A fixer-upper will not save you money {Myth Debunked}
The popular wisdom, if you want to get into a certain neighborhood, is to buy a fixer-upper (at a lower price) and fix it up. But here’s the truth: buying a fixer-upper is never going to save you money unless you do all the work yourself. Recently, a couple called me about a homebuyer support [...]
Avoid the #1 home renovation mistake we see. {FLASH SALE}
In 13 years of helping homeowners renovate (and hearing horror stories of projects gone wrong), we’ve seen and heard it all. But the #1 mistake we see homeowners making in the renovation process isn’t choosing the wrong contractor, or going off-budget, or trying to do the work themselves. The #1 mistake we see is failing [...]
To Flip or Not to Flip? {Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV}
Welcome to week 5 of our video series, Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV. Reality shows depicting house flippers abound. Is this path right for you? That’s what I’m covering in today’s video, To Flip or Not to Flip? Here’s what you’ll learn: When flipping makes sense and when it doesn’t The role a [...]
Reducing Renovation Sticker Shock {Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV}
Welcome to week 4 of our video series, Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV. This week I’m talking about how we budget for a renovation project. So many people have fear about looking at the quote or running the numbers. My goal is to reduce anxiety around the budget conversation by setting you up [...]
Creating a Real-Life Renovation Timeline {Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV}
Welcome to week 3 of our video series, Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV. On TV, a major renovation - from design to completion - is shown in 22 minutes. When Houseplay was on HGTV’s My First Renovation years ago, the video crew shot more than 80 hours of footage that was compressed into [...]
When Should You Hire a Designer? {Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV}
Welcome to week 2 of our video series, Debunking the Myths of Renovation Reality TV. This week I’m talking about whether you should hire an interior designer for your next renovation project. Here’s what I cover in today’s video: What you don’t see on TV in terms of the design process What you’ll save - [...]
Reality vs. Reality TV (Home Renovation Style)
Reality TV, home renovation style, is hugely popular right now. The before, during and after of a home renovation, packaged neatly into an hour, can feel immensely satisfying. Obviously there’s no harm done if a few episodes of your favorite home remodeling show is your go-to way to relax on a Thursday night. The only [...]
How to Prioritize Home Improvement Projects
Many clients come to Houseplay with questions about how to best plan the home improvement projects they want to take on. If you want to take on a lot of improvements, how do you prioritize? Whether you’ve moved into a fixer-upper, are just ready for an upgrade, or aren’t sure what to focus on first, [...]
How to Finance Your Home Renovation
On HGTV, home renovations look quick, simple and painless. Many homeowners are surprised by all the moving parts involved in a home renovation in real life. One area where Houseplay clients have lots of questions is how to finance their home renovation projects. As part of the free A Home You Love series, Tammy had [...]
Identifying Your Personal Home Style
You’re considering a renovation of your space...but you’re feeling stuck on the question of style. Maybe an interior designer has asked you a few questions and you felt like she was speaking another language. Maybe you’ve been flipping through magazines but haven’t quite put your finger on what would truly feel like home. In today’s [...]