How fun it is to watch the reality T.V. shows where they transform decaying places into fabulous spaces that a family wants to create memories in! These shows can inspire us to reach for our dreams, to take the leap into the unknown. But are we prepared? Realistic? Probably not. Even though they call it “Reality T.V.”, it is weeks of filming that is clipped into 22 minutes of sheer entertainment & wonder. That is what television is. Its to entertain us, to inspire us.
Watching any and all of these shows is a great pastime. Personally, I recommend watching Fixer Upper on HGTV. The work they do is fabulous & the couple dynamics are sweet & funny. The show is set in Wacco, Texas, where real estate is very economical. Don’t believe that you can buy a home in your own area for the prices they depict in the shows, check your local prices. Fixer Upper remodel budgets are fairly realistic, but you need to really listen to decipher what they say regarding the money. An example, “the kitchen will be $12,000”. For years (before I became a contractor), I would conclude that the entire kitchens cost was the $12,000. This was inaccurate. The cabinets alone were the $12,000. Little things can throw your expectations way off. Fixer Upper gives a breakdown of where the remodel money goes. Line items are great & fairly accurate; ex. remove a kitchen wall and install a structural beam for …$. At the very bottom of their line items is a significant factor that states; “Other expenses …$”. This number can be $2,000 – $55,000. Again, this is realistic and deserves attention. The “Other Expenses” is not anything that is specifically listed it can be the granite, the flooring, the lighting, or electrical for the kitchen.
Lastly, this show & many others, stage the home in the end. This is typically high end furnishings that a designer has put together for a very dramatic transformation. These are NOT the homeowners furnishings. Just a few things to keep in mind while you’re watching T.V. & when you’re thinking about remodeling your home to make your Living Better.