Jim Blandings, a successful advertising executive living in a cramped New York apartment with his wife Muriel and their two daughters, becomes frustrated with his living situation. Lured by the idea of owning a spacious home in the countryside, Jim decides to buy a rundown farmhouse in Connecticut. The couple soon finds themselves caught in the chaotic and often humorous trials of home renovation. What was supposed to be an easy project quickly spirals out of control, as they face escalating costs, endless delays, and an array of contractors and workers with their own agendas. Alongside these challenges, Jim deals with professional pressures from work and rivalries that further complicate his life.

While handling these stresses, Jim’s friendship with his colleague Bill Cole becomes more prominent. Bill, serving as the voice of reason and sometimes the enabler of Jim’s optimistic albeit impractical ambitions, provides legal and emotional support to the Blandings throughout their ordeal. As costs continue to mount and patience wears thin, Jim must navigate the trials of keeping his dream alive while balancing the demands of work, the rising strain on his marriage, and the importance of familial bonds. Ultimately, the renovations test Jim and Muriel's resilience and determination, pushing them to reevaluate what truly makes a house a home.