• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Gplus
  • Home
    • Get Started
    • Our Story
    • FAQ
    • Meet the Team
      • Meet Travis
      • Meet Stacey
      • Meet Jeneane
      • Meet Taylor
      • Meet Heather
      • Meet David
    • Testimonials
    • Publications and Awards
  • Cabinets
    • Cabinet Options
      • Walker Woodworking
      • Dura Supreme
      • Cabinets by Cabico
      • Metropolitan Woodworks Cabinets
      • Fabuwood Cabinets
      • James Martin
    • Browse by Room
    • Cabinet Accessories
      • Decorative & Functional Components
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
  • Inside the Showroom
    • Award Winning Showroom
    • Design in a Day
    • Interior Designer
    • Randy McNeilly
    • Resources & Partners
      • Cabinetry
      • Countertops
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
      • Decorative & Storage Components
      • Kitchen and Bath
      • The Galley Dealer
      • Graber
      • Grouthouse Solid Wood Surfaces
      • Furniture and Home
      • Karran Sinks
      • Kessick Custom Wine Cellars
      • Lighting Resources
      • Nora Fleming
      • Spatial Solutions
      • Stikwood
      • Stoll Industries
      • Tile Resources
      • Vintage Vinyl
  • Our Process
    • 7 Step Process
    • Our Services
      • Kitchen and Bath Design
      • Millwork
      • Install FAQ
      • Interior Designer
  • Contact Us
    • Service Areas
  • Blog
  • Where to Start
  • Happenings
    • February Events
    • March Events
    • Event Gallery
    • Grand Opening Gala
    • Community
980-404-9600
Greenbrook Design Center
  • Home
    • Get Started
    • Our Story
    • FAQ
    • Meet the Team
      • Meet Travis
      • Meet Stacey
      • Meet Jeneane
      • Meet Taylor
      • Meet Heather
      • Meet David
    • Testimonials
    • Publications and Awards
  • Cabinets
    • Cabinet Options
      • Walker Woodworking
      • Dura Supreme
      • Cabinets by Cabico
      • Metropolitan Woodworks Cabinets
      • Fabuwood Cabinets
      • James Martin
    • Browse by Room
    • Cabinet Accessories
      • Decorative & Functional Components
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
  • Inside the Showroom
    • Award Winning Showroom
    • Design in a Day
    • Interior Designer
    • Randy McNeilly
    • Resources & Partners
      • Cabinetry
      • Countertops
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
      • Decorative & Storage Components
      • Kitchen and Bath
      • The Galley Dealer
      • Graber
      • Grouthouse Solid Wood Surfaces
      • Furniture and Home
      • Karran Sinks
      • Kessick Custom Wine Cellars
      • Lighting Resources
      • Nora Fleming
      • Spatial Solutions
      • Stikwood
      • Stoll Industries
      • Tile Resources
      • Vintage Vinyl
  • Our Process
    • 7 Step Process
    • Our Services
      • Kitchen and Bath Design
      • Millwork
      • Install FAQ
      • Interior Designer
  • Contact Us
    • Service Areas
  • Blog
  • Where to Start
  • Happenings
    • February Events
    • March Events
    • Event Gallery
    • Grand Opening Gala
    • Community
  • Search
  • Menu

Remodeling – As seen on TV versus Reality

Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.

They make remodeling look so simple.

We admit it, HGTV’s popular shows like Fixer Upper, Love it or List it and Property Brothers always give us a great renovation. A dreary, dated house is suddenly transformed into an amazing, contemporary home all within a neat, one hour timeline. Even though there have been times when unexpected problems and delays seemed capable of ruining the designated timeline and budget, the renovation reality TV stars always managed to find a way to stay on target, much to our relief. 

Unrealistic Expectations

While these shows are fun and even relaxing to watch they have created unrealistic expectations in the real renovation world and untold headaches for both construction and design teams. Here we share some of the top unrealistic expectations presented in the home renovation reality TV world and how they can lead to severe disappointments in the real world of renovation.

Unrealistic Timelines

While we would like nothing better than to snap our fingers and have your project ready to reveal in a mere four to six weeks, the reality check is that it usually takes longer than that, especially the kitchen. Before a remodeling project can start there has to be a plan which means having meetings with the architect, the contractor, and the designer. Once plans have been laid, tradesmen need to be lined up, materials need to be ordered and sometimes certain items, particularly the specialty ones, can be on backorder or require a longer lead time which may lengthen the overall timeline. After all of this, the plan can finally turn to action. 

This also brings in another point, reality TV has the ability to hire a large crew with many that are skilled in their trade. Though you only see a handful of crew members on the show, you can be sure that there are many more behind the scenes, many of which may very well be working round the clock to meet the insane deadline. Often when you try to push out such a large amount of work in such a short amount of time, there is a compromise in quality. Realistic timelines ensure that you never wing it, but there is a plan in place for the entire project. We want your project to go as smooth as possible which means we plan for every aspect of the project so that the end results are a quality project that you can enjoy for years to come.

Unrealistic Budgets

This is another huge area in the reality TV industry. We have had clients be surprised that we don’t match the remodeling numbers given to the participants on HGTV’s shows. One factor is location; things in Waco, Texas are going to be different in price than Virginia Beach or even Shelby, NC. The condition of the home, the amount of labor to be done, and the type of products that are chosen for the project all have an effect on the budget. Good, quality work comes at a premium price, the old saying, “You get what you pay for” is true. 

It is also important to mention the fact that some of the TV shows will receive discounted rates off of certain materials in exchange for brand endorsement or air time. One last point is products. Those items on your Pinterest board may come with a larger price tag than you realize and that is where we come in. We walk through all your options so that you can stay within your budget and get the most for your money. Our many years of experience in this industry can make sure you get as much as you dreamed about for your project without going over your budget. Read more about staying on budget in this informative blog post.

Products they don’t disclose

Everyone loves the part of the show where the homeowners finally get to see their new house fully decorated and absolutely perfect in every way. What HGTV doesn’t tell you is that when the film crew leaves so does most of the furniture. Often the homeowners receive a catalogued binder that includes the price of every item used in case they wish to buy it, sadly most don’t have additional cash in their budget. Read a few more facts about how HGTV’s remodeling shows operate here. 

There is also the small myth that you can find everything you need in a one stop shop but that is usually not the case nor does it end with just one trip. It can take time to gather all the items on your wishlist and may also require some flexibility on options. We never want you to go over budget or compromise on quality which is why we spend the necessary time with our clients while in the planning phase of the design to make that sure that selections are made and pricing is clear. 

There are positive aspects.

Though we may have pointed out how HGTV is more fiction than fact, there is something to be said for their shows, they spark ideas and creativity. They also show their audience that you don’t have to buy new, there is a lot you can do with the space you already have. So with these facts in mind, go ahead and watch that next episode of Fixer Upper, don’t forget your notepad so you can write down some good inspiration for your project. Be sure to bring that list to your next design meeting with us!

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Google+
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on Linkedin
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Did you enjoy this post?

If so, we invite you to sign up for our monthly newsletter for new post updates and featured projects from our designers.

Did I mention we only send these once a month?

Newsletter Sign-Up

Instagram

greenbrookdesign

Now offering virtual design meetings
Email 🖥 jan@greenbrookdesign.com for more info
Follow👉 @walkerwoodworking

Greenbrook Design
We enjoyed filming this and are excited to share t We enjoyed filming this and are excited to share the final results soon!
#greenbrookdesign 
#uptownshelby 
#electricfilms 
#filmday 
#smallbusinessowner 
#womeninbusinessrock 
#charlottesbackyardnc 
#showrooms 
#dreamteamhouse 
#filmedit 
#recordingsession
Are you frustrated because you can't find anything Are you frustrated because you can't find anything in your pantry? That is just one of the reasons we love including roll out drawers in our client's design. It makes it easy to locate everything and keep it organized too!
#greenbrookdesign
#rolloutdrawers
#kitchendrawers
#homeorganization
#pantrygoals
#kitchenproject
#storagesolution
#pantryorganization
#kitchenorganization
#kitchenideas
#kitchensofinstagram
#kitchenstorage
#storagesolutions
#paintedcabinets
WHY a Beverage station? A bar or beverage station WHY a Beverage station? 
A bar or beverage station should add functionality to your life and to the gatherings you host. It should also fit seamlessly into your home and complement the surrounding spaces.
Althought not quite finished, this beverage station will acheive all of the above! 
 
Metropolitan Cabinetry (offered at Greebrook Design) - 
Color- @sherwinwilliams  Inkwell
Cabinet Door Style - Frameless 
#greenbrookdesign
#builtins
#openshelving
#storagesolutions
#cltdesign
#installday
#kitchenandbathdesigner
#housegoals
#livingspaces
#instahomedecor
#redecorate
#luxurylivingroom
#homedecorinspo
#detailsmatter
#charlotteconstruction 
#sherwinwilliamspaints 
#sherwinwilliams
The bathroom is where you start and finish your da The bathroom is where you start and finish your day which is why the design matters.
#greenbrookdesign
#masterbathroomvanity
#soakertub
#bathroomdesignideas
#freestandingbath
#bathroominspiration
#bathroomstyle
#dreambathroom
#bathroomsofinsta
#newbathroom
#cltdesign
#charlotteinteriordesign
A designer's job is sometimes part interior expert A designer's job is sometimes part interior expert and part mediator as they seek to often help couples find a happy medium between each oftheir styles & expectations.
Heather does a wonderful job doing just this, blending ideas and designs along with function & aesthetics, resulting in happy clients.
#greenbrookdesign 
#meettheteammonday 
#kitchenandbathdesigner
We love our @norafleming display! #greenbrookdesig We love our @norafleming display!
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#norafleming 
#personalizeyourlife 
#hostingtips 
#partydesigner 
#colorfulhome 
#interiordesignideas 
#makehomeyours
What usually starts as an idea on a napkin, turns What usually starts as an idea on a napkin, turns into framing and walls, to a complete home renovation. Take a look into this stunning kitchen transformation by Walker Woodworking and Buchanan Construction. Swipe to see the final result.
#greenbrookdesign
#newhomerenovation
#charlotteconstruction
#kitchenrenovation
#paintedcabinets
#kitchengoals
#kitchensofinsta
#kitchendeisgnideas
#personalizeyourspace
#kitchenproject
#kitchenisland
#moderninterior
#contemporaryhome
Sometimes you need a little bold color in your lif Sometimes you need a little bold color in your life.
#greenbrookdesign
#boldcolors
#whatstrending
#bathroommakeover
#masterbathroom
#bathroominspiration
#colorfulhome
#societyofdesign
#dailydecordetail
#bathroomdesignideas
#bathroomvanity
#bathroomtiles
#tilestyle
Getting close to the END RESULT! Installation of Getting close to the END RESULT! 
Installation of semi-custom cabinets offered at Greenbrook Design, @cabicocabinetry , can be an alternative to custom cabinets. The clients got exactly what they needed in their new kitchen, and within their budget! 
#greenbrookdesign
#hellocabico
#whitekitchendesign
#kitchenrenovation
#installday
#cabico
#cabinetdesign
#kitchencountertops
#livingspaces
#kitchenrenovations
#kitchentransformation
#kitchenisland
#newkitchen
New tablescape in the showroom! #greenbrookdesign New tablescape in the showroom!
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#tablescapestyling 
#placesetting 
#tablescapes 
#showrooms 
#tablestyling 
#diningroomdesign 
#golddesign 
#tablescapetuesday 
#tablescaping 
#designanddecor
Each of our designs are rich in expression because Each of our designs are rich in expression because our design team takes the time to listen to our clients and learn their specific needs and what is important to them.
#greenbrookdesign
#homefabulous
#beautifuldecorstyles
#thedelightofdecor
#webelieveinhome
#interiordesign
#homebeautiful
#southernliving
#charlotteinteriordesign 
#closetdesigner 
#organizedcloset 
#walkincloset 
#masterclosetgoals
Who wore it best? Which white bathroom vanity woul Who wore it best? Which white bathroom vanity would you prefer?
#greenbrookdesign
#masterbathroom
#bathroomdesignideas
#bathroommakeover
#kitchenandbathdesign
#bathdesign
#bathroomvanity
#detailsmatter
#cabinethardware
#bathroomlighting
#dreambathroom
#bathroominspiration
#cltdesign
#newbathroom
#tileinspiration
Working together to set the industry standard in c Working together to set the industry standard in cabinetry. 

Nat Blanton, lead finisher, at Walker Woodworking is informing our Greenbrook Design team about Rubio finish, a finish product used in many of our custom cabinet projects.

Meetings are essential in any business and we think doughnuts are too! 
Contact us if you have a project to discuss. 
#greenbrookdesign
#staffmeetings
#designeducation
#alwayslearning
#buildingtheteam
#bestcustomerservice
#maketimefordesign
Meet the team Monday! #greenbrookdesign #meetthet Meet the team Monday!
#greenbrookdesign 
#meettheteammonday 
#dreamteam
From flash to flash, we love photo shoot day and o From flash to flash, we love photo shoot day and our amazing photographer @electricfilmsnc 
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#photographylifestyle 
#kitchenphotography 
#photoshootday 
#kitchenphoto 
#kitchenremodel 
#charlotteinteriordesign
Another install with Metroplitan was completed. #g Another install with Metroplitan was completed.
#greenbrookdesign
#installday
#cabinetdesign
#kitchenandbathdesign
#cltdesign
#design
#build
#kitchenrenovation
#kitchenreno
#homefabulous
This throwback kitchen is from 2009, when the onla This throwback kitchen is from 2009, when the onlays and French Country were trending, still this kitchen is beautiful.
Fun Fact: The island inspiration this came from is still in our showroom today. 
#greenbrookdesign 
#throwbackthursday 
#frenchcountryhome 
#kitchendesigner
Are you looking to redesign your home with a uniqu Are you looking to redesign your home with a unique design flair that reflects you? Our talented design team can help you with that.
#greenbrookdesign 
#ashevilleinteriordesign 
#personalizeyourspace 
#lesshousemorehome 
#charlotteinteriordesign 
#newyearnewhome 
#homerenovationideas 
#mountainhomestyle
Gray backsplash is a classic look! #greenbrookdes Gray backsplash is a classic look! 
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#kitchenbacksplash 
#tilestyle 
#kitchendesigner 
#kitchenlighting 
#tileinspiration 
#kitchendesignideas 
#lightingideas 
#personalizeyourlife 
#lightinginspiration 
#tilelove 
#kitchensofinstagram
Design is a worth while investment that provides y Design is a worth while investment that provides your family with a space that is exactly what they need. 
#greenbrookdesign 
#kitchenrenovation
#twotonedkitchen 
#bluekitchendesign 
#kitchenandbathdesigner 
#design 
#build 
#install 
#cltdesign 
#openconcepthome 
#openconceptdesign 
#tileinspiraton 
#kitchencabinetsideas
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Visit Us in Uptown Shelby

Showroom Hours

  • Monday 9 to 5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 to 5 pm
  • Thursday 9 to 5 pm
  • Friday 10 to 4 pm (First Friday’s extended hours 5 to 7 pm)
  • Saturday 10 to 2 pm

Make an appointment today for a design meeting!

112-1 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC
980-404-9600

 

GBD Logo

Visit Us in Historic Shelby

112 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC
980-404-9600

Dealer for

Walker Woodworking

 

Showroom

Call & schedule a showroom tour!
980-404-9600

Newsletter Signup

Greenbrook Design - powered by Enfold WordPress Theme
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Gplus
Three Benefits of Natural Light Pantone Color of the Year 2020
Scroll to top