House Rules season 1

House Rules
Season 1
No. of episodes28
Release
Original networkSeven Network
Original release14 May (2013-05-14) –
1 July 2013 (2013-07-01)
Season chronology
Next →
Season 2

The first season of Australian reality television series House Rules, also known as House Rules 2013, was commissioned in 2012[1] and began airing on 14 May 2013. The series is produced by the team who created the Seven reality show My Kitchen Rules and is hosted by Johanna Griggs.

House Rules places six teams renovating each other's homes and further challenges for the ultimate prize of a full mortgage payment.

Contestant Teams

This season of House Rules introduced six new teams. All teams are from different states in Australia.

# Team Ages House Relationship Mortgage
1 Carly Schulz & Leighton Brow 31 & 32 Adelaide, SA Couple Two Years $460,000
2 Michelle & Steve Ball 48 Sydney, NSW Married 27 Years $629,000
3 Jemma & Ben Van Ryt 26 & 27 Perth, WA Just Married $545,000
4 Nick & Chris Stavropoulos 22 & 27 Melbourne, VIC Brothers $524,000
5 Amy Garrett & Sean Cornish 30 & 26 Brisbane, QLD Engaged $300,000
6 Jane Polley & Plinio Taurian Hobart, TAS Married with children $315,000

Elimination history

Teams' progress through the competition
Phase: Interior Renovation (Phase 1) Phase 2 Exteriors (Phase 3) Grand Finale
WA TAS VIC SA QLD NSW Round Total
(out of 150)
24 Hour Fix Up Round 1 Round 2 Round Total
(out of 40)
Viewers Choice
Team Scores Total
(out of 20)
Scores Result
Carly & Leighton 25 19 14 21 28 1st
(107)
1st
(18)
13 18 1st
(31)
Winner
Michelle & Steve 17 19 16 17 28 4th
(97)
Tie 2nd
(15)
15 15 2nd
(30)
Runner-Up
Nick & Chris 20 20 17 15 18 5th
(90)
3rd
(12)
11 15 3rd
(26)
Eliminated
(Episode 27)
Jemma & Ben 15 28 23 24 16 2nd
(106)
Tie 2nd
(15)
14 11 4th
(25)
Eliminated
(Episode 27)
Amy & Sean 10 21 25 20 22 3rd
(98)
4th
(11)
Eliminated
(Episode 25)
Jane & Plinio 19 20 16 19 15 6th
(89)
Eliminated
(Episode 24)

Competition Details

Phase 1: Interior Renovation

For the interior renovation round, all 6 teams had their homes transformed by each other through a rotation round format over a course of 6 weeks. At the end of each renovation, the highest scoring team received an advantage for the next renovation, and lowest scoring receiving a disadvantage. At the end, all scores were tallied up and the team with lowest overall total was eliminated from the competition.

Western Australia: Jemma & Ben

  • Episodes 1 to 4
  • Airdate — 14 to 20 May 2013
  • Description — Teams head to the first renovation at Jemma & Ben's 1950s home in Perth, Western Australia.
Renovation 1
Perth, Western Australia
House Rules
Rule 1 Make it feel 'now' with an edge
Rule 2 Create a kitchen/dining area we can party in
Rule 3 Style a beauty room fit for a princess
Rule 4 No bright annoying colours
Rule 5 Give us leather and chandeliers
Team Zone Scores Total
(out of 30)
Running Total
(Reno 1)
Homeowner Joe Wendy
Carly & Leighton Master Bedroom & Ensuite 8 8 9 25 25 / 30
Nick & Chris Kitchen & Dining Room 7 6 7 20 20 / 30
Jane & Plinio Bathroom & Laundry 6 7 6 19 19 / 30
Michelle & Steve Lounge & Spare Bedroom 5 6 6 17 17 / 30
Amy & Sean Hallway & Beauty Room 3 3 4 10 10 / 30
Jemma & Ben

Tasmania: Jane & Plinio

  • Episodes 5 to 8
  • Airdate — 21 to 27 May 2013
  • Description — Teams head off to the second renovation at Jane & Plinio's 1930s home in Hobart, Tasmania. Two bedrooms belong to their children Jarra, 16 years old & Nina, eight years old.
    • Previous winner's advantage: Carly & Leighton — They got to decide on which zone they wanted to renovate
    • Previous loser's disadvantage: Amy & Sean — Camping in the back yard in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 2
Hobart, Tasmania
House Rules
Rule 1 Make us an entry to remember
Rule 2 Show off our books in a study nook
Rule 3 Give us a family-friendly kitchen
Rule 4 Deliver Danish design with an art deco twist
Rule 5 Keep it eco friendly
Team Zone Scores Total
(out of 30)
Running Total
(Reno 1 & 2)
Homeowner Joe Wendy
Amy & Sean Nina's Bedroom & Bathroom 8 7 6 21 31 / 60
Nick & Chris Lounge, Dining & Entry 5 7 8 20 40 / 60
Carly & Leighton Kitchen & Family Room 7 6 6 19 44 / 60
Michelle & Steve Master Bedroom, Study & Hallway 5 7 7 19 36 / 60
Jemma & Ben Jarra's Bedroom, Toilet & Laundry 6 4 5 15 15 / 30
Jane & Plinio 19 / 30

Victoria: Nick & Chris

  • Episodes 9 to 12
  • Airdate — 28 May to 3 June 2013
  • Description — Teams travel to Nick & Chris's 1970s home in Melbourne, Victoria for the third renovation.
    • Previous winner's advantage: Amy & Sean — They got to decide on which zone they wanted to renovate
    • Previous loser's disadvantage: Jemma & Ben — Camping in the back yard in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 3
Melbourne, Victoria
House Rules
Rule 1 Give us MAD MEN cool
Rule 2 Colour our palette moody and murky
Rule 3 Put a retro divider between the entrance and the lounge
Rule 4 Style our kitchen bold and dramatic
Rule 5 Take some risks
Team Zone Scores Total
(out of 30)
Running Total
(Reno 1 to 3)
Homeowner Joe Wendy
Jemma & Ben Lounge & Entrance Hall 8 10 10 28 43 / 60
Amy & Sean Kitchen, Family & Meals 6 9 10 25 56 / 90
Jane & Plinio Chris' Bedroom & Ensuite 7 7 6 20 39 / 60
Michelle & Steve Bathroom & Laundry 4 7 5 16 52 / 90
Carly & Leighton Nick's Bedroom, Centre Hall & Den 5 4 5 14 58 / 90
Nick & Chris 40 / 60

South Australia: Carly & Leighton

  • Episodes 13 to 16
  • Airdate — 4 to 10 June 2013
  • Description — Teams head to Carly & Leighton's 1950s home in Adelaide, South Australia for the fourth renovation.
    • Previous winner's advantage: Jemma & Ben — They got to decide on which zone they wanted to renovate
    • Previous loser's disadvantage: Michelle & Steve — Although Carly & Leighton were the lowest scoring team in the previous week, they do not participate in the renovation of their own home and because Jemma and Ben got the highest score they got to choose who went into the tent and they chose Michelle and Steve.
Renovation 4
Adelaide, South Australia
House Rules
Rule 1 Use stone and wood but don't give us rustic
Rule 2 Make a "splash" in the entry
Rule 3 Draw a palette from nature
Rule 4 Give us a versatile island we can dine at
Rule 5 Fit out the family room with a sandstone fireplace
Team Zone Scores Total
(out of 30)
Running Total
(Reno 1 to 4)
Homeowner Joe Wendy
Jemma & Ben Kitchen, Meals, Halls & Linen 7 8 8 23 66 / 90
Amy & Sean Ensuite & Walk-in-robe 5 7 8 20 76 / 120
Nick & Chris Bathroom & Family Room 7 5 5 17 57 / 90
Michelle & Steve Guest Room & Entry 6 5 6 17 69 / 120
Jane & Plinio Master Bedroom, Laundry & Study 4 6 6 16 55 / 90
Carly & Leighton 58 / 90

Queensland: Amy & Sean

  • Episodes 17 to 20
  • Airdate — 11 to 17 June 2013
  • Description — Teams travel to Brisbane, Queensland to renovate Amy & Sean's 1950s home for the fifth renovation.
    • Previous winner's advantage: Jemma & Ben — They got to decide on which zone they wanted to renovate
    • Previous loser's disadvantage: Jane & Plinio — Camping in the back yard in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 5
Brisbane, Queensland
House Rules
Rule 1 Give our Queenslander heritage charm
Rule 2 Style us "modern country" with clean lines
Rule 3 Create an industrial-style kitchen with rustic warmth
Rule 4 Incorporate wall panelling and fretwork arches
Rule 5 Make it warm, welcoming and positive
Team Zone Scores Total
(out of 30)
Running Total
(Reno 1 to 5)
Homeowner Joe Wendy
Michelle & Steve Kitchen, Meals & Deck 8 10 10 28 97 / 150
Jemma & Ben Master Bedroom & Ensuite 6 9 9 24 90 / 120
Carly & Leighton Study, Bathroom & Hall 5 8 8 21 79 / 120
Jane & Plinio Living, Laundry & Exercise Area 7 6 6 19 74 / 120
Nick & Chris Entry, Spare Bedroom & Porch 6 4 5 15 72 / 120
Amy & Sean 76 / 120

New South Wales: Michelle & Steve

  • Episodes 21 to 24
  • Airdate — 18 to 24 June 2013
  • Description — Teams travel to Sydney, New South Wales to renovate Michelle & Steve's 1950s family home in the sixth and final interior renovation. Two bedrooms belong to their children; daughter Alex, 20 years old & son Jesse, 18 years old. The lowest scoring team overall will be eliminated.
    • Previous winner's advantage: None - Michelle & Steve came first in the last renovation, but due to this renovation being their home they are not involved in the renovation, therefore there is no winner advantage.
    • Previous loser's disadvantage: Nick & Chris — Camping in the back yard in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 6
Sydney, New South Wales
House Rules
Rule 1 Create a relaxed family beach house
Rule 2 Make it bright and airy with lime-washed floors
Rule 3 Add a touch of Morocco in artwork and tiles
Rule 4 Bring Waikiki in our kitchen
Rule 5 Give us a deep spa bath to relax in
Team Zone Scores Total
(out of 30)
Final Total
(Reno 1 to 6)
Homeowner Joe Wendy
Carly & Leighton Lounge Room & Deck 10 9 9 28 1st (107)
Jemma & Ben Master Bedroom, Hall, Entry & Stairs 3 7 6 16 2nd (106)
Amy & Sean Jesse's Bedroom, Porch & Toilet 7 7 8 22 3rd (98)
Michelle & Steve 4th (97)
Nick & Chris Alex's Bedroom & Bathroom 4 7 7 18 5th (90)
Jane & Plinio Kitchen & Dining Room 5 5 5 15 6th (89)

Phase 2: 24 Hour Fix-Up

  • Episode 25
  • Airdate — 25 June 2013
  • Description — Each team returned to their own home and had to re-invent one of the zones in 24 hours. Teams must stick to a budget of $5000 and must stay together at all times. The lowest scoring team will be eliminated.
Renovation summary
24 Hour Fix-Up
House Rules
Rule 1 You have 24 hours
Rule 2 You have a budget of $5000
Rule 3 You may work on one zone only
Rule 4 Make the zone reflect your style
Rule 5 You must stay together at all times
Team Zone Scores Round Total
(out of 20)
Joe Wendy
Carly & Leighton Master Bedroom, Laundry & Study 9 9 18
Michelle & Steve Kitchen & Dining Room 8 7 15
Jemma & Ben Hallway & Beauty Room 7 8 15
Nick & Chris Nick's Bedroom, Centre Hall & Den 6 6 12
Amy & Sean Entry, Spare Bedroom & Porch 6 5 11

Phase 3: Gardens and Exteriors

The top 4 teams are challenged to transform the exteriors and gardens of each other's homes. Two teams are allocated to a home (that does not belong to them) and must renovate either the front or back yards, as well as improving the house exterior. For each house, the owners also left an exclusive item that must be used in the zone. The semifinals are held over two rounds and after both rounds are complete, the two lowest scoring team are eliminated.

Round 1

  • Episode 26
  • Airdate — 26 & 27 June 2013
  • Description — In round 1 of the exterior renovations, the 4 remaining teams head to Sydney and Adelaide to transform the gardens and house exterior in 3 and a half days. Teams are allocated to the front or back yard of either Michelle & Steve's or Carly & Leighton's house.
Renovation summary
Round 1
House Rules Michelle & Steve's (NSW) Carly & Leighton's (SA)
Rule 1 Give us a resort-style entrance Give us a year-round outdoor entertainment area
Rule 2 Build a BBQ deck in the backyard Create a secluded haven in our backyard
Rule 3 Make a memorial at Grandpa's chair Modernise our front yard and extend the carport
Rule 4 Light up our nights with a fire pit Create an outdoor cinema
Rule 5 Choose your zone: front or back
Team House Zone Scores Total
(out of 20)
Running Total
(Round 1)
Jim1 Wendy
Carly & Leighton Michelle & Steve's
(Sydney, NSW)
Back Yard 6 7 13 13 / 20
Jemma & Ben Front Yard 7 7 14 14 / 20
Michelle & Steve Carly & Leighton's
(Adelaide, SA)
Back Yard 7 8 15 15 / 20
Nick & Chris Front Yard 5 6 11 11 / 20

Round 2

  • Episodes 27
  • Airdate — 30 June 2013
  • Description — The teams continue on to round 2 of the exterior renovations in Perth and Melbourne to transform the gardens and house exterior in 3 and a half days. Teams are allocated to the front or back yard of either Jemma & Ben's or Nick & Chris' house. At the end of this round, the two lowest scoring teams will be eliminated.
Renovation summary
Round 2
House Rules Jemma & Ben's (WA) Nick & Chris' (VIC)
Rule 1 Design a private backyard entertainment area Modernise our Californian Bungalow
Rule 2 Create a welcoming front garden Give us a modern low maintenance garden
Rule 3 Revive the tired exterior Build the ultimate café-style courtyard
Rule 4 Give our lions pride of place Plant a veggie patch
Rule 5 Choose your zone: front or back
Team House Zone Scores Total
(out of 20)
Final Total
(Round 1 & 2)
Jim1 Wendy
Carly & Leighton Jemma & Ben's
(Perth, WA)
Front Yard 9 9 18 1st (31)
Nick & Chris Back Yard 7 8 15 3rd (26)
Michelle & Steve Nick & Chris'
(Melbourne, VIC)
Front Yard 8 7 15 2nd (30)
Jemma & Ben Back Yard 6 5 11 4th (25)
Note:
  • ^1 - The exterior garden renovations were judged by landscape designer, Jim Fogarty along with Wendy Moore.

Grand Final: Final Renovation and Australia's Vote

  • Episode 28
  • Airdate — 1 July 2013
  • Description — The final two teams completed one final challenge at their opponent's home, renovating a spare/secret room as a blank canvas, though they were not scored on these rooms. The Australian public voted for their favourite team to win. The winner was decided by the public votes.
Renovation Summary
Grand Final
House Rules Carly & Leighton's (SA) & Michelle & Steve's (NSW)
Rule 1 Find the blank canvas in need of renovation
Rule 2 Give your opposition the space of their dreams
Rule 3 Think outside the box
Rule 4 Make your room the ultimate design statement
Rule 5 You only have 3 days
Team Zone Final Result
Carly & Leighton M&S Spare Room - Entertainment Area Winners
Michelle & Steve C&L Spare Room - Garden Studio Runners-up

Ratings

Colour key:
  – Highest rating during the season
  – Lowest rating during the season
Wk. Ep no. Episode titles by stage of season Air date Viewers
(millions)[a]
Nightly
rank[a]
Source
1 1 Phase 1: Interior Renovations WA Renovation
(Jemma & Ben)
Introduction Tuesday, 14 May 0.803 #11 [2]
2 Renovation continues Wednesday, 15 May 0.784 #11 [3]
3 Thursday, 16 May 0.687 #12 [4]
4 House reveal Monday, 20 May 1.036 #7 [5]
2 5 TAS Renovation
(Jane & Plinio)
Introduction Tuesday, 21 May 0.954 #9 [6]
6 Renovation continues Wednesday, 22 May 0.900 #11 [7]
7 Thursday, 23 May 0.898 #9 [8]
8 House reveal Monday, 27 May 1.072 #6 [9]
3 9 VIC Renovation
(Nick & Chris)
Introduction Tuesday, 28 May 0.908 #11 [10]
10 Renovation continues Wednesday, 29 May 0.951 #8 [11]
11 Thursday, 30 May 1.007 #4 [12]
12 House reveal Monday, 3 June 1.306 #4 [13]
4 13 SA Renovation
(Carly & Leighton)
Introduction Tuesday, 4 June 0.908 #11 [14]
14 Renovation continues Wednesday, 5 June 0.630 #17 [15]
15 Thursday, 6 June 1.066 #4 [16]
16 House reveal Monday, 10 June 1.365 #6 [17]
5 17 QLD Renovation
(Amy & Sean)
Introduction Tuesday, 11 June 1.093 #6 [18]
18 Renovation continues Wednesday, 12 June 1.139 #5 [19]
19 Thursday, 13 June 1.236 #4 [20]
20 House reveal Monday, 17 June 1.390 #4 [21]
6 21 NSW Renovation
(Michelle & Steve)
Introduction Tuesday, 18 June 1.059 #3 [22]
22 Renovation continues Wednesday, 19 June 1.130 #4 [23]
23 Thursday, 20 June 1.219 #3 [24]
24 House reveal & Elimination Monday, 24 June 1.540 #1 [25]
7 25 Phase 2:
24 Hour Fix-Up
Renovation & Elimination Tuesday, 25 June 1.474 #1 [26]
26 Phase 3:
Gardens & Exteriors
Round 1: SA and NSW Wednesday, 26 June[b] 0.713 #16 [27]
Thursday, 27 June[c] 0.485 #18 [28]
27 Round 2: VIC and WA & Elimination Sunday, 30 June 1.280 #5 [29]
8 28 Grand Final Live episode Monday, 1 July 1.530 #2 [30]
Winner announced 1.837 #1
Season Average - 1.194

a Ratings data used is from OzTAM and represents the live and same day average viewership from the 5 largest Australian metropolitan centres (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide).

Notes

  • b Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth only
  • c Sydney & Brisbane only

References

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