CPCI Article and Pictures of "Lien on Me" Episode of Holmes on Homes

CPCI stands for "Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute." While cruising the web looking for new news, I came across this older article about the CPCI and their roll in the 2008 Holmes on Homes special "Lien on Me." For those who don't know, Lien on Me was multiple years in the making, in which Mike Holmes helped a family whose home was so devastated by a bad contractor that the entire structure had to come down and be built over again. The experience was so impactful on Mike, that it inspired him to create his charitable foundation, The Holmes Foundation.
According to the CPCI website, they manufacture precast concrete elements for use in both architectural and structural projects. They boast being able to quickly produce a quality product that's both safe and strong.
In their March 2008 archive, the CPCI writes about their product's use on the Lien on Me special, specifically prefabricated concrete hollow core slabs. The article is a little disjointed, and appears to be written by a non-English speaker and then translated into English, or perhaps it was written in English by someone who primarily speaks French. Either way, it doesn't flow and it's a little hard on the eyes, so I won't post the article, which can be read here. My main interest in the article comes from the explanation of the products used, and also the great photos they have posted along side of the article, many of which I have never seen before.

Take for instance this photo:

This is a picture of Mike with the prefabricated concrete hollow core slabs they used to build the home. The floor is obviously made of concrete that's been hollowed out and reinforced with a lighter material. This, according to the website, increases the strength of the slab, while minimizing its weight. I think that's pretty cool and innovative! Definitely a smart way to build, and build to last!

Here's another one of Mike and the material they used, which apparently is visible through the glass door of the elevator they installed in the house as you go between the floors:

Mike has quite the love for innovative "above minimum code" products that pretty much ensure that the home is going to still be standing strong 100 years from now. It's a shame that materials like this aren't used more often in building projects.

Making the Future Bright With LED Lights

There's been a lot of fuss about light bulbs lately, especially in the States where I live. Currently, we are phasing out all incandescent light bulbs. We don't really have a choice, since it's now illegal to manufacture them I believe. I'm not sure how I feel about the government regulating what kinds of light bulbs I can buy, but that's a different blog all together. The truth is, regardless of regulations, LED bulbs are amazing. Three years ago, we replaced all of the halogen light bulbs in our home with LED lights. All and all, we purchased 16 bulbs at about $15 a pop. That was quite an investment I have to say, but with our average use, we were saving close to $20 on our electric bill each month. Not only that, but the bulbs emitted such little heat that we could actually use them during the summer months without drastically heating up our home. In the three years since we've bought them, I've seen the prices on LED bulbs dip slightly making them much more affordable. In the article below, Mike talks about his love for LED's. It's a love we both share, as I would never go back to using regular incandescent bulbs ever again, even if I had the choice. Though they're a tad on the pricey side, they still come out a much better bargain when you factor in how much money you'll save on lighting (and cooling) your home. The fact that they last for 20+ years makes them a no-brainer for lights in high places, such as on vaulted ceilings or over stairwells where you need polls and ladders to change a burnt out bulb. And there's just something about screwing in an LED bulb and knowing that the next time you'll have to change it, your kids will be grown and out of the house.

 

From the Montreal Gazette: 

Mike Holmes: Making switch to efficient lights good for planet and your wallet

The ABCs on LEDs, CFLs and halogen bulbs

By Mike Holmes, For Postmedia News January 15, 2014

After a decade, Mike Holmes still cares because he knows the work he, his crew and others do makes a real difference to the people they help.

Photograph by: Alex Schuldt/The Holmes Group, Postmedia News

You might have heard of the new federal regulations that came into effect Jan. 1. Basically, manufacturers can no longer supply 75- and 100-watt incandescent light bulbs to Canadian retailers.
Retailers can sell off any stock they have left, but once that’s gone it is lights out for those bulbs.
Next on the chopping block are 40- and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs, which will no longer be produced come Dec. 31, 2014.
Is this a step in the right direction? Absolutely.
The ban might be a shocker to some homeowners — sales are slightly up for the bulbs since the Jan. 1 regulations came into effect as homeowners stock up — but it’s old news for B.C. dwellers. Their provincial government started to phase-out 75- and 100-watt incandescent bulbs back in early 2011. The U.S. has already started to phase out 40- and 60- watt incandescent bulbs this year, and they seem to be doing just fine with the adjustment.
There has been some resistance to the switch — you can find at least half a dozen blogs where people are complaining about paying more to light up and make the switch. But like it or not folks, this is what the industry is moving toward. And it’s not a bad thing.
The phase-out might seem sudden but it’s been coming down the pipeline for a while now. It was originally scheduled for 2012 but got pushed to 2014, to give manufacturers time to adjust and develop product alternatives.
The result? More options for homeowners interested in saving on their energy bill, better, more innovative products and a drop in price for alternative lighting options, such as CFLs (compact fluorescents) and halogen bulbs.
But which ones get my vote? Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, all the way.
Halogen light bulbs are the most like incandescent but they don’t last as long and aren’t as energy efficient as CFLs and LEDs. And CFLs, which contain mercury and can emit ultraviolet radiation, are cheaper than LEDs but they aren’t as safe or as efficient as LEDs. When it’s cold, CFLs take time to warm up and are sometimes too dim. Plus, most CFLs can’t be used on a dimmer, and when they can they don’t work as efficiently.
I’ve been using LEDs for years now and in my home, in the homes of the people we help on the show. We also started to use LED work lights on my job sites — my crew loves them. And we even use LEDs to light some sets for the show.
With average use, LEDs can last at least 22 years or 25,000 hours. CFLs last only about 8,000 to 10,000 hours and halogen bulbs a measly 2,500 to 5,000 hours — but they’re still a better choice than incandescent, which last only 1,000 hours.
And when it comes to product innovation, LEDs lead the way.
Most LEDs can be used on dimmers, which use about 20-per-cent-less energy, so the energy savings are two-fold. You can also get LEDs for under-cabinet lighting, which is great for the kitchen and bar.
There are also plug-in, battery-operated LED night lights that are motion-activated. They stay off during the day, detect movement up to 30 feet, have “glow modes” and last about one year. There are even LED-lit back plates that are mini LED fixtures that live inside the junction boxes of single-gang outlets and light switches. They stay on 24 hours a day but use less than one watt of energy.
I’ve heard of a lot of people complain about how expensive LEDs are. Yes, they cost more to buy but they pay for themselves. The money you save on energy and not having to buy more bulbs — not to mention the benefits to the environment — don’t compare. When you switch to LEDs you do something good for you, the environment, your home and your wallet in the long run.
Catch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

Damon Bennett: "The Networks Didn't Bite"

Recently it was announced that Damon Bennett would be parting ways with Mike Holmes and the crew of Holmes Makes it Right after a decade long run. The reasons given were sparse, and in my opinion a little unsatisfying. However, as time marches on, we are beginning to see a little more detail to fill in the information gaps.

 

Today, the Edmonton Journal released small editorial on Damon Bennett headlining the 2014 Edmonton Renovation Show. So for all you Damon Bennett fans, you can meet the big man himself at the Edmonton Expo Center from January 24-26 (see the schedule below for more details).

 

Some rather interesting gleanings from the article... Damon stated the reason he left the show was "[S]trictly because I had to go out on my own — I’m 42 — and it was time to leave the nest." the article also states that the pilot for "Damon Bennett: Restoration Company" is a no-go, but Damon has rather ambitious goals to succeed nevertheless: "The networks didn’t bite, and Bennett says one of his objectives in 2014 is to get a pilot done that will be picked up..." That's too bad about the pilot, because I feel that Damon Bennett is a strong television personality who could easily carry his own show. This was NOT always my opinion, I have to admit. What changed my mind were those DIY Primers posted on the Point Load Pictures website. Until then, I was completely unconvinced that Damon could ever pull off his own show, but after watching a few of those short videos, I feel that to not give Damon his own show would be completely foolish. First, Damon has generated a lot of fans that are his own, not just "run-off" from the Holmes shows. Secondly, Damon is incredibly knowledgeable and personable. Lastly, Damon has that "HGTV hunky handyman" look about him. Sexy sells, and sexy plus competence sells a lot. That's just my own personal opinion, take it for all it's worth, which probably isn't much.

 

From the Edmonton Journal: 

Kick-start the season with reno show

Celebrity guests offer project-planning tips

By LAURA SEVERS, Edmonton Journal January 15, 2014

Discovered years ago while working on a client’s home, Damon Bennett was approached by producers of the hit television series, Holmes on Homes. Bennett is the celebrity headliner of the 2014 edition of the Edmonton Renovation Show.

You know him best as Mike Holmes’ right-hand man.
But when Damon Bennett lands in Edmonton next week as the celebrity headliner of the 2014 edition of the Renovation Show, he will be flying solo. After almost 10 years of making it right with Mike, Bennett is moving on.
“I left Mike (Holmes) recently,” said Bennett, who said goodbye to the Holmes crew late last year to start up his own contracting business. “It’s strictly because I had to go out on my own — I’m 42 — and it was time to leave the nest. It’s been fun and one of the most memorable experiences in my life, but it was time to lay out my own shingle, so to speak.”
At the Renovation Show, being held at the Edmonton Expo Centre from Jan. 24 through 26, Bennett will provide show goers with behind-the-scenes details from his work on Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right. He will also give advice on how to start a renovation, how to avoid pitfalls when renovating your home and how to deal with a contractor.
“What I’ve noticed when I’ve been in the States (at similar home shows), is that a lot of people bring notepads and that they’re there to gain as much knowledge as they can, which I think is fantastic,” said Bennett, who also has ties to Edmonton: his girlfriend used to deliver the Edmonton Journal.
“It was bittersweet leaving Mike. It (the show and team) was like a family to me. Pulling out was a hard thing to do, but between the two of us we can do more,” said Bennett, who is working on landing his own show to keep teaching about home construction and renovations.
A pilot, the Damon Bennett Restoration Co., was shot, aimed at restoring parts of homes to their original glory. The networks didn’t bite, and Bennett says one of his objectives in 2014 is to get a pilot done that will be picked up; the other is to get his construction company into gear.
“Mike’s got a fantastic show, but to possibly have another show helping people and teaching — after 10 years of helping to make it right — I’d like to continue,” said Bennett, who is big on giving others a helping hand. Because of that, he is also turning his attention to assisting Canada’s veterans to get back to work. “Veterans are highly trained, can step into any workforce at any time and make an impact, said Bennett. “I just strongly believe all our veterans need a place when they come home. Everyone looks at veterans as old men but we have veterans in their 20s and 30s; we have new veterans and they need our help.”
Bennett won’t be the only home-improvement expert on hand at the Renovation Show.
Kitchen and bath renovation specialist John Sillaots will also be there, providing the lowdown on the full home-renovation picture, taking into account how your renovation affects other parts of your home.
“People come to the show for the discovery process,” says show producer Rick Young. “Most often, they have a specific product they’d like to look at, but in the process they see so many ideas and new products that they haven’t considered, so the show is a catalyst for the entire renovation process. The key is that while you can still see individual products in stores, you won’t see a group of professionals in one place who do the work and demonstrate the importance of the products they are selling and installing — and they’re right in front of you.”

JUST THE FACTS
The 2014 Renovation Show
When: Jan. 24 to 26
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre
Hours: Friday, Jan. 24 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan 25 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 26 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket prices: Adults, $12. Seniors and students, $10. Children 12 and under free
Show overview: Nineteenth annual edition of the first home show of the season, focusing on renovations. Visitors will find exhibitors including builders; renovators; flooring; windows and doors; window treatments; heating and cooling contractors; roofing; furniture; and a wide range of lifestyle products and services.
Celebrity guests: Home improvement stars Damon Bennett and John Sillaots
Celebrity schedule: Damon Bennett on Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25; John Sillaots: Friday, Jan. 24, Saturday, Jan. 25, and Sunday, Jan. 26.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

Mike Holmes on the Marilyn Denis Show -- Show Clips

Yesterday, Mike Holmes made an appearance on the Marilyn Denis Show, which is a Canadian daytime TV talk show. Mike did two segments on the show, one of which he spoke about the work he did in Calgary to help Alberta flood victims, and the other in which he answered general viewer questions.

In the first segment, Mike spoke about his experiences in Calgary shortly after the June floods. He and Marilyn spoke with Gillian, who lives in a home that Holmes and his crew rebuilt for an episode of Holmes Makes It Right.

To view the first segment, "After the Flood," click here.

Pictures:

 

 

The second segment was a general Q and A with Mike. Viewers asked questions, and Mike did his best to answer them without swearing.

 

To view the second segment, "Q and A with Mike Holmes," click here.

Pictures:

 

 

(PS -- Marilyn's shoes are to die for! So jealous.)  

Holmes Makes It Right -- Nominated for a 2014 Canadian Screen Award

It was announced today on the Canadian Screen Awards' official website that Holmes Makes It Right has been nominated for an award in the category of "Best Picture Editing in an Information Program or Series."

 
Best Picture Editing in an Information Program or Series
 Holmes Makes it Right - Caught in a Trap - Part 1
HGTV Canada
(Shaw Media)
Dave Goard
 
Contratulations! 

Mike Holmes on the Marilyn Denis Show - January 13, 2014

Mike Holmes' Twitter feed was all the buzz today as he appeared on the Marilyn Denis show, a Canadian talk show that broadcasts on CTV. Over the years, Mike has made several appearances on the show, as has his son, Mike Jr., who did a segment on building decks not too long ago. For all those who don't get CTV, most of the episodes are put online the day after their broadcast, so hopefully tomorrow I'll have a link to share where everyone can watch the segment -- including myself! Usually with these types of shows, Mike comes on to talk about how to fix a problem around the home, or how to hire the right contractor, but on this segment Mike spoke about the floods in Alberta last June, and how he helped rebuild a couple's home on his show, Holmes Makes It Right. The couple's name was Gillian and John, and they had lived in a Holmes Approved Home in High River when the floods happened. Lucky for them, the Holmes Makes It Right team was there to put everything back together for them.

From the Marilyn Denis Show website:

Mike Holmes Offers a Helping Hand

Two months after the flood that devastated much of Alberta Mike Holmes visited the area and offered a helping hand to families in need. Now he shares what he saw first hand in the prairies.

What first shocked him was the size of the flood zone. It was much bigger than even the New Orleans flood of 2005. The people deserve so much credit for their unwavering resiliency and their neighbourly help. Following the flood the city was shut down for weeks and it was only when stampede time approached that the city pulled together to turn it around in time for the annual tourist draw.

The town of High River was one of the hardest hit areas. The surprise storm flooded the town with not only heavy rainfall (in a short amount of time) but also from the melted snow and rainfall off the mountains. The extreme devastation of the area is because the houses were built in a flood zone. Normally houses wouldn’t be been built in a flood zone but because there hadn’t been one for more than 80 years the government decided to build anyways.

Talking to the families that were in trouble it’s obvious that they needed to focus on their priorities, because it’s going to take up to a year to get home. These stories are going to continue to be written for quite some time. Those that jumped into rebuilding their homes before the moisture content came back down to 15% are going to see mould soon, and badly.

What you don’t think about is that flood damage is immediate and heavy. It brings in mud and covers the entire house. Plus, consider all the damage from torn down walls and ruined foundations due to the extreme water pressure.

It was important to help out Gillian and John while there, especially because they have a Holmes approved home. It’s unbelievable how everyone just gave up their time and energy to help clean up the areas. Holmes had to wait for the house to completely dry out then build the house back up code and giving them all new furniture. It took almost 2 months to get the house back up (with four shows filming) which is a really quick turn around. We couldn’t have done it without tons of help.

“Things are really good, it’s really nice to be back in our home,” said Gillian of how far they have come. Unfortunately, there are many other people around town struggling to get back on their feet. Even the town itself has a long way to go. Help from the rest of Canada is welcome; the recovery efforts continue just because the news coverage doesn’t.

One of the biggest things people should remember is to be very careful going back into their homes. There’s a lot of toxicity in those homes due to the mud, sewage, dead animals, etc. People are still in trouble and many are almost bankrupt trying to recuperate. It’s going to take time, but Holmes says that it’s vital to slow down and remember that family is number one, take care of that first and foremost.


To read more about Gillian and John's story, take a peek at this news story from the Calgary Herald.

Pictures from Mike's Twitter Feed:

Mike Holmes Interview with Builder Magazine

While poking around my favorite Canadian coated lumber website, BluWoodCanada.com, I noticed a link to a video for an interview with Mike Holmes from 2011 conducted by Builder Magazine. I clicked on the link, and to my disappointment the link was dead. That's OK, I just headed over to BuilderOnline.com and found not only a link to the video, but also a short corresponding article. The video is from the 2011International Builder's Show in Orlando, Florida, and on it Mike discusses his commitment to building with quality and the environment in mind.

From BuilderOnline.com:

HGTV’s Mike Holmes Talks Construction Quality, Sustainability with BUILDER Magazine

By Nigel F. Maynard


The construction industry has been using building techniques that produce too many callbacks and as a result needs to rethink the way it builds houses, general contractor Mike Holmes, host of the HGTV series Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection, told Builder magazine at the 2011 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.

Holmes, a Canadian contractor who is perhaps the most respected and popular general contractor in America at the moment, said many of our houses are failing because of the minimum code. “If we don’t upgrade a few things within minimum code, it’s not logical; everything is barred low.”

 (If you can't view the video, click here)

Holmes Makes It Right Coming to HGTV US

Almost a year and a half after it first hit the airwaves on HGTV Canada, Holmes Makes It Right is FINALLY set to air on HGTV US starting January 18. The show has been accessible to some US viewers since August 2012 through HGTV's sister network DIY, however, for most US cable and satellite subscribers, DIY is a premium channel. There is one small caveat though. The show is airing on HGTV US at 7AM in the morning. 7AM??? The reason given for the early time slot is that HGTV is experimenting, trying to find the most appropriate place for the new show. "This is a testing time period. Nothing is finalized yet" was the standard response from the Holmes Makes It Right Facebook account to fans inquiring about the unusual time slot. In my opinion, the only two things that should be airing at 7AM in the morning is the news and infomercials for acne face wash. Mike's show, if aired during people hours, would undoubtedly explode in popularity as it has on the DIY network. I am confident, as I'm sure the Holmes Group is confident, that this 7AM gig is only temporary. The moment people get word that Holmes is back on HGTV, it won't be long until the show gets pushed to prime time where it rightfully belongs in my opinion.

From Mike's Facebook page:

You asked for it, and HGTV delivered!

Holmes Makes It Right will now be airing on HGTV in the USA. They're still testing time slots but you can catch a new episode on January 18 at 7:00 am EST.

Wake up bright and early and tune in to watch me make it right for a family.

New Shows on the Horizon for Point Load Pictures

Yesterday on Tuesday, January 7, Point Load Pictures posted a rather vague yet intriguing entry on their Facebook page:

We'll be posting more here soon about our projects that we're working on! Stay tuned !

 

 

 

For those who don't know, Point Load Pictures is a television production company which was started by Mike Holmes and Peter Kettlewell. The company has toyed with several prototypes for shows, including a spin-off for former Holmes crew member Damon Bennett, "Damon Bennett: Restoration Co." Other shows currently listed as being in development on the Point Load Pictures website include "The Relocators," a show which will document people as they plan to relocate their families to Canada. It will be interesting to see just what the small production company has in store. Hopefully we'll hear more news later in the year. 

Cleaning Up After the Storm

I'm not Canadian, but I know that one thing Canadians do well is winter. When it comes to cold weather, the electricians, plumbers, and general contractors up north have cold weather down to a science. As I said to one Canadian electrician I know on Facebook after the ice storms that happened a couple of weeks ago, tradespeople are the unsung heros who seperate the first world from the third world. They trudge throught the snow and ice and keep the lights turned on. As Mike states in the article below, sometimes Mother Nature likes to throw a curve ball our direction and get a litte unruly. Such was the case last month in December when an icestorm knocked out the power to hundreds of thousands of people's homes in parts of Toronto. No amount of planning can adequately prepare a household to be without heat or electricity for an entire week in the middle of the coldest winter in decades. The only thing people can do in the aftermath of a storm is clean up the mess. Mike Holmes offers some pretty good advice on how to hire the right pros and make sure things don't get worse in a bad situation. One of the worst mistakes people can make is to let their desperation cloud their judgement and hire the first person willing to "help" -- even minor electrical repairs require permits, and if the proper permits aren't taken, then the utility companies will not inspect the repairs and turn the power back on. Desperate situations can also lead to price gouging, which is another good reason for consumers to slow down and use good judgement. It's important to have a basic knowlege of about how much a repair is going to cost so that you don't end up paying double or tripple (or more) the going rate. If for some reason you find yourself without power or heat in freezing weather, Mike recommends leaving a tap on to keep the water flowing through your pipes. This prevents stagnant water in the pipes from freezing and bursting. It might be wasteful, but it beats the alternative. Lastly, it's important to take precautions before the a storm happens and have good insurance. Mike is an official spokesman for Allstate Insurance, and has done a few commercials for them over the past year. In Mike's eyes, it's very important for homeowners to make sure their homeowners insurance policies are up to snuff and are comprehensive enough to cover all the Old Man Winter has to offer.

Keep warm, my Canadian friends!
 

 

From the Montreal Gazette:

Mike Holmes: After the storm

Tips on which pros to call, and how not to make the damage worse

By Mike Holmes, For Postmedia NewsJanuary 7, 2014

After a decade, Mike Holmes still cares because he knows the work he, his crew and others do makes a real difference to the people they help.

Photograph by: Alex Schuldt/The Holmes Group, Postmedia News

I talk a lot about winterizing your home, but sometimes Mother Nature throws us a curveball that can be difficult to prepare for — like the ice storms many Canadians faced a couple of weeks ago. We have to think on our feet and deal with the aftermath, and one of the first things you need to do is contact your home insurance provider.
Not all insurance policies are created equal. Some cover snow and ice damage, others don’t. Most standard policies won’t cover winter-related flooding, unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. You need to know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Then assess the damage.
During winter storms, there are four major areas of your home that can be susceptible to damage: the roof; pipes; electrical service equipment; and trees around the property.
Your roof
Ice on a roof makes for a very heavy load. Some homeowners might be anxious to get rid of it but you must be careful. Unless you have a leak inside, leave it alone until the end of winter or early spring. You can get hurt trying to get rid of the ice yourself or cause more damage to the shingles. But if you are concerned consult a roofing and/or eavestroughs contractor.
A roofing contractor can go up on your roof and check for any damage caused by falling debris (like trees). They can also remove whatever snow there is and add a de-icer that is non-corrosive to aluminum (since most eavestroughs are aluminum), like a calcium chloride flake.
Roofs without any ice and water shield are more susceptible to damage. Given the level of damage this winter has already caused, most homeowners will be looking for good roofers come spring. I would start booking them as soon as March to make sure you get a real pro. A good roof also needs a healthy attic, so it might be worth also hiring an insulation contractor who can check your attic and make sure it has enough insulation and sufficient ventilation.
Frozen pipes
I always tell homeowners to make sure your pipes are properly insulated to stop them from freezing. But during a power outage and major temperature drops, no amount of insulation can stop water from freezing in pipes.
Some people might suggest shutting off the water and draining the pipes. But nowhere in building code does it say that pipes must be sloped. That means even with the pipes drained there could be some water trapped in certain sections that can freeze.
So what’s the best solution? Leave your taps on. Let them drip or let a small amount of water continue to flow through the pipes. Also flush toilets every once in a while to keep the water flowing. It might seem like a waste but when you consider the alternative, it’s a safe precaution.
Power
Power outages are a big issue during winter storms. Most of us think that hydro companies will take care of everything but the cold, hard truth is that they are responsible only for the lines going to your house — anything after the point of attachment, which is called the clevis, is your responsibility.
If there is a problem with the clevis, pipe, clips, wiring or meter base — basically any electrical service equipment on your property — it becomes your responsibility to fix it. And when there’s a big demand for a specific service, such as electrical contractors after storms, there’s a high chance of people getting gouged.

Vulnerable homeowners become desperate to get their power and heat back, and unfortunately, some people take advantage of that, asking for $7,500 for a job that shouldn’t cost more than $1,500 to repair. I’ve seen it happen.
To prevent this you can’t let a desperate situation fog your judgment. You still need to make sure you hire the right pro — not the first person that says they can help.
Most electrical repair jobs should cost between $800 to $3,000, plus the cost of the permit, which is under $200. And yes, you need a permit, even if it’s something simple like replacing the clevis.
Having the proper permits means that city or municipal inspectors will check the work and make sure it’s done right so the hydro company can get the power to your home safely. If the work is wrong, hydro can’t do anything about it and you’re out of luck and out of heat.
If you have problems with the electrical service equipment on your property, hire a licensed electrical contractor to fix it, not an electrician. An electrician works for the electrical contractor, who works for you, the homeowner. And only a licensed electrical contractor can get the proper permits to work on your home.
Ice-covered trees
Falling trees is a huge safety hazard, and will continue to be over the coming weeks after the storm. Many trees are weak, have been damaged, and can break easily in high winter winds.
If you’re concerned about any trees on your property call a Certified Arborist to check them out. (Ask for proof of insurance before hiring anyone.)
And if there are trees near any electrical lines, stay away from them and contact your utility company to report the problem.
Winter isn’t over, not by a long shot. But if we learn and think ahead we can show Old Man Winter what we’re really made of. After all, we are Canadians!
Catch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette