The popular Australian reality TV show, The Block, is reportedly leaving a trail of financial distress across the country. Homeowners, inspired by the show’s glamorous renovations, are attempting their own do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, often with disastrous results, according to industry insiders.
Trades companies have told The Daily Telegraph that the show has sparked a surge in DIY renovations each year, with a recent increase in reality TV-inspired projects. This trend is partly fueled by the availability of artificial intelligence resources, such as ChatGPT, which DIY renovators use for step-by-step guides.
Unrealistic Expectations and Financial Pitfalls
The core issue lies in the unrealistic expectations set by the show. Many renovators use what they see on TV as a benchmark for how quickly and easily jobs can be completed, which is often not feasible. This leads to projects starting with inaccurate budgets, overly ambitious timelines, and a lack of understanding of the skills required.
As a result, many homeowners eventually find themselves calling in professional tradespeople to rectify botched renovations, leading to increased costs. According to trades companies, the problem is twofold: the show creates unrealistic expectations about renovation timelines and encourages misguided design choices.
The Reality Behind the Scenes
Part of the misconception stems from the show’s portrayal of renovation timelines. It is alleged that The Block does not always accurately depict the extensive hours tradies work to complete the projects shown on screen. Some tradies reportedly work in large teams, pulling 10-15 hour days, a luxury few homeowners can afford.
Critics argue that the show’s designs are deliberately dramatic, crafted to captivate TV audiences rather than appeal to the broader property market. Renovation experts warn that emulating these over-the-top features and high-end finishes can result in beautiful but financially risky renovations.
Expert Insights and Real-Life Consequences
Alex Taskun, director of GT Plumbing, notes that every year, The Block and similar shows inspire DIY renovations, often ending in disaster. Taskun frequently gets called to fix such projects, especially problematic bathroom renovations.
“People are mesmerised with all the glamour and special effects that TV does and think that they can get all these things done quite easily,” Taskun said. “It seems to be so easy. It’s definitely not. There is a reason our trades take so long and our compliance and governance and training is so important.”
Taskun recounts a recent incident where homeowners connected toilet waste water into a shower pipe, not realizing the damage it would cause. “Showers have a trap to catch hair and follicles and a water weir to stop the smell of the sewer coming through. When you discharge faecal matter into that, you are smelling poo 24/7,” he explained.
Common DIY Mistakes
Other common mistakes include improper waterproofing, leading to entire bathrooms needing to be redone. Sunshine Coast carpenter Sil Lazzara has been hired multiple times through Airtasker to fix projects inspired by The Block and other shows. He notes that while most people understand reality TV is for entertainment, some still have distorted views of renovation timelines.
“A lot of people get inspiration from those shows and try to give it a crack,” Lazzara said. “You don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes, but the only thing I would say with The Block that’s unrealistic is the timeframes they do it in.”
Looking Ahead: Caution and Realism
Renovating for Profit’s Cherie Barber, a professional renovator and frequent guest on reality shows, emphasizes that TV depictions are designed for ratings, not as a guide for real-life projects. As the trend of reality TV-inspired renovations continues, experts urge homeowners to approach DIY projects with caution and realistic expectations.
Moving forward, it is crucial for aspiring renovators to understand the complexities of home improvement projects and the importance of professional expertise. While reality TV can offer inspiration, it should not replace the guidance of skilled tradespeople and realistic planning.
