We architects talk a lot about what we call “the HGTV effect”. For us, this refers to how HGTV has set up false expectations for homeowners, making our jobs more difficult. The process takes longer than on TV. The prices are higher (at least here in Massachusetts) than the ones they quote on the shows. For a while clients were asking me if I could show them the space in 3D, which I couldn’t do until I finally decided to learn that software about 4 years ago. On the shows these 3D transformations just pop up, which I have to admit is pretty helpful for seeing the transformation of the space. I’d count that as a good HGTV effect.
This week I spoke with Nathan Dishington, the owner of the construction company Jensen Hus in Natick, Massachusetts. He has been presenting his own home improvement show “On the Job” on his YouTube channel. I like this one the best of the four I have seen, probably because it is the most realistic and relatable for me. On the podcast we talked about why prices are so different around the country, how HGTV claims such low renovation costs, and how to find a contractor who is right for you.
So, what do you think? Do you watch the home improvement shows? Do you prefer This Old House, as I do? So far of the HGTV shows Bargain Mansions is my favorite. It is fun to see the spaces transformed, and I, too, am taken in by the pop up model of the new space. If only I could figure out how to do that in real life!