If you’ve been dreaming of finishing your basement or having parts of your home remodeled, you may be wondering about just how accurate home remodeling shows are. Are they a good point of reference to prepare yourself for the process? Or are they, like most reality TV, exaggerated and embellished for more enjoyable viewing?
The truth of the matter is that it depends on what you’re thinking about! Some parts of home remodeling shows hit very close to home, while others… Are just good TV, and not at all an accurate representation of the real home remodeling or finishing process.
Here’s what you need to know about some common myths home remodeling shows perpetuate so you can better understand what the real home remodeling process is like. Let’s jump into it!
Myth #1: Home Remodeling Doesn’t Take Very Long
The thing about home remodeling shows is that they often make it appear as though you can have the finished basement of your dreams in a matter of days or weeks. Unfortunately, what these shows don’t show you is the crew working around the clock with methods that are designed for speed rather than quality. These shows also don’t show all the meetings that need to take place before any walls get knocked down.
In truth, home remodeling is a time-intensive process – and you want it to be! Home remodeling is not something that you want to be rushed. Given how much these projects cost, you want to ensure that they’re done right, and doing them right takes time, such as getting the necessary permits. This applies to the quality of the work itself, as well as to humane working conditions.
If you see a home remodel being done in record time on TV, know that there is a lot that the show is hiding from you, such as dozens of people working behind the scenes, leaving out important parts of the process, using poor-quality materials, and more. If you would like to get an accurate idea of how long your home remodel may take, talk to your general contractor.
Myth #2: Renovation Budgets Are An Accurate Point Of Reference
There’s no mistaking the fact that any home remodeling or finishing project is going to be expensive. Given the time, labor, and materials involved, it makes sense. However, home remodeling shows may lead you to believe that home renovations are cheaper than they actually are.
We know, we know, we’ve all seen that show with the homeowner who has a tight budget and the hosts try to make things work with it. However, what home remodeling shows don’t show you are their partnerships with companies that can provide free materials or the fact that contractors may work at discounted rates for the publicity being on the show brings. They also don’t always show necessary tests, like for asbestos, that can drive the budget up.
It’s also important to bear in mind that what looks good on camera doesn’t necessarily look good in person, such as laminate wood flooring instead of the real deal. Real, quality materials cost more than ones that just look good on camera and that allow for the quick, easy installation that home remodeling shows demand.
Thus, if you’re trying to get an accurate picture of how much you should budget for your home remodeling project, it’s better to consult with a home remodeling company or to talk to other people who have had home remodels.
Myth #3: Contractors Can Work Around The Clock
We touched on this before, but it’s worth having its own section. Home remodeling shows may depict the crew working day and night to finish the job, but what they don’t show you is the fact that there are a lot more workers than those they show on screen. On screen, you may see 5 or so workers, when behind the scenes, there are more like 30.
On home remodeling shows, the home that the contractors are working on is usually their sole project. However, in real life, contractors are usually working on multiple projects at once. This is part of what can lengthen the home remodeling process.
It’s important to note that contractors usually don’t work around the clock. They’ll work during their working hours – not 24/7. If you would like to discuss the timeline of your project, it’s best to talk to your contractor directly.
What Home Remodeling Shows Get Right
There are more myths about home remodeling that these types of shows depict than we’ve listed above. However, there are also aspects of the renovation process that these shows get right (for the most part).
Some aspects of home renovations that these shows can prepare you for include:
- The fact that setbacks can occur.
- This can be an emotional process (but perhaps not quite as dramatic as shows would have you believe).
- Depending on the renovations you have done, the value of your home can increase.
- Home remodeling and finishing projects can bring your dream to life.
If you’re planning on a home renovation, remember that a lot of the process gets left out of reality shows, and that there’s a lot that occurs behind the scenes which does not get depicted. These shows can be fun to watch, but if you want a realistic idea of what the process is like, it’s best to consult with the professionals.
Copper Creek Basements provides home finishing services. We pay attention to the details in order to ensure that your vision is brought to life. If you would like to learn more about the services we provide or what you can truly expect from your project in regards to budgeting, time frames, and more, please don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’re here to help.
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