Reality Design TV : It just doesn't happen that way.

A client asked if we can do designs like seen on the home shows on HG-TV and such. .  . you know in 24 hours? 

We knew the answer to this one:  "In real life, great design, design that is effective, practical and functional doesn't happen in 24 hours. But we sometimes wish it could happen that way when the ideas begin to freely flow."



The reality is that these are "design reality shows" not unlike the many reality programs that appear on TV.  For good design to develop, time is necessary.  

Time to meet the client.  Time to establish the project criteria.  And, most importantly,  thoughtful time to assemble the solutions and samples, draw the drawings and put it all together to meet both the client's expectations and budget.  That kind of detail and process comes doesn't happen even if you have a full production crew standing behind ready to run to the local big box stores to grab a package of hot glue. 

The client continued, "So how do they do all that work for such little money?"  

We knew the answer to that, too.  We read an article in MoneySense Magazine who did some investigations on what was the true cost of a certain realty design project. 

"In a recent episode of Income Property, host Scott McGillivray meets newlyweds Jerry and Amee. For $55,000, he transforms their 1,200-sq-ft basement into a fully furnished three-bedroom income suite, complete with a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. But is the price realistic?

We asked two contractors to price out the Reno below, and even without interior design fees, we found it would cost about twice as much. When asked about the discrepancy, McGillivray’s executive assistant Deidre Budgell said the show’s figures don’t account for contractor’s overhead, profit or the cost of furniture."   

•  The Real Cost of the $55,000 TV Reno Design was over $100,000. 

So while many find the design shows to be entertaining, like all reality shows, they don't reflect reality.   But sometimes... we wish it would happen that like in 24 hours and yup... for $55,000.

Good Design Just Doesn't Happen That Way. 

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE 

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