NEW DIY NETWORK SERIES "BACKYARD GOLDMINE" SHOWCASES TRANSFORMATION OF OUTBUILDINGS INTO QUIRKY RENTAL SPACES

New York [For Immediate Release - April 18, 2017] Renovator, designer and chef Ben Sargent stars in Backyard Goldmine, a new DIY Network series that will showcase Ben's mission to convert homeowners' unused backyard buildings into remarkable rental properties. Premiering Tuesday, April 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the 10-episode series will follow Ben, a former Cooking Channel host, as he cleverly transforms broken sheds, dilapidated barns and dismal outbuildings into fabulous and functional sources for added income.

"I call my style unconventional, but my partners may just call it crazy," Ben said. "I turn things that most people would write off into treasures."

During the series set in Burlington, Vermont, and Charleston, South Carolina, Ben will infuse his projects with a mix of natural rustic charm and eclectic design. Homeowners and room-renting tourists that flock to the area for the famous fall foliage and great skiing will be in for a few surprises when they see Ben's transformations. Dismissed spaces can be rented or used as a family staycation retreat, home office or a kids' playroom.

In the premiere episode, Ben will turn a storage shed into a beautiful one-bedroom unit that includes a full bathroom and kitchenette. He and his team will insulate the shed and add new flooring, whitewashed pine walls and full windows to make the space feel bigger. Ben also will create one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures and furnishings that personalize the space for the homeowners. If the space rents at $150 per night, the homeowners should recoup their renovation budget in about 10 months.

"I could tell by the look in their eyes that the homeowners loved the results," said Ben. "They were digging it for sure."

For exclusive online content and tips on bringing the outdoors inside, viewers can visit the Backyard Goldmine show page at diynetwork.com.

ABOUT DIY NETWORK

Currently in more than 57 million U.S. households, DIY Network is the go-to destination for wall-breaking, roof-ripping, house-hauling, yard-crashing series. The network's award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America's top home and garden destinations for entertaining videos, home improvement advice and step-by-step instructions. Fans can interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, DIY Network is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., which also owns and operates HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.