IMO this is just basic consumerism couched in a simluation of industrious investing. If you're remodeling for higher resale value, then you're a flipper and should build accordingly - ie everything this post is lamenting. Otherwise, just be honest with yourself that you're spending money for your own personal enjoyment.

Try selling a custom bicycle and you'll see how lovingly-picked components add up into a resale value, at a much lower price.

Most of the time, the HGTV spends are horrible investments even if the touted "new value" is correct. The margin after increase in closing costs--agent fees, title transfer tax, to say nothing of opportunity cost of the cash outlay--is often zero or negative.

Yup. I think it's Flip or Flop, where you start to realize that many of their flips only really break even or are marginally profitable. They'll tout "We made $30K for 6 weeks work". But $15K of it has to go to our investor who fronts the cash (he would occasionally show up on episodes), and there's two of them...

And then you remember that most of their income comes from the show itself.

I remember drama around 16 And Pregnant, and glamorizing teenage pregnancy. Says MTV, "Oh no, we only cover costs, we don't pay them for this". Fell apart when one of the girls, living in her trailer, working minimum wage at McDonalds, started appearing on the show in a brand new Saleen Mustang.