“PKB Wednesday” Weekly Blog – This weeks topic is about Renovation Shows – Premier Kitchen & Bath

Written By: Laura Casey – Premier Kitchen and Bath Designer 

As a designer for Premier Kitchen and Bath, I can’t tell you how many times the subject of HGTV remodeling show come up in conversation. Some clients will share an episode or product on renovation shows that they had interest in. The conversation usually includes a shared laugh about the lack of reality surrounding the timelines or costs involved in these “made for TV” renovation shows. But other clients seem to have bought in to the hopes of shortened timelines and drastically unrealistic budgets. 

These reality shows /renovation shows might seem helpful but can be misleading to consumers. Let’s just say that if you think a 3-day turnaround is too good to be true…..it is! As viewers, we don’t see any of the work that goes on behind the scenes and should realize that “TV budgets are made for TV”.

TIME:

Spoiler alert…..it takes longer than 30 minutes to find, renovate and decorate a house. Although most consumers will buy into the fact that it doesn’t take 30 minutes, they may still feel that a “typical” bathroom or kitchen remodel might take 1-2 weeks, based on these shows. Most reality TV shows depict completely unrealistic construction times.

A realistic bathroom remodel, which consist of removing and replacing flooring, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and lighting fixtures, tile, mirrors, and paint, might take 4-6 weeks to install. And a realistic kitchen remodel, which consists of everything above including appliances, might take 6-8 weeks to install. Not included is the time needed up front to plan, design, get permits approved, installation documents created, materials ordered and delivered, etc.

These TV renovation shows don’t show you the hours of prep, planning, and decision making that goes into the project. Also, typically not mentioned are unforeseen things that add to the time and cost.  Such items could include chemical testing and abatement, engineering and architectural costs, and damaged, discontinued or miss-shipped products.   As far as the actual show production goes, there are usually contractors and teams of support staff working around the clock. This is certainly not the reality of a “normal” remodeling project or its process.

Some other factors to consider is that high quality and enduring design, that is highly personalized, takes time.  And custom pieces, specific to your client’s desires and needs, take time as well. Inferior, easily duplicated, and trendy designs can usually be accomplished faster and with less effort. Quality installation and craftsmanship in installation also take time to achieve. Compressed time can be achieved by limited materials that can ship and install fast (which may not look the best). This is something that is not shown or discussed on reality home-improvement shows.

COST:

Spoiler alert #2………….if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. As much as high design, custom pieces and personalized results take extra time, they also take extra money. Craftsmanship, quality, uniqueness and longevity are not things that that come for free.

Costs, reported on these shows, can also be misleading! Shows may only account for (discounted) material and (discounted) labor, and may not even include other fees such as permits, chemical testing and abatement, engineering and architectural costs, etc. Networks also partner with advertisers for free materials and some contractors work at discounted rates in exchange for publicity.

In a statement to Kiplinger, HGTV which produces several popular shows, including “House Hunters” and “Love It or List It,” had the following to say when asked about the behind-the-scenes quirks that aren’t disclosed to viewers:

“Our goal is to respect the home-buying, selling or renovation process, while still crating fun and entertaining programming for viewers. When we’re telling a real estate or renovation story for television, we may abridge and adjust timelines to help manage production and time constrains. In some cases, a program is a competition series or a crazy experiment designed to play out the ‘what if’ fantasy of our viewers. Today’s viewers are savvier than ever and know that the development of an entertaining program does require the occasional use of a creative license.” (Article by Andrea Browne Taylor, Online Editor @ Kiplinger, October 2014)

So, remember to keep things in perspective when watching these “entertaining” renovation shows. What you see is not always what you get. Best to do your research and find a qualified team that can help you achieve the results you want.  A qualified remodeler can educate you about the realities of the process, costs and realistic timelines for your project.

Ready to start your project or get some more information? Contact Premier Kitchen and Bath at 480-725-7686 today to schedule your consultation.