The HGTV Myth with Sloan Springer Architect
When discussing my work in custom home design and additions, the topic of HGTV often arises. Many people who plan home improvement projects have watched shows where dilapidated houses are transformed into dream homes. These shows have popularized the residential design and construction industry. However, due to their fast-paced nature and seemingly low costs, one can’t help but question their authenticity. Despite numerous articles uncovering the truth behind these shows, I frequently find myself explaining the realities of the process to new clients.
Design Process
Most shows portray the design process as a series of quick (albeit catchy) sketches and animations – often “created” overnight or maybe a couple of days. The homeowners are presented with a few options, they make some decisions, and the next day hammers are swinging.
The reality is that this process can take anywhere from a month to over a year, or more. Proper planning, tailored design refinement, plus detailed drawing and construction documentation do not happen overnight – ever. Even in the least stringent of towns, the permitting process alone will take weeks to months, at best. For additions or new homes, don’t forget zoning/variances and planning board approval!
Construction
Similar to the design side, the extents of the construction of these projects are grossly misrepresented. Yes, demolition might only take a couple of days in some cases, but there is an ebb and flow to the construction process that depends greatly on everything from subcontractor’s schedules, material shortages, unexpected conditions, and delays waiting on inspectors to show up, just to name a few. Even the simplest of jobs will undoubtedly take longer than anyone expects or hopes. There is no exact science in the world of construction scheduling, nor are there guarantees – too much is dependent upon things beyond the control of the contractor or architect/designer.
Costs
This is the one that hits the hardest for everyone involved. One common aspect to HGTV shows is their portrayal of budgets and total costs. What they don’t tell you is that many of the costs involved in a typical construction project are either subsidized or waived entirely. I’ve never seen a single number posted on one of these shows that was anywhere near real life. Design fees (architects – if even mentioned at all, engineers, interior designers, landscape designers/architects, etc) are usually completely waived, particularly if said services are provided by the show’s hosts. Often, the overhead and profit of the contractors are also removed, as they are providing the construction services at cost, and even many of the materials may be donated – after all, it can be pretty great publicity, at least!
Lastly, one critical cost is almost always neglected. Where do these homeowners stay and put all their stuff while work is being done? Sure, maybe they can stay with family, but the reality is that most people end up having to rent a place and storage until they can move back in.
Let’s be honest, HGTV and their show hosts are in the business of increasing viewership and telling stories – if they actually tried to portray the reality of what it’s like to plan, design, build, and pay for extensive renovations, additions, or new homes, it would be a different genre entirely. A large portion of the process is messy, stressful, and highly un-glamorous (honestly, half of my job may as well be relationship counseling). While it might make for an interesting documentary to some, it’s certainly not distillable into a 30-minute TV segment.
Ultimately, it’s not that different from crime shows like CSI, or medical dramas such as ER and Grey’s Anatomy. Ask any real detective, doctor, or nurse and they will be quick to point out the fictional nature of such programming. While HGTV shows are not portrayed as such on the surface, the reality is that they are indeed fictional, in almost every way that matters. Think of HGTV more like an extension of your Pinterest board rather than educational content.
In all fairness to HGTV, I don’t believe they are out to misrepresent or ruin our industry – if anything, despite all the issues and misconceptions, they’ve inspired millions to take the plunge! It’s simply our job as actual practitioners working in the real world to help dispel myth from reality.
