Definitely one of my least favorite shows. I don't watch HGTV for pretentious drama. Plus, I can't imagine a real designer would not consult with her clients regarding major setbacks BEFORE making any compensating decisions. Hillary, once you know a project's cost exceeds the budget, you should speak to the client to advise and let them assist in the decision regarding 1) whether to continue at all or 2) how to adjust for the cost overage. You should not be so arrogant to decide that your decision is the one and only best decision. And, based on all of the shows I have seen, there is always a big problem that comes up during the renovation. Hello, time to change contractors and build in a contingency that allows for these ghastly expenses. And, David, sometimes you do listen to your clients, but sometimes you just argue with them. You would not be my realtor for long. When you show me a house I don't like, politely request that I go ahead and go through the house with you to point out specific things I do and don't like. Then use that information for the next showing. I understand this is a show, but your need to create interest is misled. I would much rather be informed about things than stressed into making a judgment. Like, why is this house more expensive than I thought it would be? Or why my criteria exceed my budget and what are some different options I can look at to fall into my budget range? And, do this politely and informatively, not arrogantly. For both of you, you should be there to advise your clients, not to decide for them.This message has been edited. Last edited by: dsnrwnb,
Agreed - what a fake show. Every episode there is a "shock" that Hillary finds some unknown problem that exceeds her budget. The home owners are all coached as to how to pretend to be polar opposites - most can't act their way out of a paper bag. Hillary and David always pretend to be at odds....but they certainly never paid a lot for acting lessons. Oh - what a surprise...it is David's last find that the home owners like!!!! The episode where Hillary's assistant pretended to be a complete nut case - worse acting on her part and even worse on Hillary's part. This show is 150% scripted - there is no surprise, there are no emotional flare-ups, there is nothing. It is a soap opera scripted on a home improvement show and is a shame to be on TV.
Like others have posted, I would just watch the last 10 minutes to see the makeover. But I also noticed that all of her designs are the same - same colors, same windows, same shelves with little decor objects ...
I also don't like that David and Hilary are only out to win the "contest" with each other, and don't care about what the clients want.
I actually like the show. I think the homeowners' expectations are unrealistic, and you can't know what's going on inside the walls/floors until you open them up. Some may even know the problems with their homes, but don't want to face the reality. I will say they are sometimes overly dramatic, but they are also professionals, who have been doing this for a while. I've only seen two episodes where the budgets met the laundry list of requirements.
In David's defense, again, he puts in the criteria for their search, and finds matches. Unless he pre-screens the house, he can't now what it actually looks like until he's in there. Also, sometimes the homeowners get into a house and then are all of a sudden changing or adding to the list.
