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With the living rooms, primary bedrooms, and bathrooms complete, it was time to turn to lofty ambitions in the March 19 episode of Renovation Resort. Hosts Bryan Baeumler and Scott McGillivray gave the teams complete freedom to transform their loft spaces however they pleased, but there was one catch: each loft had to have two purposes.

Naturally, these contractors and designers couldn’t wait to get to work.

Bringing All the Twists

Sarah Keenleyside on Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

This is Renovation Resort, so of course, there were a couple of fun twists in Episode 3. As the teams started on their loft designs, Bryan and Scott threw in yet another bonus challenge for the pairs: add a DIY art project to the space that also reflects their personalities.

April wasn’t a huge fan of the twist and had difficulty coming up with the Chicago flag she and Arnold eventually crafted and used to hide their projector. What she was a fan of, though, was this week’s guest judge, Sarah Keenleyside. The designer loved the dark finishes in April and Arnold’s tech cabin, which was a win for April.

Sarah wasn’t so in love with Rotem and Troy’s decision to add a gym to their loft, however, noting she doesn’t go on vacation to work out. Scott disagreed, revealing that many vacationers want to maintain their health while away. It all led to a fun debate with one thing that everyone agreed on: whoever is working out in Rotem and Troy’s loft will have one heck of a view.

Getting Playful

Netted loft space on Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

Week One winners, Kyle and Savannah, hoped to secure another checkmark in the old W column with their family-inspired loft. It included extra sleeping space and a beautiful DIY, hand-painted ceiling with gold stars. However, the real gamble in this week’s episode came from Jena and Sean, who decided to add an entire netted floor to their loft space.

It was a super risky move — especially for a rental. But if executed properly with the right engineering and safety features, it would add more than 100 extra square feet of living space, plus a ton of marketing potential.

And the Winner Is…

Episode 3 winners on Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

Luckily for these besties, the netted floor did pay off, and they finally got a win. It was a big victory that they’d been hungry for the entire episode, and even the other teams agreed there was no competing with a catamaran net in the loft.

Now, after three full weeks of competition, the only team that hasn’t won a challenge is Troy and Rotem. That means the couple will face a bit of extra pressure in next week’s episode, but with so many spaces to go (including the kitchen!), they won’t be the only ones feeling the heat.

RECAP: What Went Down in Episode Two

Renovation Resort is underway, and as we saw in a brand new episode on Sunday, March 12, the competition is heating up. The four teams renovating a cabin (hoping to impress co-hosts Bryan Baeumler and Scott McGillivray) got to work on their living room designs in episode 2, further establishing their overall visions of the space.

But with limited budgets, timeframes and yet another twist, that was easier said than done.

A Brand New Guest Judge

Scott McGillivray, Bryan Baeumler and guest judge Heather Greenwood Davis on Renovation Resort. — HGTV Canada

Last week Scott called in Debra Salmoni for help judging these competitors on their design, craftsmanship and rental appeal. This week they called in Canadian travel writer Heather Greenwood Davis for her expert advice. And boy, did she deliver.

With lots of experience in solo and family travel, Davis doled out insightful observations and comments, pointing out all of the things that make for a great living room getaway right now: A touch of tech, tons of personality, and a warm and inviting space that doesn’t feel too precious.

Another Unexpected Twist

Reusing and old ladder to make a DIY cottage light on Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

Last week the teams were thrown a curveball when Scott and Bryan surprised them with the entryway design. This week they didn’t tack on an extra room, but they did send the teams on a bit of a scavenger hunt. They each had to pick antique items to integrate into their designs in a unique but meaningful way.

Jena and Sean rose to the occasion with this board, which they transformed into a swing. It may not be the safest addition to a living room, but it sure is cool. They also got super creative with that found ladder on the wall, wrapping it with a modern light to illuminate the space in an Instagram-worthy way.

This Week’s Winners

A modern fireplace with sheet tiling on Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

While all of the teams brought impressive elements to their spaces, in the end, the trio of judges decided that April and Arnold were the winners. The guys were impressed with how well Arnold installed the large tile sheets in such a short timeframe, while everyone loved the tech elements they included throughout their space.

Add in rich finishes and pieces that would be good for couples or a family, along with modern touches that add to the overall tech vibe, and this is one dreamy vacation space. Naturally, April and Arnold soaked in all the glory, but the job is only half done and those renovation budgets are dwindling. All four teams face a tough road ahead.

RECAP: What Went Down in Episode One

In the premiere, Scott McGillivray debuted a first look at the waterfront vacation rental property he’s invested in, with five cabins that need to be gutted and reimagined. He also called in the big guns for some help: Bryan Baeumler, fresh from his latest season of Island of Bryan.

Together the guys are overseeing four very different teams as they rebuild these cabins from the ground up in hopes of winning a cash prize. They’ll each have one entire cabin to reimagine while Scott and Bryan work on the fifth cabin.

The first task of the season was renovating and designing a primary bedroom and main bath, along with a stunning entryway that set the tone for the rental. Each team took the task to heart, creating wildly different designs. Meanwhile, Scott’s Vacation House Rules co-star and designer Debra Salmoni joined in on the fun as this week’s guest judge.

Cabin 1: Kyle and Savannah Put Her Influencer Background to the Test

Entrance and primary bedroom from Cabin 1 in Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

In their cabin, Kyle and Savannah created a functional but show-stopping space with lots of storage and design appeal. The judges were fans of how they created an entryway with lots of colour and personality that still allows guests to easily tuck their things away. Meanwhile, Debra was in love with the bird wallpaper Savannah found, which definitely earned this team extra style points.

Cabin 2: April and Arnold Create a Tech-Friendly Space

A Black and gold feature wall in Cabin 2 from Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

April and Arnold opted for a drastically darker vibe in their cabin, with plenty of bold finishes and tech additions that align with today’s modern renter. As Scott pointed out, many vacationers also need a bit of extra space to get some work done, so outfitting the cabin with these kinds of details is key.

Meanwhile, all three judges were fans of the gold on the feature wall of this primary bedroom, which stands out in person and in the listing.

Cabin 3: Jena and Sean Add Rental-Worthy Function

Cabin 3 and a removable floor matt in Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

Jena and Sean opted for a mix of dramatic and classic farmhouse finishes with their cabin, creating an exciting space with a mix of ideas. There’s a selfie wall with customizable messaging that adds instant marketing potential, plus a bench with storage opportunities underneath.

The real winning element of this design, however, is the removable mat tiling below. During the winter, Scott could hypothetically cover the entire rental with this mat, protecting the floors below from renters and their typical wear-and-tear.

Cabin 4: Troy and Rotem Craft a Modern European Vibe

Cabin 4 and European vibes in Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

Stepping inside Troy and Rotem’s cabin was a breath of fresh, saltwater-filled air. That’s because they relied heavily on Mediterranean and European vibes with their design, crafting a space that’s light, airy and full of luxe touches. Think arches in the halls, beautiful brick-inspired tiling in the entry, and plenty of custom finishes throughout.

And the Winner Is…

Kyle and Savannah in Renovation Resort — HGTV Canada

Ultimately, Scott, Bryan and Debra could only pick one first-round winner, and they settled on Kyle and Savannah’s creative but functional cabin. The judges felt their flooring could have been more unified or thematic throughout the different rooms, but they were fans of how much storage the couple integrated throughout while also piecing together unique design elements you might not find in other rentals.

The competition isn’t over yet, though—not with so much left to put together in these cabins. At this point, it’s anyone’s game so keep watching and check back in for weekly highlights.

Catch Renovation Resort Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada, also available on the Global TV App and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, fuboTV, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite SmartStream.