8 times HGTV left homeowners with regret (and bills)

HGTV makes home makeovers look effortless—fast timelines, flawless finishes, and smiling families walking into their “dream homes.” But off-camera, things can look a lot different.

Some homeowners have come forward to share how they were left with unfinished projects, unexpected costs, or designs that didn’t hold up once the cameras stopped rolling. These are real examples of when HGTV magic came with a price tag.

“Love It or List It” left one couple with a mess

In 2016, a North Carolina couple featured on Love It or List It sued the production company after their “renovation” allegedly left their home in disrepair. They claimed poor workmanship and code violations, saying contractors weren’t the ones they’d expected.

While the lawsuit was later settled, it revealed a reality many viewers never see: the show’s design team manages multiple projects at once, and the work is often handled by third-party crews—not the on-screen stars.

“Fixer Upper” clients didn’t know the real price tag

Fixer Upper made Waco famous, but many participants have admitted the budgets shown on TV weren’t realistic. Homeowners are required to have at least $30,000 in renovation funds before filming begins, and they often pay more than what’s shown.

The furniture and decor that make the “reveal” so stunning? Those belong to the show—and they’re not included unless the homeowners pay extra afterward. Once the cameras roll out, many move into beautiful but mostly empty houses.

“Property Brothers” renovations came with delays and damage

In 2021, Las Vegas homeowners featured on Property Brothers: Forever Home sued the local construction company behind their renovation. They alleged uneven floors, wrong materials, and unfinished work after spending over $100,000.

Although the Scott brothers themselves weren’t directly named, the lawsuit shed light on how show timelines create pressure for fast turnarounds. Speed looks great on TV, but rushed craftsmanship doesn’t hold up in real life.

“Home Town” homeowners faced serious paint issues

A 2022 Mississippi couple who appeared on Home Town reported major peeling paint and moisture problems within a year of their renovation. They told local reporters that repairs were extensive and had to be paid out of pocket.

Ben and Erin Napier are known for being hands-on and kind, but the show still works with production deadlines and independent contractors. Even good intentions can lead to quick fixes that don’t last under real-world conditions.

“Windy City Rehab” turned into a legal storm

The hit HGTV show Windy City Rehab faced multiple lawsuits in Chicago after homeowners said their renovations caused leaks, structural issues, and financial losses. One couple claimed their $1.3 million home suffered “shoddy work and misrepresentation.”

Host Alison Victoria eventually split with her contractor partner after city permit violations and mounting lawsuits. It’s a reminder that TV-scale construction often comes with real-world complications.

“Home Free” promised a house—but not the one they thought

In Home Free, contestants believed they were competing to win a dream home. Later, they discovered the show’s “twist” — the homes were awarded to other people. Several participants told reporters they felt misled and emotionally blindsided.

The production defended the format as “inspirational,” but many viewers saw it differently. What looked like generosity on screen felt manipulative off camera for the people who poured weeks into the competition.

“Dream Home Giveaway” winners couldn’t afford to stay

HGTV’s Dream Home Giveaway sounds like the ultimate fantasy, but winners often sell within months. The reason? Taxes. The annual property taxes, maintenance, and insurance on multimillion-dollar homes can exceed $100,000 a year.

Most winners quickly realize they can’t afford to keep the prize. They either sell or take the cash option, turning what seems like a dream into a complicated financial decision.

“Renovation Island” owners faced financial reality

Renovation Island followed Bryan and Sarah Baeumler as they restored a Bahamian resort. The project looked idyllic on screen, but the couple later admitted it nearly bankrupted them. Delays, hurricanes, and pandemic shutdowns pushed them millions over budget.

The resort eventually reopened—but it’s a reminder that “big dream” projects don’t always come with fairy-tale endings. Even experienced renovators can underestimate the true cost of time, labor, and logistics.