HGTV - Good Versus Evil PART 2

                Part 1 of this article summarized what I believe to be some of the worst HGTV series', from a professional interior designer's perspective.  Of course there are always exceptions.  More recently, I believe that HGTV has integrated some slightly more realistic shows that expose the public to the professional aspect of the industry, and not just the glamorous aesthetic side---shows that do not discredit legitimate industry professionals, and fail to address the more technical and difficult sides of home improvement projects.  In Part 2, I address the more positive side of HGTV from my professional perspective.

DIVINE DESIGN

                Alright, I guess I’m a sucker for Divine Design.  Why?  I believe that Candice Olson (show host and interior designer) consistently delivers superior quality work.  She actually did attend and graduate from a CIDA accredited interior design school, which I can appreciate.  I myself graduated from a CIDA accredited program (Council of Interior Design Accreditation), so I can appreciate the grueling process and requirements of going through this particularly challenging caliber of study.  I believe that her commitment to formal education separates her from many of the other hosts on HGTV, which have obviously undergone no specialty education in the industry (or at least exhibit no trace of decent training).  Candice’s professionalism and sense of humor make the show enjoyable.  The excellent quality of her designs is a credit to the profession, and if I had to encourage viewers to refer to one designer/series on HGTV, Divine Design would probably be it.  While she never verbally addresses/acknowledges budget when developing her designs, the amazing end product I believe compensates for the lack of disclosure on the part of the network.  The series takes on more of a "perfect world" design approach, where there is no budget.  Candice stars on the show, along with three contractors, one lighting specialist, one painter/wall finisher, and one general contractor/builder.  Of course there are behind-the-scenes contractors and assistants, but this is fiction after all.  Again, if I needed to choose a designer on HGTV that would act as a representative for all professional interior designers, she would be the one.  She is friendly, easy to work with (or so it seems), and immensely talented.

HOLMES INSPECTION

                 “Holmes Inspection” is a show that addresses a very much overlooked aspect of home improvement projects:  BUILDING CODES AND PERMITS!  When homeowners are excited about demolishing a part of their house and rebuilding it from the ground up (or remodeling an existing structure) one step they often fail to address is getting permits.  On projects involving any sort of alteration to walls, roofs, or foundations, there is typically at least one permit that will be required, along with a building inspection to validate that the homeowner and builder have complied with all necessary building codes and standards.  Mike Holmes (show host and contractor) shoots each episode with a homeowner that has completed a home improvement project and later discovered that the conditions are not up to code (or they experience a failure of some sort, like a leak, or an electrical fire).  Often this is a result of their employment of a less than qualified contractor.  The show is constantly discouraging the use of cheap and under-qualified contractors.  Of course no one willingly employs someone under-qualified, but today, people have more of a tendency to hire CHEAP.  And as with all things, you get what you pay for.  While this is not the main premise of the show, Mike seems to get the message across that contractors are not all created equal.  They must be hired based on qualification, not price.  If the homeowner does not have the funds to hire a qualified contractor or specialist, then they should not pursue the project.  It is important for the client not to be ignorant about this because it is a question of not only taking care of their home, but complying with FEDERAL AND STATE LAW.  If a house does not meet certain codes, that is at the expense of the homeowner, not the contractor (depending on the contractor's agreement and insurance).  It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure their home is constructed legally, or there can be VERY heavy fines, and potential incarceration.  The client must also arrange inspections at the necessary stages.  A qualified builder/contractor should be able to recognize the stages that require this.  Some contractors consider these laws to be flexible, but when is the law flexible?  Naturally, it is the responsibility of the homeowner as well to do their homework, and not be ignorant about the required steps and codes for home improvement projects.  This is one major advantage to hiring an architect to do the job instead of a general contractor.  Architects must always be updated on the California Building Code (CBC).  A contractor may only be familiar with select codes that were changed 15 years ago.  In the end, the homeowner is responsible.  To conclude, as a professional, I appreciate the fact that Holmes Inspection stresses the importance of attention to the nitty-gritty details in home improvement/alteration. 

DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE

                This was probably my favorite series on HGTV, which regrettably was cancelled in 2009.  It doesn’t surprise me though.  It probably lacked the upbeat fast-paced humor that is found in less than professional shows like Design on a Dime.  It definitely lacked the encouragement of DIY.  Designer’s Challenge featured 3 professional interior designers in competition with each other to gain a client’s business.  Each designer consulted separately with the client to address their style, project parameters, and budget.  Once that was completed, they each assembled their own design, and presented it to the client.  The client then decided based on the three different design concepts which designer they would use.  The show followed the design development and execution, covering details such as structural adjustments (and the potential roadblocks involved), ordering of custom furniture and draperies (and the lead time involved), and the specific methods utilized by the designer to accommodate functional needs such as storage, lighting, etc.  Unlike the shows mentioned in Part 1, this show exposed homeowners to the practice of interior design as it applies in the REAL WORLD.  It showed various advantages of hiring a professional interior designer--- dedicated customer relations, functionality in the end product, and budget management.  The show also starts off acknowledging the details behind the qualification of each designer (education, affiliations, experience, etc.). As far as “real world” television series’ go, I believe this was definitely among the more dignified.

PROPERTY VIRGINS        

               

                Property Virgins features a couple/individual that wants to buy their first home.  In most cases they have a relatively tight budget (as do most Americans today).  The premise of the show is for a realtor to take a property virgin around to 3 recommended homes based on their budget and criteria.  I appreciate this show because it helps viewers realize that you cannot get everything you want unless you are willing to spend the money.  With restricted budgets, you need to be flexible in your requirements.  Details such as wood flooring, cherry cabinets, granite countertops, walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, walk-in multi-jet showers, large yards, and large master bedrooms come at a price.  Many guests on the show come in expecting all of the above, turning up their noses at all three properties because they aren’t perfect in every detail.  They are exposed to the reality that with a limited budget, one cannot have the world.  One needs to make compromises, or be prepared to spend more money.  When touring homes, often prospective buyers will see a wall color that displeases them, and automatically rule out that particular property.  Paint color is ridiculously easy to change, and at a minimal price.  When it comes to larger projects like kitchen and bath remodels, sometimes you just need to compromise and take the maple cabinets instead of cherry, or the laminate counters instead of granite, OR purchase a fixer-upper at a very low cost, and be willing to put in the extra elbow grease to make the house EXACTLY the way you want it.  In California, if you go out with 100k to spend, and want all the luxury details that you find in Architectural Digest (in a ready to move in home) you will be looking for quite a while.  Property Virgins features young couples who make compromises such as settling for the house with the smaller master bedroom based on their preference of a gourmet kitchen---or a bachelor who settles for small closets because he wants a large yard for his two dogs.  Among the shows on HGTV I believe that this is one of the most educational for younger viewers that want to buy a home. 

INCOME PROPERTY

                Income Property, as the name implies, features a homeowner who wants to rent out all/part of their property, and needs to make architectural adjustments to first make the space legal to rent, and second appeal to renters and increase profits.  I appreciate that this show educates its audience about the different building codes that apply, and how some homes may not be compliant (similar to Holmes Inspection).  It encourages viewers to see the hidden potential of an outdated space, and how a few extra investments can reap great rewards.  Investments such as: re-facing some cabinets; removing wallpaper and painting instead;  or replacing older light fixtures with ones that are more modern and energy efficient.  Replacement or alteration of heating/AC units can be immensely helpful to profits in the long run.  Any revisions made to a home on this show, whether structural or not, are described in detail as to how they comply with codes and how the revision will increase the rent cost/profit.  I appreciate how this show goes into detail about the REASONS behind the chosen revisions.  Some shows feature a homeowner painting a room without specifying why that color will benefit them, if at all.  Color can effect an inhabitant psychologically, so it is important to give thought to the color chosen.  Other shows may feature a contractor replacing someone's carpeting with wood floors, but they neglect to mention the cost involved, or the wood chosen and why it is appropriate for that particular client.  For instance, in a rental property, it is always important to make sure that the home's elements are DURABLE.  Someone who rents versus owns will be less inclined to make extra efforts when it comes to the maintenance of the space.  Therefore, the precaution must be taken in advance by the owner to make sure the space is low maintenance.  When it comes to flooring, maple is an excellent choice for rentals because it is very durable and low-moderately priced.  Such details exposed on this show I believe help homeowners get in touch with reality before they tackle a huge project that requires a huge amount of responsibility, and a significant investment.

               In conclusion, I believe there are some shows to avoid and some to take more seriously.  Those listed in Part 1 are ok for entertainment purposes, but are inadequate resources for those actually hoping to improve their home.  Part 2 lists shows that while maybe not the MOST exciting, are more realistic and educational.  HGTV is supposed to be an educational network, but like all networks, has its highs and its lows.  To HGTV fans, I hope my article has been helpful.