The Truth Behind Your Favorite Home Improvement Shows RENOVATING REALIT Y
Home improvement and renovation shows are as fun to watch as they are frustrating. They can be inspiring when you see design elements you want to incorporate into your own home. On the other hand, they can be infuriating as you watch a design expert or homeowner make a questionable choice. But one thing’s for sure: Home renovation shows are more popular than ever, making up the bulk of HGTV’s programming. However, not everything is as it seems. Lurking behind the scenes are truths that don’t make it to broadcast. Home renovation is boring. If you’ve been involved in a home remodel, you know that from start to finish, the process isn’t that interesting and can take weeks or even months. Shows leave out the dull details, giving viewers a feeling of instant gratification. For younger would-be home
average homeowner, home improvement shows defer some of the cost. Every home renovation show is one big commercial, and they get steep discounts when they use specific products and manufacturers. On top of that, TV shows often cut corners to minimize costs. Home renovation is time-consuming. To cut costs and speed up renovation, on-TV contractors often use quick-to-install materials. On camera, these materials can be dressed up to look Instagram-worthy, but in reality, they probably won’t last long in the real-world home environment. They want it to look as good as possible in the shortest amount of time, and the camera can hide a lot of the disappointment.
Once again, home renovation is expensive! As U.S. News reports, costs of materials can vary widely from region to region. The more materials you have to ship in from out of state, the bigger the bill. TV shows also save money through labor costs. They hire contractors willing to work for cheap or free due to “promotional considerations.” If the show reveals the total cost of a renovation (many don’t), chances are that number is off by thousands of dollars, if not more, depending on the extent of the work.
remodelers, a real home reno can be an eye-opener when they realize how much of a time investment it requires. Home renovation is expensive. Speaking of the investment, even a seemingly simple remodel project can break budgets. Unlike the
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Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta Zucchini and summer squash are arriving on grocery store shelves. Here is a great way to take these humble, delicious vegetables to the next level. This easy dish is perfect for early summer.
Ingredients
• 1 zucchini • 1 summer squash • 1/2 medium red onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. 3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize. 4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta.
Inspired by thekitchn.com
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