Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas of Bargain Block are used to working their magic on run-down Detroit properties to create colorful, cozy homes for first-time buyers. Their biggest challenge as Rock the Block Season 3 contestants? “Taking a space this big and creating that homey vibe that we’re known for,” Keith said. With 3,500 square feet to play with, it's serious business.

Evan couldn’t join Keith in Charleston for the first few days of the project, and the all-important kitchen and dining room were a tall order to tackle solo — so Keith was thrilled to welcome realtor extraordinaire (and Bargain Block regular) Shea Whitfield as a pinch hitter. Shea was more than ready to get to work: “I’m like a demo angel and I come Evan-sent,” she joked.

When Evan finally arrived in South Carolina, fellow contestants Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis of Unsellable Houses were on hand for a warm welcome. (Evan and Keith’s adorable dog, Belle, came along for the ride.)

The $225,000 Keith and Evan will be spending on their home is an order of magnitude beyond their typical budgets — and to Evan it felt “like an infinite amount of money.” “We spend $45,000 on a single house,” Keith said. “We can definitely guarantee a $45,000 kitchen is going to look pretty phenomenal!”