Property Brothers - General Discussion

[Missy Vixen]

Last night: Another couple that I wouldn't cross the street to talk to. It was an hour of my life I'm never getting back, too.

The Property Brothers' production group must be attempting to ratchet up the drama/conflict this season; watching a spoiled young couple do nothing but complain and act like the crews that actually finish their homes don't know what they're doing is tedious at best. I'm wondering if I should stop watching the episodes until the season's over and fast forward through the ones that are less than enjoyable.

I would have crammed her stairs runner and her pot filler up her butt, too. Budgets mean things, especially since her husband did nothing but bitch and moan about "how much" this was costing. Yo, dude: Buy a house in Canada, it's not cheap.

I told my husband last night that if they showed up at our front door with plans to renovate, I'd clear out the irreplaceable jewelry, pictures, etcetera, pack some clothes and the pets, and hand them the keys on the way out the door. We've all seen enough of their work to know they'd do a beautiful job.

[Nysha]

One thing I've learned from watching Property Brothers and other HGTV shows is what I like & dislike. I especially dislike grey walls, white subway tile, laminate flooring, and apron/farm sinks.

It was pretty obvious from all the add-ons this week's wife was getting that staying within budget was not a major concern. I would have loved to see that ehy went $10,000 over b/c the wife wouldn't stop buying stuff.

[chessiegal]

I never watch this show - don't care for them or the fake premise the show is based on, but will be watching their new show in New Orleans airing this week. I love the city and we have family we visit who live in Uptown, so am interested in seeing the houses. I hope the house porn is enough to keep me watching.

Edited November 21, 2016 by chessiegal

[Missy Vixen]

Are we supposed to wait until another forum is added for the New Orleans shows, or do we respond here? It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, so I'll make a comment.

I have noticed the shelves of "accessories" the Property Brothers insist on including in every design. I hope one of their sponsors is Swiffer, because I can't imagine dusting all that crap. Seriously? I think the room looks better without 23984732 breakable, dustable items. One might also state that it would be impossible to have children in the rooms they design, but maybe they aren't concerned with that type of thing.

I liked Jonathan's design the most, but again, too much dusting.

I also wondered how much those houses would sell for after the reno.

[chessiegal]

I think they are giving the houses to New Orleans as part of the rebuilding efforts. We have family in NO and every year when we visit we notice how much rebuilding needs to be done.

My husband watched with me (I don't watch their shows, just watched this one because of location), and we both thought both end products were hideous.

Edited November 25, 2016 by chessiegal

[laredhead]

I quit watching this show about a year ago because most of the renovations began to look the same and the manufactured drama in each episode was just that - manufactured.  

I live in Louisiana, so I'm watching the New Orleans episodes.  I'm a big fan of Scott Bakula and NCIS New Orleans, so I was super happy to see him as the first judge.  That finished house is going to stick out like a sore thumb in the neighborhood where it is located.  Is it going to be sold to an individual(s) or auctioned off as a charitable project?  Earlier this week our local paper in Baton Rouge ran an article about the designers each brother is working with, but the article did not elaborate on the sale details.  

[MsTree]

Since Jonathan & Drew have multiple shows on HGTV, I thought it would be proper to have the NO topic separate for those of us who are only watching this particular series.  I always enjoy brother vs. brother, and look forward to seeing the entire finished product.

[chessiegal]

My husband and I only watched as we have family in NO and visit yearly. We thought the end products of both brothers were hideous. Watching reminded me why I never watch their shows. Not sure we'll watch anymore of this series.

[laredhead]

I posted this on the general site, but am posting it here now that a PBNO discussion has been established.

I quit watching this show about a year ago because most of the renovations began to look the same and the manufactured drama in each episode was just that - manufactured.  

I live in Louisiana, so I'm watching the New Orleans episodes.  I'm a big fan of Scott Bakula and NCIS New Orleans, so I was super happy to see him as the first judge.  That finished house is going to stick out like a sore thumb in the neighborhood where it is located.  Is it going to be sold to an individual(s) or auctioned off as a charitable project?  Earlier this week our local paper in Baton Rouge ran an article about the designers each brother is working with, but the article did not elaborate on the sale details.  

[Honey]

Who "won" the first episode?  I fell asleep with 6 minutes left.  :(  I assume that Jonathan did because his was the best IMO.  The pocket doors, tin ceiling, and the built in shelves were so nice.

[MsTree]

2 hours ago, Honey said:

Who "won" the first episode?

Jonathan won, but other than the ceiling, I thought the finished room looked a bit cluttered.

16 hours ago, laredhead said:

That finished house is going to stick out like a sore thumb in the neighborhood where it is located

I was wondering about that, but aren't they leaving both "front doors" so it won't be as noticeable? 

I think having the width is better than one long narrow room, but what do I know ;-)

[twilightzone]

These guys are nothing more than a couple of fast talking, flim flam men - who always over promises - with the client ultimately ending up sacrificing and paying more money.

I find their constant hamming for the camera SO ANNOYING.  They are not funny.  And they are rude and condescending to their clients.

All the purchases the brothers talk their clients into are obviously in need of complete makeovers, yet they only focus on a couple areas/rooms.   And the final result is as much as basic home décor - as it is home design.

Edited November 28, 2016 by twilightzone

[Lovecat]

On 11/27/2016 at 2:34 AM, MsTree said:

I was wondering about that, but aren't they leaving both "front doors" so it won't be as noticeable? 

I'm pretty sure they said that they can't significantly change the outside, due to the property's location in a historic district.  That's why the guy from the historic board was there telling Jonathan a) how to handle the front window; and b) that the siding would need to be replaced on the whole house, because it was not in keeping with the period the house was built.  Anything visible from the outside will need to be approved by that board.

[Albino]

On 11/27/2016 at 0:34 AM, MsTree said:

...aren't they leaving both "front doors" so it won't be as noticeable? 

Yes they are.  Which leads me to wonder where the new entryway to Drew's place is?  Based on the last episode, I guess it's in the living room because it appears that's where Koda and Drew entered (they walked past that hideous 70's shelf/etagere thing on their way to the kitchen).  But it's never indicated on the architectural rendering they seem to show every 8 minutes and it drives me crazy LOL.

I would have liked to have seen a bit about the planning of where to put the door, getting it approved, choosing an appropriate door, installation, etc.  Seems kind of like an important decision.  

Was not a fan of the over-plastering of the brick fireplace.  A few patches here and there, but most - if not all - of it was purely decorative and while the guy did  a great job, there was just too much of it.  More bricks, less plaster please!

Edited December 3, 2016 by Albino

[MsTree]

Thanks Albino...and I totally agree with you re: the over-plastering. It ruined the overall look of the room.

[Honey]

I HATED the gold accents (silverware, etc.) Drew used in the kitchen.  Yuck!  That shit seems to be coming back into style, and I have no idea why.  It's butt ugly, IMO.

[Albino]

Each of these rooms seem so overdesigned, overdecorated, overaccessorized.  Jampacked with tchotchkes, trinkets, trumpets, and shiny things.  On the walls, the floors, the tables, the windows and now...the ceilings.  We pretty much only see one or two rooms per episode...can't imagine what the overall effect of the entire home is when you actually walk through.  I get that they're trying to capture the "New Orleans spirit" or whatever but man, it's really suffocating.

Normally I like the rooms on regular Property Brothers shows, but this is crazy.  

[camom]

I wish they would be judged on the work done and not on the decorating, furniture, etc.  I'd like to see the real estate people at the end go see empty houses to determine the value.

[Madding crowd]

I agree there is some overdecorating but I don't want to see empty rooms, I see enough of that on every other HGTV show. I like seeing decorated rooms. I have to say though, I have never seen a house in real life where people keep the dining room table set at all times. Wouldn't your plates and silver wear get dusty?

[crazy4tv]

So Jonathan won. I wasn't at all surprised.  He had higher ceilings and those pocket doors. Everything else was about the same, unless the homeowner who gets the back house also gets exclusive use of any backyard space. And Drew's fireplace was non-functioning I think. It looked like he put candles in it, so it was really just taking up space no matter how "cool" the 4-sided aspect was.

I think I'd take something off the value of Jonathan's house for the fact he painted all that trim black; I hate black trim and it's going to be such a pain to paint it white. But maybe the future homeowners will like it.

[Maharincess]

I didn't watch the series but caught the finale last night.  Damn, both of those houses were just too much.  Too much stuff EVERYWHERE. I would go crazy living in a place like that.  I hated Drew's fireplace. 

[Percysowner]

So we never saw the entrance to Drew's place at all. I wonder why. Is it possible they didn't finish it in time? Or maybe the cameras weren't allowed on that side (which seems unlikely). Plus I only remember seeing 3 sides of the quad fireplace. Did I miss one? Or did they maybe plaster over it and just pretend they didn't?

[WildPlum]

Normally I can take or leave their antics, but this one was just too much. Both brothers just whined all through the episodes "but I have to beat my brother,"  clearly irritated the heck out of the actual contractors (Drew in particular who apparently couldn't stay around the property long enough to watch the construction to catch that an entire wall and doorway had been framed wrong). The designs were horrible, overly ornate and gaudy and filled with useless "decor from Joss and Main" items.

I don't usually have a problem accepting that they do none of the design and very, very little of the actual construction (what Drew does I have no idea, he can't POSSIBLY be a licensed real estate agent or broker in that many states/countries and clients have already signed on a home before filming starts). Jonathan doesn't have to be an actual contractor to do his little construction feature bits, they just need a lead contractor with a local license.

Also, "Cheeto" is not an attractive exterior color, no matter how much teal and white it is paired with. If you are going to go for an orange, co for something "Calypso" rather than "Artificial Snack Food."

Edited December 18, 2016 by WildPlum

[tessaforever]

2 hours ago, WildPlum said:

Normally I can take or leave their antics, but this one was just too much. Both brothers just whined all through the episodes "but I have to beat my brother,"  clearly irritated the heck out of the actual contractors (Drew in particular who apparently couldn't stay around the property long enough to watch the construction to catch that an entire wall and doorway had been framed wrong). The designs were horrible, overly ornate and gaudy and filled with useless "decor from Joss and Main" items.

Yeah, there was a lot of whining. I'm just glad that Jonathan won, because he's a sore loser and I didn't have to watch him pout. I knew Drew would handle a loss better. Overall I did like Jonathan's better (I actually loved that teal bathroom - it was my favorite space in either house). I did like Drew's kitchen better except for the banquette. I hate banquettes. 

My husband and I bought a model home that had been a model for 4 years (or show home as they call it in Canada). It came fully decorated and furnished and we got to keep everything, although a lot of it was cheap Ikea or HomeGoods stuff that we didn't want anyway. All the tables were set, and not only was everything dusty, but the sun fades cloth napkins and placemats over time so they were unusable. I guess designers think the tables look better fully set. 

This show really was like a 4 hour Joss and Main commercial!

[Missy Vixen]

On 12/18/2016 at 0:38 PM, tessaforever said:

This show really was like a 4 hour Joss and Main commercial!

 

They must have lost their contract with Wayfair.

I was happy to see New Orleans in the mini-series, but if I'm getting sick of the Property Brothers, they're overexposed. They're real estate agents and brokers! They're design experts! They go antiquing to find the perfect exterior accent! They sing! They dance! Did I mention that Jonathan is an award-winning illusionist? ENOUGH! Seriously. Maybe I'm a little burned out because I have seen the video of Drew's singing "Marry Me" to his new fiancee on every social media platform multiple times this week, but damn. Maybe it's time to find some brothers who aren't model-handsome, allegedly perfect and can decorate using any other medium than quartz waterfall on kitchen islands, subway tile, open concept, and a wine refrigerator.

[chessiegal]

37 minutes ago, Missy Vixen said:

They must have lost their contract with Wayfair.

I was happy to see New Orleans in the mini-series, but if I'm getting sick of the Property Brothers, they're overexposed. They're real estate agents and brokers! They're design experts! They go antiquing to find the perfect exterior accent! They sing! They dance! Did I mention that Jonathan is an award-winning illusionist? ENOUGH! Seriously. Maybe I'm a little burned out because I have seen the video of Drew's singing "Marry Me" to his new fiancee on every social media platform multiple times this week, but damn. Maybe it's time to find some brothers who aren't model-handsome, allegedly perfect and can decorate using any other medium than quartz waterfall on kitchen islands, subway tile, open concept, and a wine refrigerator.

Bold mine, because I don't see the model handsome. They don't appeal to me on any level. I agree they are over exposed on HGTV.

I only watched 1 episode of the NOLA episode because we have family there. Was there any information on where this house is? We're heading there on the 28th and wouldn't mind a diversion to actually see it.

[Honey]

11 hours ago, chessiegal said:

Bold mine, because I don't see the model handsome. They don't appeal to me on any level. I agree they are over exposed on HGTV.

I only watched 1 episode of the NOLA episode because we have family there. Was there any information on where this house is? We're heading there on the 28th and wouldn't mind a diversion to actually see it.

It was in the historic district, just outside the French Quarter (on a map they showed, it looked like a block or 2 away).  It had been abandoned after hurricane Katrina, and no one has lived there for 11 years.

I love NO.  When I was with the airline, several of us would go there a few times a year.  We always stayed here:

http://www.bourbonorleans.com/

It's right on Bourbon St, so easy to "stumble home" after a night out.  The city is such a study in contrasts.  You've got the debauchery of Bourbon St, and directly behind it is Royal St, with its antique shops and art galleries.  Voodoo shops and elegant dining.  It's such a fun place, but it always seems to be raining/misting, and it's sooo humid, even in February.

[tessaforever]

On 12/21/2016 at 8:03 PM, Missy Vixen said:

They must have lost their contract with Wayfair.

Actually, Joss & Main is part of the Wayfair, Inc brand portfolio. Weird, huh?

http://investor.wayfair.com/investor-relations/press-releases/press-releases-details/2016/Joss--Main-Partners-with-HGTVs-Flip-or-Flop/default.aspx

[Nysha]

Where do these people live that they can't find a move-in ready house for 4 people for $1,120,000? Having to buy a reno on that budget just blows my mind. 

On 11/28/2016 at 1:22 PM, twilightzone said:

All the purchases the brothers talk their clients into are obviously in need of complete makeovers, yet they only focus on a couple areas/rooms.

It's all a set-up, so I don't think the brothers are talking anyone into buying something, since the house they chose is the one they've already bought before agreeing to do the show. BUT, even in tonight's show, where the main floor living areas were all remodeled, we were shown the upstairs and it was all shag carpets and bathrooms with wallpaper and blue sinks. There's no way this couple is going to want to move into that and then try to remodel as they go.

Edited to add: Jonathan has gained a lot of weight, which makes figuring out which brother is which a whole lot easier.

Edited January 12, 2017 by Nysha

[Maharincess]

I prefer Jonathon. I like a more scruffy, working man look, the buttoned up suit and tie look turns me completely off.  

[hoosier80]

I saw one snippet of a repeat of Buying and Selling that aired today at 5 p.m. ET.  It was in the break room at work, so I couldn't stay for the full episode.  It was Lolita & her boys.  Saw her do a tour of an updated townhome, it was nice but small.  Then I heard she had 4 sons.  It did have a nice full basement.  Anyhow, I figured it was expensive since everything they show on any of the brothers' shows are expensive.  The asking price was 820k, and Lolita's budget was 800k.  While the inside had been redone, the outside was nothing fabulous at all.  Not like it was a luxury townhome or condo.  Does anyone know the location (city)?  A co-worker and I were just incredulous at the price.   It had a postage stamp size backyard, and I don't think there was a garage.

 My 1200 square foot home (stand alone condo) with attached garage keeps looking better and better (and I paid a fraction of what they show on HGTV).  

There was another episode on earlier when I was nuking my lunch.  While the living room was a bit cluttered, they had some nice antique pieces, one of which was a table from the owner's grandmother.  Of course, the brothers made a face.  I'm sure it was all restaged with modern, modern, modern decor.  Thankfully, I know that the new furniture is just for the show, so grandma's table may be safe somewhere.  I asked several people in the breakroom, what exactly is wrong with this house?  They maybe needed to declutter a little, maybe a fresh coat of paint.  Everyone said it looked like a very nice house to them.  Maybe we're just not that fussy, as most people will redecorate anyhow before or as they move into their new home.

[chessiegal]

I think most of their shows are in the Toronto area - expensive housing market.

[camom]

I liked the couple last night, the psychologist and his wife with 3 kids under the age of 3.  They weren't asking for ridiculous things and when things went wrong they seemed to roll with it.  

[suebee12]

I really liked last night's show because the couple didn't want the "open-concept" floor plan! They wanted separate areas in the house and stuck with that idea! Boy, she must have energy! 3 kids in 3 years...just thinking about it makes me tired but then I am an aging baby boomer! And he was a real cutie!!

[Maharincess]

I loved that they didn't want that stupid open concept too. I laughed my ass off when they showed the homeowners must haves on the screen and one of them said "MUST HAVE: WALLS".  

[Johnny Dollar]

I liked the no open concept rule as well. It was funny the way the bros thought the husband should analyze his wife and himself for such a radical idea. 

Any ideas on where this was filmed?  That wasn't a lot of house for such a high price. Northern California or NYC suburbs perhaps?

[chessiegal]

Quote

Any ideas on where this was filmed?  That wasn't a lot of house for such a high price. Northern California or NYC suburbs perhaps?

 

I thought they did most of their filming in the Toronto area - expensive.

[halopub]

On 1/24/2017 at 6:33 AM, Johnny Dollar said:

 

Any ideas on where this was filmed?  That wasn't a lot of house for such a high price. Northern California or NYC suburbs perhaps?

Judging by the establishing shots, this one was in the New York Tri-State area. The past two seasons have been filmed there but they throw in the occasional Toronto episode. 

Besides the general architecture, there are sometimes hints in the b-roll, with the restaurant names or things like the Toronto streetcar.

[Honey]

On 1/12/2017 at 1:18 AM, Nysha said:

Where do these people live that they can't find a move-in ready house for 4 people for $1,120,000? Having to buy a reno on that budget just blows my mind. 

It's all a set-up, so I don't think the brothers are talking anyone into buying something, since the house they chose is the one they've already bought before agreeing to do the show. BUT, even in tonight's show, where the main floor living areas were all remodeled, we were shown the upstairs and it was all shag carpets and bathrooms with wallpaper and blue sinks. There's no way this couple is going to want to move into that and then try to remodel as they go.

Edited to add: Jonathan has gained a lot of weight, which makes figuring out which brother is which a whole lot easier.

I never really had a problem with that, since I don't think they look that much alike.  I'm surprised that they're identical twins and not fraternal.

[Maharincess]

He looks like he's put on a few pounds but I don't know if I would say he's gained "a lot" of weight.  I think they were too thin anyway.  I like a man with some beef on his bones. 

[Gam2]

Just watched one of these shows. This is for all of these improvement shows on HGTV: Buyers cannot "see themselves" sitting on the deck, soaking in the tub, cooking in the kitchen, watching TV in the family room, etc. The only way you can see yourselves doing anything is by looking into a mirror. Please make this stop!!!! Pet peeve #1 for me. 

[aimee510]

On 12/22/2016 at 8:24 AM, Honey said:

It was in the historic district, just outside the French Quarter (on a map they showed, it looked like a block or 2 away).  It had been abandoned after hurricane Katrina, and no one has lived there for 11 years.

I love NO.  When I was with the airline, several of us would go there a few times a year.  We always stayed here:

http://www.bourbonorleans.com/

It's right on Bourbon St, so easy to "stumble home" after a night out.  The city is such a study in contrasts.  You've got the debauchery of Bourbon St, and directly behind it is Royal St, with its antique shops and art galleries.  Voodoo shops and elegant dining.  It's such a fun place, but it always seems to be raining/misting, and it's sooo humid, even in February.

Does anyone know the address of this house?  I know it is near the FQ but i have searched and searched google maps and don't see an orange house like this.  i would also like to take a walk by it on my visit.  

[Albino]

Agggghhhh.  Tonight's new episode - "Fixer Upper For Dog Lovers" - worked every last nerve in my body.  I hate people whose lives revolve around their pets.  In this case, a ratty little miniature schnauzer named Bella.  "She pretty much rules the house!" chuckles the pathetic husband, apparently unaware that this cliche has been used by every pet owner on every HGTV show since 2009.

Mom keeps a notebook of all of Bella's furry friends, including their age.  Awwwww.  And of course she is carried to every showing to make sure she likes the house too.

This entire episode looks like it was filmed in Queens or Staten Island.  The houses are all 3 feet apart, with white wrought iron handrails and picture windows.  And ridiculously expensive.  Likely a Russian enclave, since the woman's mom was an old-school Russian and kind of charming actually.   

[MsTree]

3 hours ago, Albino said:

hate people whose lives revolve around their pets.  In this case, a ratty little miniature schnauzer named Bella.  "She pretty much rules the house!" chuckles the pathetic husband

Totally agree! And then they have the nerve to complain. Just shut up and do something about it. You wouldn't put up a child "who ruled the house", so why put up with an animal like that? 

[Missy Vixen]

23 hours ago, Albino said:

 I hate people whose lives revolve around their pets.  In this case, a ratty little miniature schnauzer named Bella.  

 

We adore our 92 pound chocolate Lab that thinks he's a lap dog. We've never made lists of his friends or let him run the house. If we were in the market for another place to live, though, we'd make sure it had a sturdy fence and room for him to run. ;-)

[Albino]

14 hours ago, Missy Vixen said:

We adore our 92 pound chocolate Lab that thinks he's a lap dog. We've never made lists of his friends or let him run the house. If we were in the market for another place to live, though, we'd make sure it had a sturdy fence and room for him to run. ;-)

Ha - I had an Irish Setter lap dog!

Lots of room and fences make sense.  Bringing a dog along on house tours strike me as a bit much.  Maybe it was just this particular pooch that sent me over the edge.  I love all dogs but this thing seriously looked like a wet rat.  Always tugging at the leashing, panting and yipping.  

[Nysha]

Some decisions to accommodate pets are just good pet parenting, such as a large fenced yard for a dog. I passed up renting the perfect house because it was on a busy street and I knew it wouldn't be safe for my four indoor/outdoor cats. But taking a dog on house tours and proudly proclaiming "he rules the roost" is just plain stupid. 

[Sandman]

On 2016-09-06 at 8:56 PM, doodlebug said:

But, on this show, they've already bought the house and the design is for a specific family.  They still go generic on the décor for the most part.  Sure, I can see making design choices for the big items that allow for changing styles, etc., but even the details in these homes are so bland.  It'd be nice to see them bring a little of the homeowners' personality to the design.

There are a LOT of people who'd rather be on-trend than express their own personality or taste. And there are also some people who have no taste. Or who have a lot of taste, all of it bad. I think the very proliferation of "design" shows with the same aesthetic is leading to a dumbing-down of home ownership generally: does anyone actually like the all-neutral, open-concept, engineered hardwood package, or is it just ... expected?

[Ciarrai]

When they first started the show they filmed mostly in Vancouver and its suburbs, but our housing prices are so ridiculous that it was no longer feasible. A tear-down house in a desirable neighbourhood is usually over $1 million and gets bought by a developer.

They seem to film mostly in Toronto now when they're in Canada, though they've now moved most of their filming to the U.S.

[Claudia]

Hi - Im looking for some help.  Its an old episode (Property Brothers: Season 5, Episode 4) is there anyway to find out where they sourced the kitchen barstool? They have what looks like a blue velvet fabric with studs on the back of the stool. Any assistance is much appreciated.