Ep 3. Old Time Flip

Tarek and Christina El Moussa are back in Orange County, California, for season 5 of Flip or Flop, and this time they are taking on a project that is quite different from their usual single-family home flips. In episode 3, titled "Old Time Flip," the couple is tackling a unique property that was once a popular restaurant and event venue in the 1920s and 30s. Located in Santa Ana, this building has plenty of character and charm, but it also poses some unique challenges for the El Moussas.

At the beginning of the episode, Tarek and Christina are excited to take on this new project, but they quickly realize that the building is in a state of disarray. The old restaurant has been vacant for many years, and it has been badly neglected. In addition to general wear and tear, there are holes in the roof and walls, water damage, and even some unwanted guests living inside (rats!).

Despite these obstacles, Tarek and Christina are determined to restore this building to its former glory. They envision transforming it into a vintage-style venue that can be rented out for weddings, parties, and other events. But before they can even think about the design, they need to tackle the huge task of cleaning up the space and making structural repairs.

Over the course of the episode, viewers get to see the El Moussas in action as they work to bring this old building back to life. They demo walls, remove old kitchen equipment, and even tackle the rat problem head-on. They also enlist the help of some experts, including a contractor and an architect, to help them assess the building's condition and come up with a plan for the renovation.

One of the biggest challenges they face is dealing with the outdated electrical and plumbing systems. Because the building is so old, it has never been updated to modern standards, so there is a lot of work to be done in this area. However, the couple is determined to make the necessary upgrades so that the building is up to code and safe for renters.

As the episode progresses, viewers get to see the transformation take shape. Tarek and Christina work on painting the exterior of the building, installing new windows, and laying the groundwork for the new plumbing and electrical systems. They also start to make decisions about the interior design, which will reflect the vintage vibe of the building's heyday.

Throughout the episode, there are some ups and downs, as is typical with most renovation projects. Some unexpected issues arise (such as a hidden room that needs to be addressed), and there are moments of frustration and stress. However, Tarek and Christina remain focused and positive, determined to turn this building into a beautiful and functional event space.

By the end of the episode, viewers get to see the finished product, and it's clear that the El Moussas have done an amazing job. The vintage decor is charming and inviting, and the space is much more open and functional than it was before. It's clear that this building has a lot of potential as an event venue, and Tarek and Christina are excited to show it off to potential renters.

Overall, "Old Time Flip" is an exciting episode that showcases the El Moussas' creativity and determination. It's clear that they are up for any challenge, no matter how unique, and they are dedicated to creating beautiful homes (or event spaces) for their clients. Fans of Flip or Flop won't want to miss this episode!