See the Incredible Houseboat Makeover Featured on This Week’s Fixer Upper

They took it from a crumbling (and beached!) disaster to a dreamy floating getaway
See the Incredible Houseboat Makeover Featured on This Week’s <i>Fixer Upper</i>
The houseboat's stylish new exterior
Written by Susan Hall Mahon November 1, 2017

Chip and Joanna Gaines are known for their dramatic home renovations, but most of their projects have one thing in common: they’re firmly rooted on the ground. In this week’s episode of Fixer Upper, the remodel royalty had a challenge of a different kind: to transform a landlocked houseboat into a water-worthy—and family-friendly—getaway.

HGTV
Before the makeover

What they started with: a 1970s double-decker houseboat with a $27,000 asking price and a renovation budget of $58,000. They didn’t know if the pontoon-bottomed structure would float atop its new home on Lake Waco in Texas.

What they ended with: a comfortable and contemporary escape with light-filled interiors, thanks to new floor-to-ceiling windows; an open kitchen with a mini apron-front sink—swoon; a fabulous bunk room that’s perfect for all four kids; and plenty of hangout-ready outdoor spaces.

And one more thing: We learned a new design term: Skinny-lap (used in the master bedroom) is Joanna’s thin-planked take on shiplap, the siding-inspired wall treatment she’s made popular on Fixer Upper.

See more pictures below and on HGTV.com, where you’ll find before pics too. See more Fixer Upper makeover magic here.

HGTV
As seen on Fixer Upper, the renovated kitchen of the Swartz’s houseboat has new counter tops, windows and an island for additional counter space.
HGTV
As seen on Fixer Upper, the Swartz’s master bedroom has french doors leading to a private balcony, new windows and a ship lap accent wall.
HGTV
As seen on Fixer Upper, the Swartz’s remodeled living room has an open staircase, floor to ceiling windows and hardwood floors.
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