Perpetuated Myths of Home Improvement Shows
Some of our best clients are well versed and researched in what they want and do NOT want in their home, kitchen, or bath remodel. Unfortunately, some research, such as home improvement shows may be perpetuating some falsehoods of home remodels.
Home renovation shows are perfect for entertainment or possibly gaining some inspiration into your next renovation project. However, when it comes to the realities of interior home construction, what you see on these reality television shows is not always what you get.
Let’s take a look at some of the false impressions these programs can give homeowners looking to add some high end remodeling to their current space.
Myth #1 Remodels are Fast and Easy
The reality is that kitchen, bath, or living area remodels can take weeks and even months to plan, design, draw up architectural plans, order building materials, gain proper permitting and secure construction crews before you can even begin to see your remodel dreams come to fruition.
Most home improvement shows like Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, or This Old House, tend to speed up the process into a neatly organized 30 or 60 minute television show with breaks for commercials. Producers often make a 6 week project appear to have been done in a long weekend.
At Sordan Construction, we pride ourselves in taking on high-end projects where we communicate with our clients every step of the way including being upfront and honest about how long a project will take. If the timeline changes, you will be the first to know what the delay is and the importance of doing quality work during the entire process.
Myth #2 There is No Immediate Gratification
While it would be ideal if progress on a remodel happened as quickly as it appears to on the reality shows, it’s not realistic to speak with a client about their preferences for their remodel one day and have an architect, contractor, and designer on scene the next.
These steps are part of the process. It can take a few weeks from initial contact to design and then meeting with a contractor to start the actual physical aspects of the project.
Sordan Construction communicates progress at each step of the project, including what components have been finished and what is next as a priority.
Myth #3 Down-to-Earth Budgeting
Reality home improvement shows seem to conveniently gloss over the budgeting aspect of the renovation they air on television. No matter what the scope and size of the project, the budget seems to be laid out at the beginning and no contingency plans are created.
At Sordan, we work with our clients about what their specific budget will entail, as well as guide homeowners how to prepare for the unexpected to happen during the construction aspect of the project. We will detail costs and contingency plans in case we need to pivot mid project. We also use high quality building materials so that your remodel will last.
Myth #4 The Disruptions Are Minimal
Depending upon the size and scope of your project, disruptions may range from moving out of the home entirely to shifting your main kitchen area to another part of the house. Often when projects allow for homeowners to remain in the home a bathroom, kitchen, or renovation room is off-limits for safety purposes.
Don’t let the HGTV programs convince you that using an alternative bathroom or microwave area won’t be a hassle. While we work diligently to keep disruptions to a minimum, homeowners are always told what the true scenario will be during their renovation project.
Myth #5 Designers, Contractors, & Crew All in One
Often home improvement shows have two hosts who seem to have an expertise in everything from real estate staging to design and construction.
This could not be further from the truth in the real world of design and construction. We make sure that we work with the best vendors and subcontractors across our area to bring you exactly what your project needs including: design, architectural services, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC services. We work with the best to bring you the best outcome for your remodeling project.
