John and Sarah Frizzell of Folsom went shopping at a nearby Lowe's and got "ambushed" by a TV crew, cameras and microphones in tow, on the lookout for fearless and openminded homeowners who needed help on projects. The couple went home as winners of what amounts to the DIY reality show sweepstakes.

Would they be willing to pitch in, work side by side with a crew of television-star contractors? Could they clear out rooms – and re-arrange their lives – to accommodate home makeover mania? And could they persuade a dozen handy friends to help?

Yes, yes, yes, the Frizzells said.

In return, they would get a totally new kitchen, bathroom and landscaping – an estimated $300,000 worth of renovations – in four days. The catch: They would be stars of the first "Ultimate Crash."

From the folks who created "Yard Crashers" and "House Crashers" comes "Ultimate Crash: House, Bath, Yard" – which debuts Sunday on the DIY Network. The show brings together the hosts and makeover talents of five programs produced by Sacramento-based Big Table Media for one gigantic remodel miracle.

"We just needed some supplies," John Frizzell said of his trip to Lowe's. "All of a sudden, (TV host) Josh Temple comes out of nowhere and ambushed us."

Of course, the Frizzells recognized Temple, host of DIY Network's "House Crashers."

"We watch the 'Crash' shows," Sarah Frizzell said. "That (shopping) trip turned into a true blessing for us."

Because it's based in Sacramento, Big Table Media (formerly the Idea Factory) has "ambushed" many area shoppers at home-improvement stores for its popular shows on the DIY Network and HGTV. The company recently expanded its "Crash" franchise to include "Bath Crashers" and "Room Crashers." It also produces "Turf War."

Now in its sixth season, "Yard Crashers" set the mold for DIY reality shows.

"We've done so many shows, everybody knows somebody who was 'crashed,' particularly here in Sacramento," said "Yard Crashers" host Ahmed Hassan. "Because the company is based here, about 50 percent of our shows are still filmed in or around Sacramento. But we've never tried anything like this."

The Frizzells' neighborhood had never seen anything like this, either. A fleet of trucks containing equipment and supplies – not just for construction, but TV production – took up the whole block.

The project included a brand-new kitchen, a new master bathroom and an overhaul of the backyard landscaping.

Close to 100 workers crammed into the Frizzell's two-story home. Amid a constant buzz of power equipment, contractors simultaneously tackled projects on both floors plus outside as the video crew captured the action.

An army of landscapers dug into the sloped backyard, creating a three-level retreat designed for entertaining. A one-of-a-kind carved redwood table (made on site during the filming) and outdoor barbecue kitchen would give the yard a resort feel.

Inspired by the nearby Sierra Nevada, a "waterfall" would splash down next to a new spa, framed by trees and native California plants. About 35 tons of boulders were hauled in to create that Sierra look.

"We wanted everything to be above and beyond – the biggest and the best," Hassan said.

Added supervising producer Dean Melton, "This yard project is far larger than anything else we've tried to do for the show. But after all, this is the ultimate."

Complicating issues: An unseasonal rainstorm in the middle of the shoot. "Try pouring concrete in the rain – on deadline," Melton said.

"For the 'Ultimate Crash,' all five hosts get together and showcase everything they do – all in one home," explained Todd Davis, a "Design Star" finalist who hosts "Room Crashers." "Everything about this project is monumental."

Added "Bath Crashers" host Matt Muenster, "The hardest part is keeping up with the kitchen and the backyard. It's not supposed to be a competition, but we're all competitive people. Each one of us wants to deliver the 'big wow.' You want what you do to be memorable. Because this is the 'ultimate,' we're all trying for a bigger 'wow'."

Built in 1991, the house was in need of new appliances and an updated look. It became a showpiece in under 100 hours.

The Frizzells bought the house two years ago on a short sale. They had planned to remodel the kitchen and master bath themselves, but those projects had been on hold.

Sarah, a middle school science teacher, was recently laid off. John is a law enforcement officer.

"We couldn't afford this," she said. "Honestly, I don't think we're in position to even be considered for a loan."

Instead, they contributed some sweat equity to the project. John, an accomplished DIYer, jumped in to help tile and paint. Wearing her Sacramento State sweatshirt, Sarah welded an artistic steel door for the master bath.

"I always wanted to weld," Sarah said. "That's something off my bucket list."

Said John, "I don't know how they do so much with the time constraints. I'm really impressed by the coordination."

Added Sarah, "What's really neat is that they use all Sacramento contractors. All the supplies were bought here. I like that about the shows."

Of course, the Frizzells enlisted several friends to help.

"I heard of the shows, but I didn't expect anything like this," said Brad Sankus as he helped install flooring. "I've been blown away by the size of this project. But they picked the right people (in the Frizzells). They really deserve it."

Temple and his "House Crashers" staff tackled the kitchen, opening up the space and adding a Sierra look with stacked quartz stone and reclaimed barn lumber.

"It's a lot of fun, a lot of work," Temple said while painting a door. "It's still TV; you're working against the clock. There's a lot of pressure. But it's also somebody's home. You want it to be wonderful for them."

Upstairs, Muenster's "Bath Crashers" crew created a sleek and stylish retreat with black soapstone and an inviting soaking tub.

Then just as suddenly as it started, the remodeling whirlwind was over.

"It was weird the next day," Sarah said. "Nobody was in the house. It was shockingly quiet. We had gotten used to having cameramen and mike people running around.

"When we started, I could not imagine that all this work could be done in four days," she added. "A usual remodel takes weeks, months. But the next morning, I walked into my new kitchen and it was a totally different footprint – double in size."

The Frizzells already have put their new kitchen and backyard to use, entertaining family and friends. They hosted a barbecue for more than 20 people last weekend. The couple will host a small premiere party Sunday night, too.

"We finally got everything all put away," Sarah noted. "It was almost like we moved out of the house and moved back in. We have the house back together again, and it turned out great."

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