TV show remodels home for E. Islip family

An East Islip family got a surprise visit in March from a local television show that wanted to help them expand their house -- and with the family’s size having doubled, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Sean and Michelle Kearney bought a home on Wensley Lane in 2007. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch was still big enough after the 2008 birth of their son, Gavin. But last year the couple learned they were pregnant again -- with triplets. Sean Kearney, a Web designer, was using the spare bedroom as a home office.

Kearney’s sister, Christine, called the NBC reality series “George to the Rescue” for help. Celebrity remodeler George Oliphant, with the help of contractor Stephen Fanuka and designer Katie Lydon, looked over the one-story home and doubled its living space by turning the ranch’s basement into a home office, playroom, bathroom and laundry room.

The Kearneys were surprised when the television crew showed up at their door in early March.
“We just kind of went with it,” Sean said. “You know, when people show up at your house and they are like, ‘We want to finish your basement,’ you aren’t going to say no.”

The work freed up the main-floor bedroom for Ashley, Brianna and Caitlin Kearney, who were born last week.

“They did a really great job,” Kearney said of the renovation.

To see the Kearneys' remodeled home, watch “George to the Rescue” at 10 a.m. April 9 on WNBC/4.