Inside Bargain Block's Keith Bynum And Evan Thomas' Relationship
HGTV debuted "Bargain Block" in April 2021, promoting it as a different kind of home renovation show. According to a press release from HGTV, the show follows designer Keith Bynum and carpenter Evan Thomas, as they work together to restore neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. They do so one house at a time, by buying and transforming unlivable properties into affordable starter homes for first-time homebuyers. To lower costs, the duo does almost all of the work themselves. They also temporarily take up residence in each home they renovate — and once they finish one, they move on to the next. Additionally, Detroit Free Press reports that none of the homes are priced above $100,000, giving these new homeowners a chance to help revitalize the city.
While the unique premise immediately hooked viewers, the chemistry between Bynum and Thomas proved every bit as entertaining as their stylish home designs. As sometimes happens on HGTV shows, the show's stars are also a devoted couple offscreen and frequently post adorable snaps on Instagram. So, how did these two meet in the first place?
The couple has been together for 8 years
Despite headlining a show on HGTV, Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas seem to keep their personal lives private. In an interview with PrideSource, the couple revealed that they've been together eight years as of April 2021, after initially meeting via Match.com. Per the outlet, Bynum shared that he was disowned by his family when he came out, which gave him a kinship to the "misfit" houses he now flips with his partner. "I kind of personify the houses," he said. "I was down and beat up and even my family didn't want me after I came out, but someone believed in me and I'm in such a better place now. The houses are the same. They just need someone to believe in them again."
Though the couple had never been to Michigan before relocating from Colorado to begin their home renovation business, they feel right at home in Detroit. And ultimately, the experience of headlining their own series has benefitted their relationship. "This has been one of the best experiences, because you really get to know somebody in this environment," Bynum told PrideSource. "We joke about being worried we have become co-dependent being around each other so much, but overall it's a great relationship and we are very fortunate," Thomas added.