So here's and update on our experience at Extreme Makeover. I was called in to help with the final staging at the house built in Houston's Third Ward. The weather put the building way behind schedule and we waited several days for the call to come.
When we arrived, it was a seeming circus. But you didn't have to be there long to realize it was organized chaos. Hundreds of volunteers coming and going, and was it ever hot! (I think I lost 5 lbs that day sweating) Anyway, I thought when I arrived there would be a nice finished home with air conditioning. Ha! Not hardly. The home was still under construction inside and out. There were no finished stairs, painting to be done, kitchen cabinets and appliances going in, tiling in the master bathroom - you name it.
For the first 4 or 5 hours we did whatever we had to in order to get the rooms ready. Finally, we could move in some accessories and smaller furniture. The show designers were on set by this time, and I was paired up with Michael Maloney to work on the great room, dining room and eventually the kitchen. The family was scheduled to come in that night to see the inside of the home. However, when I left late that night, there was still much to be done. We finished the living, dining and kitchen (sort of) before I left. I will tell you that it's not as easy and simple as they make it look on the show.
This was a fun experience and I met all the people on set. I have a new appreciation for the show and what it takes to pull off this build in 7 days. The Houston episode will air sometime this fall. As soon as we hear when the airing will be, I'll post and update. Look for me, I'll probably be in the episode cleaning a window (really funny story). At least I can prove that I'm totally qualified to clean a window!
