THE PROCESS OF THE HARPER FAMILY HOME MAKEOVER IN LAKE CITY, GEORGIA IS THE SUBJECT OF "EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION -- HOW'D THEY DO THAT?," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 ON ABC

Behind-the-Scenes Details of How Ty Guided the Design Team, Even After His "Extreme" Appendectomy

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: How'd They Do That? (Harper Family)" - The producers from "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" literally open every door to show how Ty Pennington and his team of designers, workers and contractors are able to change the lives of deserving families as they rebuild the entire interior and exterior of a run-down house in just seven days. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: How'd They Do That?" will air MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

On Sunday, February 19, viewers will witness how the design team came to the home of Patricia and Milton Harper in the Atlanta suburb of Lake City, Georgia, where heavy rains often caused the family's septic tank to malfunction and spew raw sewage into the house. When life got messy, Patricia and the kids, Darius, 17, LaVaughn, 15, and eight-year-old Mister, would sleep in their van, while Milton Harper pumped out the refuse. A 5,300 square-foot English style home - the largest yet constructed by "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" -- was built for the family. The design team, contractors and hundreds of workers and volunteers were able to turn the Harpers' living nightmare of a house into a dream home. The process of their particular home makeover is the subject of this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition -- How'd They Do That?"

While design team leader Ty Pennington was preparing to film this episode in his hometown of Atlanta, he underwent surgery for a perforated appendix. Although he was still recuperating, the energetic and dedicated Pennington did not want to let the family down. Not only was he was able to do his part from his hospital bed, the mischievous design team leader, along with Constance Ramos, managed to make off with a few items from the hospital for eight-year-old Mister Harper's new cardiology-themed bedroom.

Additional show highlights include:

* How microbiologist Dr. Gerba (affectionately referred to as "Dr. Germ") examines the old house by swabbing various areas -- and the results shock everyone.

* How Lake City mayor, Willie Oswald, works alongside the design team.

* Designer Eduardo Xol translating the jokes of comedian Jeff Foxworthy, a Georgia native, to the non-English speaking Latino workers.

* Since a recuperating Ty needs assistance with his secret room, designer Paul DiMeo and Ty's hometown buddies pitch in and work feverishly to accomplish the room in time for the family's return home.

The design team for this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will feature team leader Ty Pennington, Paul DiMeo, Michael Moloney, Constance Ramos, Ed Sanders and Eduardo Xol. The series is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Tom Forman and this episode is co-executive produced by Denise Cramsey and Michael Maloy.

A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.