What It’s Really Like To Be On A HGTV Show? 6 Things To Know

I’m not going to lie, I’m obsessed with HGTV. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have an amazing renovation and become best friends with Drew and Jonathan Scott or Chip and Joanna Gaines?

I’d gladly sign up to be apart of any of these renovation shows if given the opportunity. If you feel the same way, here are some things you should know about HGTV and how filming a reality home-renovation show really works before ever getting involved.

1. It’s Filmed Out Of Order

Much like any TV production, things can be shot out of order. So, when those couples sit down to go over those “must-have lists,” it’s not necessarily their first time meeting with the designers/realtors.

2. You Aren’t Paid Much

According to Hooked On Houses, you make about $500 being on “House Hunters.” And sometimes, you don’t make anything, but you can take off things like working on your own reno off on your taxes, as this article explains.

3. Sometimes, You Have To Be In The Process Of Closing On A House

Sometimes (more likely, always) you have to have already have a house chosen before you “go searching” for a property. Such is the case on “House Hunters” and “Property Brothers.”

4. You Don’t Always Get To Keep The Furniture

One of the best parts of “Fixer Upper” is watching Joanna put her personal touch on everything. So, this is truly heart-breaking news for fans— participants don’t get to keep that furniture.

But, they do makeover the entire home, and if you’d like to purchase the pieces Chip and Joanna put in, you’re more than welcome to do so. Can you say cha-ching? Those dollar signs sure are racking up!

5. Sometimes You Must Be A Couple

With shows such as “Property Brothers,” you have to be a couple or a dynamic duo of some sort to even be considered for the show. HGTV has very specific casting criteria.

6. You May Not Become Best Friends With The Builders

While it seems like the couples and the people renovating these homes really form a bond, that may not actually be the case. Drew and Jonathan and Chip and Joanna, for example, are very popular, busy people.

So, enjoy your time with them on the show while it lasts because they may not be inviting you over for dinner anytime after that. But, how amazing would it be if they did, you know?

There you have it. Those HGTV renovation shows aren’t necessarily depicting the full reality of the situation, but hey, at the end of the day, it makes for good TV.

And I don’t know about you, but I’ll still gladly watch these programs because I know they’ll play out just how I hoped they did, each and every time, in my own little fantasy world.

No matter how staged these home renovations may be, I’ll always be a fan of the network because you know what? That’s some quality entertainment, right there, if you ask me.