Kitchen Remodel Estimate

[jeff43222]

Re: Kitchen Remodel Estimate

I went over to the house this morning to work out some of the details, and I got to watch some of the filming. They filmed the GC cutting up some flooring and they interviewed the HVAC guy about the underfloor heat system he was putting in. The HVAC guy isn't part of their regular TV team, so it looks like they interview the various trades and show them working. I found out today that I might be filmed working in the panelboard, particularly if we get free panels and breakers from a sponsor.

It's weird being on a job site where they are filming. You have to be quiet a lot, and the filming is somewhat disruptive. Still, all the TV people and guys from the other trades have been good to work with so far. I think it will be a fun experience.

 

[apauling]

Re: Kitchen Remodel Estimate

cmon, cmon. tell us the details, you know you want to.

paul

 

[jeff43222]

Re: Kitchen Remodel Estimate

So far there's not much to tell. The GC is lining up HVAC and plumbing first. He said I'd probably maybe possibly get started on the rough-in on Thursday or so. He said that because of the filming stuff, things change all the time, and everyone (himself included) has to be very flexible. I'm not too concerned about the hassle factor because it's close, and I have other jobs right in that same neighborhood.

One thing I did learn today is that sponsors have some control over the tools used on the show. In some cases, a guy using a hammer would have it taken out of his hand and replaced with one showing the "correct" brand. They also have to downplay use of terms of competitors' products. During one shot today, someone was cutting up floorboards with a recip saw, but when they asked him on camera what he was doing, he said he was using a "Sawzall", a trademark that belongs to a competitor of the sponsor. So they had to reshoot with him saying "recip saw".

I asked if any of this would affect me, and they said it wouldn't; I can use my own power tools (mostly Milwaukee stuff). I think the product placement only affects the people who work for the show. They also told me today that they usually shoot it two ways -- one with lots of product placement, and one with the products toned down for airing on PBS. PBS doesn't want any blatant commercialism.

I'll post more when I get more into the project. All I'm doing tomorrow is having them sign my contract and giving them specs of the stuff I'd like for them to get for me from a sponsor.

 

[gndrod]

Re: Kitchen Remodel Estimate

Way to go Jeff. A star is born.

rbj, Seattle

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Kitchen Remodel Estimate

Ok my guess is "Hometime". Is Dean a nice guy? Seems like he would be. Is Robin always grunting and out of breath or is that for the camera?

 

[jeff43222]

Re: Kitchen Remodel Estimate

I haven't met Dean yet, but he did call the GC and talk to him while I was there. Robin is no longer with the show. The new host is Miriam. She's very nice, and she isn't just a pretty face for the cameras. She knows her stuff and is definitely hands-on with the project.

Someone sure knows his home remodeling shows...