It was the dream of a lifetime for Mindy and Paul King – to build their dream four-bedroom, ranch-style home. So when they were given the opportunity to appear on HGTV’s hit show “Property Brothers” in 2019, they jumped at the chance. However, what was supposed to be a happy ending has turned into a living nightmare for the Las Vegas-based couple.
The Kings are just one of many unhappy homeowners who have taken a gamble on HGTV’s popular home renovation shows, only to end up suing the production companies and contractors affiliated with the network.
In the case of the Kings, they allege that their experience on “Property Brothers” was nothing short of a disaster. The couple claims that they were promised a signature Scott Brothers look – a massive new kitchen with an island, clean looks, and high-end fixtures – but what they received was far from it.
When it was time for the “reveal” to be filmed, the Kings found themselves asking, “What’s wrong with this? Why does this look like this?” And the problems didn’t stop there. They claim that they were left with water intrusion, electrical code violations, and a stove that was grouted to the wall, crushing the gas line and rendering it unusable. They also allege that the contractors did not follow proper procedures and that nothing in their house is up to code.
I have said it a THOUSAND TIMES: HGTV personalities are REALITY STARS, not real estate professionals. They sub out the work, do subpar construction, only show up when the cameras appear, & act like they’re George Clooney.https://t.co/E1cr2ImXF5
via @nypost
— Bernadette R. Giacomazzo #binders #journalism (@BGWritesStuff) November 18, 2023
The Kings say they have spent over $200,000 on their home renovations, but they have not received the promised high-end finishes and fixtures. They are now suing for fraud, misrepresentation, and faulty workmanship. They also claim that they have reached out to the Scott brothers for help, but to no avail.
The Kings are not the only homeowners who have been left with a living HGTV hell. On the now-canceled show “Renovation Impossible,” Arlington, Texas-based Ron Onyon and his family appeared to receive a $75,000 budget for kitchen and bathroom upgrades. However, they claim their dream home has turned into a $150,000 loss, as they were left with faulty work and safety hazards.
In another incident in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, HGTV star Tarek El Moussa is facing backlash over plans to demolish a group of nearly 100-year-old rental bungalows and replace them with a 138-unit residential complex. Longtime residents, some of whom are disabled, were given 120 days to leave their homes and were offered a measly $12,000 as compensation.
Outraged residents lashed out at El Moussa, who is known for his role on “Flip or Flop.” They claimed that he was promoting the project, which he dubbed his “biggest ever flip,” while they were still living on the property and facing eviction.
What was supposed to be a dream experience of appearing on a popular HGTV show has turned into a nightmare for these homeowners. The network has not yet responded to requests for comment, but it is clear that something needs to be done to ensure that their promises of high-end renovations for homeowners are fulfilled. As these cases head to trial, the dark side of HGTV’s cheery home makeover shows is being exposed, leaving unhappy homeowners to pick up the pieces.
