“Maines Cabin Masters” is a reality TV program based on Magnolia Network. The show features designer Ashley Morrill, her elder brother, Chase Morrill ( a contractor), and her husband, Ryan Eldridge (a carpenter), working together to renovate the old and ruined cabins in the Maines area.
Now, while the show has been a big hit since it aired in 2017, it faced a lawsuit in early 2020 and lasted almost 2 years.
With the end of Season 8 in 2023, let’s find out what the lawsuit was about and also discover the changes it brought.
Maine Cabins Faces Lawsuit Controversy Explained?
The Magnolia Network-based renovation show, Maine Cabins Expert, faced a lawsuit in 2020.
According to various sources, the lawsuit was submitted after reports found that the crew had violated safety regulations during their renovations, specifically regarding lead safety and exposure protocols.
As per News Center Maine, 5 renovation projects completed in 2020 were identified as proof of violating these guidelines.
The rebuilt cabins were discovered to have been constructed prior to 1978, when lead paint was declared illegal due to its dangerous effects on human health.
So the renovation projects not only violated the rules but also put the whole “Maines Cabin Masters” crew at risk. Hence the lawsuit posed a massive threat to the show’s future as it continued for over 2 years.
Luckily, in October 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced a decision and agreed a settlement. The show was ordered to pay a $16,500 penalty fee for their alleged breaches.
Since then, the show has committed to getting certification for the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule for new projects.
They have also aimed to ensure that proper lead safety protocols are followed in their work in the coming days.
Did the Creators Lie to Their Viewers?
Maines Cabin Masters was rumored to be a fake show.
While the show has been a fan favorite since it first aired, some viewers accused the creators of lying to the public. They have claimed that the renovation shown on the show requires a lot more money in real life than that shown on the show.
So, some show viewers claim the Maine Cabin Masters to be fake and have even questioned how the show manages to make such big renovations at such a low budget. To answer this, an online portal says that the crew saves money from various factors, such as buying the items in bulk.
The show makers have frequently talked about their work and budget in their podcasts and have justified that the cost of living in Maines is way cheaper than most places, making the renovation costs cheaper as well.
Now while these explanations sound reasonable, some fans are still not convinced.