If you know Scott McGillivray of Vacation House Rules, you know he's not only a skilled contractor but a real estate expert and a house-flipping aficionado, too. The man can do it all. So it's no surprise the place he calls home is filled with state-of-the-art finishes, pretty-and-practical build-outs and thoughtful designs. We know you want to take a look around.

Warm weather months in Ontario are limited, but Scott and his family knew building a dedicated outdoor living area was a must. "When we were planning our backyard, we felt it was important to create a space that we could use as much of the year as possible," Scott says. The covered terrace boasts a stunning wood-paneled ceiling (complete with skylights!), which hovers over a large dining table perfect for alfresco family gatherings.

With separate spaces to eat, lounge and play, there's nothing Scott didn't consider while designing the terrace. He even added a stone fireplace so friends and family could enjoy the outdoor room no matter the temperature. "It's a huge bonus," Scott says. Talk about something we didn't know we needed, but don't want to live without.

As is the case for most families, Scott's kitchen is the heart of his family's home. He knew it was essential to have an eat-in kitchen with ample prep space that didn't compromise his open-concept design. The best part? Double islands. "We had the space for two islands, so we decided to go for it, and I'm so glad we did," he says.