By CANDICE OLSON, HGTV

Chantal and Jeff moved into their 1960s-era house four years ago with two kids, loads of energy and big plans to start renovating. But soon after settling in they found out they were expecting child number three. When little James came into the world with serious heart complications, renovations were put on hold and all energies went into supporting him.

Andrew and Rachel fell in love at first sight at a rock concert. Andrew was playing drums onstage and Rachel was in the front row. Fast forward 16 years and the two are happily married and living in a ranch-style house with their two beautiful daughters and Roxy the dog (named for one of their favorite songs).

Cal is an animation artist, director and teacher -- and a first-time homeowner. He moved into his home two years ago, a1920s semi-detached unit that was owned by an 80 year-old woman who hadn't changed it much in her 60 years of occupancy.

Ava and Dave are in the process of reinventing themselves. Ava is an IT consultant-turned-standup comic, and Dave is a real-estate agent who is trying his hand as a rapper. They have been married for five years, but have spent the last few years living apart.

Carl and Tony have lived in their charming semi-detached house for 14 years. They are the social butterflies of their neighborhood and are always hosting get-togethers, poker games, barbecues and even Easter-egg hunts.

Kim and Rey met at a boxing gym and fell in love at first punch! Kim was a novice boxer who was there to learn the sport, and Rey was a pro bantamweight boxer using the gym for training. They bonded over hooks and jabs, got married, had two sons and now share their busy lives -- Kim as a children's-television director and Rey as a boxing-equipment distributor.

Audrey is a budding film director who quit her full time sales job a couple of years ago to pursue her dream of making movies. It was a risky move, but one she doesn't regret. In just a brief period of time, she has produced and directed several short films including a recent admission to an international film festival.