Fans Want to Know Who Really Pays for the Repairs on 'Help, I Wrecked My House' and It's Complicated

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Help! I Wrecked My House is back on HGTV for its fourth season, and designer and builder Jasmine Roth is once again coming to the rescue of struggling homeowners who are in over their heads on their home renovation projects. She helps the DIYers fix their mistakes and create a beautiful and functional space. Of course, that type of renovation comes at a serious expense, leading fans to wonder who pays for the repairs for houses featured on the show. The answer? Be prepared to shell out some serious cash, but it is not all up to the homeowners.

The network helped answer that question for prospective participants and curious fans of home renovation shows in general. According to Betsy Ayala, former senior vice president of production & development for HGTV, "There’s a common assumption that making it on a show comes with a free renovation, or at least discounted goods. On the contrary, homeowners have to come up with the money for the projects." The article continues, "The network does, at times, contribute construction funds to help enhance and speed up projects for television."

For Help! I Wrecked My House, the rules are specific. On the casting application for season 4, the rules state, "We are in search of homes in Orange County & Los Angeles County that have 3-4 spaces in need of rescue with a budget of at least $50K for cosmetic or $100K for structural or layout changes, for home renovations."

The application continues to explain, "There are benefits for homeowners that are selected to be on the show!! (**Production will contribute a financial portion to the homeowner’s overall renovation budget.)" Homeowners also may be required to move out of their homes for 7 to 10 weeks at their own expense, according to the application.

For fans of Jasmine's impeccable designs, it's well worth it! If you've missed any of the season, catch up on Max.

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