What Happens After the Extreme Makeover
(Pictured above, the Hebert home before and the Hebert home after, Photo Source: Sullivan Homes)
Late last year, close to home, Kirkland’s own Chapin family was the recipient of a generous home makeover from ABC’s Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. During the last week of October, the dilapidated 2,060 square foot home that was clearly suffering from structural deficiences was transformed into a 3,500 square foot beauty, complete with a custom-monogrammed pool, updated stainless steel kitchen and large screen TV.
The irony of the show, however, is that recipients of these generous makeovers are typically of lesser means. Consequently, we wonder how these families are able to keep up with the higher property tax, utility, and maintenance costs that go hand in hand with the upkeep of a larger, more luxurious home. In other words, what happens after the cameras go away?
Enter the Hebert family of Sandpoint, Idaho. They received an Extreme Home Makeover in late 2005, moving up from what was described as a daylight basement with a roof to a three bedroom/ three and a half bath/bonus room/den home. The master bedroom, which connects to a deck, is complete with deck, fireplace, and hot tub. Hebert says that since the upgrade, his bills have trippled, and consequently, the home is now listed for $529,000. According to Hebert, he doubts he will ever again live in such a nice home.
