Home homeowners who sign up to have their homes redecorated and remodeled on a reality Television are having regrets. They say they got stuck paying thousands of dollars afterwards as a result of TV renovations.
Give Consideration to the Television Home Makeover
Attorneys warn: It’s important to read the fine print before agreeing to these TV shows. On these reality decorating shows, homeowners aren’t often in complete power over what happens to their home. They may dislike the design in the end. Further, to meet production schedules, work often has to be rushed and whenever an error is made, the homeowner may get stuck footing the bill, particularly as soon as the cameras have stopped rolling.
Another lesson these homeowners are learning: Bigger tax bills. They may be required to pay a higher tax bill due to receiving gifts of new high-end appliances or furniture. In addition they might see higher property taxes because of the upgraded additions made to the home.
Some owners are taking the TV shows to court. Deena Murphy and Timothy Sullivan from North Carolina sued the production company and contractor for HGTV’s “Love It or List It” this past year, alleging they ruined their rental home and increased their costs. The couple claims they had to pay the production company $140,000 for a contractor. The couple was dissatisfied with the renovation in the end, and in addition they allege in the lawsuit that the materials used were low quality, the floors were “irreparably damaged” and that some windows were painted shut.
Jerry Glover, entertainment attorney, says homeowners shouldn’t completely discredit every one of the work done on these decorating Television shows, however.
“A lot of good work is actually done” on these reality shows, says Glover, an attorney with Leavens, Strand & Glover in Chicago. “But know that there’s a risk.”
Glover encourages homeowners to consult an attorney before appearing on any makeover Television show to have the contract thoroughly vetted to make sure they discover their risks. In many cases, homeowners sign away their right to sue or seek damages if anything in the remodels go wrong, Glover says. Also, he states that it’s important homeowners discuss with an accountant beforehand to understand the full tax ramifications too and avoid any post-sticker shock from their tax bill.
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