Lisa and Fabian Duvernay take part in a challenge on the HGTV series. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Sisters Phyllis Alexander, 50, left, and Kelley Alexander, 47, are one of the five families competing to win $250,000 that will be used to pay down their mortgages. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Drew Lachey is the host of “$250,000 Challenge.” (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)