Small Town Surprise: Family's Home Makeover

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a community event where a family is receiving a home makeover, highlighting the emotional responses and logistical aspects surrounding the surprise reveal. Participants share their excitement and personal connections to the family and the event, while also discussing the implications of such a makeover on the family's future.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their happiness for the family, noting the husband's accident and the need for a more accommodating home.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about the event and the community's involvement, mentioning a large turnout for support.
  • Several users mention the logistical challenges posed by the weather during the makeover process.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, raises concerns about the long-term financial implications of receiving a new home, including taxes and maintenance costs.
  • Another participant reflects on the emotional impact of the show, stating it often makes them cry.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of community support in the selection process for the makeover.
  • One participant shares their experience of seeing the convoy of trucks and police escorts, highlighting the excitement in the community.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the long-term sustainability of the homes provided by the show, with some expressing concern about taxes and upkeep, while others focus on the immediate joy and support for the family. No clear consensus emerges on the overall impact of the makeover.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a strong sense of community involvement and personal connection to the family receiving the makeover, with participants sharing their experiences and feelings about the event.

Who May Find This Useful

Members of the consultant community who are interested in community events and the emotional aspects of home makeovers may find this discussion relevant.

reba515
reba515
Messages
782
They arrived this morning to surprise the family! (I have known because my DH works for the DPW)

I am so happy for them, the husband was in a terrible car accident about 18 months ago and is now in a wheelchair they have 3 little kids I think the youngest is only 2 or 3. The house is a little slab (that she actually grew up in) not a "hole" but just too small to accomadate a WC and other medical equip. I went to school with the wife she was a year ahead of me, although we were never "friends" she was a really nice girl.

This is a really big deal for our small town. I guess when they came back in the fall they had said (the makeover people) that it was one of the biggest turnouts EVER for supporters. When they initially come out to see the house and meet the family in person they invite the public to show support and rally around the home. I was working that day but my parents had taken my kids and they said it was incredible & that 1/2 the town was there.They said that having town support is very important in getting chosen.
 
How cool~I LOVE that show! Are you going to go help? I think that would be fun. I didn't realize the show actually comes out to do that pre-filming; I figured the families sent in videos. Let us know if you find out when it'll air.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
yeah they have a big rally, come out to talk with the family and friends and such. I just got the reverse 911 call announcing thier arrival. They are going to have shuttle buses from a parking lot for us to go watch the progress.
No i won't be over helping but I will definetly go have a look and be there to scream "move that bus" on Feb. 29th.

it figures its snowing today & expecting 9" !
 
That is exciting!

Sucks that they are working during a week of snowfall and cold temps!

That would be so cool to actually know a family who is chosen! God provides for our needs in so many ways...it's neat that this show helps some people!
 
How cool!


What's the DPW?
 
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  • #6
okay I am not the type to get so excited about these things BUT !! the convoy of trucks vans and trailers just went by my house!! (live on a main rd.) with at least 6 police escorts.
i feel like i should (could) cry for them right now. :)
 
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  • #7
pamperedlinda said:
How cool!


What's the DPW?
Click to expand...


Dept. of Public Works
ya know those guys who stand around a hole holding shovels ?? lol
 
Wow that is exciting! That show always makes me cry! Its amazing.

On a smaller scale, Habitat for Humanity is great also!
 
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  • #10
vwpamperedchef said:
Wow that is exciting! That show always makes me cry! Its amazing.

On a smaller scale, Habitat for Humanity is great also!
Click to expand...



a woman I used to work with had a house bulit for her by them, about 2 years ago. She had a PC show about a year later to fill it up! It's a really nice house in a great location.
 
reba515 said:
okay I am not the type to get so excited about these things BUT !! the convoy of trucks vans and trailers just went by my house!! (live on a main rd.) with at least 6 police escorts.
i feel like i should (could) cry for them right now. :)
Click to expand...
That is so exciting! You need to get off the computer and follow them so you can join in the fun!
 
reba515 said:
They arrived this morning to surprise the family! (I have known because my DH works for the DPW)

I am so happy for them, the husband was in a terrible car accident about 18 months ago and is now in a wheelchair they have 3 little kids I think the youngest is only 2 or 3. The house is a little slab (that she actually grew up in) not a "hole" but just too small to accomadate a WC and other medical equip. I went to school with the wife she was a year ahead of me, although we were never "friends" she was a really nice girl.

This is a really big deal for our small town. I guess when they came back in the fall they had said (the makeover people) that it was one of the biggest turnouts EVER for supporters. When they initially come out to see the house and meet the family in person they invite the public to show support and rally around the home. I was working that day but my parents had taken my kids and they said it was incredible & that 1/2 the town was there.They said that having town support is very important in getting chosen.
Click to expand...

I'm really excited that a local family is getting it!!
I hope they do ok with all the snow we're getting today!!!
 
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  • #13
not that easy they have the whole neighborhood blocked off.
not only that but did you miss the post about "snow"? ;) I am allergic.
and DS is recovering from having his tonsils and adnoids removed. I'll just keep up listening to the police scanner for now (where it's warm)
 
Reba - what town are they in? I know I heard about it earlier this week, but I've forgotten!
 
Seems like half the shows have some type of weather obstacle, & I'm always amazed that they still get done. Don't you think Ty is just exhausted after each week? He's so high-energy, always keeping everyone motivated.
 
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  • #16
redsoxgirl said:
Reba - what town are they in? I know I heard about it earlier this week, but I've forgotten!
Click to expand...


Maynard.
Geesh they are having spectator trouble already :)
 
Wow, that is really cool!

I think that show is great, but I can't help but wonder how many of the people actually get to keep their houses. Can you imagine the taxes on all the stuff they get?? Then their utility bills and property taxes have got to be terrible! Not to mention home improvements like a new roof in the future, carpeting, etc. It would cost a fortune for the size of those houses.

I just know how much tax I had to pay from winning a PC shopping spree, I can't even imagine how much all the things they put in those homes is worth! I would say at least 1/2 a million. I know they give them cash many times, but even that wouldn't pay all the tax since the cash would also be taxed!

Just makes me not enjoy it:(!

You'll have to keep us updated on this family.
 
pampchefrhondab said:
Wow, that is really cool! I think that show is great, but I can't help but wonder how many of the people actually get to keep their houses. Can you imagine the taxes on all the stuff they get?? Then their utility bills and property taxes have got to be terrible! Not to mention home improvements like a new roof in the future, carpeting, etc. It would cost a fortune for the size of those houses.

I just know how much tax I had to pay from winning a PC shopping spree, I can't even imagine how much all the things they put in those homes is worth! I would say at least 1/2 a million. I know they give them cash many times, but even that wouldn't pay all the tax since the cash would also be taxed!Just makes me not enjoy it:(!You'll have to keep us updated on this family.
Click to expand...
The realist in me always wonders that too - if they didn't have the money to make home repairs, how are they going to manage taxes, upkeep, etc......and DH, who built houses for 25 years, says it's very painful to watch - because he says it doesn't matter how many people are helping, you can't build a quality house in a week. Things like concrete, and drywall, etc...needs time to set and cure - and if you are building on it immediately, you are going to have major problems with it later. He says they need to do a follow-up show - to see what these houses are like 2 years later.We still watch though - because our almost 4 yr old LOVES it! (he also loves This Old House.....he's his daddy's boy.:rolleyes: )
 
they came to Lincoln NE about 1 year ago...it was so cool.....
 
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  • #20
I was just saying this exact thing to my neighbor about the taxes, the house they are doing right now is a 3 bedroom slab (no basement ,1 floor, crawl space attic). The taxes in our town are so flippin' high already, the town is broke needs a new fire dept,police station and high school so you know the taxes are just going to go up.We live in a 4 bedroom ranch and pay just over $3000 a quarter!
I could go on and on about how terrible our town managers manage $$ but i'll spare you all that vent!:)
 
One of my (former) customers had her house done by them. If I can ever get ahold of her again, I'll find out about taxes, upkeep, etc, and let you all know. :)
 
pampchefrhondab said:
Wow, that is really cool!

I think that show is great, but I can't help but wonder how many of the people actually get to keep their houses. Can you imagine the taxes on all the stuff they get?? Then their utility bills and property taxes have got to be terrible! Not to mention home improvements like a new roof in the future, carpeting, etc. It would cost a fortune for the size of those houses.

I just know how much tax I had to pay from winning a PC shopping spree, I can't even imagine how much all the things they put in those homes is worth! I would say at least 1/2 a million. I know they give them cash many times, but even that wouldn't pay all the tax since the cash would also be taxed!

Just makes me not enjoy it:(!

You'll have to keep us updated on this family.
Click to expand...


I read online that to avoid the taxes, Extreme Makeover 'leases' the house to the family for two weeks before they give it to them. Somehow they are able to avoid the gift taxes that way.
 
They came to Louisville last fall and did the home that was on last week for Patrick Henry. He was born without eyes and cannot straighten his arms or legs. He is a musical genious and his attitude is amazing.

I had the exact thoughts about how can they afford to pay taxes and the gas bill on such a huge home? The corporate and community support drummed up donations to pay off their existing mortgage, and they gave them a check for $100,000 to pay for expenses just like that.
 
I think a lot of times, the family is in the clear for the mortgage on the new house also (donations and stuff pau for it or the company just eats the mortgage) so that's a huge expense they don't have.
 
pamperedlinda said:
That is so exciting! You need to get off the computer and follow them so you can join in the fun!
Click to expand...

...and wear a PC sweatshirt! :p
 
...and yes, with a mortgage paid off and a good start, if they behave with their money, they will be able to afford utilities.
 
They are in my city this week doing a home for a family that has 7 special needs children, 2 that they adopted 2 foster children and 2 of their own with autism, The house has a lead prolem and Extreme Makeover is here to rebuild it for them. Hopefully the snow that is falling today, somewhere between 6-10 inches will not get in the way!
 
I just realized that this is also happening in Warwick today so they must be doing two houses at the same time because they started the house in Warwick on Monday and they are supposed to be done for the unveiling on Monday of this week. that is impressive they are doing two houses at the same time.
 
I've always wondered too about how they all keep up with these huge houses. It would be good to do follow up shows. I still love to watch though!
 
pc ri lisa said:
I just realized that this is also happening in Warwick today so they must be doing two houses at the same time because they started the house in Warwick on Monday and they are supposed to be done for the unveiling on Monday of this week. that is impressive they are doing two houses at the same time.
Click to expand...

The 2 towns aren't terribly far away. I'm sure Ty is trucking back and forth between the 2.
 
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