15 HGTV Homes That Looked Amazing on TV, But Now They’re Falling Apart
HGTV shows make home renovations look magical, transforming outdated spaces into magazine-worthy masterpieces in just a few weeks. But what happens after the cameras stop rolling?
Many viewers don’t realize that some of those picture-perfect renovations don’t stand the test of time.
1. Fixer Upper Farmhouse Falling Apart
Chip and Joanna Gaines wowed audiences with a stunning farmhouse transformation in Season 3. Fast forward five years, and current owners report sagging floors and separating shiplap.
What looked charming on camera quickly revealed itself as cosmetic cover-ups rather than structural solutions. Moisture issues behind those pretty white walls created perfect conditions for mold growth, leaving homeowners with repair bills exceeding $45,000.
2. Property Brothers Flip Gone Wrong
Remember that jaw-dropping kitchen makeover with custom cabinets and a waterfall island? Months after filming wrapped, cabinets began warping dramatically from improper installation.
Rushed timelines meant contractors cut corners on essential waterproofing. When plumbing issues emerged, water seeped into flooring, causing irreparable damage. Homeowners discovered the beautiful backsplash was merely peel-and-stick material already curling at edges just weeks after the reveal.
3. Love It or List It Home Crumbling
Viewers gasped at the dramatic transformation of a 1920s bungalow featuring exposed brick and reclaimed wood beams. Unfortunately, contractors skipped crucial structural assessments during filming.
Six months post-renovation, foundation issues caused major wall cracks along those beautiful exposed brick sections. Homeowners discovered the trendy reclaimed wood beams weren’t properly secured, creating dangerous conditions as one beam partially collapsed during a dinner party.
4. HGTV Dream House Turns Nightmare
Winning an HGTV Dream Home seemed like hitting the jackpot for one lucky family. Glamorous interiors and cutting-edge technology impressed millions of viewers during the big reveal.
Beneath the surface lurked serious electrical issues that caused frequent power outages. Custom windows leaked during the first rainfall, damaging expensive hardwood floors. Smart home features malfunctioned constantly, locking owners out of their own rooms and triggering false security alarms.
5. Rehab Addict Reno Reveals Hazards
Nicole Curtis’ passionate preservation of a Victorian gem captivated viewers with its meticulous attention to historical details. Sadly, behind those beautifully restored walls lurked serious problems.
Lead paint was improperly remediated, creating health hazards for the young family who moved in. Knob-and-tube wiring showcased as “charming original features” failed inspection after filming ended. Ancient plumbing systems, merely cleaned rather than replaced, burst during the first winter freeze.
6. Fixer to Fabulous Job Fails Fast
Dave and Jenny Marrs transformed a neglected craftsman home into a showplace, featuring custom built-ins and an enviable outdoor entertaining area. Viewers never saw what happened just months later.
Mold appeared throughout those gorgeous built-ins due to improper ventilation. Outdoor entertaining areas quickly deteriorated as improperly treated wood rotted after a single rainy season. Homeowners discovered the charming original hardwood floors had simply been sanded thin rather than properly restored.
7. Unfinished Mess on Renovation Impossible
Russell J. Holmes promised to solve seemingly impossible renovation challenges for a family with a half-finished basement conversion. Camera magic showed a spectacular transformation completed just under budget.
Just weeks after filming, electrical issues caused small fires in two outlets. Ceiling drywall began sagging dramatically, revealing corners cut on proper securing techniques. Homeowners later learned permits weren’t properly filed, forcing them to tear out much of the televised work.
8. Trading Spaces Design Didn’t Last
Remember that dramatic living room makeover featuring fabric-covered walls and a hand-painted floor mural? Initial reactions showed delighted homeowners swooning over the bold transformation.
Amateur painting techniques on the floor wore off within weeks of normal foot traffic. Custom furniture built during the show began falling apart, with one homeowner reporting a couch collapse during a family gathering.
9. Farmhouse Fixer Left Half-Done
Jonathan Knight’s rustic renovation of a 1800s farmhouse wowed viewers with its blend of historical charm and modern convenience. Camera crews captured joyful homeowners celebrating their dream space.
After production wrapped, unfinished projects emerged throughout the home. Leaky roofing was discovered during the first rainfall. Plumbing installed during filming backed up regularly, causing water damage to newly finished spaces. Electrical work failed inspection three times after the show aired.
10. Decorating Cents Designs Aged Poorly
Joan Steffend’s budget-friendly makeovers dazzled viewers with creative solutions like contact paper countertops and repurposed furniture. Initial reveals showed ecstatic homeowners amazed by the transformations.
Fast forward a few months, and those clever hacks revealed their temporary nature. Contact paper countertops bubbled and peeled after minimal use. Repainted furniture chipped immediately without proper priming. DIY light fixtures created by the design team failed electrical safety standards upon later inspection.
11. Home Town Remodel Faces Issues
Ben and Erin Napier’s charming renovation of a 1930s cottage garnered rave reviews for its custom woodwork and ingenious space solutions. Cameras captured emotional homeowners in tears of joy during the big reveal.
Improperly sealed woodwork warped dramatically after humidity exposure. Space-saving built-ins began pulling away from walls due to inadequate anchoring. Custom kitchen cabinets installed during filming started sagging because standard hardware couldn’t support their weight.
12. Bargain Block Flip Falls Apart
Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas transformed an abandoned Detroit property into a stylish starter home for under $40,000. Viewers marveled at budget-friendly solutions that created high-end looks.
Beneath those Instagram-worthy finishes lurked serious problems. DIY plumbing work leaked inside walls, creating hidden mold issues. Electrical shortcuts caused frequent breaker trips whenever more than two appliances ran simultaneously. Foundation issues were disguised rather than addressed, leading to rapidly developing cracks.
13. Flip or Flop House Back on Market—Damaged
Tarek and Christina’s spectacular flip of a fire-damaged property became a season highlight. Viewers watched in awe as a charred shell transformed into a modern masterpiece that sold for top dollar.
Just months later, new owners discovered the renovation was largely cosmetic. Smoke damage had been painted over rather than properly remediated, with odors returning during hot weather. Structural issues were hidden behind fresh drywall, revealing themselves as cracks expanded throughout the home.
14. Battle on the Beach Reno Didn’t Survive the Season
Competition show contestants created a stunning beachfront property renovation that judges praised for its durability and coastal charm. Buyers snatched up the property immediately after filming.
Hurricane season revealed inadequate waterproofing as moisture penetrated supposedly weather-resistant installations. Decorative elements quickly deteriorated in the harsh coastal environment, with outdoor spaces becoming unusable after just one summer season.
15. Windy City Rehab Deal Ends in Lawsuit
Alison Victoria’s ambitious Chicago penthouse renovation became infamous for its luxurious finishes and breathtaking rooftop views. The multi-million dollar property appeared flawless on camera.
HVAC systems failed completely during Chicago’s first cold snap. Plumbing issues emerged in multiple bathrooms, leading to a highly publicized lawsuit that revealed permits had been improperly filed during filming.