4/7/10

Today I'm thinking about Extreme Makeover Home Edition's extreme mistake. Ty Pennington and his team of contractors, designers and volunteers come to the rescue of families in need of better living conditions. They find families with incredible stories of selflessness, who literally ignore their own needs to satisfy the needs of others. In exchange for all they've given up the show comes in and turns their deteriorating home into a luxurious mansion like the one featured in the video below.

But here's the mistake, these families can't afford to live in these over-sized homes. The Journal reports that some people are tapping the equity on their expansive new homes, only to fall behind -- and into foreclosure. 

The homeowners in many cases find themselves struggling to keep up with increased utility bills and bigger tax assessments.

The producers of the show have decided to make some changes. New homes will be smaller, between 2,800 and 3,000 square feet. Additions like swimming pools will only be added if the family has physical therapy needs and the show will add solar paneling and low-flow toilets to offset costs. 

Tracy Hutson, an interior designer who has been with Extreme Makeover since the beginning, says, "I think our hearts were in the right place, but we just got carried away. It can be extreme without being the biggest house you've ever seen."

This show is one that's sure to make you cry. It's such a great concept, that many country artists have appeared on the show including Kellie Pickler, Trace Adkins and Clint Black.

The feel good element won't go away downsizing the homes. It's the effort that makes the show so great. Keep up the good work Extreme team!