Wild World of Home Renos
Ever watched a home renovation show and thought, I could totally do that? Hold that sledgehammer.
Before you start knocking down walls, let’s talk about what TV doesn’t always show. From budget-busting surprises to DIY projects gone wrong, home renovations come with plenty of lessons. Some exciting, some stressful, and some that could save you thousands.
We’re breaking down the best (and worst) takeaways from your favorite reno shows so you can skip the pitfalls and create a home you truly love. Let’s get started.
The Budget Always Blows Up—Here’s Why
You’ve seen it a hundred times on TV home shows: A couple excitedly plans their dream reno, only for Surprise Structural Issues™ to pop up and wreck their budget.
The lesson? Always leave a buffer of at least 20% because once those walls come down, hidden problems will come out. And no, skipping the contingency fund isn’t an option unless you love stress.
Open Concept Isn’t Always the Answer
HGTV has us believing that knocking down walls means instant home bliss. (Fixer Upper and Good Bones are guilty of this obsession.) But reality? Open concept can mean noisy spaces, heating/cooling inefficiencies, and nowhere to hide messes.
If you love cozy, defined rooms, don’t feel pressured to go full-on “let’s smash everything.” Some walls deserve to stay.
DIY Can Go Really Wrong
Shows like Renovation Realities make DIY disasters look funny, but in real life? A bad renovation job can cost double to fix. If you’re not 100% confident (or licensed, in some cases), leave it to the pros.
Electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes aren’t worth the risk. Save your DIY energy for painting and decor. Even experienced DIYers recommend starting with small projects before tackling major renovations.
Not Every Trend Has Staying Power
Remember when Tuscan kitchens and faux Venetian plaster were the thing? Now, they scream 2005. (Fixer Upper‘s farmhouse style is already feeling overdone.)
The lesson? Go for timeless upgrades in permanent areas (like cabinets and floors) and experiment with trends in paint and decor. That way, you won’t be stuck in a time capsule home.
Permits Exist for a Reason
Skipping permits might seem like a fast track to finishing your reno, but one city inspection or home appraisal later can cause big problems. (Holmes on Homes is basically a cautionary tale on this.)
Get the right permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work. It’ll save you headaches (and fines) later.
Putting everything else aside, opting for unpermitted work can decrease your home’s resale value and also create potential legal headaches.
Cheap Materials Lead to Expensive Regrets
Budget renos are smart, but cutting corners on materials? Not so much. (Flip or Flop shows how cheap fixes lead to resale nightmares.)
Those bargain-bin floors and cabinets will wear out fast. Prioritize quality where it counts: flooring, countertops, and anything involving water (bathrooms and kitchens).
Durability should always be factored into your material choices to avoid replacements.
Space Planning Matters More Than Looks
A stunning reno means nothing if your layout is dysfunctional. (House Hunters Renovation couples often learn this too late.)
Think about flow, storage, and practicality before you pick trendy finishes. A well-planned small kitchen beats a huge one with a bad layout.
Always choose functional designs that make daily living smooth and increase overall home efficiency.
Structural Issues Can Break the Deal
You can paint walls, replace floors, and swap light fixtures, but what about foundation problems? It’s a whole different story. (Property Brothers always flag these as dealbreakers.)
Always get a thorough home inspection before buying a fixer-upper. Some problems just aren’t worth the hassle.
Hire a professional inspector to assess structural integrity before making big commitments.
Not Every Home Needs a Major Reno
Sometimes, all a home needs is fresh paint and a little decor magic. (Sell This House proves how minor tweaks can work wonders.)
Don’t fall into the trap of over-renovating when simple updates can make just as much impact. Small changes like updated hardware and new lighting can refresh a space affordably.
The Kitchen Can Make or Break a Home
If there’s one room worth splurging on, it’s the kitchen. (Love It or List It homeowners constantly battle over this.) A functional, stylish kitchen adds serious value, so invest wisely.
But remember: luxury doesn’t have to mean overspending; smart choices go a long way. An efficient kitchen layout improves both daily use and long-term resale value.
Outdoor Spaces Deserve Love Too
A beautiful backyard or front curb appeal can skyrocket a home’s value. (Yard Crashers and Curb Appeal prove this every time.)
Affordable upgrades like fresh landscaping, a cozy patio, or a stylish new front door can instantly elevate your home’s curb appeal. Plus, a well-kept outdoor space stays beautiful and functional no matter the season.
Lighting Changes Everything
Good lighting can turn a basic space into something stunning. (Design on a Dime nails this trick often.)
Natural light is best, but layered lighting such as pendants, sconces, and under-cabinet lights adds warmth and dimension. Opt for adjustable lighting options to allow for flexibility in ambiance and function.
Be Wary of Over-Personalization
A yellow kitchen might be your dream, but will future buyers feel the same? (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition had its fair share of bold-but-questionable choices.)
If resale is on your mind, save the daring decisions for easy-to-swap elements like paint and decor. The key is balancing personal style with broad market appeal.
Smart Home Features Are Worth It
Tech-savvy homes aren’t just cool, they boost resale value. (Million Dollar Listing proves this with high-end homes.)
Features like smart thermostats, keyless entry, and built-in speakers are small upgrades that make a big difference. Energy-efficient smart home additions also help reduce long-term utility costs.
Not Every Home Needs to Be “Flipped”
Flipping houses looks fun on TV, but in reality, it’s much riskier. (Flip or Flop often highlights how badly some flips can fail.)
If you’re buying to flip, do the math first—factor in costs, timelines, and market demand before taking the plunge. A successful flip relies on the right location, quality work, and realistic expectations. And when it comes to renovations, focus on upgrades that actually add value.
Before you invest, make sure you’re putting your money in the right projects. Check out the top trends in home renovation that add real value to maximize your return.
Reality TV vs. Real Life
Renovation shows make everything seem fast, flawless, and fun, but real-life renos? Not so much. Timelines drag, budgets explode, and the stress is very real. Use TV as inspiration, not a blueprint.
Smart planning (and a solid reality check) will save you from major headaches. The right pros can make all the difference, too. Thinking about tackling your own home makeover?
Just remember, if it looks too easy on TV, it probably isn’t.
But don’t worry. You can take smart, proactive steps to avoid major headaches. Check out expert tips on minimizing risks during a home renovation.
What’s your favorite home reno show? Tell us in the comments.
Read More From This Brand:
- Tips for Disaster-Free Bathroom Renovation
- Renovation Hacks I Learned for a Beautiful Home
- What You Need to Know Before Renovating
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