Rock the Block: A Closer Look at HGTV’s Competitive Home Renovation Series
Rock the Block, an exciting reality competition on HGTV, showcases the creativity and skills of top designers who come together to transform four empty homes situated on the same street. Each designer showcases their unique signature style, and the designer whose renovation garners the highest appraisal earns the honor of having the street named after them. Since its debut in 2019, this popular series has completed five seasons, featuring diverse teams and increasingly ambitious renovations.
As it gears up for its sixth season in April 2025, HBO is introducing a fresh twist with rookie designers from Utah facing off against seasoned veterans. Hosted by Ty Pennington, Season 6 aims to sustain the excitement and appeal of previous seasons, with each team working within a limited budget to create stunning transformations. Remarkably, even the homes that do not secure a win provide wondrous aesthetic transformations worthy of admiration.
Summary of Winners
| Winner | Season | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine Roth | 1 | Park City, Utah |
| Brian & Mika Kleinschmidt | 2 | Tampa, Florida |
| Egypt Sherrod & Mike Jackson | 3 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Michel Smith Boyd & Anthony Elle | 4 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Lyndsay Lamb & Leslie Davis | 5 | Snohomish, Washington |
Season 1 Victory: Jasmine Roth
From Hidden Potential
During the inaugural season, Jasmine Roth overcame tough competition from renowned designers such as Leanne Ford, Mina Starsiak Hawk, and Alison Victoria. Each contestant received a budget of $175,000 to revitalize a coastal home within a tight four-week timeframe. Ultimately, Roth’s renovation achieved an impressive appraisal of $1.02 million, narrowly edging out Starsiak Hawk at $1.005 million. Roth, reflecting on her strategy, shared insights on her winning approach (via HGTV):
“My strategy during this entire competition was to save money on the master suite and kitchen so that I could spend big on the rest of the house. Even after installing the pool, I had a lot of money left over so I could go all out, earn the highest appraisal and win this thing.”
Roth’s renovations included transforming a den into a luxurious fourth bedroom with en-suite facilities, converting a laundry room into an opulent powder room, and designing a gym featuring a climbing wall. Each of these additions contributed to establishing a cohesive and inviting oasis in the backyard, complete with a pool and a wet bar. Following her triumph, Roth mentioned, “I still can’t believe I just won Rock the Block! I didn’t see it coming!” Today, she continues to expand her influence as the host of HGTV’s Hidden Potential and Help! I Wrecked My House.
Who Truly Deserved to Win Season 1?
In Season 1, although Mina Starsiak Hawk was a formidable competitor, it was evident that Jasmine Roth rightfully earned her victory. Her strategic design choice and execution set a high benchmark within the HGTV roster of competitors.
Season 2 Champion: Brian & Mika Kleinschmidt
From 100 Day Dream Home
In its second season, airing in 2021, Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt triumphed, overcoming impressive teams, including Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, David Bromstad, and Alison Victoria. The Kleinschmidts executed a stunning Southern Craftsman transformation, showcasing their skills through a collaborative team format that proved key to their project.
Each team was given an identical structure to enhance its value, and the Kleinschmidts added functional family-oriented spaces, spending $225,000 on their renovation. Their final appraisal stood at $625,000, significantly lower than the previous season but nonetheless impressive. Reflecting on their journey, Brian remarked, “This is surreal— one of the best moments of my life,” recalling the stiff competition they faced (via HGTV).
Who Truly Deserved to Win Season 2?
Remarkably, while Brian and Mika emerged victorious, many felt that Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent put forth an extraordinary effort with their European farmhouse design, particularly a stunning open kitchen area that held strong appeal. The final appraisals were closely contested, with less than $6,000 separating the top three contenders.
Season 3 Winners: Egypt Sherrod & Mike Jackson
From Married To Real Estate
The competitive atmosphere of Season 3, set in Charleston, South Carolina, witnessed Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson capturing the title against notable teams such as Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, and Dave and Jenny Marrs. With a budget of $225,000, they drew upon their extensive HGTV background to infuse their design with coastal elegance and historical charm.
The duo took bold risks, including investing in a stove that costs as much as a used car and repurposing a bathroom into a second pantry. Their efforts resulted in an impressive appraisal of $931,000. Sherrod shared, “We were confident, but at the same time, we were scared. The long nights of work definitely took their toll” (via HGTV). Their commitment to excellence paid off in spades.
Who Deserved to Win Season 3?
Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson earned their victory on the basis of exceptional innovation, particularly their connection of the garage to the main house, which increased the overall square footage. While they deserved the win, Dave and Jenny Marrs also posed significant competition, with their playful design featuring a children’s slide potentially limiting market appeal for future buyers.
Season 4 Champions: Michel Smith Boyd & Anthony Elle
From Luxe for Less
Season 4 followed a similar competitive structure and shifted to Colorado, where Michel Smith Boyd and Anthony Elle seized victory. Pre-competition, Boyd expressed a sense of underestimation, stating, “Luxury for us means knowing how to spend the money effectively.” Their successful approach proved pivotal, taking the original appraisal of $1.9 million and elevating it to over $2.85 million.
The duo’s strategic renovations included luxurious elements without exceeding their budget of $225,000. They faced stiff competition from teams such as Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin, and Bryan and Sarah Baeumler. Reflecting on their journey, Boyd declared (via HGTV):
“I’m most proud that we got to do the things we love… They were labors of love but the idea of winning and also doing it with our personal specialties was really cool.”
Looking forward, Michel Smith Boyd is set to compete again in Season 6 alongside Alison Victoria, while Anthony Elle is also recognized for his success in Season 6 of Project Runway All Stars.
Who Truly Deserved to Win Season 4?
While the competition was fierce, most fans believed that Boyd and Elle deserved their win. With an overall appraisal exceeding $2.7 million, it is evident that all teams performed commendably, though Bryan and Sarah Baeumler’s work also garnered substantial appreciation.
Fifth Season Champions: Lyndsay Lamb & Leslie Davis
From Unsellable Houses
In a thrilling return of familiar competitors during Season 5, Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis emerged victorious. Set in Treasure Island, Florida, the season allowed contestants a heightened budget of $250,000 to create extraordinary waterfront properties. With innovative strategies, the winning team integrated features like solar panels, a sauna, and climate-controlled wine storage. Their approach was refined yet impactful, leading to the narrowest margin of victory in the show’s history.
Davis noted, “Sometimes the value is in the things you can’t see… The solar panels were the best move we could have made” (via HGTV). Their creative integrations impressed the appraisers and highlighted the importance of innovative solutions in property renovation.
Who Truly Deserved to Win Season 5?
Despite their strong performance, Bryan and Sarah Baeumler brought high-caliber designs but fell just short in the final appraisal by a mere $20,000. Winning three weekly competitions, they accumulated the most significant remaining budget yet were edged out in the final assessment, raising eyebrows among fans who felt this outcome was an oversight.