Since the show Fixer Upper first aired, Chip and Joanna Gaines have built a large and dedicated fan base. Between their fun antics and amazing remodel designs, it's easy to see why fans connect with the HGTV stars. If you're a longtime viewer, you may be considering applying to be their next design project. But before you jump aboard the Gaines remodel train, there are quite a few things you will want to know.
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The show has an extensive application process, and there are several things you must agree to in advance. Here are a few of the most interesting, and potentially deal-breaking, rules the Gaines' have for their clients.
Have a Home in Mind
HGTV
The homebuyers on the show might look like they are still in the searching process, but that isn't necessarily the case. As part of the application process for the show, you have to fill out quite a bit of information about the home you are renovating. This means the people on the show have already purchased their home by the time Chip and Joanna get to them. The homes must also be within 40 miles of Waco, Texas to even be part of the consideration process.
Budgets are High
HGTV
The minimum budget that Chip and Joanna will work with is $30,000. However, some budgets may even need to go higher than this. In fact, the application field for budget even has an option for "over $300,000." It's also important to keep in mind that you are likely to go over your budget. Oftentimes, things pop up throughout the renovation process that require even more money than first established.
They Will Want a Lot of Personal Information
HGTV
Another interesting part of the application questionnaire is the amount of personal information the team needs to make their decision. The team wants to know a lot about you and your family before agreeing to your renovation. For example, you will need to tell them why you are moving, what types of things your family enjoys doing, what your occupation is, the purchase price of the home and much more. There are even sections where you need to upload pictures and descriptions of every room in your home.
You Have No Control
HGTV
If team does select you for the show, it's important to note that you won't have very much control over what the team does to your home. While they will take your requests into consideration, at the end of the day, the design team gets to make all the final decisions for your renovation. They can even make changes to the design without even consulting you at all! This is definitely a massive demand to stomach if you are the homeowner. Luckily, Joanna Gaines is excellent at what she does, and it isn't likely that an owner won't wind up loving the new home she gives them.
Naturally, there are several other requirements when it comes to qualifying for Fixer Upper. In total, there are 71 questions you will need to answer before they can start considering you for the show. So, are you willing to let Chip and Joanna Gaines take control of your home? You can find the full application here.
