What do you get when you take homeowners with an outdated space and add a talented host and the magic of television? Answer: You get an hour-long episode of entertaining reality television. What's missing? The truth.
The television world is fantasy, and reality shows are no exception.
Home improvement programs, like those seen on HGTV and the DIY Network, are fun to watch and influencing a surge in remodeling projects. Industry experts call this phenomenon the HGTV Effect.
Unfortunately, the "reality" shows are also giving people unrealistic expectations of what can be accomplished in terms of time and budget. In an effort to counteract some of the HGTV Effect's negative influence on the home improvement industry, we’d like to discuss three behind-the-scenes secrets you won't see on reality TV.
Through the magic of television, a home remodel is completed in three to seven days. This causes some homeowners to question why a contractor has told them their project will take a couple of weeks if not months depending on how extensive the remodel.
What you don't see on television is the tremendous behind-the-scenes effort. The timetable for a show is altered and rushed. Programs have a large staff comprised of various departments working around-the-clock to accomplish what you see on TV. This is not how a real life remodel works.
In addition to presenting unrealistic time frames, home improvement shows also make people to think projects can be completed much cheaper than possible.
What shows aren't telling you is they use cost-cutting resources such as cheap or volunteer labor and low cost or donated materials. These factors enable final renovation costs to be significantly lower than they'd be in real life.
Home renovations look so easy on TV. Projects move quickly and smoothly from start to finish, and the results are always stunning. The truth is many shows stage the spaces with lavish furnishings for the big reveal, but these items are removed after the cameras stop rolling.
It would be nice for jobs to always run smoothly, and occasionally they do, but with remodeling there are usually unexpected hiccups: from finding a problem behind walls or under flooring to product delays. Television shows edit out or exaggerate problems and homeowners' reactions for maximum entertainment factor.
Home improvement shows are not an accurate representation of a real life remodel. But we aren't saying you shouldn't watch them. We are saying you should be aware that what you see on TV is an edited version of a scripted situation.
Home improvement programs are a great place to get inspiration and be entertained. Watch shows for fun, not for an education.
Television shows may not be the solution to your home improvement needs, but don't despair. There is a real life solution you can trust: your local design-build firm.
A design-build firm will walk you through the remodeling process from start to finish and treat your project like it's their own. Hopefully, no unexpected issues arise, but it’s best to be mentally and financially prepared in case something surfaces. An experienced design-build firm is ready to help you.
This video shows work being done day by day and step by step. This is remodeling in real life!
Harrisburg Kitchen and Bath is an experienced design-build firm you can trust. Give us a call.
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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Hummelstown, Camp Hill, Boiling Springs, and Lewisberry
Industry Experience: My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.
Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.