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Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Crews Catch up on Construction

After some weather delays earlier in the week, Saturday’s clear skies in Knoxville helped crews make construction progress on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build site.

Everything has to be finished for the big reveal on Tuesday, January 17, and the team got a boost on Saturday to get back on schedule.

“We had a slew of workers come out and we desperately needed it. I was thrilled to see the number of people we’ve had out today,” said Lori Gano, a Project Manager with Grace Construction, the lead builder.

Gano said during the build, they’ve had some obstacles to overcome.

“It’s mostly dealing with the weather. We don’t mind the snow and we don’t mind the cold temperatures. But with the rain that we dealt with, it just turns the job site into a mud hole,” Gano said. “We have to fight against that with all of our equipment and all of our guys. It slows everything down.”

But she says the crews are pushing through the build and will be finished in time for Tuesday’s reveal. Gano says working on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build is different than any other job site.

“People just remain positive and they have a great attitude about it. And they’re excited to be here,” she said.

According to Cynthia Moxley, who is coordinating communications for the build, work on the duplex is on schedule. Crews are installing drywall and cabinets, and they’re starting work bathroom tile.

The roof is finished and now, they’re installing stone on the exterior of the building. She says work is still about six hours behind on the main house.

On Sunday, Moxley says there will be parking changes for volunteers and spectators. Because of church services, people are asked to park at Bearden Middle School. They will then be bused to the check-in tent. Spectators will not be allowed on the site until 2 p.m. and must check in at the check-in tent after parking at Bearden Middle School.

There will also be a VIP fundraising event Sunday night. Knoxville country singer Con Hunley and his band will perform and Sweet P’s Barbecue will provide dinner. The fundraising event starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are $125 each. People can purchase tickets at the check-in tent at Park West Church on Middlebrook Pike. Funds will benefit the Knoxville Family Build Fund and will be used to help pay off the mortgage on the family’s former house.

The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” build started in Knoxville on Tuesday when the show selected the Watson family. Crews are working to rebuild their home and duplex apartment. The Watsons founded The Restoration House, and the duplex will be used for single-mom families who benefit from the non-profit.