If you’ve ever wondered where the beloved Home Improvement sitcom was filmed, you’re not alone! The show, which ran for eight successful seasons from 1991 to 1999, is set in suburban Michigan, but the filming took place much further south. Here’s a look at where the magic of Home Improvement happened and some behind-the-scenes details you might find surprising.
1. The Set: California, Not Michigan
While Home Improvement is set in the fictional town of Tool Time, Michigan, most of the filming took place on a soundstage in California. The main sets, including the Taylor family’s home, Tim’s garage, and the Tool Time set, were all constructed at Hollywood Center Studios, which is now known as Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Los Angeles.
The interior of the Taylor home, where Tim, Jill, and their kids navigated everyday life, was built on a soundstage, but the attention to detail made it feel like a real home. Tim’s iconic garage, filled with tools and projects, was another key location that captured the essence of the show’s DIY spirit.
2. The Taylor House Exterior: A Real Home in California
Though the show’s interior scenes were filmed in studios, the exterior shots of the Taylor family’s house were filmed at a real location. The house used for the exterior shots is located in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, and it became one of the most recognizable TV homes of the 1990s. While the house was only used for the exterior, it was featured frequently in the opening credits and served as a visual anchor for the show’s suburban setting.
The front yard, driveway, and street views of the house were shot on location, but the show’s storyline that placed the Taylors in Michigan was all part of the fictional world created by the writers and production team.
3. Tool Time Set: A Nod to Tim’s Love of DIY
The Tool Time set, where Tim Taylor (played by Tim Allen) hosted his own home improvement show within the show, was another iconic part of the series. This set was filmed in front of a live studio audience, adding to the energy and humor of Tim’s over-the-top antics with his co-host Al Borland (played by Richard Karn). The set was designed to reflect Tim’s larger-than-life personality and love of all things DIY—complete with a variety of tools, props, and a backdrop resembling a workshop.
4. Why California?
Like many popular TV shows, Home Improvement was filmed in California due to the abundance of soundstage facilities and the proximity to Hollywood, the heart of the entertainment industry. While filming on location in Michigan might have seemed like a logical choice to match the show’s setting, California provided the infrastructure and resources needed to produce a high-quality sitcom on a network TV schedule.
In fact, many sitcoms set in various parts of the country, from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (set in Los Angeles) to The Jeffersons (set in New York), were also filmed in Southern California, due to the availability of production resources and tax incentives for filmmakers.
5. Fan Visits and Legacy
Although the actual filming took place in California, Home Improvement remains beloved by fans for its relatable suburban setting and nostalgic charm. The real-life house that served as the exterior of the Taylor family’s home has become a pop culture landmark, and some fans even try to visit the location when they’re in Los Angeles.
The Hidden Filming Locations Behind Home Improvement
So, while the Taylors may have called Michigan home on Home Improvement, the show was actually filmed in sunny California. The combination of studio sets in Los Angeles and a real home in Hollywood Hills gave Home Improvement its iconic look and feel. Despite the show’s Michigan setting being fictional, the spirit of suburban life, DIY projects, and family humor was brought to life in California, making it one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1990s.
