Jon Bleiweis

jbleiweis@dmg.gannett.com

When Bethany Beach builder Marnie Oursler's television pilot, "Big Beach Builds," aired on HGTV in February, she was unsure what was next.

She was hopeful a network would decide to turn the single episode into a series.

That's what has happened.

The DIY Network will air "Big Beach Builds" and Oursler will be the star. The focus of the show is to rebuild and renovate beach homes.

No premiere date has been announced. The show will be produced by Leopard USA.

Bethany builder to star in HGTV show 'Big Beach Builds'

“I am so excited to embark on this new adventure that combines my love for building with reality television,” Oursler said in a press release. “I can’t wait to share my love and passion for building beach houses with an audience who loves to see that it is possible to take an old beach home and make it new again, all while preserving its charm.”

Casting is underway for the show. Those with beach houses in Delaware, Maryland or southern New Jersey who think their homes could use some renovation should email bigbeachbuildscasting@gmail.com.

Oursler's renovation career started in 2003, two years after she graduated from college and moved to Bethany, where her family vacationed during her childhood. The following year, she built her first house, for herself, she said, because she couldn't afford a builder. Two years later, she built her second house. She did it all as side projects while she had a job in the real estate business.

She started her company, Marnie Custom Homes, in 2007 fueled by her love for transforming spaces.

"Starting from scratch is always a ton of fun for me," she said in a previous interview. "You have a clean slate and all of a sudden you can make spaces. It’s a lot of fun working with the client and I really enjoy helping people achieve their dreams in terms of what they want their beach house to be."

Since then, Oursler built the first LEED certified home in Delaware and has been nationally recognized for her work, including being a part of Professional Builder Magazine’s “40 Under 40” – a recognition of entrepreneurs to watch in the building industry – and the Gold Stevie Award as Entrepreneur of the Year for women in business.

On Twitter @JonBleiweis and Facebook at Facebook.com/byjonbleiweis

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