How Realistic are Home Improvement Shows?
Home improvement shows are fun to watch, but are they realistic? Everyone in our office has done our share of DIY and remodeling projects, so we feel well qualified to weigh in on the subject.
Like most home owners, we enjoy watching home remodeling shows on HGTV and elsewhere. Sometimes the end results are really wonderful to see. We can even be inspired to take on a home improvement project ourselves.
When we watch Brother vs Brother and Flip or Flop, we like to think about the potential of the property and imagine the changes we would propose. So many of the homes just need a good cleaning up and clearing out. Sometimes the good bones of a house are hidden by bad additions or unfortunate remodeling. There is an urge to “do something” when what is really needed is to remove something.
Sometimes important elements are missing from the show. For example, how often do you see an architect? Sure, the contractor and sometimes a construction specialist will be consulted. But the homeowner rarely meets the architect. Inspectors are absent as well. Architects and inspectors are key players in the process of any remodeling project. They are the people who are responsible for a safe, well-designed structure and plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Often they are the voice of reason when the project scope gets out of hand and out of budget.
The architect also measures the building and evaluates it for structural adequacy. They check on the zoning to see if the house is appropriate for the area and they evaluate if the lot can be covered by future additions. The architect evaluates whether the existing plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems are adequate and safe. The architect stands up for the homeowner when presenting the project to an appearance review commission or zoning board. Well, we could go on…
Home improvement shows also skim over common construction difficulties such as delays due to weather, materials or equipment shortages, change orders, and subcontractor delays pushing back the work of other trades. All of these difficulties delay the project schedule. We’d suggest that home improvement show producers include these issues so viewers can learn how problems are resolved.
There are many aspects of a typical remodeling project that are missing from home improvement shows because there is a desire to edit and condense the shows into a short 22 minute capsule. Perhaps it would be worth creating several episodes to tell the whole story?
Consumer Reports weighs in on home improvement shows with their list of the Best and Worst Home Improvement Shows.
