Delco’s Notorious Ugly House Gets a Pink‑Powered Makeover — See the Jaw‑Dropping Transformation
Answering the Call to Renovate Ugliest House in America
When our office phone rang in spring 2024, we expected the usual roster of clients, suppliers and telemarketers. Instead, we got an invitation that would change our year: a television production studio was looking for local contractors to help renovate a home in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania for HGTV’s hit series Ugliest House in America. The show’s format is simple yet wild: actress and comedian Retta tours some of the most bizarre homes in the country and teams up with designer Alison Victoria to choose one “winner” for a complete makeover. The season‑six champion, a row house in Upper Darby, received a $150,000 renovation that transformed it from what Retta called a “complete disasterpiece” into a show‑stopping home. After meeting with the production team at Big Fish Entertainment, we knew we were ready for this once‑in‑a‑lifetime challenge.
Uncovering the Challenges of a Truly Ugly House
The first day of filming was demolition day. Removing layers of mirrors, trinkets and cigar boxes from the walls gave the camera crew plenty of drama and revealed just how eccentric this home was. House Beautiful’s coverage of the season‑six finale notes that the original “Collage Barrage” house featured “mirrors and trinkets embedded into the walls,” a 42‑square‑foot kitchen island laminated with money, cigar‑box walls in the sunroom and even a janky powder room in the entry. During demolition we discovered an even bigger problem: the main electrical service cable ran directly through the kitchen—clearly unsafe. Because some subcontractors were hired directly by the production company for marketing purposes, we coordinated closely with their crews for demolition and electrical work. Together we cleared out the mirrored block walls, cigar‑box laminates, awkward bathroom and outdated wiring so we could start with a clean slate.
Designing a New Layout With Character
With demolition complete, we moved on to framing and interior design. The production team wanted to preserve some of the original brick to give the row house authentic character while completely reimagining the interior. We relocated the kitchen into a more functional space and turned the old kitchen into a pantry and living room. The tiny bathroom in the entryway was moved and replaced with much‑needed closet space. Throughout the main floor we used archways and partition walls to create an open flow between rooms while still defining distinct spaces. The sunroom—formerly darkened by cigar‑box walls and even home to an outdoor grill accessed through a second‑floor window was transformed into a hidden speakeasy. These creative changes show why Alison Victoria is known for dramatic, functional designs.
Tackling Structural and Systems Obstacles
The Upper Darby row house wasn’t just quirky—it had also been expanded multiple times. Previous owners added rooms and floors without leveling the subfloors, leaving layers of flooring at different heights. What were once exterior brick walls had become interior partitions. These irregularities forced our framers, plumbers and electricians to find creative ways to run new services between the first floor and basement. We had to ensure plumbing and electrical systems were safe and up to code, especially after discovering that the kitchen addition’s electrical service cable was routed inside the house. Despite these hurdles, we embraced the home’s unique history, leaving some of the exposed brick while integrating new structural elements seamlessly.
Cabinetry, Flooring and Unique Installations
The Final Push: Around‑the‑Clock Effort
As reveal day approached, the entire crew pulled double shifts. We installed crown moulding and trim, hung antique doors with refurbished hardware and touched up paint right up until the final hours. Even though our crews were exhausted, they were also energized by seeing the transformation come together. We finished just as the production team arrived to film the reveal, and after quick showers and strong coffee, we returned to watch the homeowner see her new space for the first time.
Reveal Day: From Disasterpiece to Dream Home
The reveal was nothing short of magical. The homeowner—whose house had been crowned the ugliest in America—returned to find a freshly painted exterior with her favorite pink front door, a stylish pergola and a welcoming patio. Inside, the new foyer led to a custom kitchen filled with pink appliances, warm wood cabinetry, a properly sized island and a hidden walk‑in pantry. The show‑stopping feature was the secret door that opened into a pink disco‑themed speakeasy—a far cry from the cigar‑box‑laden sunroom. Retta and Alison Victoria joined the celebration, showing off the hidden door and pink terrazzo tile flooring. The homeowner finally had a functional living space that reflected her personality and was no longer the ugliest house in America.
Looking Back and What’s Next
Transforming the Collage Barrage row house for Ugliest House in America was unlike any project we’ve tackled. The compressed timeline, unusual structural challenges and constant cameras pushed us to innovate and collaborate. Seeing the homeowner’s reaction made every long day worthwhile. Want to know which part of the renovation became her favorite? You’ll have to tune in and watch the season‑six finale of Ugliest House in America to find out. We’re honored to have been part of this transformation and can’t wait for the next adventure!