Season 4 of the program was officially announced in 2014 and was originally due to air in late 2015,[2] however the Seven Network delayed the season until 2016 due to an overload of renovation shows that had aired in 2015 as well as lower than expected ratings for the third season.[3]
This season of House Rules will consist of new teams renovating each other's homes and further challenges for the ultimate prize of their mortgage being paid off.[4]
Contestant Teams
This season of House Rules introduced six new teams. All teams are from different states in Australia
The six teams travel around the country to completely renovate each other's home. Every week, one team hands over their house to their opponents for a complete interior transformation. A set of rules from the owners are given to the teams known as the 'House rules' which need to be followed to gain high scores from the judges and the homeowner team.
Victoria: Fil & Joe
Episodes 1 to 4
Airdate — 27 April to 1 May 2016
Description — Fil & Joe from Melbourne, Victoria are the first team to hand over their keys for renovation. Two of the bedrooms belong to their children Jayden, 18 years old and Celeste, 14 years old.
Renovation 1
Melbourne, Victoria
House Rules
Rule 1
Give us Hamptons - "Revenge" style
Rule 2
Be bold: go black & white in the kitchen
Rule 3
Glam up our master suite with Hollywood Deco
Rule 4
Create a laidback teenage hideaway
Rule 5
Go OTT with a five star wet room
Team
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 30)
Running Total (Reno 1)
Homeowner
Joe
Wendy
Luke & Cody
Jayden’s Room, Deck, Back Stairs & Ensuite
9
9
8
26
26 / 30
Rose & Rob
Master Bedroom, WIR, Entry & Main Deck
8
7
7
22
22 / 30
Brooke & Michelle
Celeste’s Room, Linen Cupboard & Kitchen
7
7
7
21
21 / 30
Nancy & Daniel
Teenagers' Retreat, Dining Room & Laundry
6
6
6
18
18 / 30
Claire & Hagan
Living Room, Hallway & Family Bathroom
5
5
6
16
16 / 30
Fil & Joe
—
—
South Australia: Brooke & Michelle
Episodes 5 to 8
Airdate — 2 to 8 May 2016
Description — Teams head to Brooke & Michelle's home in Adelaide, South Australia for the second renovation. One of the bedrooms will be shared for their children Addison, eight years old and Tildie, five years old.
Previous winner's advantage: Luke & Cody — They got to decide on which zone they wanted to renovate
Previous loser's disadvantage: Claire & Hagan — Camping in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 2
Adelaide, South Australia
House Rules
Rule 1
Play up the elegant charm of our period home
Rule 2
Add a funky, modern living area
Rule 3
Give Michelle a tough luxe workspace with guest bed
Rule 4
Surprise with a playful piece in every zone
Rule 5
Make our bathroom a turquoise delight
Team
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 30)
Running Total (Reno 1 & 2)
Homeowner
Joe
Wendy
Luke & Cody
Kitchen, Entry & WIR
9
7
7
23
49 / 60
Claire & Hagan
Girls' Bedroom, Dining Room & Pantry
8
6
7
21
37 / 60
Nancy & Daniel
Girls' Bathroom & Michelle’s Workspace
7
6
6
19
37 / 60
Fil & Joe
Master Bedroom & Main Bathroom
6
5
5
16
16 / 30
Rose & Rob
Living Room, Laundry & Hall
5
5
5
15
37 / 60
Brooke & Michelle
—
21 / 30
New South Wales: Nancy & Daniel
Episodes 9 to 12
Airdate — 9 to 15 May 2016
Description — Teams head to South Sydney, New South Wales to completely renovate Nancy & Daniel's family home. Two of the bedrooms belong to their children; six year old, Jonathan and three year old, Sophia.
Previous winner's advantage: Luke & Cody — Decide to keep the zone they were allocated or swap zones with another team. They decided to keep their zone
Previous loser's disadvantage: Rose & Rob — Camping in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 3
South Sydney, New South Wales
House Rules
Rule 1
Create an A-Lister's entertainer
Rule 2
Style it coastal chic
Rule 3
Wash the living room with a wave of colour
Rule 4
Float some timber into the bathrooms
Rule 5
Give our master suite a shot of pizzazz
Team
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 30)
Running Total (Reno 1 to 3)
Homeowner
Joe
Wendy
Rose & Rob
Kitchen, Sophia's Bedroom & Linen Cupboard
9
7
7
26
61 / 90
Fil & Joe
Living Room, Entry & WIR
7
7
8
22
38/ 60
Claire & Hagan
Laundry, Master Bedroom & Back Deck
8
6
6
20
57 / 90
Luke & Cody
Ensuite, Study, Hall & Dining Room
6
5
6
17
66 / 90
Brooke & Michelle
Bathroom, Jonathan's Bedroom & Side Deck
5
5
6
16
37 / 60
Nancy & Daniel
—
37 / 60
Queensland: Luke & Cody
Episodes 13 to 16
Airdate — 16 to 22 May 2016
Description — Teams head to Dalby, Queensland to renovate Luke & Cody's 1940s home. As their home is more than 200 km away from Brisbane, the teams only have limited time to purchase their items.
Previous winner's advantage: Rose & Rob — Allocating the zones for themselves and all other teams.
Previous loser's disadvantage: Brooke & Michelle — Camping in a tent during the renovation.
^1 As Luke & Cody's birthday landed on the day of their House Reveal, Carolyn asked all the teams to work together to build a new back deck for the boys as a special birthday gift, this was however a non scored zone
Western Australia: Rose & Rob
Episodes 17 to 20
Airdate — 23 to 29 May 2016
Description — Teams head to Rockingham, Western Australia to completely transform Rose & Rob's home. Two of the bedrooms belong to their three children; seven year old, David, six year old, Sam & three year old, Teddy
Previous winner's advantage: Claire & Hagan — They got to decide on which zone they wanted to renovate & five different fabrics with one to be given to each team to incorporate in their room
Previous loser's disadvantage: Fil & Joe — Camping in a tent during the renovation.
Renovation 5
Rockingham, Western Australia
House Rules
Rule 1
Style our home retro revival
Rule 2
Splash around parika, teal & mustard
Rule 3
Show off our art in the living room
Rule 4
Go 'Shagadelic' in the bathroom
Rule 5
No white walls or wallpaper
Team
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 30)
Running Total (Reno 1 to 5)
Homeowner
Joe
Wendy
Fil & Joe
Laundry and Sam & David's Room
9
9
10
28
88 / 120
Brooke & Michelle
Dining Room & Ensuite
7
9
9
25
87 / 120
Nancy & Daniel
Kitchen & Master Bedroom
8
8
7
23
83 / 120
Luke & Cody
Living Room & Teddy's Bedroom
6
8
8
22
88 / 120
Claire & Hagan
Bathroom, WIR, Entry & Hallway
5
7
6
18
105 / 150
Rose & Rob
—
84 / 120
Victoria: Claire & Hagan
Episodes 21 to 24
Airdate — 30 May to 5 June 2016
Description — Teams head to Peninsula, Victoria to renovate Claire & Hagan's home for the final interior renovation. In a House Rules first the teams added another level to Claire & Hagan's small house.
Previous winner's advantage: Fil & Joe — Cash bonus of $5000.
Previous loser's disadvantage: Luke & Cody — Although Claire and Hagan were the lowest scoring team in the previous week, they do not participate in the renovation of their own home, therefore the loser's tent was given to the second-lowest scorer.
Renovation 6
Peninsula, Victoria
House Rules
Rule 1
Stamp it 'warehouse raw'
Rule 2
Choose an industrial palette
Rule 3
Break it up with bold graphics & bites of colour
Rule 4
Upcycle materials from the Peninsula
Rule 5
Squeeze in a play space
Team
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 30)
Running Total (Reno 1 to 6)
Homeowner
Joe
Wendy
Luke & Cody
Master Bedroom & Dining Room
10
10
10
30
1st (118)
Fil & Joe
Kitchen & Matilda's Bedroom
9
9
10
28
2nd (116)
Brooke & Michelle
Laundry & Darcy's Bedroom
8
8
7
23
3rd (110)
Nancy & Daniel
Living Room & Bathroom
7
9
8
24
4th (107)
Claire & Hagan
—
5th (105)
Rose & Rob
Family Room, Ensuite, Stairs & Hallway
6
7
6
19
6th (103)
Phase 2
24 Hour Fix-Up
Episode 25 & 26
Airdate — 6 & 7 June 2016
Description — All teams head back to their own homes and must fix and redo one of the zones in 24 hours. Teams need to recreate the space/s to reflect their own style and also to impress the judges. All teams received the same set of five rules for the challenge. The lowest scoring team will be eliminated.
Renovation summary
24 Hour Fix-Up
House Rules
Rule 1
Choose one zone
Rule 2
Rework it in your style
Rule 3
Get creative with DIY
Rule 4
Your budget is $5000
Rule 5
Stay together at all times
Team
Zone
Scores
Round Total (out of 20)
Joe
Wendy
Brooke & Michelle
Living Room, Laundry & Hall
8
9
17
Luke & Cody
Ensuite & Cody's Room
8
8
16
Claire & Hagan
Family Room, Ensuite, Stairs & Hallway
7
8
15
Fil & Joe
Living Room, Hallway & Family Bathroom
6
7
13
Nancy & Daniel
Ensuite, Study, Hall & Dining Room
6
6
12
Phase 3: Gardens & 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 do not belong to them) and must renovate either the front or back yards, as well as improving the house exterior. They are held over two rounds, covering all houses of the current teams. After both rounds are complete, the lowest scoring team is eliminated.
Round 1
Episodes 27 & 28
Airdate — 12 & 13 June
Description — In round 1 of the exterior renovations, the 4 remaining teams head to Adelaide and Mornington Peninsula to transform the gardens and house exterior in 4 Days. Teams are allocated to the front or back yard of either Brooke & Michelle's or Claire & Hagan's house.
Renovation summary
Round 1
House Rules
Brooke & Michelle's (SA)
Claire & Hagan's (VIC)
Rule 1
Make our front garden timeless and elegant
Style our garden coastal cool
Rule 2
Give us 'Tuscany on the train line' out back
Strike a balance between sleek and organic
Rule 3
Add a living pantry for Brooke the cook
Feature a fireplace and pop-up kitchen
Rule 4
Build a clever cubby house for our kids
Inspire our kids with a creative play space
Rule 5
Choose your zone: front or back
Choose your zone: left or right
Team
House
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 20)
Running Total (Round 1)
Joe
Wendy
Luke & Cody
Brooke & Michelle's (Adelaide, SA)
Frontyard - Fence, Path, Driveway, Cubby & Lounge
8
9
17
17 / 20
Claire & Hagan
Backyard - Paved Area, Garden Bed & Dining
7
8
15
15 / 20
Fil & Joe
Claire & Hagan's (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
Left side2 - Lounge Area, Fireplace, Shower & Cubby
8
8
16
16 / 20
Brooke & Michelle
Right side2 - Dining/Kitchen, Play Area & Driveway
6
7
13
13 / 20
Notes
^2 As Claire & Hagan's house doesn't have a front yard, the back yard was split into 2, a right side and a left side
Round 2
Episodes 29 & 30
Airdate — 14 & 19 June
Description — In round 2 of the exterior renovations, the 4 remaining teams head to Dalby and Melbourne to transform the gardens and house exterior in 4 Days. Teams are allocated to the front or back yard of either Luke & Cody's or Fil & Joe's house. The lowest scoring team overall is eliminated.
Renovation summary
Round 2
House Rules
Luke & Cody's (QLD)
Fil & Joe's (VIC)
Rule 1
Plant a no-fuss modern country garden
Give our Hamptons house a Hamptons garden
Rule 2
Tie it together with timber
Create a classy water feature out front
Rule 3
Make our back deck feel like a flash pub
Warm our hearts with a family fire pit
Rule 4
Bung in a beer garden
Add a deck for our kids to chill
Rule 5
Choose your zone: Front or Back
Team
House
Zone
Scores
Total (out of 20)
Final Total (Round 1 & 2)
Joe
Wendy
Fil & Joe
Luke & Cody's (Dalby, QLD)
Backyard - Garden, Lawn Pool Table & Bar
7
7
14
2nd (30)
Claire & Hagan
Frontyard - Fence, Stairs, Driveway & Beer Garden
7
6
13
3rd (28)
Luke & Cody
Fil & Joe's (Melbourne, VIC)
Frontyard - Fence, Gazebo, Driveway & Water Feature
8
8
16
1st (33)
Brooke & Michelle
Backyard - Deck, Lounge, Dining & Paved area
6
7
13
4th (26)
Phase 4
Charity Unit Makeover
Episodes 31 to 34
Airdate — 20 to 27 June
Description — The 3 remaining teams have 7 days to renovate 3 units in an apartment building operated by The Leukaemia Foundation where patients from the country stay during treatment. Each team is given a zone with rooms from all 3 units & a garden area. Each unit has a design brief, Scandi Chic (Unit 1), Balinese Resort (Unit 2) & Manhattan Apartment (Unit 3). The lowest scoring team will be eliminated & the top 2 will advance into the live Grand Final.
Renovation summary
Charity Unit Makeover
House Rules
Rule 1
Create a home away from home
Rule 2
Choose a warm and cheerful palette
Rule 3
Style it relaxed and comfy
Rule 4
Use luscious leather and touchable textures
Rule 5
Install clever storage and a desk nook
Team
Zone
Scores
Round Total (out of 20)
Joe
Wendy
Luke & Cody
Living Room3, Bedrooms4, Kitchen & Bathroom5 & Tranquil Garden
8
9
17
Claire & Hagan
Bedrooms3, Kitchen & Bathroom4, Living Room5 & Kids' Play Area
7
8
15
Fil & Joe
Kitchen & Bathroom3, Living Room4, Bedrooms5 & Social Space
Description — The final 2 teams complete one final challenge at their opponent's home, to create an entertainment spa area. The Australian public vote for their favourite team to win and the winner is decided by a combination of the judges score, for the final project and overall viewer votes. The team with the best result win a complete mortgage payment and is announced live. The secret zones were revealed to be outside entertaining areas that had to incorporate a spa with a pergola to top it off.
aRatings 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).
