"Intimate with Liza Fromer" Special With Mike Holmes

The Holmes Spot is on Christmas break, but I did promise to come back and post if something interesting happened. Tomorrow, December 29 on Global News Toronto, Liza Fromer gets up close and personal with Mike Holmes in her special, "Intimate with Liza Fromer." The special airs at 10 PM Eastern time. I do hope they post it online, and if they do I'll repost it here on the Holmes Spot and review it!

Here's a teaser from Global News.ca:

Ho-Ho-Holmes!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Holmes Spot! For the last couple of years, I've put together some (in my opinion) very cute little Christmas "gifts" for you, the readers, and also for Mike and the crew. This year, however, I've been battling some rather severe pregnancy symptoms. It's been a wild ride in the evenings for me, which is why I'm glad that Mike made an awesome Christmas card for all of his fans to share. Last year, Mike and his crew were depicted on snow mobiles, doing all sorts of crazy things as they made their way down the hill.

 

This year's card was just as adorable and full of heart. In it, Mike, Mike Jr., and Sherry reenact the famous scene from "A Christmas Story" where the little boy gets his tongue stuck to the flag pole after being triple dog dared to lick it.

 

 

Mike also posted this "behind the scenes" video, showing viewers how the card was made. Enjoy!



Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Holmes Spot. I am looking forward to next year in so many ways! Unless something big or extremely interesting happens, the next time I post will probably be after the new year. Hopefully my sickness will alleviate soon and I'll be able to post more in 2015! Cheers!

Mike Holmes for Emerald Park Homes

Mike Holmes has been endorsing builders who meet his stringent standards for quality for his Holmes Approved program. He occasionally creates promo videos endorsing these Holmes Approved builders, explaining why he has decided to partner with them. This video for Emerald Park Homes, a Saskatchewan custom home builder, was released in late November. In the video, Mike describes in his own words the Holmes Approved program and why Emerald Park Homes fits into that paradigm.

Mike Holmes For RDC Fine Homes in Squamish - Video

Back in September of this year, Mike Holmes was in British Columbia promoting Holmes Approved builder RDC Fine Homes and their new project in Squamish. Mike touted RDC Fine Homes' superior building quality and confessed that he would love to buy a home in the Crumpit Woods community, where he met and greeted fans and prospective buyers alike during a September 22 promotional event. This last week, Shaw TV released this short video about the builder and Mike's involvement with the project in Squamish.




For more information about this, see Mike Holmes for RDC Fine Homes and BC's First "Holmes Approved" Home Built By RDC Fine Homes

Mike Holmes at Construct Canada

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Holmes Jr. were in attendance today at the 26th annual Construct Canada building expo in Toronto. They met and greeted fans at booth 702 as special guests of CertainTeed, a company that creates AirRenew drywall, which is one of Mike's favorite building products (see Mike Holmes Joins Forces with CertainTeed to Tackle Indoor Air Quality Issues for more information). Mike Holmes will be at the BASF booth (#846) tomorrow December 4th.

Pictures:

Mike Holmes/Holmes Group Being Sued By Former CEO

Breaking news, Mike Holmes and two co-directors of Holmes Communities are being sued for $3 million by former HCMR CEO Julius Brinkman. Mike Holmes, Drew Atkins, and Seth Atkins are named as the defendants in the breach of contract lawsuit. There's not a whole lot of commentary I can give on this given that Mike's side has not yet made a public statement in response to the lawsuit. The Holmes Spot will follow this and report any new information, but as most of these things tend to go, I'm betting that this lawsuit will be settled out of court and the results will not be disclosed. Only time will tell.

From the Calgary Herald:

TV renovation personality Mike Holmes sued by former CEO

Television renovation personality Mike Holmes and two co-directors of Holmes Communities “Make It Right” (HCMR) have been sued by their former chief executive officer for $3.1 million for alleged breach of contract during his two-year term with the company that ended on Sept. 4.

In a statement of claim filed last Thursday, Juius Brinkman alleges HCMR failed to issue to him as part of his contract five per cent of the total shareholdings of the company; failed to pay him five per cent of the total value of $15.5 million in capital raised by him for the benefit of HCMR; failed to reimburse him for expenses reasonably incurred by him; failed to establish a benefits program in which he could participate; and created a working environment designed to frustrate his efforts.

Also named as defendants in the lawsuit by Brinkman are Drew Atkins, Seth Atkins and three numbered companies.

At the time of his employment, says Brinkman, he was responsible for raising private and public capital to expand the business and operations of HCMR in Alberta.

He alleges he raised more than $17.5 million in capital on four named projects and has caused to be raised an additional $25 million, which transaction is scheduled to close this year regarding a residential construction project in the Municipal District of Foothills.

Brinkman is seeking an interim injunction precluding the defendants and its directors and other shareholders to pay all sums allegedly due to him, five per cent of the total value of the company, and order directing HCMR to have a business evaluation prepared at its own expense with a reputable certified business valuator, and an order directing HCMR to prepare audited financial statements at its sole expense.

“Julius Brinkman says that the representations were made intentionally, deliberately and knowing that they were inaccurate, untrue, misleading and false, upon which representations of the plaintiff reasonable relied to the detriment and on account of which he has and will suffer or incur damages and losses . . . ” says the claim.

“The plaintiff says that the defendants HCMR, Mike Holmes, Drew Atkins and Seth Atkins, or any one or more of them, acted in concert and/or agreement with a common design to deliberately deprive Juius Brinkman of his a bonus, five per cent ownership interest in HCMR, full remuneration and vacation pay, knowing that in the circumstances, injury would result to him and, more particularly, damage, extinguishment and impairment to his interest in HCMR and all entitlements to amounts due and owing to him under the term and conditions of the consulting agreement.”

Brinkman alleges that HCMR, Holmes and the two Atkins defendants unlawfully converted those funds for their own use and benefit and.or otherwise accounted in such a fashion for these amounts to have solely benefited themselves.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

No statement of defence has yet been filed.

dslade@calgaryherald.com

Twitter.vom/heraldcourt

The Holmes Spot is Back!

If you're a regular visitor to the Holmes Spot, you might have noticed that entries have been pretty sparse for the past month or so. There's a reason for this, and it's not because Mike isn't doing anything interesting. Nope, something beautiful has happened to me and it's caused me to be very fatigued and sick for the last month and a half. But I'm starting to feel a little better, so hopefully the entries will start becoming a little more frequent and regular! If you haven't guessed, there's a new little Mike Holmes fan in the making, and he or she is really taking a toll on me in the evenings, but again, as I start to feel better, I'll be updating more frequently. Just bare with me and keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

R~

What's Mike Up To? Rumors and Speculations...

Mike at The Barrymore, Las Vegas

I'm not sure how many people have noticed or cared, but Mike has been spending a lot of time in the US, and I don't think it's strictly because of the weather!

In October, Mike visited the Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona areas as a keynote speaker for Pathways Events, a company that trains people to buy and sell real estate. In November, Mike was in Utah and Las Vegas with the same company. A week after Mike's appearance with Pathways in Las Vegas, Mike was spotted at a local Vegas nightclub, The Barrymore, indicating that Mike made a vacation out of his trip to the City of Sin.

Mike in Miami, FL

This past Saturday, Mike posted pictures of himself having a "mini-vacation" on the beach in Miami, Florida. And today, Mike posted these little tid-bits on Twitter about his recent trip to LA, where he apparently stayed as a guest at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California:

I am in #LosAngeles to meet with some television networks. Wish me luck!

Look what I walked into my room, great people here! Making me feel right at home.

So, what exactly is Mike doing in LA, what is he talking about with the TV networks, and why does he need
us to wish him good luck??? Hmmmm.... this is going to take some serious speculation.

In October, my husband and I made the short trip from Las Vegas to Tempe to see Mike. When my husband told Mike we were from Las Vegas, Mike told my husband that he liked Vegas, but he really liked Phoenix and that he was considering buying a house there. It's no secret that Mike intends to expand his Holmes Approved program to the US, and during his keynote address, Mike mentioned that he'd like to expand into Arizona and perhaps plant an office there. 

Mike speaking at Pathways Events, Las Vegas

In early November, Mike came to Las Vegas with Pathways, and being that I live in Las Vegas, I just had to go! All throughout October and November, I found it curious that Mike was associating himself with a company that does real estate. Not that there's anything wrong with real estate, it's just that Mike seemed like the type to fix houses, not sell them. But during his address in Las Vegas, Mike made a confession that was curious as it was revealing! Mike stated that his next show was going to be about buying right. "Buy It Right" were the words that came out of his mouth.

So let's speculate here... Mike is expanding into the States -- that's a for-sure fact. He's spending a lot of time in Arizona, Nevada, and Florida -- for those who know, these states are known to be very business friendly (and have great weather!). And Mike is currently pitching something to TV executives in LA. So could it be that Mike is pitching a new show about how to buy it right in the US? Now that speculation to the max! It could very well be that Mike is simply on vacation and ducking the cold. Whatever Mike's got up his sleeve, I guess we'll all know soon!

Best of luck in LA, Mike! Knock 'em dead!

Mike Holmes: Hope For the Reno Industry

Watching shows like Holmes Makes it Right, Holmes on Homes, and To Catch A Contractor hosted by Adam Carolla and Skip Bedel can leave homeowners with a bad taste in their mouths for contractors. It's true that hiring the wrong guy who doesn't know or care enough can ruin your life, your home, and maybe even your marriage (Mike Holmes calls the debris kicked up during a painful renovation "divorce dust"). But just when it seems that all hope is lost, Mike Holmes reminds us that there's a lot to be positive and hopeful about. It seems that under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, two more fraudulent contractors are going to jail for not following through with their work. This is great news for homeowners and good contractors alike, because it sends a clear message to all the frauds out there that there are consequences for taking people's money and running. Because of people like Mike and shows like To Catch a Contractor and Holmes Makes it Right, word is getting out that a job in the trades is something to be proud of, and can be very lucrative as well. It's also apparent that homeowners are taking notes and educating themselves so they don't become victims. This is all great news for the renovation industry!

From the National Post:

Mike Holmes: There is hope for the reno industry

Two more “contractors” are going to jail, this time convicted of charges under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act. Their crimes? Not following through on kitchen and bathroom renovations — by far the two most popular renovation projects homeowners undertake.

I’ve been saying it for years: We must have clear consequences for people who take people’s money, disappear — sometimes after destroying a home — only to move onto their next victim.

When bad guys get caught and are penalized for it, the entire industry benefits. And stories like the one about these convictions give me hope. They tell us we’re on the right track. There are other signs, too.

Growing up, I didn’t have things like Skills Canada and WorldSkills, national and global competitions that recognize the trades for what they are — cool, something worth investing in, to be proud of and that you can turn into a great career.

Canada’s tradespeople rank among its best natural resources. Being a contractor, carpenter, mechanic, plumber or electrician means something different than it did when I was growing up. These days, you’re likely to get a date if you are in any one of these professions. That wasn’t always the case in my day.

The word is getting out that these are great careers attached to great paycheques. And that’s attracting some of the best students this country has ever seen — people who care about doing a good job and who are proud to do it.

Take Our Kids to Work Day (held this year on Nov. 5) is another great opportunity that’s helping to improve the trades and educate another generation about them.

The first time my son, Mike Jr., worked on a job site was on Take Our Kids to Work Day. Now he’s in his second year of carpentry earning his Red Seal, and he’s an experienced site supervisor who led the build on my garage.

If I hadn’t taught my kids the trades were legitimate and respectable ways to earn a living and support a family, I don’t think they would have gone into them. So as the bad guys get caught and are held accountable, we’re getting more good guys (and gals) going into the trades.

But what else is changing? The homeowner.

The average homeowner’s knowledge is growing. More people know what a good home-related job is supposed to look like, what a pro sounds like and how to avoid the bad guys.

Do we need more homeowner education? Absolutely. But we’re in much better shape than we were 10, 20 years ago. A lot of that has to do with women getting more involved in decisions that affect a home — from construction and renovation to maintenance, design and systems. They’re asking lots of questions and learning the basics of running a healthy, well-functioning home.

More information also means making better decisions, and that’s why an increasing number of homeowners are interested in energy efficiency, sustainable construction, greywater reuse, solar power, and green products and materials.

You never used to hear homeowners ask about the R-value of insulation, if the windows are argon- or krypton-gas filled, if there’s underlayment on the roof, or whether a home has lo-flow fixtures, high indoor-air quality or better mould-, moisture- and fire resistance.

I’m hearing more people ask the right questions. That tells you something about the market — it’s smarter. More people care about living in a healthy home and the impact on the environment. It’s not just about fancy finishes anymore. It’s about making it right, for you, your family and your future.

Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.

Radon: The Silent Killer

November is Radon Action Month, which brings about the question - how much do you know about radon? Radon is a silent killer and the only way to know if you have elevated levels of radon in your home is to test for it. When radon - a colorless, odorless gas - gets trapped inside your home, it can lead to all kinds of problems including cancer. The best tactic to battle this silent killer is to educate yourself about it and learn how you can mitigate it if it's a problem in your home. The great news is that if you find out that radon is an issue, getting rid of it is relatively inexpensive.

From the National Post:

Mike Holmes: Radon is our second silent killer — and testing your home is the only solution

Mike Holmes, Special to National Post | November 5, 2014 10:28 AM ET
 

Holmes Group Radon seeps up through porous basement floors and walls — usually in minute amounts. It's impossible to detect without having a test done.

 

We turned the clocks back an hour last weekend — it’s also a good time to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors (since batteries need to be changed twice a year, doing it when the clocks change makes it easy to remember). If you haven’t done it yet, do it now.
But it’s also time to think about another silent killer in every home — radon.
November is Radon Action Month, aimed at boosting awareness of the gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. If you’re a smoker and have elevated radon levels in your home, over time your chances of developing lung cancer is one in three. It’s estimated that radon causes 3,200 lung cancer deaths a year in Canada.
What really gets me is that these deaths could be avoided.
First, what’s radon?
Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium, which is found in rocks, soil or water. When diffused into the outdoors, radon isn’t dangerous. It becomes a problem when it gets trapped and accumulates, like in a home.
Most homes nowadays are more tightly sealed — which is great for energy-efficiency, but not if you have a radon problem.
Because radon is a gas, it seeps into homes very easily, through small cracks in the floor slab, foundation, crawl spaces, the sump pump, and openings for venting and plumbing. It can even get in through the water supply.
How much radon is safe?
Every home has some radon in it, depending on geography. The question is how much? The only way to know is through testing.
Health Canada recommends that radon in indoor air should not exceed 200 becquerel per cubic metre (Bq/m3; becquerel is an international standard unit of radioactivity). I recently saw a house that had more than eight times that amount. Think that’s bad? I’ve heard of homes having over 2,300 Bq/m3. One home in Quebec had 20,653 Bq/m3, while the house next door had only 125 Bq/m3 — and it had a crawl space with a dirt floor.
There’s no telling if a home has a radon problem, and that’s why testing is so important.
There are short- and long-term radon tests. You can also buy radon test kits, but testing isn’t so simple. Do it wrong and you compromise the results. For example, you have to place the device a certain distance away from walls, the ceiling, floor and other objects, and it can’t be near any venting, either.
You also have to keep all your windows and doors shut during the entire testing period, which is typically between three to five days for short-term testing and a minimum of three months for long-term testing. The best time to test is during winter, when we keep our windows and doors shut the most.
To test your home, hire a pro who is certified by the Canadian-National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). You can find these pros on the C-nrpp.ca website. They’ll bring and place the device in the proper position, pick it up when testing is over, send it to the lab and deliver the results.
If your home has elevated radon levels, they can also help you take the necessary steps to make it right and find a certified radon mitigation contractor. And the good news is that fixing the problem is relatively inexpensive.
Get your home tested for radon. It could save a life.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.

Hammering Home the Message About Radon

Radon gas. It's colorless, it's odorless, and it's a really big deal. Pretty much every home has radon in it to some degree, but some have higher levels than others. Worst yet, it can cause illness and even cancer. What is radon and where does it come from? Radon gas is a natural radio active gas (take a peek at the periodic table of elements if you get the change) that is off-gassed as uranium breaks down from inside the earth. The gas seeps up from the ground and inside homes and the only way to know if your house has toxic levels of radon in it is to test for it. The month of November is official lung month across Canada, and Mike Holmes has teamed up with several lung and health agencies in Canada to promote radon gas awareness and encourage homeowners to get their homes tested.


From the Canadian Lung Association Website:

Mike Holmes Hammers Home the Message on Radon. November is Lung Month: protect your lungs, get your home tested

October 31st, 2014

Toronto, ON – “Get your home tested for radon . . . it could save your life.”

That’s the no-nonsense message from Canada’s most trusted contractor, Mike Holmes, in a new media campaign warning Canadians about the dangers of household radon contamination.

The star of the HGTV series Holmes Makes It Right has teamed up with The Lung Association, Health Canada and the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists to produce television and radio public service announcements that will be broadcast nationwide starting in November during national Lung Month.

Exposure to colourless, odourless radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can seep into homes, workplaces and other buildings through cracks in the walls or foundation. Virtually every house in Canada contains some radon.

“The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it,” says Mike Holmes, whose home inspection company, Mike Holmes Inspections, conducts radon testing. “One house can have radon levels next to zero while the house next door can be off the charts.”

If the radon level in your house is high it is not hard to fix. “A certified radon mitigation technician can reduce radon levels in most homes by more than 80 per cent for about the same cost as other common home repairs, such as replacing the furnace or air conditioner,” says Connie Choy, air quality coordinator with the Ontario Lung Association. “A radon mitigation professional who has been certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) can help you find the best way to reduce the radon level in your home.”

To order a radon test kit or to find a C-NRPP certified contractor in your region, go to www.TakeActionOnRadon.ca.

For more information about how radon affects your lung health, visit lung.ca/radon or, call us toll-free at 1 888-566-5864. In Quebec, call 1 888-POUMON-9. In British Columbia, call 1 800-665-LUNG (5864).

To view the video, visit our Youtube channel at: http://ow.ly/DArJt

About The Lung Association
Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.

Media contact:

John Chenery
Provincial Manager, Communications
Ontario Lung Association
416-864-9911 ext. 292
jchenery@on.lung.ca

Photo: Canada’s most trusted contractor, Mike Holmes, confers with Niagara Falls homeowners Michael and Jana Katz after a routine radon test found serious radon contamination in their home. Radon, a radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in Canada.

Page Last Updated: 31/10/2014

Holmes Inspection on Netflix (US)

Tonight while scrolling through the "Recently Added" category of Netflix (US), I discovered that a whole lot of HGTV shows were now in the line-up. I said out loud that it's too bad that they don't have Holmes on Homes or any of Mike's shows on Netflix. When all of a sudden, I spotted this:

For anyone who wants to watch Mike's show on the go, Netflix (US) is currently featuring 25 episodes of Holmes Inspection in HD. The episodes are from the last season of the show (2011). I'm not sure if Canadian Netflix (which I've heard through the grapevine is rather lacking compared to the US version) has the show or any of Mike's shows.

It's a little surprising to me that this was not announced anywhere on Mike's official website or on any of his social network sites. This is BIG news for Mike's US fans (especially for those who don't get HGTV). 

Mike Holmes' Holmes Inspection is on Netflix in the US. If you subscribe, you can support Mike's ranking in Netflix by watching the show via the service. And don't forget to rate it 5 stars!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the Holmes Spot! We all saw what Mike dressed up as for Halloween this year:

If you think that's scary, just look at this throwback pic Mike posted the other day on his social media accounts:

YIKES! It's not a witch, it's not a monster, but it's certainly very scary!!!

To celebrate the Halloween this year, Mike hosted a contest asking people to submit photos of themselves dressed up like Mike. A fun contest, yes, but there were some very specific directions about how to get that famous Mike Holmes stance down pat. Watch very carefully:

Did you get that? Watch one more time:

Post by Mike Holmes.

Make It Right Halloween Bash

As you might guess, Mike and his office staff love to party hearty around the holidays. Halloween is definitely no exception! Last night, the Make it Right crew, staff, and friends got together for their annual Halloween bash.

So what did Mike dress up as?  Mike dressed up as a Pan Am pilot, complete with golden blond wig. And what would a Pan Am pilot be without his girls? Come fly the friendly skies with these guys...

Joe Frangella and John McLennon as "Frank and Mike," complete with overalls, bling, and epic uni-brow.

 

 

Mike's son Mike Jr. dressed up as the Tom Hanks character from Castaway. Where's Wilson? Oh, there she is...

 

Mike Holmes: Finally, Someone Gets Zapped For Fraudulent Electrical Work

Suppose you're one of those DIY handyguys or gals, and you decide you're going to do some work on your house. First you install some new sinks and shower fixtures. Next, you rip up the old vinyl and lay down some lovely marble tile. Lastly, you do a little unpermitted electrical work and upgrade your main panel. You look around your house and spot puddles in the bathroom -- you know you did the plumbing wrong. You look down and spot cracked grout and loose tiles -- you know you didn't install the tile correctly. Lastly, you flip a light switch, and the lights come on like magic. At least you did the electrical work right, right? The truth is, when you screw up plumbing, you know right away because there's water on the floor. If you screw up electrical work on the other hand, the lights may still come on when you hit the switch, but who knows what's going on behind the walls? You may not know you have bad electrical work in your home until there's a fire, and by then it's too late. Shoddy electrical work is downright dangerous, and potentially deadly. In Ontario, a man is facing jail time for doing electrical work without a licence, and Mike Holmes thinks this is a great thing. It's the first time an offender has been given this kind of sentence for this kind of offence, and Mike feels it send the right kind of message to would-be crooks out there lying to unsuspecting homeowners. Bottom line: permits are not expensive, and they're an important safeguard to make sure the work is done right. Make sure you hire the right people and that all work done on your home is permitted appropriately.


From the National Post:

Mike Holmes: Finally, someone gets zapped for fraudulent electrical workA man in Ontario is facing 30 days in jail because he was doing electrical work without the proper licence. According to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), this is the first time in Ontario anyone has been given a jail sentence for an offence like this. What do I think? I think it’s about time.
This guy was also found guilty of using a fake certificate, failing to get inspections and leaving unsafe electrical conditions at four homes. Not to mention, he was a repeat offender. As part of his sentencing, he was placed on two years’ probation.
I wager there are dozens more people out there doing the same thing. The problem is, you fine them, they pay the fine, and because they’re making more money than the fine costs, they move on and do it again.
The media has been abuzz with this story. Is the sentence too severe? Did he deserve this? Some people are saying the problem is the system — permits are too expensive.
Let me tell you something — permits aren’t that expensive.
An electrical permit on a small job is about $30. We recently did a big job on a house that required just over $6,000 in electrical work. The electrical permit was $130. For $6,000 in electrical work, $130 to check that it’s safe and up to code is OK in my books.
Is jail time too severe? Absolutely not, because it sends the message loud and clear: We’re not taking this anymore. This has to stop now.
Wiring is not a hobby. If you screw up the electrical, that’s a fire waiting to happen.
Just because the lights turn on doesn’t mean they’re safe. How many of us have ignored flickering lights, which are red flags for dangerous electrical situations and potential fire?
Too many homeowners think it’s OK to hire someone on the side, pay them cash, not pull any permits or get an inspection, and then seal up the work behind drywall. The thinking is that if there is a problem, insurance will take care of it. But let me fill you in on a little secret: Insurance companies are getting fed up.
They will investigate and bring in as many people as needed to figure out why they should give a homeowner hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair their home. If they find out you didn’t follow the rules and hired the wrong person just to save a few bucks, you won’t see a cent.
Always hire licensed professionals. Unfortunately in this case, the homeowners thought they did.
Every province has its own regulations for contractors and trades — and some are controlled at the municipal level. But the bottom line is that whoever is in charge — province or city — has to take a clear stand on what can and can’t be done, and if it means sending people to jail, they should do it. Unsafe work that puts families at risk is unacceptable.
It’s time we see more authorities take these kinds of measures to stop these crooks, because that’s what they are. They’re not contractors. These are people that go out there with one purpose: To screw over anyone they can in order to make money. To me, that’s criminal.
It’s a serious problem, and I’m happy to see people finally smartening up and not letting them get away with it.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.

Mike Holmes: Pathway Events 2014 in Tempe, Arizona

Guess what I did this weekend? I usually don't talk about myself too much, but I'll give you a little hint:

Yup, this weekend I drove up to Tempe, Arizona to show my support for Mike as he made a short presentation for Pathway Events. It was a fun trip, well worth the four hour drive. Here are some more photos:

Mike Holmes Discusses Lexis Homes and Holmes Approved Homes

In May of this year, Mike Holmes was in Saskatoon, helping to promote the 2014 Kinsmen Riverview Lottery Home. For more information about the Kinsmen Riverview Lottery Home, see Mike Holmes At The 2014 Kinsmen Riverview Lottery Home and Mike Holmes Touring the Kinsmen Lottery Home in Saskatoon - Video.

On October 10, videos from Mike's tour of the home were released. In the videos, Mike speaks about Lexis Homes, the builder, and the Holmes Approved model for building better homes. Check out the videos (embedding was disabled, so please click on the links to view the videos):


Mike interviews a Lexi Homes client




Mike discusses winning a Holmes Approved Home




Mike discusses Lexis Homes

Mike discusses the trades pride

Thanks Mike!

This past weekend, Canada celebrated Thanksgiving, and the people touched by Mike Holmes' generosity have a lot to be thankful for! So how does Mike Holmes and family celebrate Thanksgiving? HGTV Canada gave readers some insight into Mike's favorite memories of the holiday on their website:



"My favourite Thanksgiving memory…it would be my mom, my dad, my grandmother, my grandfather, and all of the family on the Bell’s side (my mom's side) meeting at grandma and grandpa’s house. And there was so much food. I mean mashed potatoes, turkey, ham—too much food. My favourite? Stuffing. And then the family would play poker afterwards while we (the kids) watched TV." - Mike Holmes from Holmes Makes it Right.
Photo of Mike Holmes at 2-years-old, courtesy of Mike Holmes' Facebook.


"I guess my favourite Thanksgiving memory would be getting together with my whole family while my mom cooks a Jiggs dinner. It’s an East Coast dinner with salt beef, cabbage, potatoes…and turkey!" - Mike Holmes Jr. from Holmes Makes it Right.


"My favourite Thanksgiving memory...kind of difficult to think of one. But, since my family is from Newfoundland, my favourite thing about it is making a Jiggs dinner with my mom. It’s the best kind of food!" - Sherry Holmes from Holmes Makes it Right.











How did Mike kick off his holiday weekend? With a game of pool! From Mike's Facebook page:

This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada. I stopped by quickly for a game of pool before I spend some time with the family. Have a good weekend everyone!

 

Last but certainly not least, SOS Children's Villages, a charity Mike has been involved with for 10 years, put out this beautiful video and made Mike a photo book thanking Mike Holmes for all of his service to the organization. The video features children benefited by the donations Mike has helped raised saying "Thank you Mike!" in their own languages. For more information about Mike's involvement in SOS Children's Villages, see Mike Holmes for SOS Children's Villages International.

 

I was so humbled by the gift SOS Canada presented me, and I am honoured to be part of this great organization. These kids need our support and I'm proud to help!
To learn more about SOS Children's Villages Canada go to their site: http://www.soschildrensvillages.ca/

 

 

 

 

Mike Holmes for Rinaldi Homes - Video

Last week, Mike Holmes was in Niagara meeting and greeting fans of his and fans of Holmes Approved builder Rinaldi Homes at the grand opening of their the Coyle Creek Townhomes. Just a few* fans came out to meet Mike at the event (*few=massive crowds!) which was held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 in Welland, Ontario. For more information about this event, see Mike Holmes in Niagara For Rinaldi Homes and Mike Holmes in Welland Ontario With Rinaldi Homes.

This video documenting the event was published on the official Rinaldi Homes YouTube channel on October 3.

Rinaldi Homes has partnered with Mike Holmes to raise the standard in the home building industry. This video showcases the Grand Opening of the Coyle Creek Townhomes. All Holmes Approved Homes are built with specific building products, installation methods and building practices to ensure enhanced durability, energy-efficiency, fire- moisture- and mould-resistance, sound protection and higher indoor air quality.

Turn, Turn, Turn - Nichole Faucher, Andrew Evans, and Glen Coyle Leaving the Make It Right Crew

It was announced on Tuesday that three more of Mike's crew are moving out from under his wing to undertake new projects. Nichole Faucher, Andrew Evans, and Glen Coyle will be retiring from the Make it Right Crew after season two wraps up. If you're an avid follower of either this blog or Mike's Facebook page, you know that Glen gracefully announced his exit earlier last month in September. From Mike's Facebook page:

Andrew, Nicole and Glen Coyle Page have been dedicated members of my crew. They all helped me make it right for homeowners and communities for many years. Once the second season of Holmes Makes It Right ends they will all be working on new projects. I couldn't have asked for a better team and I wish them all great futures in their new endeavours.

The Holmes Spot wishes Andrew, Nichole, and Glen all the best! Turn, turn, turn!

Mike Holmes' Refuge From Renovation

Can you believe it's been almost a month since the special "Mike's Ultimate Garage" aired? (See Mike's Ultimate Garage - Wrap Up if you have no idea what I'm talking about). If you saw or read about the special, you know that Mike Holmes is a man with many toys. Cruising around in his various off road vehicles and more luxurious on-road vehicles (such as his Range Rover Autobiography Edition, which has been described by some as a $185k mountain-climbing limo) is a way for him to de-stress and unwind. It's also a way for him to raise money for his various charities by pulling out some of his more unique vehicles to display at car shows. I'm a firm believer that you can tell a lot about a man by the car he drives. It shows what kind of taste a person has, whether they value luxury or economy (I admit, I'm more of the latter than the former), and whether or not they want to stand out or blend in. In this article from Wheels.ca, Mike talks about his various vehicles and what they mean to him in his day-to-day life. Spoiler alert, he's got a lot of 'em, some of which he didn't mention in the article!

From Wheels.ca:

Mike Holmes’s refuge from renovation
Published September 3, 2014

TV’s Mike Holmes de-stresses by ‘riding it right’ in his cars

You’ve seen him inspecting rooftops in sub-zero weather. You’ve seen him punching holes in drywall, looking for plumbing leaks. And you’ve seen him looking forlornly at renovations gone horribly wrong, saying, “Take it ALL down.”

Mike Holmes (who insists he’s “just a contractor”) is a true Canadian celebrity whose various shows are televised in more than 100 countries. He lives in a modest 2,000 square-foot, 1970s style home northwest of Toronto and we recently met at his new, 1,850 square-foot Mancave, the subject of an upcoming two-hour, HGTV special, .

Holmes is a confirmed gearhead whose vehicle collection includes a pair of ’32 roadsters (one red and one blue), a Boss 302 Mustang, a Range Rover, two BRP Spyders, a Kawasaki Vulcan, and a 1985 Yamaha V-Max.

Mike started with dirt bikes at a young age. “I was the crazy kid on the trails, doing wheelies, going as fast as possible, stuff that I certainly wouldn’t recommend now.”

His first car was a Chevrolet Celebrity station wagon, “to carry lumber. I should’ve bought a truck but it was the right price.” Mike renovated his first basement (including electrical) when he was 12, ran a large contracting business at 19 and, “at 21, I went on my own and haven’t looked back.”

Next he bought a Ford Econoline van and “did it up with captain’s chairs, a killer stereo and big mag wheels.”

He regrets selling the van. “I loved the van but it wasn’t practical as my kids were beginning to grow. I could sleep in it, it had the windows, the blinds, and a POUNDING stereo (even now, I’m a big stereo guy). I recently bought another one to relive those days. We don’t see customized vans anymore.”

Mike’s favourite car is “my Range Rover. It’s the Autobiography Edition, one of only 300 made and I love that car. It’s spectacular as it mixes luxury with handling, performance and off-road ability all in one. It goes anywhere I want to go, but I don’t take it out much, there’s probably only about 3,000 kilometers on it right now. I kind of cherish it. ”

Even though he aced his automotive courses in school, Mike practices what he preaches. “I leave all the mechanical work to the pros. Auto wasn’t what I pursued — I’ve been doing what I’m doing since I was very young, and I don’t see the point of tinkering.” He laughed, “I do wash and wax them though.”

As we talked about his motorcycles and Spyders, Holmes seemed to relax and a visible calm came over him. There are so many demands on his personal life, one of the few places he finds refuge (as so many of us do) is when he puts everything aside and goes for a ride. He laughs, “I put on my helmet, nobody can recognize me and I can just unwind and ride around in peace.”

Holmes has really gravitated to the three-wheeled BRP Spyders. “I think it’s intelligently made, it’s comfortable, and maybe because it’s bigger and wider, it’s an eye catcher and while I’m riding it, motorists see it. To me, it’s safer.”

Mike takes his vehicles to shows and cruise nights to raise awareness of the Holmes Foundation, a charitable organization that supports training young people in the skilled trades through apprenticeships, scholarships and bursaries. “It’s a way to let kids know the Foundation exists and at the same time, get them interested in the trades. I believe it has made a difference and that young people are finally saying, ‘Hey, I want to get into the trades.’”

Holmes believes we’re facing a major shortage in tradespeople. “And it isn’t just about finding a good contractor, painter or plumber. Trades people support every major infrastructure and industry in the world — that’s transportation, healthcare, communications — everything.

The Holmes Foundation is one step in correcting that shortfall, and Mike is also an ambassador to WorldSkills, an international competition involving over 40 different trades. “It’s basically the Olympics of the Skilled Trades and what I saw this year in Germany, blew me away.”

The next WorldSkills is in Brazil in 2015, “and I’m working towards getting it on television to help get the right people in the right trades. I am very proud to be part of that and I’ll be involved till the day I die.”

Holmes’s various shows are televised in over 100 countries and, “it was a real shock to turn on the television in Europe and see myself dubbed in German saying ‘richtig machen’ (Make it Right).”

For more details on Mike’s vehicles as well as an insight into his incredible Mancave, check out , a two-hour special airing September 1 at 8 pm on HGTV Canada. The new season of airs Tuesdays, also on HGTV Canada.

If you happen to see someone on a three-wheeled Spyder painted to look like an F18 jet fighter, it’s probably Mike, de-stressing and “riding it right.”

Correction – September 05, 2014: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the Spyder is manufactured by Bombardier.

In fact, it is manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products, a separate company.