The HGTV Effect: Why TV Home Remodeling May Not Reflect Reality

If you’ve done much home remodeling, you know that timelines and budgets can be moving targets. And you can always expect a few surprises to come crawling — either literally or figuratively — out of the woodwork.

But if much of your understanding of home improvement projects comes from watching television, you may expect unreasonably low price tags or quick timeframes. This is known as the “HGTV® effect” — a nod to HGTV home improvement shows like “Property Brothers” and “Fixer Upper” that use the magic of editing to make home remodeling look easy.

Planning to add a new deck or finally update your master bathroom this summer? To avoid unrealistic expectations and home improvement myths set by TV home remodeling shows, keep these seven tips in mind:

1. Have realistic expectations.

HGTV design shows can be a fun way to learn about the latest decorating trends or to enjoy some mindless entertainment. But don’t rely on these shows when planning your project’s timeframe or budget.

• Time: For example, on HGTV a bathroom remodel may be completed over a long weekend. But this doesn’t factor in permits, inspections and lead times for special orders. In reality, expect at least three to four weeks for a contractor to remodel your bathroom down to the studs.

• Cost: After seeing the budgets on HGTV home improvement shows, homeowners can be surprised by real-life costs. What the shows don’t tell you when they talk about their budgets is that they often receive free or discounted products from sponsors, and labor is often donated by contractors who want free advertising. Those factors can all make TV remodeling budgets half the price of what your budget would be.

One thing that most HGTV shows DO get right when it comes to cost: the unknown expenses that can pop up during the demolition or remodeling process. So always pad your budget by at least 10 percent to prepare for the unexpected.

1. Hire the right pros.

If you hire professionals for your home improvement project, make sure they’re qualified. Always check references and be sure they have proper insurance and certifications. And don’t let anyone work on your home’s wiring or plumbing unless they’re a state-certified electrician or plumber.

If you’re considering tackling a project yourself, do your research to make sure you can handle it. If you get in over your head, you may end up spending more time and money to repair your mistakes than if you had hired a pro to begin with.

1. Think safety first.

The television shows may make DIY home improvement projects look safe and easy, but remember that these shows have crews of experts around to help remodeling novices. Many projects involve tools and techniques that could lead to disaster if not used correctly, so if you’re going to do some of the work yourself, be sure to take safety precautions. Wear safety goggles, gloves, and long pants; turn off breakers; and protect kids, pets and yourself from the potential dangers of power tools and strong chemicals.

1. Don’t forget the prep work.

Prep work doesn’t make for sexy reality TV, but it’s the key to a successful home-improvement project. For instance, painting is one of the quickest ways to breathe new life into your home, but a quality, long-lasting paint job still requires a lot of prep! Steps you should follow before painting a room in your house include:

• Repair any wall damage.

• Wash walls; put down drop cloths to protect floors; remove switch-plate covers, drapes and furniture; and edge around woodwork with painters tape.

• Apply a coat of primer, which will seal the surface, create a solid bond for the paint to adhere and make your paint last longer.

• To ensure even color application, make sure to mix the paint well first, especially if it’s an older can of paint.

1. Don’t forget the permits.

Can you imagine installing a new fence and then having to rip it out because it’s one inch too close to your neighbor’s property line? Don’t let this nightmare happen to you! Even if you think you might be able to “get away” with not having a permit, keep in mind that if something goes wrong, your homeowner’s insurance likely won’t cover it. The permit process is often glossed over on home improvement shows, but it’s a crucial step. Whether you’re hiring out the work or doing it yourself, make sure to secure permits and understand local inspection requirements.

1. Know your neighborhood.

HGTV design shows may give the impression that every kitchen needs a professional-grade oven and every bathroom requires a spa tub. For pricy neighborhoods, this may be the case, but for moderately-priced neighborhoods, such high-end fixtures may be overkill. Before you start a major remodel, find out what types of fixtures your neighbors are installing, and research sale prices for comparable houses in the area. Another great way to get bathroom ideas or kitchen ideas as you plan your remodel is to go to open houses in your area and see what other homeowners have done.

1. Think small.

Full-house home renovations make for great TV, but in real life, a major overhaul may not provide the return on investment you want. Before you tackle a major remodel, be sure to research home prices in your area to make sure it’s a good investment.

According to HGTV.com, there are a few smaller home improvement projects that almost always pay you back:

• A minor bathroom remodel can involve a few hundred dollars to replace your shower door, re-caulk your tub and sink, and spruce up your accessories. Or you can spend about $10,000 in a small bathroom to replace the tile and fixtures without expanding the footprint or moving plumbing. These minor improvements should return about 102 percent of your investment at resale.

• Landscaping improvements contribute greatly to potential buyers’ first impression of your home. So invest some sweat equity in pruning and weeding, spend a few dollars on a pot of geraniums for the porch, or spend up to $5,000 on significant landscaping improvements. When you update your landscaping you can expect a return of about 100 percent at resale.

• Minor kitchen improvements will also likely pay for themselves when it’s time to sell your home. Depending on home values in your neighborhood, you can expect just under 100 percent return for minor kitchen improvements. For most houses, a minor investment involves up to $15,000 to re-face cabinets and replace counters (most homebuyers now expect granite), the sink, appliances and flooring. For houses in upscale neighborhoods, plan to spend a little more for higher-end appliances and similar upgrades. But don’t get too trendy; choose neutral colors and design elements with a timeless feel.

SOURCE: https://www.araglegal.com/blog/2016/05/27/hgtv-effect-tv-home-remodeling-may-not-reflect-reality/