Unrealistic Renovation Expectations from Reality TV
If you love to watch reality television shows like Fixer Upper that highlight how renovations can completely transform a home, you’re not alone. In these shows seemingly average couples meet with professional decorators and builders, armed with an insane budget and even more insane expectations. It’s great to take inspiration from these shows and be entertained by them, but you should adjust your expectations and prepare for your own DIY project experience to be different. If you follow these tips, you can still have an award-winning renovation experience.
Throw away your misconceptions
Before jumping into how to change your expectations, you should understand what your misconceptions are. Most people have the following takeaways after watching an inspiring renovation show episode.
Demolition day is easy
If you’re doing a major home remodel, you’ll likely be knocking down some walls and lifting some floorboards. While it can be exciting to release your stress and anger into a sledgehammer, it can be a long and difficult process full of unwanted wire and pipe snags and creature discoveries. It’s wise to work with a professional who knows the process and proper precautions to take. Plus, operating a sledgehammer isn’t as easy as it appears—they can be heavy and tiring to hold.
Big renovations equal big ROI
Almost any episode of a renovation show will feature a space that undergoes a full-scale remodel, and the professionals note that it will increase the home’s value considerably. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes a major remodel won’t give you a major return. This will depend on several factors that you can discuss with a real estate agent. Minor changes like appliance upgrades and cabinet fixes can give you more bang for your buck without breaking the bank.
You need a massive budget to renovate
Speaking of budget, real estate TV does a disservice to people who are trying to do renovations on a tight budget. The households featured on these shows tend to have an exuberant budget that the average person can’t match, and they have no problem going over budget when a problem arises. You don’t need to shell out thousands of dollars to accomplish your vision—less is more sometimes. That’s why it’s important to develop a thorough budget beforehand and stick to it.
Renovations take a week
The average renovation show episode lasts from thirty minutes to an hour and fits the entire home remodel within that timeframe, which means most of the proeacess doesn’t make it past the editing room. Typically, editors show the best and worst parts of the renovation and build a dramatic storyline around it. The episode shows the hurdles and triumphs of the expert builders and designers, making it a completely unrealistic depiction of a renovation timeline. Everything from building permits to adding finishing touches can take weeks or even months, so it will take a lot of patience to keep the project moving along. The hurdles you might encounter will take longer than five minutes to overcome.
Finding and Fixing Your Own Home
Now that you understand the many misconceptions reality TV shows present, here’s what you can do to find a fixer-upper home and renovate it successfully.
Have a vision
It’s a good idea to start planning your vision before you even look at buying a home. What do you want your home to look like? What parts of the house are the most important? Which parts aren’t as important? You could hire a designer, but you will still have to put thought toward what you want to ensure the home you’re buying will satisfy your needs. Sites like Pinterest can help you draw inspiration from others, and you might even consider taking a course on a site such as Skillshare to prepare yourself for small DIY projects.
Work with your real estate agent
Before you decide on your dream fixer-upper, be sure to talk to your real estate agent about your plans. They can help guide you toward homes that fit your vision instead of showing you homes that may not be feasible for your goals. Have the seller give a thorough list of all the home’s features and blueprints, if available, as this can help you carefully choose what areas of the house to work on.
Budget more than you need for projects
Home improvements can go over budget when the digging or demolition begins and reveals issues. Ensure you have more than the estimated costs available if you need to put more money than you anticipated toward the project. As a rule of thumb, you should have 50 percent more than your estimated cost at the ready.
Do your research
If you’re not a home construction expert, it might be hard to see red flags. Do your research ahead of time on the time period your home was built during. For example, if construction was before the 1970s, be wary of lead paint and radon. If the home has hazardous materials, it doesn’t mean you can’t continue with your renovation, but you should add it to your list of fixes and budget for its removal. Additionally, investigate the building structures, such as the roof and walls, which could require the help of a specific home specialist to be maintained or repaired.
Always have an emergency fund
Even when you aren’t breaking ground on a project, there are regular maintenance costs to consider. Common problems, such as pipe issues, septic system failure, and foundation cracks, are to be expected—especially in an older home. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to have a thorough inspection done so you can make a list of any needed repairs. By doing so, you can stay ahead of any expensive and serious issues.
Interview your inspectors and contractors
As with any field of work, inspectors and contractors can have varying opinions on home issues and projects. Find professionals who understand the vision you have for your home and will respect your choices. Ask them about any prior experience working with similar homes. If they don’t have much experience, it’s best to find people who do—they have the proper knowledge about your plumbing, heating, and electric systems to give you the best advice possible.
If you approach your home transformation with the proper expectations and preparation, the journey of renovating can be exciting and fulfilling.