Home renovation shows are incredibly popular, offering a glimpse into the world of home improvement and design. While some of these shows have set the bar for inspirational and realistic renovation projects, others are criticized for misleading viewers or failing to deliver on what they promise. From unrealistic budgets to impractical design choices, not all renovation shows deserve the hype. To help you navigate the world of home makeover TV, here’s a list of six of the worst home renovation shows and six that actually get it right.
The Worst Home Renovation Shows
1. Flip or Flop
Flip or Flop has become a household name, but it’s also one of the most criticized home renovation shows. The show’s formula revolves around flipping houses with a seemingly huge profit margin. However, what viewers don’t often see are the behind-the-scenes costs, unforeseen issues, and frequent budget overruns that are glossed over for the sake of television drama.
While Tarek and Christina El Moussa may come across as charming, the show oversimplifies the process of flipping homes. Viewers are left with the impression that flipping houses is easy and always results in a big profit, but in reality, this process is far more complicated and filled with risks. The show fails to address the reality of renovation costs, time constraints, and market conditions, leaving fans with unrealistic expectations.
2. House Hunters Renovation
While House Hunters Renovation takes the basic format of House Hunters and adds a renovation twist, it still falls short in terms of realistic expectations. The show follows buyers as they purchase homes and undertake major renovations, but the timeline and budget often seem too perfect to be true.
In reality, most home renovations take longer than the show’s portrayal, with multiple delays due to weather, supply chain issues, and unforeseen structural problems. What’s more, the show’s idealized budget doesn’t reflect the true costs of a renovation project. The reality of living through a renovation is messy, stressful, and often extends well beyond the initial timeline, making the show feel far removed from real-life experiences.
3. Love It or List It
Love It or List It is another renovation show that can be frustrating for viewers due to its unrealistic portrayal of the renovation process. The format has homeowners decide whether to “love” their home after a renovation or “list” it to buy something else. The problem lies in the unrealistic renovations that are often completed in record time and without consideration of practical limitations.
On top of this, the budget assigned to the renovation projects is frequently insufficient to meet the homeowner’s expectations. As a result, the show presents a skewed version of what can be achieved within a reasonable budget. Homeowners are often left with a final product that may look beautiful but doesn’t necessarily meet their actual needs or desires, leading to dissatisfaction in the long run.
4. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
While Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is beloved by many for its heartwarming moments and large-scale transformations, the show’s unrealistic expectations and quick timelines make it a poor representation of home renovations. Homes are renovated in an incredibly short amount of time, often leading to rushed work and unforeseen issues.
The show’s overly ambitious approach can create a false sense of what is possible in real-life renovations. Not only does it overemphasize the speed of renovations, but it also glosses over the ongoing maintenance costs of these massive projects. The homes featured on Extreme Makeover are often over-designed and impractical for everyday living, leaving families with homes that look good on TV but are challenging to maintain in reality.
5. Fixer Upper
While Fixer Upper is incredibly popular and has made Chip and Joanna Gaines household names, the show often glosses over the hard work and unexpected costs that come with a renovation. Each episode showcases the transformation of a fixer-upper property, but viewers rarely see the true messiness and complications involved in these projects.
The timeline of the renovations is also often sped up, leading viewers to believe that major changes can be made in just a few short weeks. In reality, unexpected delays and the need for additional work are common during home renovations. While the final products are always stunning, the show overlooks the challenges homeowners may face when undertaking such ambitious projects on their own.
6. Property Brothers
While Property Brothers has a huge following, the show’s unrealistic budgets and timelines have drawn plenty of criticism. The brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, promise dramatic renovations at surprisingly low costs, but the reality of these projects is often far more expensive and time-consuming.
The show’s formula also relies heavily on staging, with many homes looking polished and perfect in the final reveal. However, behind the scenes, renovations often face setbacks, budget issues, and challenges that are not shown to viewers. The show fails to address the true extent of planning, design work, and costs that go into a renovation, giving a skewed impression of what it takes to renovate a home successfully.
Home Renovation Shows That Actually Get It Right
1. This Old House
If you’re looking for a home renovation show that balances entertainment with realism, This Old House is a perfect choice. As one of the longest-running home improvement shows, This Old House takes viewers through the entire process of a home renovation, from start to finish, without cutting corners.
The show is known for its commitment to high-quality work, skilled craftsmanship, and in-depth explanations of the renovation process. Unlike other shows that focus on flashy reveals, This Old House spends time educating viewers about the importance of proper construction techniques and the costs involved in home renovations. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to understand the true complexities of home improvement.
2. Renovation Island
Renovation Island follows a couple as they take on the massive project of turning an old resort property into a beautiful destination. The show is a rare example of a renovation series that accurately portrays the time, effort, and financial challenges involved in a large-scale project.
While the transformation of the property is stunning, the show doesn’t shy away from showing the difficulties and setbacks that come with such an ambitious renovation. The couple faces unexpected costs, delays, and even weather-related setbacks, offering a realistic portrayal of the renovation process. Viewers can see how hard it is to balance budgets, timelines, and quality work—making the show feel grounded in reality.
3. Building Alaska
Building Alaska focuses on the extreme challenges of building homes in Alaska’s remote and often inhospitable locations. The show highlights the difficulties of building in harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and tight budgets.
The show offers a refreshing departure from other renovation programs by focusing on the true grit and perseverance required to complete these tough projects. It portrays the difficulties of building in remote locations while still making the process entertaining and educational. Building Alaska does an excellent job of showing both the beauty and the hardships involved in home construction.
4. Grand Designs
Grand Designs is a British home renovation show that offers a mix of inspiring design ideas and realistic challenges. The show features homeowners undertaking ambitious and often complex renovation projects, showcasing the intricacies of design, construction, and budget management.
What sets Grand Designs apart is its candid approach to the ups and downs of the renovation process. The show doesn’t shy away from showing when things go wrong, whether it’s due to budgeting issues, construction delays, or design problems. This honesty makes it one of the most realistic and relatable home renovation shows on TV.
5. Home Town
Home Town is a charming renovation show set in Laurel, Mississippi, where Ben and Erin Napier work with homeowners to restore and revitalize old homes. The show is a great example of how renovations can be done with care and attention to detail while maintaining realistic expectations.
What sets Home Town apart is its focus on the emotional impact of home renovations, as well as its realistic approach to design. The Napiers often work within a budget and timeframe that mirrors the challenges real homeowners face, making it one of the more grounded shows in the genre. The end result is always beautiful, but the journey is shown with transparency, making it relatable for anyone looking to renovate.
6. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes
If you’re a fan of unique and one-of-a-kind homes, The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes offers a fascinating look at some of the most incredible and unusual properties from around the world. While the show may not focus solely on renovations, it does highlight the unique challenges faced when adapting and renovating unconventional spaces.
The show’s focus on architectural innovation and design makes it both inspiring and educational. It emphasizes the creative process behind renovation and construction, often showcasing breathtaking homes that push the boundaries of traditional design. Unlike other renovation shows, The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes takes a global approach, providing insight into how different cultures and environments influence home design and construction.
