It was the 90s TV show that brought “more power” to the small screen for eight seasons.
But two decades after Home Improvement hammered its final nail, the cast of the iconic sitcom have banked fortunes, built formidable real estate portfolios, and in some cases, seen their millions dwindle.
From Tim Allen’s jaw-dropping TV salary to the controversial trust fund battles of a former child star, here’s the multimillion-dollar property empires of the stars.
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Home Improvement ran from 1991 to 1999.
Tim Allen (Tim Taylor)
During the peak of Home Improvement, Tim Allen earned a cool $US1.25 million ($A1.8 million) per episode, making him one of the highest-paid actors on TV at the time.
Between Toy Story, The Santa Clause films, and Last Man Standing, the comedian’s estimated net worth sits comfortably around $US100 million ($A150 million).
The actor has called his Hollywood Hills residence ‘home’ since he snapped it up for $US1.4 million ($A2.1 million) in 2012.
Located just off famous Mulholland Drive, the three-bedroom property boasts a home theatre, private spa, pool fitness centre, and a stunning canyon view.
During the peak of Home Improvement, Tim Allen earned a cool $US1.25 million per episode.
Allen has come a long way since his troubled past with drugs and alcohol.
The Shifting Gears star served almost two-and-a-half years in federal prison after being busted in 1978 with more than a pound (0.45kg) of cocaine at Michigan’s Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, Page Six reports.
The now-72-year-old actor pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges.
Allen’s troubles began after his father was killed by a drunk driver when the Richer or Poorer star was just 11-years-old.
“After my old man died, I really just played games with people and told adults what they wanted to hear and then stole their booze,” he shared on WTF with Marc Maron podcast in 2021.
Allen was busted for cocaine in 1978. Picture: Twitter
Looking back, Allen said he feels “shame” over his actions given the way his father died.
“I look back on those things, this is sober guy stuff, I had so much shame at the things that I did … especially driving people around,” he said.
“Coming from a dad that was killed that way, it’s difficult to get past it.”
He added, “I love my life. I’m not any more mentally stable, I have the same issues I had. Now, I can’t hide from them.”
Allen’s estimated net worth sits comfortably around $US100 million. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Patricia Richardson (Jill Taylor)
Patricia Richardson famously demanded pay parity when talks began for a ninth season of Home Improvement.
Throughout the show’s run, the actress’ salary had gradually climbed from roughly $US200,000 –$US250,000 ($A301,000 –$376,000) per episode in the mid-1990s to about $US400,000 –$US500,000 ($A602,000 –$A753,000) per episode by the final season.
The four-time Emmy nominee revealed she was offered $US1 million ($A1.5 million) per episode for a proposed ninth season, while Allen was offered $US2 million ($A3 million).
She demanded an equal salary and an executive producer credit, but the network opted to end the series.
Patricia Richardson famously demanded pay parity when talks began for a ninth season of Home Improvement.
The divorced mum-of-three who boasts a net worth of $US20 million ($A30 million), recently listed her long-time home in Brentwood, California with a $US10 million ($A15 million) price tag.
Richardson purchased the mansion for $US1.1 million ($A1.6 million) in 1995, during the height of Home Improvement.
The seven-bedroom residence features a pool, spa, gazebo and three private trails.
She was married to actor Ray Baker from 1982 to 1995, and the exes share children: Henry, 40, and twins Roxanne and Joseph, 34.
According to The Real Deal, the 90s sitcom star decided to downsize into a condo in the L.A. area now that her kids are grown.
Despite her success, Richardson said her fame became a lot to deal with.
“I really hated fame. Jonathan Taylor Thomas and I had similar reactions — he backed off, too, and went to school,” she told Closer Weekly.
“I didn’t do charity events, because I was desperate for time with my kids and husband, who was always mad I was never home. Hence the divorce.”
Despite her success, Richardson said her fame became a lot to deal with. Picture: Getty
Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas was one of the highest paid teen actors in the world, reportedly earning $US8,000 ($A12,000) per episode on Home Improvement.
Affectionately known as JTT, the former child star has an estimated net worth of $US12 million ($A18 million).
The teen heart-throb purchased a lagoon-facing residence in Westlake Village, California, for $US683,000 ($A1.04 million) in 2000.
He still owns property, despite his unsuccessful attempts to sell it from 2015 to 2016 for about $US2 million ($A3.06 million).
In the early 2000s, the actor took a step back from Hollywood to focus on his education.
“I’d been going non-stop since I was 8 years old,” he explained to People in 2013.
“I wanted to go to school, to travel and have a bit of a break.”
Thomas made a surprise return to entertainment in 2013, appearing on his TV dad Tim Allen’s sitcom Last Man Standing. However, according to IMDb, he has not acted in anything since.
Tim Allen and Jonathan Taylor Thomas in TV show Home Improvement.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas in Last Man Standing
Richard Karn (Al Borland)
At the peak of his time of Home Improvement, Richard Karn’s salary per episode was $US150,000 ($A226,000).
The actor purchased a mansion in Studio City, California, for $US1.1 million ($A1.6 million) n 1996.
The property is currently estimated to be worth between $US5 and $US6 million ($A7.5 million and 9 million).
Tim Allen and Richard Karn.
The actor purchased a mansion in Studio City, California, for $US1.1 million in 1996. Picture: Getty Images
Zachary Ty Bryan (Brad Taylor)
Zachary Ty Bryan reportedly has a net worth around $US5 million ($A7.5 million), thanks to his Home Improvement earnings and early investment in Bitcoin.
The former child star refused to disclose the precise value of his cryptocurrency fortune, only confirming it amounted to millions.
Despite his rumoured wealth, the father-of-seven apparently rents a modest home in Oregon for around $US1,700 ($A2,560) per month.
Bryan has faced major ups and downs over the years after becoming a household name.
The TV star has been arrested six times between 2020 and 2025 for domestic violence-related charges and driving under the influence (DUI).
Zachery Ty Bryan (left) reportedly has a net worth around $US5 million.
Despite his rumoured wealth, the father-of-seven apparently rents a modest home in Oregon for around $US1,700 per month. Picture: Getty
The TV star has been arrested six times between 2020 and 2025. Picture: Horry County Sheriff’s Office
Taran Noah Smith (Mark Taylor)
Taran Noah Smith stepped away from acting after Home Improvement ended in 1999, when he was 16, The US Sun reports.
Details of Smith’s current or recent real estate holdings are scarce. He has previously lived in various locations including California, Kansas, and Texas.
Smith had a public spat with his parents when he turned 18, alleging they mishandled his $US1.5 million (A$2.2 million) trust fund.
The ex-TV star claimed his parents were using portions of his money to buy a large home, which they denied. They reconciled in 2015.
Smith’s current estimated net worth is lower, around $US300,000 ($A452,000), largely derived from his trust fund and subsequent business ventures, which include a vegan food company.
Taran Noah Smith stepped away from acting after Home Improvement ended in 1999
Home Improvement star Taran Noah Smith resurfaced after 14 years. Picture: YouTube
Parts of this story first appeared in Page Six and The US Sun and were republished with permission.
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