This Old House

[COOL MAN]

Taking a break with the GOP and NCAA fun for a question about arguably my favorite PBS.......and I realize that alone is a reason why a few of you have probably NEVER watched it before......show.

I myself have watched TOH off and on since the late 80s after building my first home, and generally find it both entertaining and informative. Anyway, I watched the completion of a project this morning and got to thinking about a question for which I've never conclusively known the answer; that is, who pays. I assume the homeowners conventionally purchase the base home and property, and then enter into some kind of Agreement/partnership with the Producers.

I guess I always sort of assumed the homeowners paid a somewhat discounted rate for basic construction materials since the supplier is typically listed in some manner in the Show credits. Then, when the producers apply some kind of new/unique product or technology, perhaps it's discounted even more......or maybe furnished at no cost in return for the publicity. Then, there's all the labor and subcontracting (both before and during the project). Clearly all those working stiffs are paid some manner of going rate by someone, who I assume is the homeowner.

That leaves the general contracting function, which appears to be provided (in most cases) by Tom Silva.....and which I assume is furnished at no charge by the Producer. I also figure the specific professional services provided by Show co-stars Norm Abram, Rich Trethewey, and Roger Cook are also furnished by the producers.

So, those are my assumptions; anyone know the REAL story as to what goes on between TOH producers and PBS ??

 

[Mntneer]

I've recorded TOH periodically over the years as well. Mainly for tips and ideas.

I can't speak to how Producers handle costs on those projects, I assume the homeowners are footing most of the bill with Producers receiving some funding for the broadcast through their PBS channels. I do know people that worked on Amazing Home Makeover however. Theater, Automation guys and the stories I heard were the shows wanted materials at cost and would give companies credit on the website as well as post show credits. Most said they wouldn't do a second episode because they got very little out of it.

As a contractor I would consider a show like that if the exposure was good and worthwhile, and as long as work load allows. Taking on any project with zero markup is only doable if your volume is such that it won't be missed. I also could see selling materials at cost, if I can get them at cost. As a Control 4 dealer I get lots of electronics and wiring products at cost, which can be a substantial saving, but most building items I can't.

 

[CAJUNEER_rivals]

Taking a break with the GOP and NCAA fun for a question about arguably my favorite PBS.......and I realize that alone is a reason why a few of you have probably NEVER watched it before......show.

I myself have watched TOH off and on since the late 80s after building my first home, and generally find it both entertaining and informative. Anyway, I watched the completion of a project this morning and got to thinking about a question for which I've never conclusively known the answer; that is, who pays. I assume the homeowners conventionally purchase the base home and property, and then enter into some kind of Agreement/partnership with the Producers.

I guess I always sort of assumed the homeowners paid a somewhat discounted rate for basic construction materials since the supplier is typically listed in some manner in the Show credits. Then, when the producers apply some kind of new/unique product or technology, perhaps it's discounted even more......or maybe furnished at no cost in return for the publicity. Then, there's all the labor and subcontracting (both before and during the project). Clearly all those working stiffs are paid some manner of going rate by someone, who I assume is the homeowner.

That leaves the general contracting function, which appears to be provided (in most cases) by Tom Silva.....and which I assume is furnished at no charge by the Producer. I also figure the specific professional services provided by Show co-stars Norm Abram, Rich Trethewey, and Roger Cook are also furnished by the producers.

So, those are my assumptions; anyone know the REAL story as to what goes on between TOH producers and PBS ??

I've always wondered the same thing.