By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-30 16:42:22 | Updated at 2024-10-31 01:18:36
9 hours ago
The owners of a spook-tacular home in Silverton, Ohio, revealed they spent a staggering $17,000 on their house of horrors' Halloween transformation.
James Hatmaker, 59, and his 32-year-old daughter Faith have once again created a terrifyingly-designed home this fall.
The Halloween project has been a longtime tradition in the Hatmaker family, who've transformed their home for over 25 years, according to What's the Jam.
'From an early age, my dad introduced me to the thrilling world of horror movies and haunted houses, igniting my own love for Halloween,' Faith said.
'Growing up, our yard transformed into a Halloween wonderland every October.'
James Hatmaker, 59, and his family spent $17,000 on the creation of their spook-tacular home in Silverton, Ohio, this year
The Hatmaker family has been transforming their Ohio property into a house of horrors for over 25 years
Faith revealed it usually takes 'about a month' to complete the setup and that the entire family helps out.
'My dad, daughter (Farrah), nephew (Brennon), brother (Billy), fiancé (Brandon), little cousin (Jeremiah), and I work together without any outside assistance,' Faith told What's the Jam.
'My dad contributes a few hours during the week whenever he has time outside of work hours.'
Faith added that her father is the 'mastermind' behind most of the transformation, and she helps 'bring his vision to life.'
This year's $17,000 vision features include 11 themed rooms and a horror DJ booth named 'Boo-105,' where local Ohio radio station 'B-105 Cincinnati' hosted a live show.
'The themed rooms showcase fan favorites like Beetlejuice, Freddy Krueger and the Crypt Keeper,' Faith said.
'On the second story, you'll find chilling scenes featuring Wednesday Addams, Ghostface from Scream, Jason Voorhees and Chucky, along with an FX camera that creates the illusion of zombies trying to escape through a window.'
Other terrifying house features include a graveyard, surprise props, and clips from horror films.
The Hatmaker's animatronics and other props are purchased from various stores. Some are also DIY projects
The Hatmaker's created 11 themed rooms on their Ohio property this year
The Halloween house bill has seemingly been high for years, and two common kinds of decorations are responsible for most of it.
'Creating our Halloween display has been a significant investment over the years, totaling approximately $12,000 for animatronics and props,' Faith told What's the Jam.
'In addition, we've spent about $5,000 on building supplies, which includes lumber, electrical components, and lighting equipment.'
James usually pays the whopping price tag every year, but neighbors also donate money to the family.
The Hatmakers use the money to purchase products from stores to match the 'vibrant tapestry of creativity and nostalgia' the family aims to create every fall.
'For animatronics, we often turn to Home Depot, Spirit Halloween, Trick or Treat Studios and eBay,' Faith said.
'Each year, my dad adds one or two new animatronics or props, contributing to our ever-growing collection.'
However, the family also purchases items from thrift stores, antique shops and yard sales.
Some of the decorations that weren't purchased in stores are either 'do it yourself' projects or props given to them by neighbors.
Around $12,000 goes to props and animatronics while $5,000 is for building supplies like lumber and lighting equipment
The Hatmakers have a horror DJ booth named 'Boo-105,' in their setup. The design was created after 'B-105 Cincinnati' hosted a live show at their house
The frightening home design has become more popular over the last few years, one reason being Faith's decision to post videos of it under the TikTok handle @hatmakerhomehaunt.
B-105 Cincinnati in Ohio has also covered it more than once, and James even gave the radio station the full tour of his yard in 2021.
'While we're actively building, we notice a steady stream of people driving by, stopping to take pictures and videos,' Faith told What's the Jam.
She also praised their neighbors for embracing the spooky holiday, and the 'positive reactions' are what 'really make the hard work worthwhile.'
Various neighbors have become fans of the house and the family has spotted fans taking pictures of it when fully decorated
Two of the 11 theme rooms in Halloween setup are dedicated to Beetlejuice and Chucky
The Hatmakers, who welcomed over 800 trick-or-treaters to their home in 2023, are also using this year's Halloween to help children in need.
'This year we believe that combining our love for Halloween with a cause that helps children in need will make this year’s celebration even more special,' Faith revealed.
'We've decided to raise cash for Skeletons for St. Jude, an annual fundraiser that supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which provides treatment for children battling cancer.'
The Halloween enthusiast family has also set up a fundraising page and named it 2024 Skeletons for St. Jude (SSJ) Fundraiser.'
As of now, the Hatmakers have raised $284 and could potentially reach their $300 goal.
