What Only True Fans Know About HGTV's Renovation 911
Some of the most popular HGTV shows focus on aesthetic restoration projects that take us inside stunning homes, treat us to charismatic and hilarious hosts, and contain just enough drama to remind us that this is, indeed, reality television. As the network has evolved over the years, you may have forgotten about aspects of the early days of HGTV like its origins in more traditional programming. Still, it's hard to peel your eyes away from a current HGTV marathon.
But one newer show stands out from the pack. While the network sometimes gives us a glimpse into the lavish lives of HGTV stars, "Renovation 911" focuses on the consequences of disasters. Sisters Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding work to save properties from damage caused by fire, water, and storms. Between its wholesome premise and expert restoration hosts, "Renovation 911" has captured the hearts of many fans. If you love "Renovation 911," here are the behind-the-scenes facts you have to know.
The sisters carry on a family legacy of disaster home repair
The sisters and hosts of "Renovation 911" knew what they were getting into when they decided to become rescue renovators. Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding's father helped to operate Ungerman, a Minnesota clean-up and repair business that has been around since 1977. These days, the Ungerman team appears on "Renovation 911" episodes.
"Our dad was the first employee with Ungerman. ... He really has been in the business his whole career, and we've been going to job sites with him since we were little," Uselding told HGTV. The pair learned that, unlike most home renovation projects, these disaster home repairs don't follow a set schedule. "Emergencies happen any time of the day or night, and he'd be like, 'All right girls, we gotta go.' We've seen it for a long time." With so much exposure to the business, Meehan and Uselding were seemingly meant to take on this job.
A childhood connection opened the door to HGTV
Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding did not plan on becoming reality television stars. Their show and business both operate out of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area in Minnesota. However, Hollywood wouldn't need to be their new home base. "My best friend from childhood knew an executive producer for HGTV, and she connected us," Meehan told the Star Tribune. "It's not anything we sought out or thought we would be doing. We just sent her iPhone videos at her request and here we are three years later."
Meehan described the initial process of getting the show greenlit as "surreal." "We are incredibly grateful it worked out because it really showcases what we do every day. Not a lot of people get to see their job on TV."
The "Renovation 911" sisters aren't the only ones who are grateful — fans are thrilled to see their meaningful work on the small screen.