LOS ANGELES, Colo., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Many U.S. cable TV shows, such as "While You Were Out," do complete renovations in a weekend, but some suggest a reality check is in order.
The time and money needed to renovate a room, may be much more than the weekend and the $1,500 to $2,000 spent on many of the programs, the Los Angles Times reported.
"I'm impressed with the creativity and like that the shows expose people to good design, but reality doesn't come with all the perks that these TV shows do: Real people don't have crews of free labor," said Los Angeles based interior designer Gary Gibson.
"In reality, a completely remodeled kitchen takes 12 or more weeks, particularly if you're making structural changes, and you can't do it for $1,500."
While many of the programs pay the same for supplies at Home Depot, other suppliers, particularly fabric and home accessory sources, donate products to the show.
But the most expensive part of any home remodeling job, is labor. Although the shows differ, they usually have one or two designers, one or two master carpenters and often an assistant, plus one or more people devoted to accessorizing, sewing and painting.
