Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Coming to Eastern Connecticut

Five families in Eastern Connecticut are hoping for a knock on their door Dec. 4 by Ty Pennington, star of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” But only one will receive the home makeover that entails demolishing their existing home and building a new one — all in a 106-hour tour de force of hammering, sawing and painting.
Recipients of extreme makeovers are families that have undergone hardship, and this year, they are honing in on a particular kind of family: one with heroes, said executive producer Conrad Ricketts.
“We are looking for heroes who are making a difference,” he said Thursday during a presentation at Foxwoods Resort Casino. “We are looking for families that are indeed in great need, and we’re looking for families that will indeed pay it forward and give back.” 
Many of the skilled hands they would need — carpenters, painters, landscapers, electricians and plumbers — were in attendance.
On Oct. 23, “Extreme Makeover” selected Bruce Hayn of Colchester, owner of Home Designs by Bruno, to make the home energy efficient.
“We don’t want to build a home someone can’t afford,” Hayn said.
The typical scenario for manpower, Ricketts said, is 800 to 1,200 tradespeople, and as many as 3,000 volunteers.
Tears of joy
When families enter their new home, tears of joy and disbelief are typical reactions. In a video shown, one owner, amazed at the beauty and warmth, said, “You can feel the love surround you in the house.”
Families who receive the attentions of “Extreme Makeover” undergo a vetting process Ricketts described as vigorous.
“I know more about their finances than they probably do,” he joked.
And the help from “Extreme Makeover” doesn’t end with the home: funds are raised to pay the increase in property tax, and the family is assigned a financial planner. Of all the 130 homes Ricketts has been involved in building, only one has been sold, because the homeowner moved for a job opportunity.
For sponsorship opportunities or information about volunteering, visit www.extremehomebybruno.com. Donations may be made to Colchester Rotary, c/o Extreme 615, P.O. Box 775, Colchester, CT 06415.