Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
HGTV and DIY Network Pack a Punch at "Design & Construction Week"
On Wednesday, February 5 I will be happily blogging live from the International Builders' Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In fact, I may be skipping down the isles meeting all my favorite HGTV and DIY stars, including Scott McGillivray, The Property Brothers, and of course the big man himself Mike Holmes. I am stoked! Today, I found this news release, talking about how the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the International Builder' Show will be combining forces under the same roof (the Las Vegas Convention Center is HUGE, I think they can handle it). HGTV and the DIY Network are sister networks and will have quite a presence at the convention. It's going to be a reno-reality start studded event, and did I mention I'm going to be there??? I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!
From the Wall Street Journal Online:
David Bromstad, host of HGTV's "Color Splash," will meet attendees of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the International Builders Show, Feb. 4-6 in Las Vegas. (Photo: Business Wire)
HGTV and DIY Network are the only television programmers to attend the shows with the objective of developing marketing relationships and solutions that help home product manufacturers and retailers grow their businesses.
"We are a trusted resource for home owners, designers and builders like those at KBIS and IBS," said Donna Stephens, senior vice president of national ad sales for Scripps Networks Interactive. "We understand the latest trends and cement our partnerships with passionate industry professionals by offering them insight into our brands and audiences."
Known for A-list television personalities, as well as home and renovation experts, the cable networks will bring to the show such talent as David Bromstad, host of HGTV's Color Splash; and Alison Victoria, host of DIY Network's Kitchen Crashers. Carley Knobloch, digital stylist for HGTV, will emcee the show's Center Stage events in partnership with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Other network talent on hand include Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers), Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes), Hillary Farr (Love It or List It), Stephen Fanuka (Million Dollar Contractor) and Rob "Vanilla Ice" Van Winkle (Vanilla Ice Goes Amish).
Calling all fervent fans, renovation experts, design pros and do-it-yourselfers, HGTV and DIY Network talent scouts look to discover a new network star in the crowd. Show attendees with airtime ambitions can participate in the nets' open casting call and auditions, which will be held each day in the Center Stage area of the NKBA booth.
The cable programmers' digital division will host the HGTV Professionals Network, encouraging home design professionals to show off their portfolio of work with the opportunity to have it published on the Scripps family of leading home websites.
Additionally, popular DIY Network hosts James Young (I Hate My Kitchen) and Jeff Devlin (I Hate My Bathroom) will be onsite filming specials from the show floor. Hot List: Baths will feature the newest bath goods, while Hot List: Kitchens will spotlight the hottest kitchen products. And producers will search the mega-show for the year's standout products and trends for the kitchen and bath to be included in future episodes of DIY Network's I Want That.
Show attendees are invited to take photos of products, people, designs and trends during the show, upload them to Instagram with the hashtag #lovedesign and then pick up the printed photos at the HGTV and DIY Network space near Center Stage at KBIS.
"With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of buyers and tens of thousands of home enthusiasts all in one place, the KBIS and IBS event is our home away from home in bringing the best of design and renovation to the industry," Stephens said.
HGTV and DIY Network will share a space with NKBA at booth number N2163.
About Scripps Networks Interactive
Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) is one of the leading developers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. The company's lifestyle media portfolio comprises popular television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively reach more than 170 million consumers each month. Companion websites complement on-air programming with video and social media that inform and inspire. Scripps global networks reach millions of consumers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For more information, please visit scrippsnetworksinteractive.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140203005669/en/
lhall@scrippsnetworks.com
From the Wall Street Journal Online:
HGTV and DIY Network Pack a Punch at "Design & Construction Week"
Scripps Networks Interactive lifestyle leaders bring network stars, home
products and audition opportunities to mega-event
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 03, 2014--
HGTV and DIY Network, leaders in home and renovation lifestyle media, will command a presence at the 2014 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders' Show (IBS), which are combined under one roof for the first time Feb. 4-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
David Bromstad, host of HGTV's "Color Splash," will meet attendees of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the International Builders Show, Feb. 4-6 in Las Vegas. (Photo: Business Wire)
HGTV and DIY Network are the only television programmers to attend the shows with the objective of developing marketing relationships and solutions that help home product manufacturers and retailers grow their businesses.
"We are a trusted resource for home owners, designers and builders like those at KBIS and IBS," said Donna Stephens, senior vice president of national ad sales for Scripps Networks Interactive. "We understand the latest trends and cement our partnerships with passionate industry professionals by offering them insight into our brands and audiences."
Known for A-list television personalities, as well as home and renovation experts, the cable networks will bring to the show such talent as David Bromstad, host of HGTV's Color Splash; and Alison Victoria, host of DIY Network's Kitchen Crashers. Carley Knobloch, digital stylist for HGTV, will emcee the show's Center Stage events in partnership with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Other network talent on hand include Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers), Mike Holmes (Holmes on Homes), Hillary Farr (Love It or List It), Stephen Fanuka (Million Dollar Contractor) and Rob "Vanilla Ice" Van Winkle (Vanilla Ice Goes Amish).
Calling all fervent fans, renovation experts, design pros and do-it-yourselfers, HGTV and DIY Network talent scouts look to discover a new network star in the crowd. Show attendees with airtime ambitions can participate in the nets' open casting call and auditions, which will be held each day in the Center Stage area of the NKBA booth.
The cable programmers' digital division will host the HGTV Professionals Network, encouraging home design professionals to show off their portfolio of work with the opportunity to have it published on the Scripps family of leading home websites.
Additionally, popular DIY Network hosts James Young (I Hate My Kitchen) and Jeff Devlin (I Hate My Bathroom) will be onsite filming specials from the show floor. Hot List: Baths will feature the newest bath goods, while Hot List: Kitchens will spotlight the hottest kitchen products. And producers will search the mega-show for the year's standout products and trends for the kitchen and bath to be included in future episodes of DIY Network's I Want That.
Show attendees are invited to take photos of products, people, designs and trends during the show, upload them to Instagram with the hashtag #lovedesign and then pick up the printed photos at the HGTV and DIY Network space near Center Stage at KBIS.
"With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of buyers and tens of thousands of home enthusiasts all in one place, the KBIS and IBS event is our home away from home in bringing the best of design and renovation to the industry," Stephens said.
HGTV and DIY Network will share a space with NKBA at booth number N2163.
About Scripps Networks Interactive
Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) is one of the leading developers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. The company's lifestyle media portfolio comprises popular television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively reach more than 170 million consumers each month. Companion websites complement on-air programming with video and social media that inform and inspire. Scripps global networks reach millions of consumers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For more information, please visit scrippsnetworksinteractive.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140203005669/en/
CONTACT: Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.
Lee Hall, 865-560-3853 lhall@scrippsnetworks.com
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes Promote Vocational Training in Schools
On January 31, Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes served as guest speakers at the 2014 Ontario Vocational Schools Conference. From a very early age, both Mike Jr. "MJ" and Sherry have worked in the skilled trades and have shared their dad's vision to promote the trades a legitimate, honorable, and potentially lucrative career opportunity. Both are working hard to break the stereotypes that society has of skilled laborers as less intelligent than their white collar counterparts, and encourage youth to consider a career as a welder, carpenter, mechanic, or a contractor. "It’s not a bad thing to get your hands dirty," MJ remarked to the crowd of vocational educators and participants. A very good point, no doubt picked up from his dad. Don't forget to check out the video of Sherry speaking at the conference which was posted on Mike's Facebook page (see below).
From the Caledon Enterprise:
Teachers share their occupation with vocational education
Speaking about a vocation Photo by George S Beshiri
Former Peel District School Board director and principal Judith Nyman returned to the Brampton high school that bears her name to speak at the 2014 Ontario Vocational Schools Conference.
Brampton Guardian
By Roger Belgrave
BRAMPTON— Mike Holmes Jr. started working in the trades when he was 16-years-old and bought his first house at age 19.
The son of Mike Holmes, a professional contractor and the host and creator of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right, spoke at the 2014 Ontario Vocational Schools Conference.
Event organizers and participants came together to discuss ways of strengthening vocational education in Ontario’s public schools. The conference also managed to spotlight the real human value in vocational programs.
Activities were hosted at Brampton’s Judith Nyman Secondary School, a vocational school offering hands-on technical programs that help students learn a trade, enter apprenticeships, go into the workforce or graduate to college.
More than 200 teachers, administrators and teaching assistants from vocational schools all over southern Ontario attended to discuss programs, share best practices, take part in workshops and network.
Holmes Jr. and sister Sherry, who appear on the HGTV series Holmes Makes It Right, were among conference speakers that also included a representative from the Ministry of Education, Peel District School Board Associate Director Scott Moreash and former Peel board director and principal Judith Nyman.
“We support everything that you’re doing,” Holmes told the auditorium filled with educators.
He recalled wanting to be a firefighter until being introduced to the trades and lamented attending a high school that didn’t have a vocational course option.
“Not enough students have that opportunity,” he said. “I think it’s important that we give them that option, that pathway.”
There is still a societal stigma that lingers around vocational schools. Students are often stereotyped as unintelligent.
Many parents also place more educational value in math and science courses and push children to pursue white-collar careers that are perceived to be more distinguished and lucrative callings than work in the trades.
Holmes pointed out he has a lot of successful friends and colleagues who work as tradespeople.
“You can be successful if you do it and it’s not a bad thing to get your hands dirty,” he remarked.
Many vocational students become the business operators, technicians, contractors and labourers who build homes, fix automobiles, service appliances, repair city infrastructure and perform other work that have an impact on the daily lives of others.
They “make up the fabric of our society,” Nyman suggested.
A vocational school like Judith Nyman is less about the brick and mortar and all about the climate of learning, added Moreash.
Both Nyman and Moreash, former principals at the Brampton high school, said there are students who come to the school struggling academically and adrift in life. They have watched the program and the teachers put those students on a path to success in both areas.
“You help them to find success on their own terms,” Nyman told conference goers.
From Mike's Facebook page:
(If you can't see the video, here's the link)
Pictures:
From the Caledon Enterprise:
Speaking about a vocation Photo by George S Beshiri
Former Peel District School Board director and principal Judith Nyman returned to the Brampton high school that bears her name to speak at the 2014 Ontario Vocational Schools Conference.
Brampton Guardian
By Roger Belgrave
BRAMPTON— Mike Holmes Jr. started working in the trades when he was 16-years-old and bought his first house at age 19.
The son of Mike Holmes, a professional contractor and the host and creator of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right, spoke at the 2014 Ontario Vocational Schools Conference.
Event organizers and participants came together to discuss ways of strengthening vocational education in Ontario’s public schools. The conference also managed to spotlight the real human value in vocational programs.
Activities were hosted at Brampton’s Judith Nyman Secondary School, a vocational school offering hands-on technical programs that help students learn a trade, enter apprenticeships, go into the workforce or graduate to college.
More than 200 teachers, administrators and teaching assistants from vocational schools all over southern Ontario attended to discuss programs, share best practices, take part in workshops and network.
Holmes Jr. and sister Sherry, who appear on the HGTV series Holmes Makes It Right, were among conference speakers that also included a representative from the Ministry of Education, Peel District School Board Associate Director Scott Moreash and former Peel board director and principal Judith Nyman.
“We support everything that you’re doing,” Holmes told the auditorium filled with educators.
He recalled wanting to be a firefighter until being introduced to the trades and lamented attending a high school that didn’t have a vocational course option.
“Not enough students have that opportunity,” he said. “I think it’s important that we give them that option, that pathway.”
There is still a societal stigma that lingers around vocational schools. Students are often stereotyped as unintelligent.
Many parents also place more educational value in math and science courses and push children to pursue white-collar careers that are perceived to be more distinguished and lucrative callings than work in the trades.
Holmes pointed out he has a lot of successful friends and colleagues who work as tradespeople.
“You can be successful if you do it and it’s not a bad thing to get your hands dirty,” he remarked.
Many vocational students become the business operators, technicians, contractors and labourers who build homes, fix automobiles, service appliances, repair city infrastructure and perform other work that have an impact on the daily lives of others.
They “make up the fabric of our society,” Nyman suggested.
A vocational school like Judith Nyman is less about the brick and mortar and all about the climate of learning, added Moreash.
Both Nyman and Moreash, former principals at the Brampton high school, said there are students who come to the school struggling academically and adrift in life. They have watched the program and the teachers put those students on a path to success in both areas.
“You help them to find success on their own terms,” Nyman told conference goers.
From Mike's Facebook page:
(If you can't see the video, here's the link)
Pictures:
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Mike Holmes: A Breath of Fresh Air
Yesterday, Mike Holmes announced that he was teaming up with CertainTeed, a company which manufactures a drywall line that can actually absorb harmful VOCs in the air and convert them into inert compounds, promoting better indoor air quality. What exactly are VOCs and where do they come from? Mike has written many articles pertaining to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), including this recent article which focuses on identifying and mitigating the sources of these harmful chemical off-gasses. As Mike states, VOCs can come from a variety of household sources, including furniture, synthetic carpets, paints, and pressed wood cabinets. How can we minimize exposure to VOCs? By investing in better building materials, better paints, and natural as opposed to synthetic furnishings, we can greatly reduce the presence of these potentially harmful chemical vapors in our homes. Better products might be more expensive, but they're a greater investment into your home as well as your health.
For more information, see yesterday's article, "Mike Holmes Joins Forces with CertainTeed to Tackle Indoor Air Quality Issues" Also, check out previous Holmes Spot blog entry "That "New Car Smell" May Kill You!" for more information from Mike on the harmful effects of VOC's.
From the Montreal Gazette:
Mike Holmes: Breath of fresh air
Getting rid of VOCs around your home is a smart move
Exposure to VOCs, volatile organic compounds, can cause headaches, dizziness, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing and wheezing.
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are in a lot of the products we put in our homes. Everything from carpeting, cabinets and furniture to the paint on our walls and caulking around our tubs, showers and toilets contain VOCs.
Some materials have more, others less. For example, varnishes and caulking can be heavy on the VOCs, and darker pigments in paint usually have more VOCs than lighter colours. But you can also find VOCs in things like cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, air fresheners, furnishings and even plastics.
Volatile organic compounds, which are really just chemical byproducts, evaporate or off-gas into the air. Sometimes all it takes are a few days for most VOCs to be practically gone from certain products, like spray foam insulation, if properly installed. But in other cases, VOCs can off-gas for weeks, months and even years.
In a home, VOCs can accumulate and become a serious health concern. Breathing them in is dangerous; they can cause headaches and dizziness, but in more severe cases they can be very toxic.
Varnishes, glues and adhesives are among the worse for VOC off-gassing, mainly because of one dangerous ingredient they can contain: formaldehyde. A strong-smelling, colourless gas, formaldehyde can make your eyes burn, irritate your nose, or give you a bit of a sore throat. Being exposed to higher doses can cause coughing or wheezing.
In some cases, formaldehyde has been known to cause more serious symptoms, even some types of cancer. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a known carcinogen.
Back in the ’70s it was used in various building products and materials that used glues or adhesives in their production, like pressed wood. There was also a type of insulation that was made from formaldehyde, Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation, but it was banned in the ’80s.
In the air we breathe, VOCs are a health concern for anyone, so as a smart homeowner, you always want to keep them down to a minimum. You can do that by choosing better, safer products for your home.
Glass, ceramic tile, metal, stone and other hard, inert materials don’t release any VOCs, so they’re smarter choices as far as VOCs go. If you can afford it, always choose custom, solid wood cabinetry with a low- or no-VOC finish, hardwood over vinyl flooring, and natural carpet instead of synthetic.
Avoid materials or products that require dangerous adhesives for their installation, and as I said before, lighter colours for paints — whites are best. Harmony and Emerald by Sherwin-Williams are very good no-VOC paints.
These are different ways you can minimize the amount of VOCs that are introduced into your home. But it’s difficult to avoid them altogether, so what do you do?
Well, now we have new products that can actually contribute to making your home healthier. For example, AirRenew drywall which absorbs VOCs — specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes — then turns them into inert gases. It’s like a filter on your walls for VOCs. The bonus is that it’s also resistant to fire, mould, moisture, abuse and impact.
Some materials have more, others less. For example, varnishes and caulking can be heavy on the VOCs, and darker pigments in paint usually have more VOCs than lighter colours. But you can also find VOCs in things like cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, air fresheners, furnishings and even plastics.
Volatile organic compounds, which are really just chemical byproducts, evaporate or off-gas into the air. Sometimes all it takes are a few days for most VOCs to be practically gone from certain products, like spray foam insulation, if properly installed. But in other cases, VOCs can off-gas for weeks, months and even years.
In a home, VOCs can accumulate and become a serious health concern. Breathing them in is dangerous; they can cause headaches and dizziness, but in more severe cases they can be very toxic.
Varnishes, glues and adhesives are among the worse for VOC off-gassing, mainly because of one dangerous ingredient they can contain: formaldehyde. A strong-smelling, colourless gas, formaldehyde can make your eyes burn, irritate your nose, or give you a bit of a sore throat. Being exposed to higher doses can cause coughing or wheezing.
In some cases, formaldehyde has been known to cause more serious symptoms, even some types of cancer. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a known carcinogen.
Back in the ’70s it was used in various building products and materials that used glues or adhesives in their production, like pressed wood. There was also a type of insulation that was made from formaldehyde, Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation, but it was banned in the ’80s.
In the air we breathe, VOCs are a health concern for anyone, so as a smart homeowner, you always want to keep them down to a minimum. You can do that by choosing better, safer products for your home.
Glass, ceramic tile, metal, stone and other hard, inert materials don’t release any VOCs, so they’re smarter choices as far as VOCs go. If you can afford it, always choose custom, solid wood cabinetry with a low- or no-VOC finish, hardwood over vinyl flooring, and natural carpet instead of synthetic.
Avoid materials or products that require dangerous adhesives for their installation, and as I said before, lighter colours for paints — whites are best. Harmony and Emerald by Sherwin-Williams are very good no-VOC paints.
These are different ways you can minimize the amount of VOCs that are introduced into your home. But it’s difficult to avoid them altogether, so what do you do?
Well, now we have new products that can actually contribute to making your home healthier. For example, AirRenew drywall which absorbs VOCs — specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes — then turns them into inert gases. It’s like a filter on your walls for VOCs. The bonus is that it’s also resistant to fire, mould, moisture, abuse and impact.
It’s a great product to install in a room for a baby or anyone who has asthma or other respiratory issues. But overall, it’s a great product to have in any home because VOCs and indoor air quality issues affect everyone.
As builders, developers, manufacturers and contractors, we have a responsibility to build homes that are safer, stronger and better. And better to me includes healthier — that’s a no-brainer.
I’m glad we have industry leaders that are stepping up their standards and developing products with your health in mind. I’m also glad contractors now have options that not only help them build better homes but also make them better contractors.
But the key here is you, the homeowner. The industry changes when you demand it — contractors like me can’t force it on you. You have to demand better standards from your contractors. Accept only healthy, safe products from manufacturers and suppliers. And trust me, we will make it right and build better homes that do what they are meant to do: keep you and your family safe from what’s inside and out.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.
As builders, developers, manufacturers and contractors, we have a responsibility to build homes that are safer, stronger and better. And better to me includes healthier — that’s a no-brainer.
I’m glad we have industry leaders that are stepping up their standards and developing products with your health in mind. I’m also glad contractors now have options that not only help them build better homes but also make them better contractors.
But the key here is you, the homeowner. The industry changes when you demand it — contractors like me can’t force it on you. You have to demand better standards from your contractors. Accept only healthy, safe products from manufacturers and suppliers. And trust me, we will make it right and build better homes that do what they are meant to do: keep you and your family safe from what’s inside and out.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Mike Holmes Joins Forces with CertainTeed to Tackle Indoor Air Quality Issues
Mike Holmes loves to use and promote better and smarter building products that are non- or less toxic and friendlier to the environment. Since teaming up with 3M Filtrete brand air filters and the Canadian Lung Association to promote cleaner indoor air and asbestos awareness, indoor air quality (or IAQ) has been a hot-button issue with Mike. Just recently, it was announced that Mike Holmes is officially endorsing a new kind of gypsum drywall created by CertainTeed under the brand name AirRenew. This drywall line not only resists moisture and mold, but also promotes clean indoor air by capturing VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the air and converting them into inert compounds. VOC's are chemical off-gases which are released into your home via cabinets, carpets, and paints. That "new car smell" or "new gadget smell" that everybody likes so much are really just toxic chemical vapors off-gassing from the plastics, and can oftentimes lead to headaches, breathing issues, or worse if breathed in over a period of time. Using smart products in your home such as AirRenew drywall can help combat these unwanted chemical vapors and promote cleaner indoor air.
In order to promote this new Holmes-Approved product, Mike Holmes will be appearing with CertainTeed at the International Builders Show on February 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Hey, guess who else is going to be in Las Vegas on February 5? Me!!! Woo Hoo!)
From CertainTeed.com:
For immediate release:
January 29, 2014
Renowned Building Industry Expert Mike Holmes Joins Forces with CertainTeed to Tackle Indoor Air Quality Issues
(Tampa, Fla.) –Trusted contractor and long-time advocate for healthy homes, Mike Holmes is joining forces with CertainTeed Gypsum to raise awareness of the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and incorporating high performance drywall products as part of good IAQ design and construction.
CertainTeed’s volatile organic compound (VOC) scavenging drywall line — the AirRenew® IAQ Gypsum Board product family — has been officially designated as a HOLMES Approved Product. The AirRenew product line features exclusive technology that actively helps to clear indoor air by capturing VOCs, specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes, and converting them into inert compounds, while M2Tech® technology provides moisture and mold resistance to further contribute to a better indoor environment.
“AirRenew helps remove unwanted chemicals from your indoor air – even years after a construction job is done,” said Mike Holmes. “Many things in the home off-gas, from the furniture and paint to the carpeting and cabinets. And breathing in these chemicals on a daily basis may be dangerous to your health. It’s a real concern. But products like AirRenew are ahead of the game. They’re tackling IAQ issues head on. That’s something I can stand behind,” added Holmes.
Mike Holmes will make his premier appearance with CertainTeed in Las Vegas at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 3 to 4 p.m. (Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth C2127). He will also be collaborating with CertainTeed on a variety of projects that promote the health benefits of building with AirRenew IAQ drywall products and provide further IAQ education to building professionals and homeowners on the importance of indoor air quality. More information on IAQ and best practices for improving IAQ will be featured on Mike Holmes’ website (www.makeitright.ca), CertainTeed’s website (www.CertainTeed.com/gypsum), in retail establishments, videos and social media networks.
Mike Holmes is a professional contractor with over 30 years experience and the host and creator of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes®, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right. He’s been named the Second Most Trusted Canadian by Reader’s Digest for two consecutive years and Forbes’ Third Most Trustworthy Celebrity. Through his company, The Holmes Group, Mike Holmes leads an international organization that is dedicated to improving building standard and helping create healthier, stronger homes through key partnerships and product development.
“CertainTeed’s priority is to offer innovative, sustainable building products, so partnering with a well-respected, seasoned building professional like Mike Holmes made sense,” said Dan Kennard, Vice President of Marketing for CertainTeed Gypsum. “He has a proven track record in choosing materials that raise building standards, and his endorsement of AirRenew is also in line with our mutual goal to help create sustainable, healthy indoor environments.”
The AirRenew portfolio of products includes a wide range of performance attributes, such as resistance to fire, mold, moisture, abuse and impact. Specifically, the product line features: AirRenew Essential, AirRenew M2Tech®, AirRenew M2Tech Type X, AirRenew Extreme Abuse and AirRenew Extreme Impact. Each product handles the same as regular gypsum board and does not require special tools to install or finish.
AirRenew products are GREENGUARD® Gold certified and can contribute to indoor environmental quality, recycled materials, and innovation in design credits for green projects. AirRenew contains up to 99 percent total recycled content and may also provide regional materials depending on project location. In addition, AirRenew products have received Environmental Claims Validation (ECV) from UL Environment for permanent formaldehyde absorption, mold resistance, recycled content and regional materials.
Offering a broad range of gypsum and finishing products for interior and exterior needs, CertainTeed Gypsum has served the North American building industry for more than 80 years and is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading producer of gypsum products. This, in combination with the full range of affiliated CertainTeed Corporation building products, provides architects, contractors, builders and dealers one partner to provide service and support for commercial and residential building projects. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/gypsum.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum and ceilings.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 5,700 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. For five consecutive years, the company has received top honors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its contributions in protecting the environment and was most recently the recipient of the 2013 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award. The group had total sales of approximately $3.3 billion in 2013. www.certainteed.com
About The Holmes Group
The Holmes Group is an international brand with operations in independent media production, new-home building and home inspection, as well as expansion into product development. The Holmes Group is entirely owned by Mike Holmes and responsible for developing and managing all HOLMES branded entities, including Make It Right Productions Inc., HOLMES Communities, HOLMES Approved Homes, MIKE HOLMES Inspections, HOLMES Referred Contractors, HOLMES Products, HOLMES Workwear and The Holmes Foundation.
For more information, visit www.makeitright.ca.
In order to promote this new Holmes-Approved product, Mike Holmes will be appearing with CertainTeed at the International Builders Show on February 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Hey, guess who else is going to be in Las Vegas on February 5? Me!!! Woo Hoo!)
From CertainTeed.com:
For immediate release:
January 29, 2014
Renowned Building Industry Expert Mike Holmes Joins Forces with CertainTeed to Tackle Indoor Air Quality Issues
(Tampa, Fla.) –Trusted contractor and long-time advocate for healthy homes, Mike Holmes is joining forces with CertainTeed Gypsum to raise awareness of the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and incorporating high performance drywall products as part of good IAQ design and construction.
CertainTeed’s volatile organic compound (VOC) scavenging drywall line — the AirRenew® IAQ Gypsum Board product family — has been officially designated as a HOLMES Approved Product. The AirRenew product line features exclusive technology that actively helps to clear indoor air by capturing VOCs, specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes, and converting them into inert compounds, while M2Tech® technology provides moisture and mold resistance to further contribute to a better indoor environment.
“AirRenew helps remove unwanted chemicals from your indoor air – even years after a construction job is done,” said Mike Holmes. “Many things in the home off-gas, from the furniture and paint to the carpeting and cabinets. And breathing in these chemicals on a daily basis may be dangerous to your health. It’s a real concern. But products like AirRenew are ahead of the game. They’re tackling IAQ issues head on. That’s something I can stand behind,” added Holmes.
Mike Holmes will make his premier appearance with CertainTeed in Las Vegas at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 3 to 4 p.m. (Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth C2127). He will also be collaborating with CertainTeed on a variety of projects that promote the health benefits of building with AirRenew IAQ drywall products and provide further IAQ education to building professionals and homeowners on the importance of indoor air quality. More information on IAQ and best practices for improving IAQ will be featured on Mike Holmes’ website (www.makeitright.ca), CertainTeed’s website (www.CertainTeed.com/gypsum), in retail establishments, videos and social media networks.
Mike Holmes is a professional contractor with over 30 years experience and the host and creator of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes®, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right. He’s been named the Second Most Trusted Canadian by Reader’s Digest for two consecutive years and Forbes’ Third Most Trustworthy Celebrity. Through his company, The Holmes Group, Mike Holmes leads an international organization that is dedicated to improving building standard and helping create healthier, stronger homes through key partnerships and product development.
“CertainTeed’s priority is to offer innovative, sustainable building products, so partnering with a well-respected, seasoned building professional like Mike Holmes made sense,” said Dan Kennard, Vice President of Marketing for CertainTeed Gypsum. “He has a proven track record in choosing materials that raise building standards, and his endorsement of AirRenew is also in line with our mutual goal to help create sustainable, healthy indoor environments.”
The AirRenew portfolio of products includes a wide range of performance attributes, such as resistance to fire, mold, moisture, abuse and impact. Specifically, the product line features: AirRenew Essential, AirRenew M2Tech®, AirRenew M2Tech Type X, AirRenew Extreme Abuse and AirRenew Extreme Impact. Each product handles the same as regular gypsum board and does not require special tools to install or finish.
AirRenew products are GREENGUARD® Gold certified and can contribute to indoor environmental quality, recycled materials, and innovation in design credits for green projects. AirRenew contains up to 99 percent total recycled content and may also provide regional materials depending on project location. In addition, AirRenew products have received Environmental Claims Validation (ECV) from UL Environment for permanent formaldehyde absorption, mold resistance, recycled content and regional materials.
Offering a broad range of gypsum and finishing products for interior and exterior needs, CertainTeed Gypsum has served the North American building industry for more than 80 years and is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading producer of gypsum products. This, in combination with the full range of affiliated CertainTeed Corporation building products, provides architects, contractors, builders and dealers one partner to provide service and support for commercial and residential building projects. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/gypsum.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum and ceilings.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 5,700 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. For five consecutive years, the company has received top honors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its contributions in protecting the environment and was most recently the recipient of the 2013 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award. The group had total sales of approximately $3.3 billion in 2013. www.certainteed.com
About The Holmes Group
The Holmes Group is an international brand with operations in independent media production, new-home building and home inspection, as well as expansion into product development. The Holmes Group is entirely owned by Mike Holmes and responsible for developing and managing all HOLMES branded entities, including Make It Right Productions Inc., HOLMES Communities, HOLMES Approved Homes, MIKE HOLMES Inspections, HOLMES Referred Contractors, HOLMES Products, HOLMES Workwear and The Holmes Foundation.
For more information, visit www.makeitright.ca.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Record Ratings for the DIY Network
January 2014 has been a very good month ratings-wise for the DIY network, which had been airing Holmes Makes it Right in the US exclusively until last week's premiere on HGTV/US. In a press release from DIY, the record-setting month for viewership was accredited to their diverse programming lineup, which includes Mike's show Holmes Makes It Right. Earlier last year, the two-part episode "Caught in a Trap" set a DIY viewership record as the highest rated episode of any show to air on the DIY network (see Holmes Makes It Right "Shatters" Viewer Records on DIY for more information). That same episode has since been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award (see Holmes Makes It Right -- Nominated for a 2014 Canadian Screen Award for more information).
From the TheFutonCritic.com:
[01/28/14 - 12:40 PM]
DIY Network Kick Starts 2014 with Most-Watched Month Ever
DIY spins the numbers for the month of January.
[via press release from DIY]
DIY NETWORK KICK STARTS 2014 WITH MOST-WATCHED MONTH EVER Rev Run's Renovation and Rehab Addict Help Drive January Viewership New York [For Immediate Release - January 28, 2014] DIY Network had its most-watched month ever in January, averaging 107,000 P25-54 prime impressions. In fact, the network capped its most-watched month by delivering its most watched week ever for the week of 1/20/14, averaging 124,000 P25-54 impressions in prime. Additionally, the weekend of 1/26/14 was its most watched weekend ever, averaging 145,000 P25-54 impressions from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Rev Run (Rev Run's Renovation), Nicole Curtis (Rehab Addict), Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside (Salvage Dawgs) and Mike Holmes (Holmes Makes It Right) were among the dynamic network stars and series attracting upscale audiences in every key demo. Nearly 40% of DIY Network's P25-54 audience is made up of upscale viewers and the network ranks #9 among all cable networks for upscale audience composition. "This is exactly the kind of audience momentum we want to see in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII and the 2014 Winter Olympics," said Kathleen Finch, president, HGTV and DIY Network. "Of course, everyone loves these important, once-in-a-lifetime events, but for those who still need inspiration to tackle real life Herculean challenges in home renovation, we continue to offer compelling viewing alternatives." Upcoming series for DIY Network in 2014 include the May premiere of Daryl's Restoration Over-Hall, starring rock legend Daryl Hall, and new episodes of fan favorites Vanilla Ice Project and Holmes Inspection. ABOUT DIY NETWORK DIY Network, from the makers of HGTV and Food Network, is the go-to destination for rip-up, knock-out home improvement television. Currently in more than 58 million homes, DIY Network's programming covers a broad range of categories, including home improvement and landscaping. The network's award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America's top home and garden Internet destinations for entertaining videos, home improvement advice, step-by-step instructions, message boards, blogs, an interactive program guide and more. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., DIY Network is wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI). Viewers can become fans of DIY Network and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. To find DIY Network's satellite and cable channel designations, check local listings or visit DIYNetwork.com/tv.
From the TheFutonCritic.com:
[01/28/14 - 12:40 PM]
DIY Network Kick Starts 2014 with Most-Watched Month Ever
DIY spins the numbers for the month of January.
[via press release from DIY]
DIY NETWORK KICK STARTS 2014 WITH MOST-WATCHED MONTH EVER Rev Run's Renovation and Rehab Addict Help Drive January Viewership New York [For Immediate Release - January 28, 2014] DIY Network had its most-watched month ever in January, averaging 107,000 P25-54 prime impressions. In fact, the network capped its most-watched month by delivering its most watched week ever for the week of 1/20/14, averaging 124,000 P25-54 impressions in prime. Additionally, the weekend of 1/26/14 was its most watched weekend ever, averaging 145,000 P25-54 impressions from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Rev Run (Rev Run's Renovation), Nicole Curtis (Rehab Addict), Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside (Salvage Dawgs) and Mike Holmes (Holmes Makes It Right) were among the dynamic network stars and series attracting upscale audiences in every key demo. Nearly 40% of DIY Network's P25-54 audience is made up of upscale viewers and the network ranks #9 among all cable networks for upscale audience composition. "This is exactly the kind of audience momentum we want to see in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII and the 2014 Winter Olympics," said Kathleen Finch, president, HGTV and DIY Network. "Of course, everyone loves these important, once-in-a-lifetime events, but for those who still need inspiration to tackle real life Herculean challenges in home renovation, we continue to offer compelling viewing alternatives." Upcoming series for DIY Network in 2014 include the May premiere of Daryl's Restoration Over-Hall, starring rock legend Daryl Hall, and new episodes of fan favorites Vanilla Ice Project and Holmes Inspection. ABOUT DIY NETWORK DIY Network, from the makers of HGTV and Food Network, is the go-to destination for rip-up, knock-out home improvement television. Currently in more than 58 million homes, DIY Network's programming covers a broad range of categories, including home improvement and landscaping. The network's award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America's top home and garden Internet destinations for entertaining videos, home improvement advice, step-by-step instructions, message boards, blogs, an interactive program guide and more. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., DIY Network is wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI). Viewers can become fans of DIY Network and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. To find DIY Network's satellite and cable channel designations, check local listings or visit DIYNetwork.com/tv.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Canada's Handyman Challenge: Behind the Scenes
Okay, so it's been a little while since Mike Holmes has served as one of the judges on Canada's Handyman Challenge, but don't tell him that! Even though not an official part of the hit Canadian TV series (which I love, even though I'm an American and I only get to see clips and blurbs from around the internet), he's often seen hanging out on the set with his pals Bryan, Scott, and Paul. In this article, which is really a blog post from the home and reno blog "Storefront Life," CHC fan Kristen gets to hang out with her favorite HGTV hosts and ask them some questions, just prior to the launch of the brand new season which debuted on January 21. Always a pleasant surprise, Mike Holmes was on set as well, giving his input about the contestants. At the very end, Kristen states that she'll be sharing more photos after the show's finale, so I'll definitely be checking out the Storefront Life in a little while to see more pics from the show!
From the blog Storefront Life:
Do you have a favorite TV channel? One that you turn to first to see what’s on? Mine is HGTV. Before owning a home I lusted after every home and project and reno on the TV just itching to get my own place. I wanted to learn how to frame a wall, why plumbing needed to be vented and how to tile and drywall. I wanted to be a handy(wo)man.
Needless to say Canada’s Handyman Challenge is one of my favorite shows. It takes average handy Joe’s, and puts them to the test in home building/repair challenges. To top it off, the judges are my favorite hosts on HGTV. Bryan Baeumler, Scott McGillivray and Paul Lafrance. The new season of CHC is about to kick into high gear, premiering tomorrow night (Tuesday January 21st at 10pm ET|PT) on HGTV Canada.
One afternoon when I was busy working on the kitchen project my phone buzzed with an email asking me if I’d like to come down to the set of Canada’s Handyman Challenge and sit down with the judges and host Jenn Robertson. Would I like to visit behind the scenes of one of my fave shows and interview three of my heros? Nah. I’m good. I’d rather be elbows deep in plumbing.
So I went (of course!) I battled a closed road and an out of the way set location and literally ran to make it in time.
When I arrived, I got to tour the set (which was freakin’ awesome!) and then sat down with Bryan, Scott, Paul and Jenn with surprise guest (our buddy) Mike Holmes.
My first realization: Scott’s hair really is that great.
Next realization: The guys are old friends, who get along great and enjoy taking the piss out of one another. Throughout our round table the guys were super relaxed and personable. Scott even told us bloggers that he checked out our blogs (swoon). The strange thing is that you watch these guys on TV so much you kinda think that you know them. That they’re your friends, when really you’ve just been voyeuristic looking at their lives from a box in your living room! They quickly put us at ease and were very candid with our questions.
The four lucky bloggers attending got to ask the gang a question. My question was a bit self serving (I was trying to get the inside scoop so I could take the prize at next years competition.)
I asked this: “What is the one skill that the candidates and handymen in general are lacking?”
I LOVED their answers. Here is what they said:
Scott: Passion.
Paul: Math, Science.
Mike: Confidence.
Jenn: Ability to hang wallpaper! She says there’s always a wallpaper challenge. PRACTICE HOW TO WALLPAPER!
And my favorite response:
Bryan: Planning.
Bryan says people don’t stop and think/plan out what they are doing, they just go head long into the project without thinking how they’re going to do it. I couldn’t agree more. I see my projects going downhill fast unless I plan it out beforehand. I plan on taking Bryan’s advice and planning out my projects more!
I can’t wait to see the judges in action (and what candidates posses the skills the judges are looking for!) I will also start planning my plywood challenge for next year.
Here are a few more behind the scenes pics (I couldn’t share all of my pictures as I was invited on set during the FINAL challenge. So check back after the finale and I will be sharing more pics!.)
I will be chatting on twitter tomorrow night during the premier (Tuesday January 21st at 10pm ET|PT) on HGTV Canada. Follow me @storefrontlife for my witty remarks about my new best friends Bryan, Scott, Paul, & Jenn.
Until then you can get your CHC fix by checking out host bios and behind the scenes videos about the show here.
Would you ever try out for Canada’s Handyman Challenge? Will you be watching tomorrow night?
From the blog Storefront Life:
Do you have a favorite TV channel? One that you turn to first to see what’s on? Mine is HGTV. Before owning a home I lusted after every home and project and reno on the TV just itching to get my own place. I wanted to learn how to frame a wall, why plumbing needed to be vented and how to tile and drywall. I wanted to be a handy(wo)man.
Needless to say Canada’s Handyman Challenge is one of my favorite shows. It takes average handy Joe’s, and puts them to the test in home building/repair challenges. To top it off, the judges are my favorite hosts on HGTV. Bryan Baeumler, Scott McGillivray and Paul Lafrance. The new season of CHC is about to kick into high gear, premiering tomorrow night (Tuesday January 21st at 10pm ET|PT) on HGTV Canada.
One afternoon when I was busy working on the kitchen project my phone buzzed with an email asking me if I’d like to come down to the set of Canada’s Handyman Challenge and sit down with the judges and host Jenn Robertson. Would I like to visit behind the scenes of one of my fave shows and interview three of my heros? Nah. I’m good. I’d rather be elbows deep in plumbing.
So I went (of course!) I battled a closed road and an out of the way set location and literally ran to make it in time.
When I arrived, I got to tour the set (which was freakin’ awesome!) and then sat down with Bryan, Scott, Paul and Jenn with surprise guest (our buddy) Mike Holmes.
My first realization: Scott’s hair really is that great.
Next realization: The guys are old friends, who get along great and enjoy taking the piss out of one another. Throughout our round table the guys were super relaxed and personable. Scott even told us bloggers that he checked out our blogs (swoon). The strange thing is that you watch these guys on TV so much you kinda think that you know them. That they’re your friends, when really you’ve just been voyeuristic looking at their lives from a box in your living room! They quickly put us at ease and were very candid with our questions.
The four lucky bloggers attending got to ask the gang a question. My question was a bit self serving (I was trying to get the inside scoop so I could take the prize at next years competition.)
I asked this: “What is the one skill that the candidates and handymen in general are lacking?”
I LOVED their answers. Here is what they said:
Scott: Passion.
Paul: Math, Science.
Mike: Confidence.
Jenn: Ability to hang wallpaper! She says there’s always a wallpaper challenge. PRACTICE HOW TO WALLPAPER!
And my favorite response:
Bryan: Planning.
Bryan says people don’t stop and think/plan out what they are doing, they just go head long into the project without thinking how they’re going to do it. I couldn’t agree more. I see my projects going downhill fast unless I plan it out beforehand. I plan on taking Bryan’s advice and planning out my projects more!
I can’t wait to see the judges in action (and what candidates posses the skills the judges are looking for!) I will also start planning my plywood challenge for next year.
Here are a few more behind the scenes pics (I couldn’t share all of my pictures as I was invited on set during the FINAL challenge. So check back after the finale and I will be sharing more pics!.)
I will be chatting on twitter tomorrow night during the premier (Tuesday January 21st at 10pm ET|PT) on HGTV Canada. Follow me @storefrontlife for my witty remarks about my new best friends Bryan, Scott, Paul, & Jenn.
Until then you can get your CHC fix by checking out host bios and behind the scenes videos about the show here.
Would you ever try out for Canada’s Handyman Challenge? Will you be watching tomorrow night?
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Mike Holmes: Using Home Equity to Finance a Renovation
Credit should always be used responsibly. If there's one thing people should have taken away from the last couple of years with the housing bust is that people should not be borrowing money they can never afford to pay back. A good renovation can be an investment into a home's value, meaning that a new kitchen or bath can add to the bottom line when determining a home's worth, not to mention it can make living in the home more enjoyable for the homeowners. A properly done renovation can cost upwards of $20,000, and most people don't have that kind of money lying around. This means financing or borrowing to pay the bill. In this article, Mike Holmes talks about the pros and cons of borrowing against your home's equity to pay for a renovation. Loans and lines of credit can be taken out using your home's value as collateral. When done responsibly, this can become an effective way to finance a home renovation project. Of course, the inverse is true as well.
From the Ottawa Citizen:
Using home equity to finance renos
It may seem risky, but it has its benefits
Doing a renovation yourself or hiring the cheapest contractor may not end up saving you money if things go wrong and need repairing or redoing. It’s worth financing a renovation to do the job properly.
Photograph by: The Holmes Group
‘Can I afford a renovation?”
It’s the question many of you might be asking yourselves as you plan ahead and start thinking about new home projects. Maybe you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, or finish the basement. But it takes money to do it right.
The average kitchen or basement reno can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000. But most people don’t have that kind of money lying around. So what do they do? They find the cheapest way to get the renovation they want.
Either they try to do it themselves or hire the cheapest contractor. Unfortunately, that mindset can lead you down the wrong path, one that’s full of problems. (Nine times out of 10 the cheapest contractor ends up costing you more.)
The good news is, you have options.
There are three ways most people pay for home renovations: savings, credit cards or borrowing against their home equity. If the project costs less than $10,000, using your savings or credit cards might be doable — check with a financial adviser or credit counsellor first.
Using credit cards to pay for a renovation isn’t something I recommend because of high interest rates. You could end up paying for your renovation for the rest of your life and three times over if you can’t pay off the card quickly. If you are making only monthly minimum payments, it’s a very bad idea. And if you need to pay for other expenses with your credit cards, you don’t want to hit your credit limit.
So if you don’t have enough savings — the case for most people — and you don’t want to rely on credit cards, that leaves you with option No. 3: borrowing against your home equity. You could do this a few different ways.
First, you could get a second mortgage using your home as collateral, but I don’t recommend it. Although the interest rate won’t be as high as it is with credit cards, it can be a lot higher than your current mortgage rate. And paying off both mortgages will be difficult if you’re already in a tight financial situation.
You could also get a home-equity loan. That’s when a lender lends you a lump sum using your home as collateral. Most lenders will let you borrow up to 75 per cent of your home’s appraised value, minus what you owe on your mortgage.
So let’s say an approved appraiser (approved by the lender) appraises your home at $500,000 but you still owe $300,000 on your mortgage. That means they can lend you a maximum of $75,000 ($500,000 x 0.75 = $375,000 - $300,000 = $75,000).
Now, that doesn’t mean that’s how much you’ll get. Your lender will determine your ability to repay the loan, and that depends on your income, credit history, employment, debt and other financial obligations.
A home-equity loan is given to you in one lump sum, which you pay back at a fixed interest rate, in fixed payments, for a fixed period of time — everything is fixed. And if you default on payments, you could lose your home.
It’s the question many of you might be asking yourselves as you plan ahead and start thinking about new home projects. Maybe you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, or finish the basement. But it takes money to do it right.
The average kitchen or basement reno can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000. But most people don’t have that kind of money lying around. So what do they do? They find the cheapest way to get the renovation they want.
Either they try to do it themselves or hire the cheapest contractor. Unfortunately, that mindset can lead you down the wrong path, one that’s full of problems. (Nine times out of 10 the cheapest contractor ends up costing you more.)
The good news is, you have options.
There are three ways most people pay for home renovations: savings, credit cards or borrowing against their home equity. If the project costs less than $10,000, using your savings or credit cards might be doable — check with a financial adviser or credit counsellor first.
Using credit cards to pay for a renovation isn’t something I recommend because of high interest rates. You could end up paying for your renovation for the rest of your life and three times over if you can’t pay off the card quickly. If you are making only monthly minimum payments, it’s a very bad idea. And if you need to pay for other expenses with your credit cards, you don’t want to hit your credit limit.
So if you don’t have enough savings — the case for most people — and you don’t want to rely on credit cards, that leaves you with option No. 3: borrowing against your home equity. You could do this a few different ways.
First, you could get a second mortgage using your home as collateral, but I don’t recommend it. Although the interest rate won’t be as high as it is with credit cards, it can be a lot higher than your current mortgage rate. And paying off both mortgages will be difficult if you’re already in a tight financial situation.
You could also get a home-equity loan. That’s when a lender lends you a lump sum using your home as collateral. Most lenders will let you borrow up to 75 per cent of your home’s appraised value, minus what you owe on your mortgage.
So let’s say an approved appraiser (approved by the lender) appraises your home at $500,000 but you still owe $300,000 on your mortgage. That means they can lend you a maximum of $75,000 ($500,000 x 0.75 = $375,000 - $300,000 = $75,000).
Now, that doesn’t mean that’s how much you’ll get. Your lender will determine your ability to repay the loan, and that depends on your income, credit history, employment, debt and other financial obligations.
A home-equity loan is given to you in one lump sum, which you pay back at a fixed interest rate, in fixed payments, for a fixed period of time — everything is fixed. And if you default on payments, you could lose your home.
A home-equity loan isn’t very flexible. If you can’t make a monthly payment for whatever reason, you get penalized, which is why more homeowners opt for a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit with an adjustable interest rate that allows you to withdraw money as you need it (instead of one lump sum), but the interest rate can fluctuate up or down.
It might seem risky, but the benefit is you don’t have to make fixed payments for a fixed period of time; in most cases, all you have to do is just pay the interest on the line of credit every month. If one month you can’t make any payments, it’s OK — but always double-check this with your lender because each lender is different.
If you’re concerned about affording a renovation, talk to financial professionals and lenders who can give you the right financing options. Because the truth is you can’t afford to do a renovation wrong — it costs more in the end, every single time, no exception.
Catch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on HGTV. For information, visit hgtv.ca. For information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit with an adjustable interest rate that allows you to withdraw money as you need it (instead of one lump sum), but the interest rate can fluctuate up or down.
It might seem risky, but the benefit is you don’t have to make fixed payments for a fixed period of time; in most cases, all you have to do is just pay the interest on the line of credit every month. If one month you can’t make any payments, it’s OK — but always double-check this with your lender because each lender is different.
If you’re concerned about affording a renovation, talk to financial professionals and lenders who can give you the right financing options. Because the truth is you can’t afford to do a renovation wrong — it costs more in the end, every single time, no exception.
Catch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on HGTV. For information, visit hgtv.ca. For information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Mike Holmes Provides Tips to Make it Right with 3M Safety Products
On September 20, 2013, Mike Holmes was in Chicago on a sound stage doing live home maintenance and safety segments which were broadcast on local news shows around the US (see Mike Holmes Gives Home Maintenance Tips for more information). One of those segments was recently put up on the 3M DIY YouTube channel. In the segment, Mike Holmes talks about how to work safely using 3M safety products, including Mike's own line of safety glasses, which are designed to be stylish and comfortable.
While checking out the 3M YouTube channel, I was surprised to see other videos featuring Mike. Here's a video on properly using foam earplugs. Embedding was disabled, so here's some pictures:
There was also a video on choosing safety lens colors. In this video, Mike discusses how different lighting conditions make certain lens colors ideal when choosing safety glasses. Embedding was disabled, so here's some pictures:
Right after that, 3M had a video of Mike demonstrating how to choose the right hearing protection. From full muffs to ear plugs, there are multiple ways to protect your hearing when working around noisy tools. Embedding was disabled, so here's some pictures:
While checking out the 3M YouTube channel, I was surprised to see other videos featuring Mike. Here's a video on properly using foam earplugs. Embedding was disabled, so here's some pictures:
There was also a video on choosing safety lens colors. In this video, Mike discusses how different lighting conditions make certain lens colors ideal when choosing safety glasses. Embedding was disabled, so here's some pictures:
Right after that, 3M had a video of Mike demonstrating how to choose the right hearing protection. From full muffs to ear plugs, there are multiple ways to protect your hearing when working around noisy tools. Embedding was disabled, so here's some pictures:
Monday, January 20, 2014
Mike Holmes: Date Your Contractor
How do you pick the right contractor? It's a question that Mike Holmes has been asked 1000 times. It's also a question that's on many homeowners' minds because picking the right contractor is so vitally important to the success of a project. In this Q&A interview conducted by dating/marriage and relationship website 2forcouples.com, Mike Holmes urges homeowners to pick a contractor like you would pick a dating partner: ask a lot of questions to make sure that this person you are inviting into your home is the right guy or gal for you. On an episode of Holmes on Homes, Mike has cheekily called the debris of a renovation gone wrong "divorce dust" because the stress and financial strain caused by a poorly done renovation can and has lead to the dissolution of families. As Mike states in the article below, renovations don't have to be frustrating. On the contrary, they should be exciting, and they will be if you slow down, take your time, and do your homework.
From 2forcouples.com:
Q&A: Mike HolmesFor the past six years, building guru Mike Holmes has been trying to "Make It Right" on his award-winning HGTV Canada show, Holmes on Homes. The son of a jack of all trades, Holmes has been working with his hands since he was a little boy. Today he lives with his family in Halton Hills, Ont., in a house that, he says, will eventually be the "ultimate home." 2 talked to Holmes to get his expert advice on everything reno.
2: How do you suggest budgeting for a renovation?
Holmes: Know how much money you have to spend. It’s not a big deal to do your renovation in stages. Choose an order that makes sense, and plan every year for that expense. Many people say that you have to add 15 percent to a contractor’s quote for the extra charges he’ll come up with, but I don’t agree. You shouldn’t have to pay a contractor any extra money unless you’ve asked for something extra.
2: What’s the best place in the house to begin a reno?
Holmes: The kitchen and bathroom are the rooms that people use most, so I’d start there. The deck is another popular space to renovate at this time of year.
2: Is it possible to change the look of the whole house without having to invest a huge amount of work and money?
Holmes: Absolutely! To begin, renovate with paint. A new coat of paint throughout the house will make a world of difference. Replacing dark or plain-white walls with bright colours will really open up your spaces. Be sure to choose colours based on flooring and furniture. Next, eliminate clutter. You should only have what you absolutely need in your living room. Big TV stands and wall units only contribute to the clutter. Keep the TV and get rid of any oversized pieces of furniture. The less stuff you have, the bigger your rooms will look.
2: What rooms can be renovated on the cheap, yet still have a major impact?
Holmes: When you put work into your bedroom, you create a desire to spend time there rather than just using it as a space for sleeping. All it takes is some paint, a bit of crown moulding, chair rails, a new floor or carpeting and perhaps a new bed. This can all be done relatively inexpensively.
2: What headaches should be expected during a renovation?
Holmes: Most people don’t realize it but they cause their own headaches. Renovations don’t have to be frustrating. They can—and should—be exciting. There are three important steps I can recommend to prevent headaches. First, take your time. Don’t be in a hurry to get things done. Instead, be sure to get them done right. Second, this is the time and place to find out about new materials. For example, while medium density fibreboard [MDF] is the pick of choice for most cabinetmakers—because it’s cheap and easy to work with—the best trim on the market is actually poplar. It’s a weed tree, which makes it environmentally friendly, and it doesn’t off-gas. Choose lasting materials rather than what’s cheapest. Third, check out your contractors before you hire them. Don’t hire a roofer to do your plumbing or a fence guy to do your bathroom. Find specialty people.
2: With so many contractors out there, how do you know who’s the best?
Holmes: It’s like a dating game: Ask 1,001 questions before you hire anyone. For example, if you’re renovating your bathroom, your questions should include: How long have you specialized in bathrooms? How many sinks have you done? Hopefully they’ve done at least 50 to be able to learn from their mistakes. Do they have a list of references, and can you call them? Trust your instincts when you’re making these decisions.
2: What happens if a contractor messes up?
Holmes: If you hire the right guy, he won’t mess up. If he does, he’ll come back because his name and reputation mean everything to him. Make sure that you get your contractor back to fix any mistakes. And whatever you do, don’t give him the keys to your house and then go on vacation to avoid the dust. Be there to answer questions and oversee the work.
2: How do you avoid renovation fraud?
Holmes: If you see a van driving down the street that says ‘Duct Cleaning,’ and the driver rings your doorbell and says that he’s in the neighbourhood and will come back tomorrow to do the work if you put $100 down today, you should be leery. If you know who your contractors are and have enough information and references, you’ll know they aren’t fraudulent.
2: What’s your take on DIY renos?
Holmes: I’m not a fan. I’ve spent a lifetime learning what I know, and it’s not easily explained. The internet is a good information resource but, like anything else, you’ll find at least 10 different opinions.
2: Are renovation standards improving as a result of your TV show?
Holmes: I think the show has created awareness with homeowners, and I think it has given a great advantage to companies who care about their work. But I still receive 1,000 emails a week from people in trouble—that’s depressing.
From 2forcouples.com:
Q&A: Mike HolmesFor the past six years, building guru Mike Holmes has been trying to "Make It Right" on his award-winning HGTV Canada show, Holmes on Homes. The son of a jack of all trades, Holmes has been working with his hands since he was a little boy. Today he lives with his family in Halton Hills, Ont., in a house that, he says, will eventually be the "ultimate home." 2 talked to Holmes to get his expert advice on everything reno.
2: How do you suggest budgeting for a renovation?
Holmes: Know how much money you have to spend. It’s not a big deal to do your renovation in stages. Choose an order that makes sense, and plan every year for that expense. Many people say that you have to add 15 percent to a contractor’s quote for the extra charges he’ll come up with, but I don’t agree. You shouldn’t have to pay a contractor any extra money unless you’ve asked for something extra.
2: What’s the best place in the house to begin a reno?
Holmes: The kitchen and bathroom are the rooms that people use most, so I’d start there. The deck is another popular space to renovate at this time of year.
2: Is it possible to change the look of the whole house without having to invest a huge amount of work and money?
Holmes: Absolutely! To begin, renovate with paint. A new coat of paint throughout the house will make a world of difference. Replacing dark or plain-white walls with bright colours will really open up your spaces. Be sure to choose colours based on flooring and furniture. Next, eliminate clutter. You should only have what you absolutely need in your living room. Big TV stands and wall units only contribute to the clutter. Keep the TV and get rid of any oversized pieces of furniture. The less stuff you have, the bigger your rooms will look.
2: What rooms can be renovated on the cheap, yet still have a major impact?
Holmes: When you put work into your bedroom, you create a desire to spend time there rather than just using it as a space for sleeping. All it takes is some paint, a bit of crown moulding, chair rails, a new floor or carpeting and perhaps a new bed. This can all be done relatively inexpensively.
2: What headaches should be expected during a renovation?
Holmes: Most people don’t realize it but they cause their own headaches. Renovations don’t have to be frustrating. They can—and should—be exciting. There are three important steps I can recommend to prevent headaches. First, take your time. Don’t be in a hurry to get things done. Instead, be sure to get them done right. Second, this is the time and place to find out about new materials. For example, while medium density fibreboard [MDF] is the pick of choice for most cabinetmakers—because it’s cheap and easy to work with—the best trim on the market is actually poplar. It’s a weed tree, which makes it environmentally friendly, and it doesn’t off-gas. Choose lasting materials rather than what’s cheapest. Third, check out your contractors before you hire them. Don’t hire a roofer to do your plumbing or a fence guy to do your bathroom. Find specialty people.
2: With so many contractors out there, how do you know who’s the best?
Holmes: It’s like a dating game: Ask 1,001 questions before you hire anyone. For example, if you’re renovating your bathroom, your questions should include: How long have you specialized in bathrooms? How many sinks have you done? Hopefully they’ve done at least 50 to be able to learn from their mistakes. Do they have a list of references, and can you call them? Trust your instincts when you’re making these decisions.
2: What happens if a contractor messes up?
Holmes: If you hire the right guy, he won’t mess up. If he does, he’ll come back because his name and reputation mean everything to him. Make sure that you get your contractor back to fix any mistakes. And whatever you do, don’t give him the keys to your house and then go on vacation to avoid the dust. Be there to answer questions and oversee the work.
2: How do you avoid renovation fraud?
Holmes: If you see a van driving down the street that says ‘Duct Cleaning,’ and the driver rings your doorbell and says that he’s in the neighbourhood and will come back tomorrow to do the work if you put $100 down today, you should be leery. If you know who your contractors are and have enough information and references, you’ll know they aren’t fraudulent.
2: What’s your take on DIY renos?
Holmes: I’m not a fan. I’ve spent a lifetime learning what I know, and it’s not easily explained. The internet is a good information resource but, like anything else, you’ll find at least 10 different opinions.
2: Are renovation standards improving as a result of your TV show?
Holmes: I think the show has created awareness with homeowners, and I think it has given a great advantage to companies who care about their work. But I still receive 1,000 emails a week from people in trouble—that’s depressing.
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