around reveal episodes that generate shares and discussions on build techniques. The show's reception evolved positively during the , with initial novelty acclaim giving way to renewed appreciation amid the pandemic's emphasis on outdoor spaces, aligning with broader trends in residential demand for home-centric entertainment areas.

Awards and Nominations

Backyard Builds has garnered nominations from the , recognizing its impact in the lifestyle and genres. At the 6th in 2018, the series was nominated for Best Lifestyle Program or Series, honoring its inaugural season's innovative backyard transformations. The category winner was . In , at the 9th , director Sebastian Cluer received a nomination for Best Direction in a or Program or Series for the episode "Sandra & David: Life Sized Sister Playhouse," which featured a custom playhouse build emphasizing family functionality and whimsy. The series has not secured any major wins as of 2025, though its nominations highlight consistent industry acknowledgment for advancing creative home improvement content on . Hosts Sarah Keenleyside and Brian McCourt have also earned individual honors in design circles; Keenleyside was named to House & Home Magazine's of Designers and TV Personalities in 2020, while McCourt placed third in the magazine's 2021 Home of the Year Awards for a renovation in , .

References

  1. https://www.morrisburgleader.ca/2017/04/06/brian-mccourt-new-host-of-hgtvs-backyard-builds/
  2. https://franticfilms.com/project/backyard-builds/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8069682/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8069682/episodes/
  5. https://www.corusstudios.com/backyard-builds/
  6. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/backyard-builds/1000667514/
  7. https://www.brianmccourtdesigns.com/tvshows/1000
  8. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Backyard-Builds/0OJV0AMEY9Q70T9WXYUT79ZJG6
  9. https://watch.globaltv.com/series/5d96006a-9160-11ef-8bbd-0242ac110005
  10. https://www.tv-eh.com/2017/04/05/backyard-builds-breaks-new-ground-in-renovation-television/
  11. https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/48002/backyard-builds
  12. https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/backyard-builds/umc.cmc.nfik8ucbvr6y8in5ib91sewi
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX8h-zUmdWs
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSWflVa4UXQ
  15. https://www.brianmccourtdesigns.com/team
  16. https://www.brianmccourtdesigns.com/
  17. https://www.brianmccourtdesigns.com/tvandmedia
  18. https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sarahkeenleyside
  19. https://www.sarahkeenleyside.com/
  20. https://famousintel.com/sarah-keenleyside/
  21. https://mycitylife.ca/home/home-decor/backyard-builds-brian-mccourt-sarah-keenleyside/
  22. https://www.tv-eh.com/2016/07/13/hgtv-canada-greenlights-two-new-original-series/
  23. https://playbackonline.ca/2016/07/14/hgtv-canada-greenlights-two-originals/
  24. https://crtc.gc.ca/pubs/TVProduction/2024%20Corus%20Entertainment%20Inc%20Production%20Report%20BIB%20CRTC%202019%20304%20English%20Abridged%20(1).pdf
  25. https://premieredate.news/tv-series/4101-backyard-builds.html
  26. https://www.corusent.com/news/home-inspiration-and-innovation-come-to-hgtv-canada-this-spring/
  27. https://assets.corusent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Corus-StudiosTransactional-Press-Release-MIPTV-2018-FINAL.pdf
  28. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-design/article-how-to-transition-your-backyard-deck-or-balcony-for-colder-weather/
  29. https://www.facebook.com/BrianMcCourtDesigns/photos/backyard-builds-premieres-a-new-season-april-16th-at-9pm-on-hgtv-canada-i-know-t/2551556081615363/
  30. https://www.philo.com/player/show/U2hvdzo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDg1MzUxMTI
  31. https://keithlovesmovies.com/2024/09/23/whats-coming-to-stacktv-week-of-september-23rd/
  32. https://www.itv.com/watch/backyard-builds/10a5953/10a5953a0007
  33. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/backyard-builds
  34. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Backyard-Builds/0K67FCBJOM9K4228C8L7FVJJDK
  35. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/backyard-builds/episodes-season-1/1000667514/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8069682/episodes/?season=1
  37. https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/48002/backyard-builds/episodes?season=2
  38. https://blog.techo-bloc.com/hgtv-backyard-builds-features-techo-bloc-products-in-stunning-backyard-transformations
  39. https://www.trakt.tv/shows/backyard-builds/seasons/3
  40. https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/48002/backyard-builds/episodeguide
  41. https://www.philo.com/player/show/U2hvdzo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDg1MzY1MTc?episode=RXBpc29kZTo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDk1ODA2NTg
  42. https://www.philo.com/player/show/U2hvdzo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDg1MzY1MTc?episode=RXBpc29kZTo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDk2MDkwNTU
  43. https://www.philo.com/player/show/U2hvdzo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDg1MzY1MTc?episode=RXBpc29kZTo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDk2MTA1NTc
  44. https://www.watchmode.com/tv/backyard-builds/episode-guide/6297705
  45. https://trakt.tv/shows/backyard-builds/seasons/2/episodes/5
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsZFo_-VkIc
  47. https://www.watchmode.com/tv/backyard-builds/episode-guide/6297706
  48. https://www.philo.com/player/episode/RXBpc29kZTo2MDg1NDg4OTk2NDk2MTA1NjU
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10818154/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8069682/reviews/
  51. https://www.corusent.com/news/bright-ideas-and-custom-designs-blossom-on-hgtv-canada-this-spring-with-new-and-returning-series/
  52. https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BackyardBuilds&src=hashtag_click
  53. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2020/06/23/coronavirus-drives-residential-outdoor-living-demand-and-trends/
  54. https://www.academy.ca/2018/backyard-builds/
  55. https://cineflix.com/news/cineflixs-mayday-and-property-brothers-win-at-the-canadian-screen-awards/
  56. https://www.academy.ca/2021/sebastian-cluer-3/
  57. https://hometurf.ca/sarah-keenleyside-hometurf-brand-ambassador/
  58. https://houseandhome.com/gallery/here-are-the-winners-for-hhs-2021-home-of-the-year/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.