When Joanna presents the three options to use the "loose change" at the end has anyone ever said "I'd like to keep that money?" I've never seen it. If not, why do you think not?
shareThat's what I always say. Why do they have to max out the budget? Stupid.
shareStrangely the leftover balance is always between $1500 and $3000.
shareProbably because those renovations aren't picked for the show. I would suspect that they do more than 18 renovations a year, and they may even show more than three houses to prospective buyers. Not every prospective buyer that works with them wants to be on a TV show. Prospective buyers choose this team because they like their work, their work ethic, and style. Nothing is being forced on them, and I would guess that they have a lot more input into the decorating and renovations of their property than can be shown in an hour long show.
Just because it isn't televised doesn't mean it isn't happening.
"Arguing with idiots is like trying to play chess with a pigeon..."
Planet, I think you misunderstood what the OP was talking about. On each episode, after the couple has chosen a house and Jo has made her design plan, she goes over the plan and its cost with the couple. At the end of this presentation, there is a bit that goes something like this:
"Now all of this costs $180,000. With your renovation budget of $185,000 , that leaves us $5,000. I have three options for you..."
She goes on to list three different things they can add to the project to use up the money. Its not explicitly stated, but strongly implied that they must choose one of the options.
I agree with the OP. I'd rather try to come in under budget and pocket the money, but that never seems to happen on any of these type of shows.
This is probably scripted since it's in every show. You can almost guarantee that what they pick is already in the budget but they pull out the one thing that cost those similar amounts for "show" purposes and then add 2 more just to keep that part of the show. You're right. How could each homeowner always have the same amount left over and why always spend it? I wouldn't.
Thank you. That was the point I was trying to make, but, seemingly didn't succeed.
This is a TV show, and the format is clear. The Gaines probably do more renovations than are shown on this show. The ones that fit in the format, are the ones shown. If the home buyers don't choose to spend that "extra" then, that renovation isn't chosen to be broadcast. It would make a switch up if occasionally they did show someone choosing to pocket it.
In addition, think about the renovations they do where the buyer has no interest in being filmed.
"Arguing with idiots is like trying to play chess with a pigeon..."