Should I let a TV show renovate my building in Chicago?

Question

Chicago - NorthcenterThe project is a two flat deconverted to single family, the rehab cost can be up to $400K. Per the casting producer, we are on the next phase of screening- whatever that means. Have you gone through this process? I am interested in feedback. I'm definitely not going through this trouble for a few grand. Frank

Mark Ainley · Answer

@Frank S. Would you be in the show or are they just using your property? We did an episode on "The Deed: Chicago" a few years back on CNBC and always happy to jump on a call to discuss that experience. We had to sign our life away in paperwork with little control of the shows outcome but we did what we could to ensure a positive spin. For me it was a bucket list item being on TV and it worked out for us in the end. Fun Fact...it was 14 days of filming over 90 day period for 42 minutes of show.

Marcus Auerbach · Answer

Hell no! Both owners and contractors are shackeled by extensive contacts, you have no rights during, before or after. it all subordinates to the production. You are not even allowed to reference the TV channel afterwards..

John Warren · Answer

@Frank S. I was referred to one of these when I did a flip in Berwyn, and I ended up passing it to a GC friend of mine. He and his partner did two side by side bungalow flips in Forest Park that ended up on the show. It was a cool experience, but from what I understand they ended up coming out negative in terms of ROI due to the demands of the show. They had to use the hard money lender from the show, use their agent, their stager, etc. I would only do this if you have a business that needs the marketing on the other end. If you are just a solo operator that wants to flip then I wouldn't go down this rabbit hole.

Samuel Pavlovcik · Answer

Make sure they get a Building Permit! I remember hearing about one of these shows in Chicagoland getting in a lot of trouble for doing projects w/o permits. The City has set their rules pretty strict on non-permitted work and they will slab on a Significant price tag in order to get cleared for the remediation...

Frank S. · Answer

So far, they only offered free design services - not architectural services. It sounds like a fun adventure but that's not enough for us and not worth our time. I asked for product placement to obtain discounts on appliances, windows, materials, and contractor's costs.I guess, my question is, how much can we save or get for free? Those TV shows make money on advertising. Heck, I would have my kids on HomeDepot PJs is they want us to.

Frank S. · Answer

Hi Sam, I hope all is well. Yes, permit is a must, the Alderman office is a block away and the neighbors are tough! They called me back as I was posting the original message...funny. I'm not a fan of reality TV, in fact I had never seen that show before the call, this was a random connection. The original pitch I received was that I could stretch my own money with sponsorships, but now it seems they are only providing interior design and I pay full price. Well, that's not happening if I am carrying all liability and costs. Also, I am not a "super fan" to bend backwards for them. So, " I was moved to the back of the list" . Alright, I said, call me if you change your mind. This was fun while it lasted. I will keep saving to do it on my own.... and with permits (mostly).

Frank S. · Answer

I'll check the show! Congrats, I hope you enjoyed the experience. I will look it up. On my end, I did more research on this specific TV show and watched a handful of (painful) episodes. They currently have a huge mess on their hands, it's scary. Each and every "deal" is a an absolute waste of time and money - horrid finances and mediocre designs. I don't care about being associated with their bad rep if I get the incentives, but taking all risk and putting all money is an absolutely absurd offer. I don't need the "advertising exposure". Well, if any contractors want the exposure, I'm game, but I won't hunt them down to make it happen. It's funny to see how people consume this as "reality".

Crystal Smith · Answer

We were approached about 4 years ago. Started discussions, but we didn't need the show's money or crews. I told the producer that we had no problems with the show following us, but we were not going to change anything in our processes/methods to satisfy the show. I guess we were terrible candidates because they never called us back.

Ned J. · Answer

It would make me very uneasy....... very easy to make stuff look great for a TV show and be total crap in person.I'm a car guy and I've watched a lot of the renovation car shows over the years..... I've later seen lots of them in person and some of them are 100% garbage when I thought they were pretty good on the show......I personally would want to talk with previous "contestants" or whatever you want to call them..... probably be best to do that behind the scenes since going through the production company they will either only refer to the happy ones or it will scare them off as you are too demanding and should just be grateful they MAY honor you with their offer.

Frank S. · Answer

They need to move fast, all the filming is worth is 30 minutes over months of work. I don't care if things are partially finished.