HGTV has inspired millions of homeowners with its stunning renovations and dream-worthy transformations. However, not all of its picture-perfect homes have stood the test of time. Some of the network’s most celebrated makeovers have started falling apart, leaving homeowners frustrated and disillusioned. Whether due to rushed construction, budget constraints, or impractical design choices, these 12 HGTV homes prove that what looks great on TV doesn’t always last in real life.
1. The ‘Love It or List It’ Nightmare House
Many fans of Love It or List It assume that the show’s renovations are built to last, but some homeowners have reported serious structural issues after filming wrapped. One North Carolina family even sued the show’s contractors, claiming that their newly remodeled home was riddled with poor workmanship, water damage, and unfinished details. Instead of their dream house, they were left with shoddy flooring, misaligned doors, and a slew of unexpected repairs. This case exposed the downside of quick reality TV makeovers, proving that rushed timelines can lead to major quality issues.
Other homeowners have echoed similar complaints, stating that their renovations prioritized aesthetics over durability. While the finished homes look spectacular on screen, the behind-the-scenes reality often involves cost-cutting measures and temporary fixes. In some cases, contractors used low-quality materials or skipped important structural reinforcements to stay on schedule. As a result, some homeowners have had to invest thousands of dollars in repairs just a few years after their episodes aired.
2. The ‘Fixer Upper’ Flip Gone Wrong
Chip and Joanna Gaines have built a reputation for their charming farmhouse-style renovations, but not every Fixer Upper home has aged gracefully. Several homeowners have discovered that the signature shiplap walls and trendy open-concept layouts were more about appearances than long-term functionality. One Waco homeowner reported that their beautiful wooden beams began warping within months due to poor installation. Others found that their newly installed kitchen cabinets were already showing signs of wear and tear just a year after filming.
Beyond construction flaws, some Fixer Upper homes have struggled with market value depreciation. Because the show made Waco a hotspot for homebuyers, some of the renovated houses were flipped at sky-high prices—only for the market to cool down later. Many homeowners who purchased a Fixer Upper house expecting a solid investment found themselves dealing with costly repairs instead. This has left some questioning whether the show’s renovations are built for longevity or just for television appeal.
3. The ‘Property Brothers’ Plumbing Disaster
Drew and Jonathan Scott are known for transforming outdated homes into modern masterpieces, but some homeowners have found hidden nightmares behind their sleek designs. One couple featured on Property Brothers claimed that their home’s plumbing system was never properly inspected before renovations, leading to major leaks after they moved in. They were shocked to find that their brand-new bathroom had water seeping through the walls, causing extensive mold growth. The show’s focus on quick turnarounds meant that some crucial repairs were overlooked in favor of cosmetic upgrades.
In other cases, structural problems arose because the show’s budget constraints didn’t allow for proper foundation work. While Property Brothers homes often feature stunning kitchens and stylish living spaces, some of the homes had underlying problems that weren’t fully addressed. Homeowners have reported sagging floors, improperly installed electrical wiring, and even faulty HVAC systems. As a result, what seemed like a dream home quickly turned into an expensive renovation nightmare.
4. The ‘Good Bones’ Home That Couldn’t Hold Up
Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen Laine’s Good Bones focuses on reviving rundown properties, but some of their ambitious renovations have struggled over time. One homeowner revealed that their beautifully restored house started experiencing major settling issues within a year of moving in. Cracks appeared in the walls, floors began to shift, and plumbing problems surfaced—all signs of deeper structural concerns. It seemed that in the rush to make the home look great on TV, important foundational work may have been overlooked. There have even been issues over the show’s refusal to adhere to lead paint laws.
Another Good Bones property had issues with improperly installed windows, leading to drafts and water leakage. While the show emphasizes preserving older homes, some homeowners have found that their “rehabilitated” properties still carry the problems of aging structures. Instead of feeling like a fresh start, these homes required additional repairs that could have been prevented with more thorough work. Though Good Bones homes have a unique charm, some have proven that cosmetic makeovers alone aren’t enough to ensure a house will last.
5. The ‘Flip or Flop’ Money Pit
Tarek El Moussa and Christina Hall made Flip or Flop famous for its dramatic house flips, but not all of their projects turned out as profitable as expected. One flipped home in California looked amazing when it was revealed on the show, but within months, the new owner faced severe roofing problems and termite infestations. The issues were so extensive that the home’s resale value plummeted, forcing the homeowner to pour thousands into unexpected repairs. Despite its polished appearance on TV, the house turned out to be more of a financial burden than a dream home.
Other buyers of Flip or Flop homes have encountered similar surprises, from faulty electrical work to improperly secured foundations — even evictions. Because the show is centered on quick turnarounds and high profits, many of the flipped properties prioritize aesthetics over structural integrity. Some of these homes were only given surface-level improvements, leaving future owners to deal with the real problems hidden underneath. Unfortunately, that’s the risk that comes with buying a home designed more for television than for everyday living.
6. The ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ Disaster
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was known for its heartwarming transformations, but some of its homes didn’t stand the test of time. Several families who received new homes from the show later reported that their houses were built too quickly, leading to poor construction quality. In one case, a home that looked like a dream on reveal day had major structural problems within just a few years. Poor insulation, faulty wiring, and cheap materials all contributed to rapid deterioration.
Beyond construction flaws, some homeowners found it difficult to maintain the extravagant features added during the makeover. High-end appliances, massive living spaces, and custom-built decor often required expensive upkeep, which some families couldn’t afford. In some cases, the cost of property taxes and utilities skyrocketed, forcing homeowners to sell their dream homes. What started as a life-changing gift ultimately became an unsustainable financial burden.
7. The ‘House Hunters Renovation’ Regret
While House Hunters Renovation showcases seemingly flawless home makeovers, some buyers have regretted their decisions after moving in. One couple featured on the show discovered that their newly installed flooring was peeling up after just a few months. The rush to complete renovations for TV meant that contractors cut corners, leaving them with subpar materials and unfinished work. Though everything looked perfect during the big reveal, it didn’t take long for reality to set in.
Another homeowner experienced major heating and cooling issues due to poor insulation behind the walls. Despite the modern upgrades shown on screen, the home’s energy efficiency was never properly addressed. This led to sky-high utility bills and expensive HVAC repairs shortly after filming ended. While the show’s transformations may look impressive, some homeowners have learned that quick TV renovations don’t always mean quality craftsmanship.
8. The ‘Designed to Sell’ Letdown
HGTV’s Designed to Sell focuses on making budget-friendly improvements to increase a home’s market value, but some of these quick fixes haven’t stood the test of time. A homeowner who purchased a renovated house from the show later found that the fresh paint was hiding cracked drywall and water damage. What looked like a stylish, move-in-ready home on TV quickly turned into a series of costly repairs. Instead of adding lasting value, the show’s surface-level upgrades left the new owners dealing with deeper structural problems.
Another issue with Designed to Sell homes is that the staged renovations often prioritize visual appeal over durability. Cheap flooring, hastily installed fixtures, and low-cost countertops may look great on camera, but they don’t always hold up under daily use. Some buyers have complained that within months of moving in, their cabinets started falling apart, and their new floors showed significant wear. While the show aims to maximize profit with minimal investment, some homeowners have found themselves paying more in the long run to fix the hidden issues.
9. The ‘Holmes on Homes’ Controversy
Mike Holmes is known for fixing shoddy construction work on Holmes on Homes, but even some of his projects have faced criticism over time. One homeowner claimed that while their house looked much better after the show’s renovation, the foundation issues weren’t fully addressed. Within a year, cracks reappeared in the walls, and doors started sticking due to shifting floors. Despite the show’s reputation for quality craftsmanship, this case proved that not every fix is as permanent as it seems on TV.
Some former clients have also complained that the show’s renovations, while extensive, didn’t always align with practical, everyday needs. High-end upgrades like custom cabinetry and luxury appliances looked great on camera but required expensive maintenance down the road. In some cases, homeowners struggled to afford the upkeep of the new features, making their once-dreamy renovations a financial burden. While Holmes on Homes often exposes bad contractors, even its own projects haven’t been immune to criticism.
10. The ‘Renovation Realities’ Horror Story
Renovation Realities set itself apart from other HGTV shows by highlighting the struggles of home remodeling, but some of its featured projects ended in disaster. One couple showcased on the show ran into major issues after filming ended, discovering that their DIY electrical work wasn’t up to code. What seemed like a successful renovation on TV quickly turned into a dangerous situation when outlets started short-circuiting. Instead of saving money by doing the work themselves, they were forced to bring in professional contractors to fix the mistakes.
Other homeowners featured on Renovation Realities faced similar problems when their amateur handiwork didn’t hold up over time. While the show embraced the idea of trial and error, some of the errors turned out to be costly in the long run. Leaking pipes, unstable flooring, and uneven tile work left homeowners with more problems than they had before their renovations. Though the show made for entertaining television, it proved that DIY renovations aren’t always as simple as they seem.
11. The ‘Windy City Rehab’ Legal Nightmare
Alison Victoria’s Windy City Rehab has wowed viewers with its stunning Chicago home transformations, but several of its renovated properties have faced legal trouble. Some buyers of these homes have sued the show’s production company, alleging that their houses had severe defects, including leaky roofs and faulty masonry work. One couple even discovered that their million-dollar home had persistent water damage that led to mold growth. Instead of a luxury dream home, they found themselves entangled in a costly legal battle.
Beyond the lawsuits, some of Windy City Rehab’s renovations have also faced city permit violations. Because the show operates under tight filming deadlines, some projects were completed without the proper approvals, leading to complications for new homeowners. This has resulted in delays, fines, and additional repair costs that the buyers never anticipated. While the show’s designs are undeniably gorgeous, some of its homes have proven that rushed renovations can lead to serious consequences.
12. The ‘Dream Home Giveaway’ That Became a Nightmare
HGTV’s Dream Home Giveaway is a fantasy come true for winners—until they realize the hidden costs of their prize. Many recipients of these multimillion-dollar homes have found themselves unable to afford the steep property taxes, maintenance costs, and utility bills. Some winners were forced to sell their dream homes almost immediately just to cover the financial burden. What was supposed to be a life-changing gift quickly turned into an overwhelming expense.
In addition to the financial strain, some Dream Home Giveaway properties have suffered from rushed construction. Since the homes are built in a short timeframe for television, some winners have reported issues like poor insulation, leaky roofs, and foundation cracks. For those who choose to keep their prize, the ongoing repair and upkeep costs often outweigh the initial excitement. While winning an HGTV home may seem like a dream, the reality can be far more complicated.
