EXCLUSIVE: Stars of ‘Fix My Frankenhouse’ Share the Most Shocking Discovery They’ve Ever Encountered in a Renovation Project
In the world of home renovation, few things are predictable—and no one knows this better than the stars of HGTV’s hit show Fix My Frankenhouse. The dynamic duo at the heart of the series, husband-and-wife team Mike and Denese Butler, have seen it all. From bizarre architectural choices to outright dangerous DIY disasters, their job is to step in and rescue homes that have been pieced together over the years with mismatched styles, unsafe additions, and perplexing floorplans.
But even for seasoned pros like Mike and Denese, one discovery stands out as the most horrifying thing they’ve ever encountered on the job.
In an exclusive interview, the couple opened up about a particularly jaw-dropping moment from one of their most memorable renovations. “We’ve seen some strange things,” Denese said with a laugh. “But nothing prepared us for the time we found a load-bearing wall that had been completely removed… and replaced with a single 2×4 wedged between the floor and ceiling.”
Mike chimed in, “It was holding up an entire second floor—just this one skinny piece of lumber holding the weight of the house. The fact that the structure hadn’t collapsed yet was a miracle. It was a serious hazard, and we knew immediately we had to stop everything and address it before anyone could get hurt.”
The Butlers say discoveries like that aren’t uncommon when dealing with “Frankenhouses”—homes that have been added onto or altered over the years without proper planning or permits. The term itself has become shorthand for houses that have gone through multiple owners or renovations, each with their own idea of “improvement,” often leading to strange layouts, conflicting architectural styles, and sometimes, downright dangerous situations.
“It’s not just about making things look pretty,” Denese explained. “Our first priority is always safety. We want to create homes that are functional and livable, but more importantly, homes that won’t fall apart in five years.”
While Fix My Frankenhouse brings plenty of laughs and jaw-dropping transformations, it also sheds light on the importance of responsible renovation. The Butlers often work with families who purchased a home full of potential, only to find out it’s hiding serious structural issues behind the walls—issues that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix if not caught early.
“People sometimes think they’re saving money by doing it themselves or hiring the cheapest contractor they can find,” Mike said. “But when shortcuts are taken, it always ends up costing more in the long run. What we do is about correcting those mistakes and helping families feel safe and proud of their homes.”
Each episode of the show is a journey through these fixes, blending education with entertainment as the Butlers confront problems ranging from mismatched ceiling heights and hidden water damage to inexplicable design choices—like staircases that lead directly into walls or kitchens with no ventilation.
“There’s always something new,” Denese said. “We never know what we’re going to find until we start tearing down walls. It keeps us on our toes.”
In addition to providing dramatic before-and-after reveals, Fix My Frankenhouse also serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners and aspiring DIYers. The takeaway? If you’re considering a renovation, always consult professionals and never underestimate the importance of permits and inspections.
For fans of home renovation and real estate, the series continues to be a favorite, offering both inspiration and practical insights into what it really takes to fix a “Frankenhouse.”
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