Old Adages and TV Home Renovation Shows

Prior to becoming a REALTOR® I spent a few years in the business of making television commercials. I’m familiar with some of the tricks of the trade. I can make food shiny and delicious (whilst also inedible) for the camera. I know how to make “fake” steam. I’ve been on enough television sets to know that, although things may look real, just beyond the view of the camera things are not real at all.

So I think its stands to reason that the same could be said about TV Renovation shows. It is after all a “show” and the producers need to take some liberties in order to make it work.

 

 

 

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

I’m always amazed at the price at which TV renos seem to be done. I’ve never seen prices like that in my experience. There are a few reasons why the price on TV reno shows may be misleading.
• Generally, the costs don’t include labour. On some shows, tradespeople work for free in exchange for the on-air exposure.
• Materials are either “at cost” or, in some cases, entirely donated. An individual paying retail cost of goods could never hope to get material so cheaply.
• While at the end reveal, a fully dressed room is revealed, the “cost” to the homeowner rarely includes design work or furniture and décor items; those costs are generally covered by the production company.

Things are not always what they seem.

Compared to real life, TV Renos are quick. The families don’t appear to be the slightest bit inconvenienced. The crew arrives, works and disappears.
Not realistic. Real renovations take time.
• In real life there may be delays. Building permits can take weeks or even months. Chosen materials may be on back order. The crew may uncover a problem (faulty electrical, asbestos, water damage, etc.) that needs to be addressed before moving forward.
• Your really good contractor may have a few jobs ahead of yours to complete. If a contractor is available to start right away, you might want to check his references before giving him the job.
• Although the camera only shows a few key people working on the TV Reno project, there may be a large number of trades working behind the scenes in order to help stick to a deadline.

All that glitters is not gold

At the end of a TV Reno, the place always looks great! And did I mention it was quick too.
• The camera can’t see whether the workmanship is high quality or if they have cut corners to remain on time and on budget.

If it feels like I’m condemning TV Reno shows, I’m not. I’m as enthralled watching them as the next person. But people should use their heads and recognize these show for what they are - entertainment.