As an expert in the world of television and home improvement, I have always been fascinated by the iconic house that served as the backdrop for the hit show, Home Improvement. The Taylor family home, located in the fictional town of Detroit, was a beloved character in its own right and holds a special place in the hearts of fans. But as many fans may not know, the house was not actually located in Detroit. In fact, it was filmed in Burbank, California. As a child, I remember watching Home Improvement for the first time and being captivated by the antics of Tim Taylor and his family.
Little did I know that years later, I would be studying the show and its impact on popular culture. And as I rewatched episodes for research purposes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and comfort from seeing the familiar exterior shots of the Taylor family home. The house, which was used for exterior shots only, underwent some renovations before filming began to make it look more like a typical suburban home. This was done to create a warm and inviting space that felt like a true family home. And it certainly achieved that goal.
The house became a character in its own right, reflecting the joys and challenges of family life that were portrayed on screen. Along with his wife Jill and their three children, Tim Taylor went through the ups and downs of family life while also tackling various home improvement projects. And as viewers, we were able to see the transformation of both the house and the characters over the course of eight seasons. But why was Burbank chosen as the location for filming? As it turns out, there were several reasons. First and foremost, the show's creators wanted to be close to Hollywood and the major studios. This made it easier for guest stars to make appearances and for the show to attract top talent behind the scenes. Additionally, Burbank offered a variety of suburban neighborhoods that could serve as inspiration for the Taylor family home.
The chosen house, located in Studio City, was a perfect fit with its traditional design and spacious yard. And with some renovations, it became the iconic house that we all know and love. But what about the interior shots of the Taylor family home? These were filmed on a soundstage in Burbank, designed to replicate the layout of the real house. This allowed for more control over lighting and camera angles, as well as providing space for multiple sets to be built. As an expert in home improvement, I can appreciate the attention to detail that went into creating the Taylor family home. From the iconic white picket fence to the spacious kitchen where Jill often cooked up a storm, every aspect of the house was carefully crafted to reflect a typical American family home. And while some may argue that filming in Detroit would have added an extra layer of authenticity to the show, I believe that Burbank was the perfect choice.
It allowed for a sense of familiarity and comfort for viewers, while also providing a practical location for filming. In conclusion, while the Taylor family home may not have been located in Detroit, it will always hold a special place in our hearts as fans of Home Improvement. It served as a reminder of the joys and challenges of family life and will continue to be a beloved character in its own right for years to come.