HGTV flippers hit with building violations

[KayWard]

Have you guys heard about the scandal around a popular HGTV show where the stars have been hit with building violations? Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama are in hot water after renovating homes without applying for the proper permits. I'm shocked that HGTV's executives didn't look into the couple's practices before giving them a show. Apparently it's nothing new. From this article, even though it's illegal, it's still somewhat common to begin construction work in Hawaii without a permit because the permitting process takes so long. Still, you wouldn't think they'd want to shine a spotlight on their permit avoidance by having a national show.

 

[Emily C]

This happened in my town as well - someone who grew up here and ended up having a show on HGTV did some demo work or something like that without permits. Not the same people you mentioned, but it seems to be an unfortunate trend.

 

[Eric]

I'm sensing an opportunity for a new HGTV reality series here..."Building Department Nightmares" or something (lol).

 

[Locke]

In my state, there is a law stating that (paraphrased) "owners in the business of development and construction are only allowed to do one flip every two years". another jurisdiction had one of the HGTV shows come in and try to do an entire season of shows and the building official stopped them. Ultimately the building official lost the court battle because HGTV is not in the business of development and construction; they are in the business of entertainment. So a stupid loophole allowed this lady to continue doing her thing, flipping dozens of houses with questionable quality.

 

[Jeff]

A local city had Extreme Home Makeover come and renovate a home. The City required the production company to pay for an inspector to be onsite 24/7 while work was being done. City and contract inspectors were provided during the project.