No other pair has inspired home improvement trends quite like Jonathan and Drew Scott, the twin hosts of Property Brothers, Buying and Selling, and Brother vs. Brother. The 39-year-old brothers have inspired millions of fans to pick up hammers, paintbrushes, and turn their drab homes into their dream homes.
"Any home can be made beautiful," Jonathan exclusively told Woman's World during the Chase Home Lending event in New York City on July 14.
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The Scott brothers are pros when it comes to home renovations — after all, they've been doing it since they were 17! And now with three successful HGTV shows under their belt, the brothers are helping others with tackling those pesky home improvement projects that every homeowner wishes they could do on their own.
But before you pick up that hammer, here are six mistakes Drew and Jonathan say you should avoid before you start your renovation.
Mistake #1: Thinking your renovation will be as easy as the ones on Property Brothers.
(Photo Credit: Instagram)
On Drew and Jonathan's shows, they complete major renovations in as little as four to eight weeks. They make it look easy, but there's actually more going on behind the scenes that you're not seeing.
"The process in order to do a whole renovation on TV is very difficult because you don't get to see everything," Jonathan explained to us. "We have so many professionals behind the scenes. My design team, we have people who are constantly looking for local artists and new stores to work with. It's a well-oiled machine. We do 17 projects in three months."
Unless you can afford your own team to work on your projects, be realistic and accept that your DIY project might take a little longer.
Mistake #2: Not taking finances into consideration.
(Photo Credit: Instagram
When approaching a project, obviously money always comes to mind. But when working on a project, whether it's updating an outdated kitchen or doing some light cosmetic fixes to a bedroom, it's important to think long-term about these choices as they might later hurt you.
"You need to ask yourself if it's a good financial decision," Jonathan said. "Take the emotion out of it. Think of it as a business decision."
Mistake #3: Having an "ego" about fixer uppers.
(Photo Credit: Instagram)
A home renovation is never easy, and they can be downright dirty, too. It's important to remember that for any successful project, you must check your "ego" at the door.
"Lose the ego," Jonathan said. "Put a little elbow grease into it. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty."
Mistake #4: Being afraid of technology
(Photo Credit: Instagram
Most renovations, particularly in older homes, are usually structured around updating old, dated decor and bringing in new, modern appliances. However, as intimidating as smart technology can be, don't avoid them! They can enhance your design tremendously.
"Samsung has these new fridges," Drew told us. "They have cameras inside and you can check on the app to see what on the shelves are missing."
He says his mom is a huge fan.
"That way she doesn't have to make multiple trips [to the grocery store]," Drew said. "Just take a peek."
If having a camera in your fridge sounds weird and Big Brother-esque, you can try light dimmers as well, which is a modern way of saving energy.
"You can have the light sensors that will dim lights when you're not using them or you can operate them off your phone," Drew explained to us. "That's a smart technology that's really great because it saves energy and it's going to keep money in your pocket."
Mistake #4: Not seeking a professional for difficult projects.
(Photo Credit: HGTV)
Rerouting electrical might seem easy, but it can be dangerous. Always hire a professional for tasks you don't know how to do.
"People think, 'Oh I can do my own electrical, plumbing, structural, and you cannot," Jonathan told us. "Not only is it unsafe for you to do your own electrical, you're required by law, and in fact, when you go to sell the home, if you don't disclose that you did not get all the permits you were supposed to, it's called a latent defect and you're liable if anything happens to that house further down the road."
Mistake #5: Not having fun!
(Photo Credit: Instagram)
Although home projects can be stressful, it's important to remember that building your dream living room or kitchen is a process that should ultimately feel enjoyable.
"If you're not having fun when making your dream home, something is wrong," Jonathan added.
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