With over 2.5 million viewers, Fixer Upper has become one of HGTV’s most popular reality shows since its release in 2013. Centered around the life of Waco, Texas contractor Chip Gaines and his wife Joanna, the show follows the couple as they renovate rundown houses in Waco and surrounding areas. Despite all of the things you thought you knew about Fixer Upper, here are some secrets from behind the scenes that HGTV never told you about this popular show!
- What was your favorite part?
What I love most about the show is how Chip and Joanna seem like they’re having a lot of fun with each other. They are both so dedicated to what they do and their family, but there’s a different energy between them than with most couples. We may not see it on the show, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. I can just tell by looking at their faces that they are playful and happy together in ways that some couples just aren’t lucky enough to experience. They truly seem to be working hard because they’re doing something that excites them on an emotional level, not simply as a means to make money.
- Have you visited Waco?
I have not visited Waco, Texas; however, I can say with confidence that it is quite the place. From delicious food to rich culture, the town has a lot to offer. And from beautiful state parks to awesome hikes and recreation areas, there are plenty of fun things for families with children to do as well. If you ever get a chance, I would recommend making the drive and seeing for yourself what all the hype is about!
- How long did Chip and Joanna lived together?
When viewers first met the Wandsworths on Fixer Upper, they saw a happy newlywed couple building their dream home and pursuing their career goals with equal fervor. Joanna grew up outside Waco, Texas, in the small town of Magnolia where she became well-known for her ingenuity and creativity at an early age. Her father helped introduce her to painting and DIY projects which would go on to be the foundations for her eponymous brand, based out of Waco. Chip first made his name as a star athlete at nearby Baylor University before completing law school at Duke University in North Carolina.
How long did it take Chip and Joanna to renovate their homes?
Chip and Joanna moved their family from Waco to Worship, where they could live and work full-time on the houses. In April 2012, they moved into a yellow home in Magnolia, renaming it Magnolia House. The renovations took approximately eight months. The renovations to the Foreman’s rustic Farmhouse took one year, and seven months from start to finish. The Casa Rosa renovation spanned more than three years, concluding with a final project date of January 2017.
- There are no tricks in the show, right?
Inevitably, this question is best answered by the show’s hosts themselves. And so, instead of relying on what the television tells us, we turn to the wisdom of Chip and Joanna Gaines themselves.
After receiving some advice from one-time client Johnny Gatlin, Chip and Joanna realized that their charm school was well past its due date: before long, many of their belongings had become aged or worn with use.
- Have you ever wanted to renovate your home yourself?
If you have ever wanted to renovate your home but lacked the necessary skills, this might be the perfect project for you. Much like Cara and Chip, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. The great thing about this is that if you can dream it, there’s a way to do it. Remember, if you don’t ask for help from professionals or get some books on how to do it yourself, things are going to end up worse than when they started. It will be more expensive and stressful than if you did your research and found out what others had done before so they could guide you in getting the job done right the first time.
