What everybody should know about HGTV and how it has changed the remodeling experience.

Who doesn’t love a good home remodeling show? Between Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, Flip or Flop, Love it or List it, and plenty others, there’s definitely several options to choose from on HGTV alone. But like with any other method of entertainment, how realistic are they? Remodeling companies are seeing firsthand how these television shows are affecting the industry in very positive, yet sometimes negative ways. Here, we outline the pros and cons…

How HGTV boosted interest in remodeling

We see it all the time; clients love their homes, neighborhoods, neighbors, schools, etc. but they’re outgrowing their space. In 2020, people are spending more time at home and have an increasing need for more space for the kids online schooling, working from home, or an in-law suite to keep loved ones safe and healthy. This, coupled with the current limited inventory housing market, makes homeowners feel more inclined to undergo necessary home improvements, rather than move altogether.

2020 though originally forecasted as a decrease in remodeling activity, it has been reported that remodeling companies have seen an average of a 58% increase in prospective calls this year according to cnbc.com. Watching these remodels on HGTV demonstrates firsthand to homeowners that they can completely transform and open up existing space by knocking down walls and changing layouts. Kitchen and interior remodels, basement finishing, as well as additions, are great ways to expand or improve your current square footage without having to change your address.

You don’t have to be a designer to have a CUTTING-EDGE home.

Homeowners are being inspired by the creative use of material, layout, and the newest trends in design.

The presence of 3-D renderings on these programs shows homeowners the tools and technologies available in the home remodeling process. You can see what the space will look like before construction even begins, which gets clients really excited about the remodel.

These remodeling TV shows, in addition to Pinterest and other visual social media platforms, really resonate with clients and assist with initial consultations so that remodeling contractors can get a better overall picture of the project’s entirety, including the client’s design aesthetics. This ultimately leads homeowners to be more open to product and selection options, allowing for increased overall project engagement.

How HGTV elevated the client experience.

HGTV shows inspire homeowners to crave a similar experience as those on TV. At the end of the day, it’s not JUST about the quality of work (although that is important)…trust and overall chemistry between you and the contractor should be on the top of the priority list. Most reputable remodeling companies will tell you that the client-contractor relationship is the backbone of their business.
The main goal of remodelers (on HGTV or not) is to solve pain points, execute superior craftsmanship, and overall enhance the lives of their clients. These relationships need to be based on trust, for trust is crucial to effective communication and the success of the overall project, big or small. Any remodeling project is an investment of valuable time and resources so homeowners owe it to themselves to hire a remodeling contractor that values the same quality of work and expectations as they do.

HGTV has created a romanticized version of the home remodeling experience and in return challenges remodeling companies to elevate their services to meet the needs of their audience.

How the HGTV effect can create DIY Nightmares.

There’s an entire HGTV spinoff channel dedicated to this topic alone, DIY Network. Unfortunately, taking on more than one can realistically handle can result in costly mistakes. Many run the risk of their projects well surpassing the expected timeline, property damage, or worse, personal injury. Also, if one doesn’t acquire permits, they could get into trouble with their city, possibly being required to tear down and redo all un-permitted work, or even owing fines.

Selling a home without proper permits can also significantly reduce the value of the property due to the risk of any of the work not being completed up to code, which can be hazardous. If problems do arise, permits weren’t pulled, and a homeowner’s insurance claim is presented, the insurance agency will likely reject the claim all together. Unless completing a simple project such as cabinet painting, or other minor cosmetic updates, hiring a professional with proper permit knowledge is highly recommended.

TIMING AND COST MISCONCEPTIONS of remodelng.

Because these remodeling shows are usually scheduled into 30 or 60-minute blocks, the perception of the time that went into these projects is highly skewed. For example, a single episode of Fixer Upper is filmed (with all hands-on deck) in an 8-12-week period depending on the size and scope of the project. This also does not include the application process prior to filming which states that homeowners already need to be in contract with a home and must have a minimum dollar amount to invest in the renovation. Oftentimes, costs and timeframes are severely underestimated by viewers because they don’t see most of the grunt work leading up to and during the project.

The current social culture of urgency doesn’t help this misconception either. Everyone wants things done now, now, now. When realistically, these larger whole house renovation projects that include kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and other living spaces, can take up to 6 months to design the space alone, along with anywhere from 3-6 months of construction. In addition, most reputable remodeling companies are booked well in advance. Remember, it is never too early to have a conversation and an open line of communication between yourself and chosen contractor will alleviate misconceptions of timeline and budgets.

HGTV MAKES THE REMODELING PROCESS LOOK EASY

Despite what many people may think, construction drawings and 3-D renderings are not made in computer programs in which the contractor or designer simply plugs in measurements…and voila! These drawings are all human-designed and require a lot of time and investment. In order to create the best experience, remodeling companies often provide multiple solutions to your pain points and budget requirements resulting in multiple drawings and plenty of time invested in research. Because there is rarely ever a “one size fits all” scenario there is a lot of time, effort, and planning on both the contractor and homeowner side that isn’t properly depicted. Any renovation is creating a plan and then executing that plan. These HGTV shows don’t provide the viewer with information on just how much time goes into creating drawings, nor do they show the permitting process or ups and downs of living through a remodel.

Overall, the HGTV Effect has made a more positive impact than a negative one. To overcome any hurdles, it is important to do your research and make a good connection with a remodeling company you can trust. Always remember, that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Happy Remodeling!