We love home design and construction shows, as much as you.
HGTV is constantly serving us some of the most compelling content, and we can’t seem to get enough. We all get cozy on the couch, armed with pens and paper to take notes and sketch down our favorite design ideas for our own homes. But there is something about the allure of HGTV that is quite deceptive. We often think we are seeing the true picture of what it takes to remodel and design a home. But, my friend, let me burst your bubble.
HGTV design and construction shows are a bunch of lies. 😥
Here are 5 ways HGTV lies to us.
1. The magic jump cuts.
HGTV shows make us believe that a home renovation process is quick, easy and effortless. The shows portray a full house renovation happening in just 3 days where every problem is fixed on camera in minutes. But the fact is that home renovations can take months and even years if we consider the pre-planning stages. HGTV shows create an action-packed atmosphere through jump cuts and time-lapses, making us believe that renovations can happen in a matter of minutes.
2. No mention of logistical nightmares.
The HGTV shows have us believe that construction problems can be fixed with a snap of a finger. But what the shows conveniently ignore is that there are always logistical challenges, such as budget, communication issues between the designer and the contractors, city permits, zoning ordinance, and building codes. These things can slow down a renovation or even halt it.
3. Unrealistic budgets.
As we watch HGTV shows, we are often wowed by the fantastic design ideas. However, what we don’t realize is the cost of these aesthetic makeovers. In reality, it is impossible to have a complete home redesign campaign on a shoestring budget, as is portrayed by these shows. HGTV shows always feature better-than-actually-possible budget requirements, which are not realistic for a standard homeowner with just an average salary.
4. No respect for the importance of time.
Time is the most valuable commodity when it comes to home renovations. But HGTV gives us unrealistic expectations, causing us to assume that all renovations have a quick turnaround time. The truth is that construction projects take time, and the more time spent executing a particular project, the more luxurious the result.
5. Unrealistic team representation.
On HGTV shows, we believe that a glamorous team of contractors, designers, plumbers, and electricians will show up at our home and will have everything handled perfectly. However, in reality, things are quite different. The people working on your house aren’t always going to be certified professionals or Hollywood personalities. It will take effort to find people who can deliver the results that you want. Sure, they can be great at their craft when they are there, but finding them, scheduling them properly isn’t always an easy task.
Did this article scare you away from even trying a home project? It shouldn’t.
The reality of any successful home project is that it’s typically handled by a team of professionals who have the client’s interests in mind from day 1. And the only way to find such individuals is to ask around and go with the one who feels right. And we’d like to the one to help you with this journey.
Schedule a call with our team of experts today and let us help you turn your ideas into reality. Trust us, we know a thing or two about home design and construction, especially in New Jersey.
