How Homestead Rescue Works and What to Know Before You Call
What Homestead Rescue Does
Homestead Rescue is a television show on the Discovery Channel that documents contractors and specialists helping families repair, rebuild, or improve rural properties. The show follows a team led by Marty and Misty Raney, experienced homesteaders from Alaska, as they travel to struggling homesteads across the United States. They assess structural problems, water systems, food production, and safety issues, then work with local contractors to fix them within a set timeframe and budget.
The show is not a service you can hire directly. It is a documentary series that films real renovation projects. If your property is featured, you do not pay the Raney family or the production company—the show covers the costs of materials and labor. However, the selection process is highly competitive, and the show cannot help every property that reaches out.
Key Takeaways
- Homestead Rescue is a television program, not a contracting company you can hire for your own project.
- The show films real repairs on rural properties but only selects a small number of homesteads per season.
- If your property is chosen, the production company covers material and labor costs as part of filming.
- You can submit information about your homestead through the show's official website or social media channels, but acceptance is not may provide.
- Local general contractors in South Carolina remain your best option for immediate repairs and renovations to your property.
How the Show Selects Properties
The Homestead Rescue production team receives hundreds of requests each year from families facing serious problems on their land. The show looks for properties with significant structural, safety, or sustainability challenges—failing septic systems, unsafe buildings, contaminated water sources, or food production systems that are not working. They also consider the family's commitment to homesteading and whether the story will resonate with viewers.
Selection depends partly on geography. The show has filmed in multiple states, including South Carolina, but the production schedule means only a handful of properties are chosen each season. If your homestead is selected, you will be contacted by the production team to discuss filming dates, the scope of work, and what to expect during the renovation process.
What Happens During Filming
Once a homestead is chosen, the Raney team and local contractors arrive to assess the property in detail. They identify the most urgent problems and create a plan to address them within the filming schedule, which typically spans several weeks. The crew documents the work, interviews the family, and shows the before-and-after transformation.
You will be asked to participate in interviews and allow cameras on your property throughout the project. The work itself is real—contractors actually repair or rebuild systems, not just film for appearance. However, the timeline is compressed for television, and the focus is on the most dramatic or impactful repairs rather than every detail of your property.
How to Submit Your Homestead
If you want to be considered for the show, visit the official Homestead Rescue website or the show's social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. The production team typically posts submission information during casting windows, which may not be open year-round. You will need to provide photos and video of your property, describe the main problems you are facing, and explain why your homestead would make a compelling story.
Be specific about what is broken or unsafe. The show prioritizes properties with urgent structural, water, or safety issues rather than cosmetic upgrades. Include clear contact information and be prepared to respond quickly if the production team reaches out with follow-up questions.
Why Homestead Rescue Is Not a Replacement for Local Contractors
If your South Carolina homestead needs repairs now, waiting for a television show is not practical. The selection process takes months, and even if you are chosen, filming may not happen for a year or more. Local general contractors can assess your property, provide a timeline, and begin work immediately.
For urgent problems—a failing roof, unsafe electrical wiring, contaminated water, or structural damage—contact licensed contractors in your area. The South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board maintains a registry of licensed professionals. You can also ask for referrals from neighbors, local extension offices, or the South Carolina Farm Bureau if you are working on agricultural land.
Understanding the Show's Limitations
Homestead Rescue showcases dramatic transformations, but the show condenses weeks of work into an hour of television. Viewers see the highlights, not the full scope of what goes into a complete homestead renovation. The budget shown on screen may not reflect the true cost of materials and labor in your region, and the timeline is often faster than a typical project would be.
The show also focuses on specific types of problems—water systems, food production, structural safety—rather than all possible homestead needs. If your primary issue is something outside that scope, the show may not be the right fit even if your property is otherwise a good candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire the Raney family or the contractors from the show to work on my property?
The Raney family and the contractors featured on the show work through the television production. They are not available for private hire outside of the show. However, you can contact local contractors in your area who have similar expertise in homesteading systems, water management, and rural property repair.
How much does it cost to be on Homestead Rescue?
There is no cost to you if your homestead is selected. The production company covers materials and labor as part of filming the show. However, you will be asked to allow cameras on your property and participate in interviews.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting my homestead?
Response times vary. The production team reviews hundreds of submissions and may take several months to contact applicants. If you do not hear back within six months, your property may not have been selected for that season. You can resubmit during future casting windows.
What if my homestead is not chosen for the show?
Contact licensed general contractors in South Carolina who specialize in rural properties, homesteading systems, or the specific repairs you need. The South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board website lists licensed professionals by county and specialty. Getting multiple quotes will help you understand the scope and cost of your project.
Does the show film in South Carolina?
Homestead Rescue has filmed in South Carolina in past seasons, but the show rotates through different states. There is no may provide your region will be included in any given year. Submitting your homestead during an open casting window gives you a chance, but local contractors remain the most reliable option for repairs.