Dive into the world where the art of renovation meets the thrill of detective work. This unique blend offers not only the satisfaction of solving a mystery but also the visual and narrative delight of seeing spaces transform. Whether it's uncovering hidden secrets behind walls or using the renovation process as a clever plot device, these films provide a fresh take on the classic detective genre, making them a must-watch for fans of both genres.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Description: While not strictly a detective film, the story involves a widow who moves into a haunted house, and the ghost helps her solve mysteries related to the house's past, including renovations.
Fact: The film was adapted into a TV series in the 1960s.


The Amityville Horror (1979)
Description: A family moves into a house with a tragic history, and as they renovate, they uncover paranormal phenomena, leading to an investigation into the house's dark secrets.
Fact: The film is based on a book that claims to be a true story, though many elements were fictionalized.


The House on Carroll Street (1988)
Description: In this film, Emily Crane, a former government employee, uncovers a conspiracy while renovating an old house, turning her into an amateur detective.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house in Brooklyn, which was undergoing renovation at the time.


The Haunting (1999)
Description: A group of people come together to investigate a supposedly haunted mansion, which is undergoing renovations, leading to terrifying discoveries.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1963 film of the same name, based on Shirley Jackson's novel.


The Others (2001)
Description: While renovating their home, a family encounters ghostly presences, leading to a chilling investigation into the house's history.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, with the house being a key character in the story.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse discovers a secret room during renovations in a Louisiana mansion, leading her into a web of voodoo and mystery.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations in Louisiana, enhancing its eerie atmosphere.


The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
Description: A family moves into a house that was once a funeral home, and as they renovate, they uncover dark secrets and paranormal activities, leading to a detective-like investigation.
Fact: The film is loosely based on real events, though the renovation aspect was added for dramatic effect.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A young lawyer travels to a remote village to settle the affairs of a deceased client, staying in a house that's being renovated, where he encounters a ghostly presence.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was adapted into a successful stage play before the movie.


The Awakening (2011)
Description: A skeptical ghost hunter investigates a haunting at a boarding school, where renovations reveal hidden secrets and ghostly apparitions.
Fact: The film was shot in various historic locations in England, adding to its authenticity.


The Grudge (2004)
Description: A social worker moves into a house with a dark past, and as she tries to renovate and understand the curse, she becomes entangled in a supernatural mystery.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Japanese horror film "Ju-on: The Grudge."
