HGTV Shows. Are they accurate about Kitchen Remodeling?

Professionals discuss HGTV and other reality shows on kitchen remodeling and their real-world accuracy.

HGTV, The DIY Network and Houzz TV are all very popular with homeowners contemplating future home renovations. By the number of shows that are about kitchens it is apparent that kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular renovations. So how accurate are the these shows that focus on kitchen remodeling? What do the actual professionals that design and install kitchens think of these programs? Since this is a frequent topic of conversations among kitchen and bath professionals, I thought I’d share some of their comments from a LinkedIn discussion on the topic.

Most professional kitchen designers don’t mince words – and their opinions of many HGTV and other kitchen remodeling shows range from unprofessional to unrealistic to intentionally misleading.

Alternately, many professionals in the field recommend PBS TV shows. Programs like This Old House and Hometime are considered reliable sources of information. Here are some quotes from a LinkedIn kitchen professional discussion group:

 “It’s tough to combat and sometimes correct what consumers are believing to be true. I honestly don’t even watch HGTV anymore because its mostly just phooey and I get frustrated with the misconceptions and bad information being shown.”

 “As certified kitchen designers, we work very hard to make sure we are meeting codes and specifications. When we allow HGTV and Houzz to be our voice, we are NOT promoting professionalism.” [Note from Main Line Kitchen Design – Houzz.com is an excellent source for ideas but homeowners should use caution and work with qualified professionals]

 “I cringe when I see poor design or flagrantly wrong design that presents a safety, health or code issue to the end user.”

One designer observed:

“HGTV… not much different than reality TV, right? The more drama, the better, right? Everyone knows, there is a production company behind the scenes directing what they believe people will watch, right? (Here, Honey BooBoo, eat this bag of corn curls!). They need the ratings, right? So it makes you wonder then, why so many consumers think what they see and hear, is gospel.”

From another designer… “And so often consumers take it as gospel. ‘Well, I saw it on a program on HGTV!’ “

The comment we hear most often is that HGTV oversimplifies the kitchen design and remodeling process and generally includes unrealistic timelines and pricing.

Most professional kitchen designers believe that kitchen remodeling shows do a disservice to the kitchen industry. Far from being helpful these shows can actually be misleading to viewers who understandably believe the stories and expect the staged results that they see on TV.

Main Line Kitchen Design’s advice is watch these renovation reality shows and enjoy them for what they are. But, please don’t believe any information you get from these shows …and of course…

Bon Appetit!

Paul

We rate many HGTV show in the blog below:

We Rate Kitchen Remodeling TV shows.