Home Town - General Discussion

[chenoa333]

1 hour ago, pasdetrois said:

Erin's on-screen contribution to each episode seems to be limited to talking heads with Ben

Erin looks like she could be a daughter of Todd Chrisley from "Chrisley Knows Best" TV show. Can't stand that show but Erin definitely looks like a close relative!

Edited May 26, 2020 by chenoa333

[RoxiP]

I think Ben and Erin's rehash shows are the best on the network that I've seen.  They really tell you what was happening behind the scenes and I liked they called the couple last night to order dinner.  it is nice to see they maintain relationships with these people that they design homes for.

They did an entire episode for the "Save Laurel" lady - she was featured and at the end a lot of the people she worked with came to her house.  it was very nice.

That Airstream was really beautiful at the end - also very educational to find out what goes into doing a true redo of one of those trailers.  Who knew you would have to pop the rivets!

[chessiegal]

There's a show on Great American Country called Flippin' RVs about  couple whose business is rehabbing older RVs. They done quite a few Airstreams. Sometimes it shows up on other channels owned by Discovery.

Flippin' RVs

Edited May 26, 2020 by chessiegal

[CruiseDiva]

2 hours ago, RoxiP said:

That Airstream was really beautiful at the end - also very educational to find out what goes into doing a true redo of one of those trailers.  Who knew you would have to pop the rivets!

I loved it that they names the Airstream after Helen's favorite song Jolene. I name all our vehicles and my current Volvo is Princess.

[buttersister]

I'd wondered how Ben and Erin would treat an apartment and they okay. I liked the color and storage--although the areas that had the stained glass looked odd and empty. Doesn't Erin usually look for or make art for those kind of spaces? Guessing her style wasn't their style!

While it lacked some of the charm of those sweet old homes on tree-lined streets, I'm a condo person and they can come update my place anytime. (Ben, I have a couple small antique wooden tables to inspire you;-)

And while they didn't go all Tiny House Nation on it, the Airstream looked cozy. And leak proof! 

[RoxiP]

21 hours ago, CruiseDiva said:

I loved it that they names the Airstream after Helen's favorite song Jolene. I name all our vehicles and my current Volvo is Princess.

My daughter's car is Freddy the Ford Fusion and my Toyota Rav 4 is named Fay (because her butt is so big and I kept calling her the FA car).

Edited May 27, 2020 by RoxiP

[CrazyInAlabama]

I like that Ben's brother and his wife wanted the woman's portrait in stained glass.  

I liked the condo, but wonder if they could have reconfigured it to have another small bedroom and bath?   I loved the kitchen remodel.    The way the deck was constructed originally was scary.   

I love the airstream remodel.   I guess if they ever do the town makeover specials, that's where the Ben, Erin, and Helen will live.  

I wonder how happy the loft owners were after taking 400 trips up those stairs putting their furniture in, groceries, and kitchen stuff?   

Edited May 27, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[kirklandia]

This episode was fun.  I love me a vintage travel trailer.  And the fact that it was a gift from Chris Stapleton – wow!

[RoxiP]

18 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I like that Ben's brother and his wife wanted the woman's portrait in stained glass.  

I liked the condo, but wonder if they could have reconfigured it to have another small bedroom and bath?   I loved the kitchen remodel.    The way the deck was constructed originally was scary.   

I love the airstream remodel.   I guess if they ever do the town makeover specials, that's where the Ben, Erin, and Helen will live.  

I don't think the condo owners wanted another small bedroom and bath - they seemed determined to be empty nesters (although I suspect that the charm of that will fade - I mean - kids go off to college but don't they still come home on holidays and pandemics - mine certainly did!).  I think it is more that they want a private getaway - and I wouldn't be surprised to see that they rent it out to all those people who come to Laurel as an Air B&B - it would be ideal!

I thought the same thing about the small town makeover - the Napiers can have a little home away from home when they are renovating at another location!  (Or quite honestly make it look like they have a little home away from home - I'm sure production will put them up in something bigger because they will have to have a caregiver for Helen when they are on camera).

[3 is enough]

Looks like Home Town has been renewed for Season 5- 16 more episodes.

No one mentioned if there was there a place in the loft for a washer/dryer.  They never mentioned anything, but that would be very important to me.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Tonight (6/1) is a new one-hour episode.   They are doing a cafe, with an apartment attached for one of the owners to live in.    I love the mother, who chops things the way I do, and saying she didn't have the chef gene to pass on.   I liked the first house, but the second one is in horrible shape.    I love that the men bought both houses, and plan for an expansion some day in the future.    I think rehabbing the second house now was a great idea, the first house will be fine waiting to be redone, and the second needed a total rehab now, before it fell down.  I love what the sign painter did.  

I loved Erin finding out from her Great Aunt that the Grandmother met her husband while living in the boarding house.    Sadly, Erin's Grandmother died in May.    

Next Monday (6/8) is a longer episode that is the season finale.  It's going to be the repair on the Jones house that the tornado damaged, right after it was finished.   Hopefully, they'll be able to have a watch party of some kind in Laurel.   In the past they use any money raised to support local charities. 

The cafe is opening in July, but you can get the Tshirts already online.   That's great thinking, to get their name out there. 

Edited June 3, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[Rhetorica]

I just watched the episode with the brothers opening a restaurant. It was very interesting seeing what was involved for a business. And also seeing Ben making a Murphy Bed from scratch. 

[3 is enough]

I enjoy all episodes of Home Town, but I must admit this one was not one of my favourites. It just seemed a bit rushed.  I liked the decor of the eating area in the restaurant, but the kitchen looked a bit thrown together to me.  The apartment looked good. 

I was a bit surprised that Erin did the logo for the business with no input from the owners.  If I had a business I would want to be more involved in that choice.  Of course, maybe they were involved and  the editing made it appear to be 100% Erin's idea.

[CruiseDiva]

59 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

I enjoy all episodes of Home Town, but I must admit this one was not one of my favourites. It just seemed a bit rushed.  I liked the decor of the eating area in the restaurant, but the kitchen looked a bit thrown together to me.  The apartment looked good. 

I wonder what the cafe will be serving. That kitchen looked a bit sparse in terms of cooking equipment for a restaurant.

[suebee12]

2 hours ago, 3 is enough said:

I was a bit surprised that Erin did the logo for the business with no input from the owners. 

I think this might be the answer to that question. It is from the blog entry for the Bell House.

Connor and Elliot worked with local artist Adam Trest to create the stunning branding that you see throughout the newly renovated and soon to be cafe!

[buttersister]

Interesting to see something they've worked on besides a home. Or an airstream😉 Made that money go far in the apartment, for sure. And I'd have to look again to make sure, but the kitchen seemed to have stations for what they'd need and enough room for a team. Restaurant kitchens can be super small (I was shocked to get a look at some tiny kitchens in Paris that serviced full--and tasty--menus). 

Found the Bird Dog Cafe website. They're selling t-shirts. They're stating their mission and passion for farm-to-table food. There's a review by Mayor MacGee (we've seen him in at least one episode). But there's no menu. Oh, I see. Their Facebook page says they're planning on opening (with a menu) in July. Whole lotta posts about last night's ep. And they thank Ben and Erin for helping to make their dream come true.

[Grrarrggh]

I was surprised the owners of the BDC were so uninvolved in the design. Most people who start a restaurant have detailed plans of their own. 

[Gam2]

10 minutes ago, Grrarrggh said:

I was surprised the owners of the BDC were so uninvolved in the design. Most people who start a restaurant have detailed plans of their own. 

From reading the comments before yours, it appears that the owners were plenty involved and appreciative of Erin and Ben’s efforts on their behalf.

[ECM1231]

23 hours ago, CruiseDiva said:

I wonder what the cafe will be serving.

During the episode they mentioned something about a 'small plates' menu. I'm wondering if that's anything like 'tapas'. 

[MsJamieDornan]

On 6/3/2020 at 10:33 AM, ECM1231 said:

During the episode they mentioned something about a 'small plates' menu. I'm wondering if that's anything like 'tapas'. 

Small plates is a manner of dining that became popular in US food service after 2000. Small plates may either refer to small dishes resembling appetizers which are ordered à la carte and often shared (such as tapas), or to the small courses served as part of a more formal meal.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I like the small plates menus, where you can get several items, and have a lot of variety.  I bet the Bird Dog Cafe will do a great business.    I think it's very smart to have their logo T-shirts available already, creating a buzz before opening is a great idea.      

[Rhetorica]

I watched the Craftsman house tonight. My husband and I restored a Victorian years ago. I noticed the reading light Erin had to hang in the bedroom.

 They did not replace the wiring. It had the original cloth wiring. Definitely a fire hazzard. 

Edited June 9, 2020 by Rhetorica
Christobal is heading to Mississippi. I hope it misses Laurel.

[CrazyInAlabama]

I love the season finale!   Repairing the Jones house that was hit by the tornado, and making it more specific to Mr. Gary, and it becoming the Roberts house is so special.     The wood carving with the chain saws, and making the benches is cool too.   

I love the way Erin changed things to match Mr Gary's tastes.    

Edited June 9, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[3 is enough]

That was a good way to end the season.  I do like the way the decor was changed. And using the fallen tree was a nice touch.  

I do wonder who paid for the repairs though.  Erin said that the Jones' had done enough.  Maybe HGTV paid?  I never saw any type of fund for rebuilding the house from Erin or Ben.  

So the main water damage was over the kitchen?  The other ceilings were not damaged I guess. 

[Callietwo]

33 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

That was a good way to end the season.  I do like the way the decor was changed. And using the fallen tree was a nice touch.  

I do wonder who paid for the repairs though.  Erin said that the Jones' had done enough.  Maybe HGTV paid?  I never saw any type of fund for rebuilding the house from Erin or Ben.  

So the main water damage was over the kitchen?  The other ceilings were not damaged I guess. 

Insurance?  ( I haven’t watched yet.. did they mention homeowners insurance at all?)  
 

Years ago when my house was hit by a microburst that did about 12K dollars in damage, the adjuster “estimated up” for us so that our deductible was pretty much covered and we had no out of pocket costs.  

[3 is enough]

The problem was the damage was almost as much as the price of the home, which is why I assumed insurance would not cover all of the repairs.  I seem to remember a discussion about this at the time of the tornado.  

At the end of the day it was fixed, and it looks great, which is all that matters.

But seriously, this is why I would hesitate to move to an area that is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes.

 

[CrazyInAlabama]

After seeing another show marathon, I love the Jones house (now Mr. Gary's house) even more than before.    Erin and Ben really try to fit the house to the owners, and most other remodelers simply don't do that.   

However, I'm sure each of the remodel/flip shows have their own audience of people who love their style.    

[buttersister]

I’d really liked the original Jones house (nice work, Erin and Ben). But I love the changes they made that so fit Mr. Gary. That Craftsman-style lamp was pretty sweet, too. Lemonade for everyone!

[irisheyes]

On 6/9/2020 at 12:28 PM, 3 is enough said:

The problem was the damage was almost as much as the price of the home, which is why I assumed insurance would not cover all of the repairs.  I seem to remember a discussion about this at the time of the tornado.  

I suspect Erin & Ben/HGTV paid for the fixes. If they hadn’t, the Joneses probably would have. Mr. Gary hadn’t taken possession yet, had he?  They were a little fuzzy on who was the owner. 
Either way, I loved the house and all of the touches they added to make it fit him. 

[Callietwo]

2 hours ago, irisheyes said:

I suspect Erin & Ben/HGTV paid for the fixes. If they hadn’t, the Joneses probably would have. Mr. Gary hadn’t taken possession yet, had he?  They were a little fuzzy on who was the owner. 
Either way, I loved the house and all of the touches they added to make it fit him. 

I finally watched it ... they said Mr. Gary had moved in two weeks prior to the tornado so I assume he had started making his payments. 

Since it's a rent to own situation, who knows how that was handled but I am willing to bet there was insurance required to transfer the property.  My bank sure made us secure insurance before we closed on our house.

Also, it sounded like people were sending donations, Erin mentioned getting a few and spotlighted the sweet $20.00 donation that she purchased tomato plans with.  

[justdoit10]

I like watching rehab shows and think Ben and Erin are very genuine towards each other, although I am not always crazy about Erin's designs.  I think what bothers me is some of her color choices.  I don't like crayon colors for the exterior of a house and some of the choices for cabinet colors for a kitchen are awful in my opinion. Maybe that is a southern thing.  I guess that's what the client wants.

[DonnaMae]

I like most of Erin's color choices, especially the indoor colors.  I got so tired of the Gaines' houses with all the gray and white walls, barn doors, and ship-lap walls.  And I think it's refreshing to see colored cabinets. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

My suspicion is that the homeowners have a lot more input into colors and design than they mention on the show.     Remember the men that were remodeling the cafe, and apartment actually worked with the graphic designer on the design, but the show implied Erin did it alone.    I'm guessing that people that have a lot of wild wallpaper (the dining room above the wainscoting in the house where the woman move back to help her ill mother), that the homeowner said they wanted that.     I think they're a lot more consultation with some homeowners, because some people have much more specific tastes, while other people would be fine with telling Erin some things they like, and letting her have free rein.  

Erin did say that she spends time getting to know the homeowners, and their taste before they pick houses for them, and design the winning house.  

Edited July 2, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[justdoit10]

10 hours ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

My suspicion is that the homeowners have a lot more input into colors and design than they mention on the show.     Remember the men that were remodeling the cafe, and apartment actually worked with the graphic designer on the design, but the show implied Erin did it alone.    I'm guessing that people that have a lot of wild wallpaper (the dining room above the wainscoting in the house where the woman move back to help her ill mother), that the homeowner said they wanted that.     I think they're a lot more consultation with some homeowners, because some people have much more specific tastes, while other people would be fine with telling Erin some things they like, and letting her have free rein.  

You are probably right.  I would never pick, for instance, bright yellow for the exterior of my house but I am sure you they get the client's approval of color pallet.

[justdoit10]

16 hours ago, DonnaMae said:

I like most of Erin's color choices, especially the indoor colors.  I got so tired of the Gaines' houses with all the gray and white walls, barn doors, and ship-lap walls.  And I think it's refreshing to see colored cabinets. 

Yeah the Gaines houses started to look all the same.  I like when she incorporates shades of blue, navy and the sage green.  Those are colors I do like added to a kitchen.

[3 is enough]

There is going to be a Home Town special tomorrow night at 8/7 Central.  They are going to reveal the town that will be featured on Home Town Takeover. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

Thanks for that, I'm going to make sure I record it.  

[LittleIggy]

23 hours ago, 3 is enough said:

There is going to be a Home Town special tomorrow night at 8/7 Central.  They are going to reveal the town that will be featured on Home Town Takeover. 

So what town was it?

[chessiegal]

4 minutes ago, LittleIggy said:

So what town was it?

Wetumpka, AL - hometown of our SIL. It's not far from the capital, Montgomery, AL where his wife grew up.

[3 is enough]

Wetumpka, Alabama

I was pretty sure it would be a Southern town fairly close to Laurel (3 hour drive)

I just think it is more in Ben's and especially Erin's comfort zone.

Edited July 3, 2020 by 3 is enough

[LittleIggy]

1 minute ago, 3 is enough said:

Wetumpka, Alabama

Alabama? Ugh.

[chessiegal]

1 minute ago, LittleIggy said:

Alabama? Ugh.

Hey - I'm married to someone who grew up and lived and worked most of his life in Alabama. The joke in Alabama is at least they are better than Mississippi, the bottom of the barrel. Alabama has beautiful places and lovely people, but I'm biased being married to the perfect husband, and I'm a Yankee. Turns out our great whatever number grandfathers fought against each other in the Civil War. Glad they both survived so we could find each other.

[jrzy]

Did anybody else think how similar the couple who were representing the town were to Ben and Erin?  Cute blond and a big fella who wasn't afraid to show his feelings.  The new show will pretty much be a carbon copy,  HGTV does love to repeat itself.

It should be renamed Southern Home Town Takeover.  Nothing wrong with it but lets be clear on the concept.

 

 

Edited July 3, 2020 by jrzy

[CrazyInAlabama]

Wetumpka is a small town, and really needs the help.  Right now the main attraction there is the Wind Creek Casino (one of three huge casino/hotels) owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, so most people just drive right through Wetumpka to the casino / hotel.   I hope they revive some small stores there, and get people out of the casino, and into the town.     

Reviving Main Street Laurel has been a 10 year process, and isn't finished yet, so I'm guessing a very small town will be the biggest effort that the show could handle.   I think Wetumpka is under 9,000 people.   

 

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians are good neighbors, during the huge tornado outbreak where just under 30 people were killed in Alabama, including a family of seven, they paid for all of the funerals, and have been instrumental in helping repair the damages.    I'm betting that there will be a lot of help coming from them too.   

Over 3,000 cities applied for the contest, however many that I read about were larger towns, and I don't think that could have been tackled in a short series.  

Edited July 3, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[3 is enough]

33 minutes ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

Over 3,000 cities applied for the contest, however many that I read about were larger towns, and I don't think that could have been tackled in a short series.  

I think you make a good point there.  As I recall the series is only 6 episodes.  If they redo a couple of homes and a business or two that will be it.  I think it's meant to jump start the revival of the town, with the hope that the revival will gain some momentum in the aftermath.

Edited July 3, 2020 by 3 is enough

[Grrarrggh]

2 hours ago, 3 is enough said:

I think you make a good point there.  As I recall the series is only 6 episodes.  If they redo a couple of homes and a business or two that will be it.  I think it's meant to jump start the revival of the town, with the hope that the revival will gain some momentum in the aftermath.

It will be interesting to see how many (if any) are Black home and business owners.

[chessiegal]

16 minutes ago, Grrarrggh said:

It will be interesting to see how many (if any) are Black home and business owners.

They showed 2 young black women who own a boutique in the preview.

[CrazyInAlabama]

Part of the town selection process was that people in the town had to want to participate, and keep the process going.    I'm guessing that a lot of people from the Poarch Creek casino and hotel will pitch in too.   They're good neighbors, and very involved in helping in their home state.    

If this goes well, then maybe next year they'll do another town, and help them.    

However, with the huge spike in Covid infections in Alabama, and the issues with filming safety, I'm wondering if this will get delayed? 

Edited July 4, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[LittleIggy]

On 7/3/2020 at 12:32 AM, 3 is enough said:

Wetumpka, Alabama

I was pretty sure it would be a Southern town fairly close to Laurel (3 hour drive)

I just think it is more in Ben's and especially Erin's comfort zone.

I was hoping they would go outside their comfort zone.

[irisheyes]

I think the fact that they redo houses that aren’t Craftsman is about as far out of her comfort zone as Erin is willing to go. 

I was in grad school this past year and drove from metro Atlanta down to Americus, GA once a month. There are A LOT of dying small towns out there. I’d get off 75 and drive for two hours before even seeing a McDonald’s.