<P> Drew was offered a gig as a host of a real estate competition show that ultimately didn't materialize . Cineflix, however, wanted Drew for a show tentatively called My Dream Home, with the intention of finding a female co-host . When they learned he had a brother who was also in real estate, the production company asked the brothers to make a sizzle reel . Jonathan and Drew submitted themselves making over their older brother's living room . Six months went by before Cineflix responded favorably, and a week later they began filming a pilot for the show in Toronto . Originally, the network wanted Drew to work as the contractor because of his physique; when they realized that Jonathan was licensed, however, they switched the roles . </P> <P> As Cineflix searched for a distributor, six months went by with no offers, when (off the strength of the pilot) the W Network in Canada ordered a full season; meanwhile HGTV passed . Taking note of the show's success in Canada led HGTV to condense the existing episodes to 30 minutes and air them on a trial basis . After the show scored number - one ratings for its timeslot, the network picked the show up for distribution in the US . </P> <P> Using the expertise of the Scott brothers, prospective homebuyers find a "fixer - upper" and remodel it into their dream home while staying within their budget . The featured families and individuals are often working towards a deadline, like the birth of a child or a special occasion . Historically, each episode started with Drew showing potential homebuyers a house with everything on their wish list, only to later reveal that the house was outside of their reach financially . However, beginning with season 6 (10), Drew began to explain from the start that the home would exceed their budget, and should only serve as inspiration . In either scenario, he and Jonathan then highlight the advantages of purchasing an older home . Afterwards, Drew takes the buyers on a tour of homes that are significantly less ideal, but have renovation potential, and they are asked to narrow their choices down to two . Jonathan then uses computer - generated imagery to reveal his re-imagined vision for the home after significant renovations . The graphics are made by an outside company using Neezo Renders software at a cost of about $10,000 per episode . After the family makes a final decision, Drew leads them through the process of bidding on and purchasing a home . Once a purchase is made, Jonathan and his team begin renovations . After initial demolition, the family is kept away from site, and are brought back at the conclusion for the final reveal . </P> <P> The show's producers choose cities for filming based a variety of factors including fan interest, proximity to a major airport, and diversity of architecture . As is typical of home improvement shows with an accelerated renovation format, three experienced crews work on the house in tandem to finish within the four to seven week timeline . The brothers hire local design, real estate, and construction companies in the cities where they film . Additionally, building permits are typically ready prior to construction, and their projects take priority with their suppliers . The buyers own the property and pay for the remodeling, but the show is able to provide about $20,000 to $25,000 worth of cash and furnishings . The brothers do not charge for their services . The total budget presented is for the three or four rooms featured on the show; the rest of the renovations are done off - camera on a separate budget and timeline . </P>

Where is the show buying and selling filmed