HGTV Chronicles…To Believe or Not to Believe, That is the Question
Finding out that real home renovations are very different from what you see on HGTV
Have you called a Construction company to get an estimate on a home renovation only to find out that the $10,000 the customers spent for a full home renovation on HGTV was completely unrealistic?
At times, clients ask us what we think about HGTV, our response is “watch HGTV to get design inspiration…not budget or timeline inspiration…it is completely unrealistic.” Let’s get into it…
Budgets and Timelines: The budgets and timelines portrayed on HGTV shows, often don't reflect real-world constraints and prices. Renovations may appear to be completed quickly and inexpensively, giving viewers unrealistic expectations of what is achievable within a given budget and timeframe.
Check out a very poignant testimonial one of our clients wrote in their 5-star review on our Portfolio page. “…I realized I watched too much HGTV….”
Professional Expertise: Many HGTV shows feature homeowners tackling renovations themselves with minimal professional assistance. While this DIY approach can be entertaining to watch, it often overlooks the expertise and skills required for successful home improvement projects, leading viewers to underestimate the challenges involved. What do you do when you simply want to finish your basement only to find out you have moisture coming through your foundational walls. You can’t simply cover them up.
Design Trends and Aesthetics: HGTV shows can be good for homeowners to get ideas about design trends for their home. However, what it will actually take to get the design they most desire, is left unclear. What do you need to consider when you want to take the wall down in your kitchen to get the coveted open floor plan. Is it load-bearing? What do you do with the exposed floors where you relocate cabinets.
Hidden Costs and Challenges: HGTV renovations often gloss over unexpected challenges, such as structural issues, permitting delays, or unforeseen expenses. This can create the impression that home improvements are straightforward and hassle-free, when in reality, they often involve complexities and uncertainties. Do you know what home improvements your jurisdiction (state, county and town) requires permitting for. Know before you start or you may have BIG regrets.
Emphasis on Dramatic Transformations: HGTV programs prioritize dramatic before-and-after transformations for entertainment value, which may not always be practical or achievable for every home renovation project. This focus on visual impact can overshadow the importance of functionality, sustainability, and long-term value.
While HGTV offers inspiration and ideas for home improvement projects, viewers should approach these shows with a critical mindset and recognize that the realities of renovating a home often differ from what is portrayed on television. Take into consideration the geographical location of the show versus where you live…this can greatly impact the overall project price, timing and availability of materials, jurisdictional building code requirements and so many other components of a home renovation project. When you select a design and build company, like NGage Properties Group, we discuss design and structural capabilities in the first meeting so that expectations are managed and your new home dreams can REALLY become a reality.
