'A huge gamble': How design shows choose their projects

Producing renovation reality television shows is a "huge gamble" for producers, who face the risk of projects stretching from months to years, or even seemingly never finishing. Brooke Bayvel, supervising executive producer for "Restoration Australia," shared that one "Grand Designs Australia" house took seven years to complete, causing significant worry among the production team.

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One of our [Grand Designs Australia] houses was seven years in the making, and I think we all went a bit grey worrying it might never finish.

This season of "Restoration Australia" features a former convent in regional NSW, purchased in 2021 for $625,000 by Rachel Hunt. Hunt, a fashion industry fabric manager, envisioned a quiet country life with a cottage and a few animals. However, five years into the restoration, much of the building remains unfinished. She had initially given herself 10 months to complete the first phase, but life events, including finding love and having a baby, have contributed to the delays.

Producers actively seek out projects and homeowners who demonstrate financial stability, possess the necessary skills, have a clear plan, and exhibit genuine passion for their restoration. Bayvel noted that their casting team is adept at identifying individuals who are not serious about the project. A lack of passion or investment often results in an uninspiring final product, highlighting the delicate balance of risk and goodwill between the production and the homeowners.

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My vision was maybe a hundred acres, just me out in the country with a cottage. I thought I'd get a pony, maybe eventually some highland cows because they look really cute, some chickens, and have my own eggs. Have a little country life, and now I've got a convent.

Bayvel also pointed to extreme cases, such as an episode of the UK's "Grand Designs" featuring a lighthouse renovation in Devon that took 12 years. The owner reportedly went millions of pounds over budget, and his marriage ended. The property was eventually sold at a loss after multiple attempts to sell it for a much higher price.

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We've got a great casting team who can pick the tyre kickers a mile away. If they don't have the money, the skills, or a clear plan, that's a red flag. If they're not passionate or really invested in what they're restoring, the result will likely be pretty uninspiring.