We've seen high-end decorators on reality television, now one of New York City’s top-notch contractors Stephen Fanuka is following suite with Million Dollar Contractor, a new series set to premiere on DIY Network on Sunday October 16. In each Contractor episode, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction and real grunt work that goes into putting together some of the most amazing, and expensive, high-end Manhattan homes.
We got the inside scoop from Stephen himself, so scroll down to see what he has to say about his new show.
What, in a nutshell, is this show about?
“I’ll give you the inside track on the fast-paced world of high-end interior residential renovations. With ‘Million Dollar Contractor’ I’ll show you the way the best designers, architects and vendors think outside the box while giving you the know-how to do-it-yourself or hire the right contractor.”
I know you’ve worked with celebrities, from Tyra Banks to Michael J. Fox, and I hear Nate Berkus will make an appearance on the show. Can you tell us about that project?
“Since I’ve done so many projects for Nate’s ‘While You Were Sleeping’ segments, he trusted only me to do his first official home in New York City. The project was a major renovation of his entire duplex, but since my episode is only 30 minutes, we concentrated on two of my favorite rooms: his dual-purpose dining/work room and his amazing dressing suite. Designers like Thom Filicia will also be a guest on an episode, as well as Eric Cohler and Gordon Kahn, and some amazing vendors known for one-of-a-kind pieces.”
Can you give us an example of a project from the show that costs millions of dollars but can be imitated on a less expensive budget?
“Here’s the kicker. Yes, you will see a lot of expensive things on the show that some people will never have, but you will find out that the ‘Million Dollar Contractor’ is also about having people, like a school teacher, on the show who do not spend one million dollars, but less than 100k. One example of a million dollar feeling you can take home and do yourself is making the ceiling a fifth wall: wall paper the ceiling alone and paint the walls!”
Sometimes, design can be more dramatic than people realize. Did you have any close calls on deadlines this season?
“We have deadlines that will give you a panic attack. My life is tough; my clients expect a first class flight to the kingdom and beyond. There’s no way you can be the best without some drama along the way.”
So, what was the most outrageously expensive project this season?
“One client needed a four million dollar ‘listening room’ complete with custom design, equipment, integration, polycarbonate floors and one chair to listen to the music!”
What’s the one thing everyone should know before watching the premiere on October 16?
“The bottom line is, you are about to be served an order of ‘wow’ and a side order to go of ‘how’. The beautiful photographs of flats you see in magazines and on TV don’t get built by themselves. I would like to think I had something to do with that. And mostly, I love my job and want to share it with people.”
Click through the slideshow below for a peek into the new show. All images courtesy of DIY Network.
Million Dollar Contractor premieres on DIY Network on Sunday, October 16 at 10 p.m. ET.
