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So, television’s reality-home-improvement genre has been around a while, but right now it’s more popular than ever.

Shows on do-it-yourself projects, outdoor living improvements, painting techniques, remodeling, deck building and more are aired on a variety of stations. Networks like Home & Garden Television (HGTV) and the Do It Yourself Network (DIY) are solely dedicated to home improvement shows.

And with the trend as hot as it is, you had better believe members of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are involved. NAWIC is an international association dedicated to enhancing the success of women in the construction industry through education, networking, community involvement and more.

Denise Turner, a member of NAWIC’s San Bernadino-Riverside, Calif., Chapter is just making her debut on reality TV. She and her partner, Carol Lamkins, both certified interior designers, are working on a show for HGTV called “Designers’ Challenge.” This show is a weekly half-hour series that follows one home-owner per episode through the decision-making process of selecting from among three designers’ room renovation plans, created just for the homeowner. Viewers watch as the chosen designer brings about a fabulous new look for the room.

Denise’s project was to help remodel a bathroom for a quadriplegic man. The design had to be ADA compliant. Denise believes she and Carol were the chosen designers because the bathroom not only met code, but it felt like a home, too.

On this particular show, a majority of the materials used are donated or purchased at a reduced rate. Denise’s team was able to build an almost $80,000 bathroom for about $25,000.

“This was a great, fun experience. Day-to-day you do similar projects, but this gave me the chance to do something different. It was a bit stressful with the camera crews, but it was worth it,” says Denise.

Angie McNair, a member of NAWIC’s Knoxville, Tenn., Chapter, has her whole family on the bandwagon of construction-based reality TV.

In 2002, Angie and her family participated on “Warehouse Warriors,” a show on the DIY Network. Angie has also served as a judge on a separate episode. “Warehouse Warriors” starts with a tool-filled warehouse and two teams ready to build two unique versions of the same structure. Each team races against the clock, and the competing team, to build a superior finished project. A panel of three judges chooses the winning team.

“Participating as a family made us realize just how hard it is to complete a project on time,” says Angie “We also realized how important it is to work as a team on a construction project. We all had to be going in the same direction.”

Angie and her sons Blake and Tommy competed against Angie’s husband, Tom, and their twins, Tifani and Tate. The two teams were challenged to build an outdoor kitchen in just eight hours.

Angie points out, “Shows like ‘Warehouse Warriors’ can make the public more aware of the construction industry . . . More shows like this might help interest young people in the trades.”

Jodi Bagwell, a member of NAWIC’s Simi-Conejo, Calif., Chapter, hit Hollywood fame on the set of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Jodi, co-owner of Bagwell Construction Services Inc., and mother of two, has twice had the opportunity to participate on the show.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” works with a team of designers, construction professionals and even neighbors to completely renovate an entire house -- including the exterior and landscaping -- in just a few days.

Jodi says this genre of television is a good, pure form of entertainment. “Lots of reality shows out there don’t have much of a purpose. This one gives back to people who need it most.” Jodi worked on an episode helping a young, single mother with one child and two foster children expand her house for her growing family.

In the second episode Jodi participated in, the crew helped make a home handicapped-accessible for the family’s teenage son. The project was very detailed, relocating three bathrooms and even adding an elevator. The crew managed to complete the whole project in five days. Jodi points out, “These projects are all hard work. But it is so much fun. It’s a great feeling to know you are helping change someone’s life.”

Jodi confirms Angie’s feelings about teamwork, “This project helped our company, our subcontractors and everyone else involved have a real sense of teambuilding. There were almost 80 workers in the house at all times; friendships were formed and strengthened.”

Jodi stresses the need for shows like this to continue to educate and entertain the public. When asked if she would do it again, Jodi replies, “Yes, absolutely! I have an interview tomorrow for a new construction-based reality program on the Discovery Channel.”

So, the reality is (at least for the moment) home improvement shows like “Designers’ Challenge,” “Warehouse Warriors” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” are here to stay. And as long as this trend continues, you can bet NAWIC members will be involved.

To learn more about NAWIC, visit www.nawic.org or call (800) 552-3506.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kara D. Roberson is NAWIC’s marketing communications director. Contact her at karar@nawic.org.