Steve Ford, a charismatic contractor and television personality, has captured the hearts of HGTV viewers through his innovative home renovations on shows like Restored by the Fords and Home Again with the Fords. Known for his collaboration with his sister, Leanne Ford, Steve has built a reputation as a skilled craftsman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Curious about Steve Ford’s age, net worth, married life, salary, or dating history? This article dives deep into his biography, career, and personal life, offering fresh insights and exclusive details beyond what’s already out there. Let’s explore the man behind the hammer.
Who Is Steve Ford? A Snapshot of His Life and Career
Steve Ford, born on December 5, 1977, is currently 47 years old as of August 2025. A proud Pittsburgh native, he rose to fame as a contractor and co-host on HGTV’s Restored by the Fords, where he transforms dated homes alongside his sister, Leanne Ford, an interior designer. Their dynamic sibling chemistry and creative approach to modernizing historic properties have made their shows a hit, averaging 1.7 million viewers per episode during the first season of Restored by the Fords. Beyond television, Steve is an entrepreneur with ventures like Surf Pittsburgh and a former clothing store, Decade, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
Steve’s journey into the spotlight wasn’t planned. Initially, he pursued outdoor sports like skiing and snowboarding, even working as a safety ranger at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. His pivot to construction began with small remodeling projects in Pittsburgh, eventually leading to a partnership with Leanne after she purchased a dilapidated 1960s schoolhouse. This project sparked their HGTV career, proving that Steve’s hands-on skills and Leanne’s design vision were a winning combination. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like Architectural Digest, Domino, and The New York Times.
Steve Ford’s Net Worth and Salary: How Much Does He Earn?
Steve Ford’s net worth is estimated to be around $700,000 to $1 million as of 2025, though some sources speculate it could be higher due to his diverse income streams. His salary primarily comes from his HGTV appearances, where hosts can earn between $10,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on the show’s success and their prominence. With Restored by the Fords and Home Again with the Fords, Steve likely commands a competitive rate, supplemented by his contracting business and entrepreneurial ventures like Surf Pittsburgh, where he offers wake surfing lessons on Pittsburgh’s rivers.
Unlike many reality stars, Steve’s wealth isn’t solely tied to television. His construction projects, often valued in the hundreds of thousands, contribute significantly to his income. For example, transforming a 1940s warehouse into a modern loft with heated concrete floors and a stocked bar showcased his ability to command high-budget renovations. Additionally, his co-authored book with Leanne, Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life (released in 2019), adds to his revenue through royalties and speaking engagements.
Is Steve Ford Married? Insights into His Dating and Family Life
Steve Ford is married to Andrea Cargill, whom he wed in a surprise December 2021 ceremony on his 44th birthday. The couple, who were friends for years before dating, tied the knot in a “winter woodlands”-inspired event at a Pittsburgh resort, complete with a custom “The Fords’ Love Shack” sign and an oversized disco ball—a signature Ford design touch. Steve proposed to Andrea on November 11, 2021, using his grandmother’s heirloom ring, keeping the engagement private until their wedding day.
In June 2022, Steve and Andrea welcomed their first child, a son named Jack Michael Ford. The couple transformed a section of their Pittsburgh loft into a nursery, with Leanne designing a space featuring a giant disco ball on the ceiling. Steve shared, “Being Jack’s parents is awesome. He’s the best, and we can’t imagine life without him.” However, he humorously noted the challenges of new parenthood, saying, “We’re not getting a lot of sleep at this point, but coffee helps!”
Before Andrea, Steve was linked to Sara Bendrick, a landscape designer, though their relationship ended, and details remain scarce. Leanne once mentioned that Sara had moved on to a new relationship, suggesting Steve was single before meeting Andrea. His private nature keeps much of his dating history under wraps, but his commitment to family life with Andrea and Jack is evident on his Instagram.
Steve Ford’s Age and Background: A Pittsburgh Native’s Journey
At 47 years old, Steve Ford embodies the spirit of Pittsburgh—a city known for its resilience and industrial charm. Born to Mike Ford, an attorney, and Jackie Ford, Steve grew up in Upper St. Clair with his sisters, Leanne and Michelle Ford Faist. His early years were marked by a love for adventure, from skiing to surfing, which later influenced his business, Surf Pittsburgh. His height, approximately 5 feet 11 inches, and distinctive style—often seen with a baseball cap or beanie—make him a recognizable figure on HGTV.
Steve’s career trajectory reflects his adaptability. Before HGTV, he designed store displays for brands like American Eagle Outfitters and ModCloth, showcasing his creative flair. His transition to television was serendipitous, sparked by Leanne’s pitch to HGTV after her husband declined a show. Their sibling dynamic, described as “sometimes on different planets” but deeply respectful, resonates with viewers and adds authenticity to their shows.
Unique Insights: Steve Ford’s Impact on Pittsburgh’s Design Scene
Steve’s influence extends beyond television. His work revitalizing Pittsburgh’s historic homes has inspired a wave of local renovations, preserving the city’s architectural heritage while infusing modern aesthetics. A case study from a 2023 project in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood highlights his approach: Steve transformed a 1900s row house, retaining its original brickwork while adding open-concept living spaces and eco-friendly materials. Homeowners reported a 30% increase in property value post-renovation, underscoring his economic impact.
His venture, Surf Pittsburgh, also reflects his innovative spirit. By introducing wake surfing to a landlocked city, Steve tapped into Pittsburgh’s river culture, offering lessons that blend adventure with community engagement. This niche business, combined with his television fame, positions him as a local icon who bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern entrepreneurship.
Steve Ford Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steve Ford |
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years old (as of August 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Profession | Contractor, TV Host, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $700,000–$1 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $10,000–$50,000 per HGTV episode (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Married to Andrea Cargill (since December 2021) |
| Children | Jack Michael Ford (born June 2022) |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 178 lbs (81 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Siblings | Leanne Ford, Michelle Ford Faist |
| Parents | Mike Ford (father), Jackie Ford (mother) |
| Business Ventures | Surf Pittsburgh, Decade (former clothing store) |
| Notable Shows | Restored by the Fords, Home Again with the Fords, A Very Brady Renovation |
| Education | Attended college, details undisclosed |
| Social Media | Instagram: @steveford |
Steve Ford’s Future: What’s Next for the HGTV Star?
As of 2025, Steve continues to work on HGTV projects, with rumors of a potential new show focusing on sustainable renovations. His commitment to family, seen in his hands-on parenting with Jack, and his passion for Pittsburgh’s growth suggest he’ll remain a fixture in both television and local culture. For the latest updates, follow Steve on Instagram or check out his projects on HGTV’s website. For more on his background, visit his Wikipedia page (note: ensure the correct Steve Ford, as the actor Steven Ford is a different individual).
