When it comes to those House Rules transformations, some of them have left us literally speechless.
But it’s also made us think, could a pair of average Joes really pull off that interior design challenge in just a few days? We’ve investigated to find out if the show and all those renovations are real or fake…
On the show, contestants have seven days (and sometimes even less) to renovate an entire house when in reality it’s a job that could take a lot longer.
This season, it will be even more intense, with teams tasked with transforming a high-rise penthouse on the Gold Coast. So when the judges complain about a bit of shoddy paintwork, you can see why.
The experts at Rosin Bros Residential Builders say, “In reality, a typical bathroom takes six-eight weeks to build, and a kitchen takes two months. This factors in lead time for ordering and fitting materials.”
While design expert and mentor Carolyn Burns-McCrave is on stand-by during the renovations, she’s not the only pro on site. The folks at Rosin Bros added that clever editing makes it look like the contestants are the only ones working but in reality, there’s a whole crew helping.
“Structural engineers, foremen, builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers – they’re all there working tirelessly in the background.”
While the contestants are hard at work, they have a helping hand.
(Image: Channel Seven)Despite having some help, the renovations and the homes are 100 per cent real.
Speaking exclusively to Now To Love in 2018, Chelsea Dunley, whose home was renovated by the teams in a special challenge said she had the shock of her life when she opened the door and saw former host Johanna Griggs standing outside with a television crew.
“I remember her introducing herself and I was like, ‘I know who you are! What are you doing at my house?’ They tried to interview me and I couldn’t even answer because I was in shock!”
And after seeing the transformation, the mum-of-one confirmed it was definitely real and not just for the cameras.
“I was initially in shock but good, happy shock. What I saw was so much for what we had hoped for, I was so overwhelmed, so grateful.”
Watch the moment Chelsea Dunley saw her renovated home for the first time in the player below. Post continues…
And then there’s the issue of money.
For many of us, we have to adhere to a strict budget when we’re doing a big interior design project but luckily for the teams, Channel Seven will pick up the bill for all those cans of paint, light fixtures and decor. However, contestants are welcome to spend more out of their pocket if they desire.
If only we had the budget for a House Rules style renovation!
(Image: Channel Seven)It’s not only the renovations themselves that have come under fire. Like may other reality shows, fans often question whether the drama is scripted or the result of sneaky editing.
In one of the more infamous instances that this was brought to light was when ex-contestants Nicole Prince took legal action against Channel Seven last year after she and her team mate Fiona Taylor were given the “villain edit.”
TV Blackbox revealed that in her testimony, Nicole claimed producers pressured her to say negative things about her rivals.
“In Tasmania, I was once again told to go into the house and ‘give it to Harry like you did in New South Wales.’ I ended up getting very emotional and asked to take the camera away but it was continually in my face. I broke down, as I couldn’t handle the constant pressure or bullying,” part of the statement read.
The network was ultimately ordered to pay compensation to Nicole for “psychological” injury.
This ruling came after long-standing host Johanna Griggs quit the series and hinted on Instagram that what went down behind the scenes may not be as it appeared on TV.
“Reality TV production has been an eye opener, they are such enormous beasts with so many people involved,” Joh wrote, as she announced her departure from the show after seven years.
Fiona Taylor (left) and friend Nicole Prince (right) competed on House Rules in 2017. Nicole later took legal action against Channel Seven.
(Image: Channel Seven)Want more House Rules content? Check out these links below!
EXCLUSIVE: Jamie Durie opens up on the toughest challenge in House Rules history
Meet the House Rules: High Stakes contestants for 2020
A complete timeline of Jamie Durie’s entire romantic history
EXCLUSIVE: House Rules: High Stake’s new host Abbey Way admits the job has been a challenge
Channel Seven reveals cast shake-up for House Rules in 2020
EXCLUSIVE: Why Kyly Clarke is feeling the pressure thanks to her new House Rules judging gig
