"My Reno Rules" Crowns Winners: Mitch & Shaz Take Home $1 Million
Channel 7's renovation competition series My Reno Rules concluded with contestants Mitch and Shaz winning the $1 million grand prize. The show, hosted by Dr. Chris Brown, featured four teams renovating two adjacent houses in Bulleen, Melbourne. Over the course of the series, the prize pool was increased multiple times, and the final episode included live viewer giveaways exceeding $5 million.
Format and Production
The series was filmed at 54 and 56 Pinnacle Cres, Bulleen. Adrian Portelli, founder of LMCT+, purchased the two properties for approximately $2.7 million and donated them for the show's production. The houses were built in the 1960s. Production was temporarily halted after asbestos was reportedly identified in the properties, requiring assessment and removal by licensed specialists. Production recommenced after the site received clearance.
Four contestant teams renovated the properties over weekly challenges. Unlike traditional renovation programs, the finished homes were awarded to viewers rather than sold at auction. The judging panel consisted of Neale Whitaker, Simon Cohen from Luxe Listings Sydney, and interior design expert Julia Green.
Portelli previously gained attention as a bidder on Channel 9's renovation show The Block.
Prize Structure Changes
The winner's prize increased dramatically during the series. During the first episode, Portelli raised the prize from $100,000 to $250,000. Following the second week of judging, the prize increased to $1 million for the winner, with second place receiving $250,000.
Contestant Progress and Final Standings
First Place: Mitch and Shaz — 95 Total Points
Mitch and Shaz finished in first place with 95 total points. They began the final in fourth place with 70 points. Their front yard design was praised by judge Julia Green. The pair had previously won the first week's challenge, placing first on the leaderboard with a score of 25 out of 30. Their living room was described by judge Neale Whitaker. They received a $10,000 bonus from Portelli during a mid-build walk-through.
Second Place: Franky and Isaac — 74 Points ($250,000)
Franky and Isaac finished in second place with 74 points and were paid $250,000. During the second week of judging, they won the week with a score of 28.5 out of 30, including a perfect 10 from judge Neale Whitaker for their walk-in robe.
Third Place: Emma and Michelle — 69 Points ($100,000)
Emma and Michelle finished in third place with 69 points, receiving $100,000. Their initial living room design, featuring a DIY rust-effect feature wall, was described by judges as "hideous" and "unfinished." During the second week, their black en suite drew critical comments from judge Julia Green.
Fourth Place: Nathan and Julia — 67.5 Points ($50,000)
Nathan and Julia finished in fourth place with 67.5 points, receiving $50,000. During the first week, their children's bedroom received praise for creativity, while their bathroom divided judges' opinions. Their hallway and master bedroom received mixed feedback in the second week.
Viewer Giveaways
In the live finale, Adrian Portelli awarded two viewers a choice between a renovated house or $2 million cash. Both winners chose the cash prize.
- First winner: Nathan B. from the Central Coast, NSW. He was not watching the show when called. He initially missed the call but later answered. He stated he told his wife, who had been asleep.
- Second winner: Graham C. from Ballarat, VIC, aged 75. He was not watching the show when called. He chose the $2 million cash prize, citing his daughter's engagement that same day.
Portelli stated that viewers had three minutes to answer the phone or face a redraw.
Status of Renovated Properties
The two renovated homes returned to Adrian Portelli after both winners chose the cash prize. Portelli stated he would decide on the properties' future after the event, including the possibility of a future giveaway or sale.
Contestant Backgrounds and Series Events
First Week (Episode 1)
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Emma and Michelle chose to renovate the living room in House 1. Their initial plan for a micro cement feature wall required a labor quote of $23,000, which exceeded their budget. They changed their design to include a DIY rust-effect feature wall, a technique they had not used before. Drying the wall was delayed by wet weather. They requested and received assistance from Nathan and Julia.
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Nathan and Julia chose to renovate the main bathroom in House 1 and received a larger portion of the labor budget.
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Mitch and Shaz chose to renovate the living room in House 2. Rain entered through an unfinished roof, soaking the living room and damaging newly installed insulation.
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Franky and Isaac, renovating the bathroom in House 2, discovered the ceiling was uneven and had to remove it and start again.