To listen to the segment, which begins around the 10:30 mark, visit TheToddShapiroShow.com/ and click "Listen Now" or download the March 4 podcast on iTunes.
Pictures:
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Mike Holmes on the Todd Shapiro Show - March 4, 2014
This morning, Mike Holmes appeared on the Todd Shapiro Show which airs live on SiriusXM Radio. During the show, Todd wasn't shy one bit about his very obvious man-crush on Mike, whom he met on an airplane a couple of weeks ago as the two were flying to Costa Rica. Amongst other topics, Mike spoke about his near brush with death last year while vacationing in Costa Rica in late 2012. He explained that during an ATV excursion with good friend and go-to electrician Frank Cozzolino, he got dust in his eyes, which he later washed out using the local water from a sink. Later that night, he came down with a severe case of E. coli. The illness left him clinging to life (and presumably to the side of a toilet bowl) for nearly 36 hours (see Feel Better Soon, Mike... for more information). They also discussed Mike's work ethic and dedication to the trades, as well as his "amazing dance moves" in the club.
To listen to the segment, which begins around the 10:30 mark, visit TheToddShapiroShow.com/ and click "Listen Now" or download the March 4 podcast on iTunes.
Pictures:
To listen to the segment, which begins around the 10:30 mark, visit TheToddShapiroShow.com/ and click "Listen Now" or download the March 4 podcast on iTunes.
Pictures:
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Charlie Major Speaks of His Experience on Holmes on Homes
Yesterday, March 1, country music artist Charlie Major performed in the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Why is this relevant? Because as most Holmes fans know, Charlie Major and Mike Holmes go way back. In 2007, Charlie Major made an unforgettable appearance on Holmes on Homes in the episode "Country Kitchen." On this episode, Major wrote and performed a special song with Mike and his crew. There was even a music video made in support of the Holmes Foundation (see Mike Holmes and Charlie Major Make It Right for more information). Mike then returned the favor and appeared with Major at the Canadian Country Music Awards, clad in overalls. In an interview with the Nanaimo News Bulletin, Charlie spoke of his friendship with North America's Most Trusted Contractor and talked about his experience on Holmes on Homes. He describes Mike as "nice" and "busy." I won't post the whole article, which can be read here, but here's what Charlie had to say:
Charlie Major performs in Nanaimo
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...
In 2006, Major was on the HGTV show Holmes on Homes.
"It was fun actually," he said. "I got on the show through some people I knew. I got to meet Mike [Holmes] and it's funny it was Mike's birthday right around the time I was suppose to be on the show. So I wrote a song for him for the show and so he ended up using it for the show."
Since then Holmes and Major have become friends.
"He's a real nice guy, and a busy guy. It was a great experience and a lot of fun," Major said.
Charlie Major performs in Nanaimo
Charlie Major performs on Saturday (March 1) at the Queens with Nanaimo's Jayden Holman.
In 2006, Major was on the HGTV show Holmes on Homes.
"It was fun actually," he said. "I got on the show through some people I knew. I got to meet Mike [Holmes] and it's funny it was Mike's birthday right around the time I was suppose to be on the show. So I wrote a song for him for the show and so he ended up using it for the show."
Since then Holmes and Major have become friends.
"He's a real nice guy, and a busy guy. It was a great experience and a lot of fun," Major said.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Mike Holmes: Protect Your Home From Rain and Snow
The entire eastern half of the US and Canada have taken quite the beating this winter. The thaw is just around the corner as spring looms on the horizon, and when all that snow and ice melts, it's important for people to be prepared to deal with the inevitable flooding. As Mike Holmes states in the article below, flooding can happen during any season, so it's mandatory for homeowners to take appropriate steps to avoid property damage as the seasons begin to shift. Steps such as hiring licenced plumbers to check drains, keeping gutters clear of debris, and shoveling snow away from foundation walls are small things people can do to protect their homes from rain and snow. Mike also advises people to be observant. Monitor how the water is draining through your yard. Is it draining towards your home or away from it? Are big puddles forming? These can be signs of drainage or sloping issues. Lastly, we can't stop the weather, but we can be smart and think ahead to avoid damage caused by snow and rain before it starts.
From the Montreal Gazette:
Mike Holmes: Protecting your home from rain & snow
Think ahead and take pre-emptive steps
Rain and melting snow can make homes more prone to basement flooding. Homeowners can help by cleaning gutters, hiring a licensed plumber to check drains and sump pumps and removing snow from foundation walls.
Everybody thinks that we have to worry about flooding only in the spring and summer but a flood can happen any season. A water main can burst in the street, sewers can back up into your basement, a pipe can burst in your home — even your sump pump can give out.
But the weather can also take an unexpected turn.
Near the end of winter, when temperatures hover just above freezing, we can get a good rainfall when there’s still plenty of snow on the ground. Sometimes this snow covers street drains, and it doesn’t melt fast enough to let all the water drain. When that happens the risk of flooding doubles. Not only is there rainfall that potentially can’t drain but also melting snow. So now we have all this extra water — an entire season’s worth — with nowhere to go.
The last place you want it ending up is in your home. So as we move from winter to spring, here are a few tips to help prepare for the extra precipitation that should be heading our way:
Watch your property. Monitor how water is draining on your front lawn, backyard and around your home. The best way to stop problems is to prevent them and sometimes we’re lucky and get warnings. Big puddles are a warning. They tell you that you might have a grading or drainage issue — and the sooner you fix it the less likely you will have water in your basement.
If it’s a grading issue, you will need to have a professional landscaper re-grade your property — a project that will have to wait until at least the spring. Take some pictures for reference — the puddles will be long gone by the time the landscaper arrives. But a pro can help you protect your property in the meantime. For example, they can strategically place tarps around your home that can help minimize the amount of water reaching your foundation.
Remove snow away from your home’s foundation. Snow stacked up along the side of your house is another warning — shovel it away, especially around basement windows. Think about it: All that snow is water just waiting to happen. And all it takes is the temperature to rise and it isn’t long before it starts to seep into the ground and down the side of your home’s foundation. The first place it will melt is along the side of your home as heat escapes. One tiny crack and it’s in your basement.
Clean your eavestroughs. It might seem small but it makes a big difference when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. Removing debris from your eavestroughs long before winter is best. This helps prevent ice damming and water from backing up underneath your shingles and getting into your roof’s structure. But if it’s a real issue now a roofing contractor can check your eavestroughs, safely remove debris and use a de-icer, if necessary.
And make sure your downspouts are directing any water coming off your roof at least three-to-four-feet (.9-to-1.2-metres) away from your foundation.
But the weather can also take an unexpected turn.
Near the end of winter, when temperatures hover just above freezing, we can get a good rainfall when there’s still plenty of snow on the ground. Sometimes this snow covers street drains, and it doesn’t melt fast enough to let all the water drain. When that happens the risk of flooding doubles. Not only is there rainfall that potentially can’t drain but also melting snow. So now we have all this extra water — an entire season’s worth — with nowhere to go.
The last place you want it ending up is in your home. So as we move from winter to spring, here are a few tips to help prepare for the extra precipitation that should be heading our way:
Watch your property. Monitor how water is draining on your front lawn, backyard and around your home. The best way to stop problems is to prevent them and sometimes we’re lucky and get warnings. Big puddles are a warning. They tell you that you might have a grading or drainage issue — and the sooner you fix it the less likely you will have water in your basement.
If it’s a grading issue, you will need to have a professional landscaper re-grade your property — a project that will have to wait until at least the spring. Take some pictures for reference — the puddles will be long gone by the time the landscaper arrives. But a pro can help you protect your property in the meantime. For example, they can strategically place tarps around your home that can help minimize the amount of water reaching your foundation.
Remove snow away from your home’s foundation. Snow stacked up along the side of your house is another warning — shovel it away, especially around basement windows. Think about it: All that snow is water just waiting to happen. And all it takes is the temperature to rise and it isn’t long before it starts to seep into the ground and down the side of your home’s foundation. The first place it will melt is along the side of your home as heat escapes. One tiny crack and it’s in your basement.
Clean your eavestroughs. It might seem small but it makes a big difference when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. Removing debris from your eavestroughs long before winter is best. This helps prevent ice damming and water from backing up underneath your shingles and getting into your roof’s structure. But if it’s a real issue now a roofing contractor can check your eavestroughs, safely remove debris and use a de-icer, if necessary.
And make sure your downspouts are directing any water coming off your roof at least three-to-four-feet (.9-to-1.2-metres) away from your foundation.
All rise. If you know a big storm is headed your way and you’re expecting heavy rain, it’s a safe bet to move any valuables out of the basement to a higher level in your home. Having the furnace and hot water heater elevated off the basement floor is another good precaution. Also, if you know your basement is susceptible to flooding and your electrical panel seems too low call a licensed electrician to have it moved higher. Dealing with water and moisture damage is one thing — and it’s serious — but dealing with a damaged furnace and/or electrical panel is another can of worms, very serious, too.
Check the sump pump. Your sump pump pumps out any water that has made its way below your basement into the sump pit or basin. Once water reaches a certain level in the basin, the sump pump kicks into action and starts to pump it out, as long as it’s working properly. Most homeowners don’t know there’s a problem with the sump pump until there’s water coming up into the basement. But you can have a licensed plumber come in before a major storm and check it out to make sure it’s working properly.
You could also have them install a sump-pump alarm with battery back up. So if water reaches a certain level in the sump pit and the pump doesn’t start working, the alarm goes off and you can immediately call your plumber. There are also some sump- pump alarms that can send you a text message in case there’s a problem and you’re not home.
We can’t prevent storms but we can prevent some of the damage they cause. Think ahead, be smart and take the right steps to protect your home.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
L&I Commercial Featuring Mike Holmes Returning to TV
L&I and contractor Mike Holmes returning to your TV screens
Remember L&I’s TV commercials featuringcontractor and cable TV personality Mike Holmes?
The ads first ran last spring, and now they’re running again. It’s the relaunch of our media campaign to drive traffic to ProtectMyHome.net, where homeowners can learn how to hire a registered contractor.
Holmes is a residential home improvement contractor in Canada. He’s had several cable TV shows, including Holmes on Homes, which also is broadcast in the United States. In that show, he repairs home improvement disasters caused by bad contractors. He regularly makes the top 3 in the annual Readers Digest poll of most-trusted Canadians.
Holmes donated his time last year to appear in a 30-second commercial for L&I. “It’s buyer beware when you hire a contractor to work on your home because there’s so many bad ones out there,” he says in part. “You need to hire smart. Ask to see their registration, check their references and never, ever pay in full until the job is done.”
The ads will air for several days at a time around the state through mid-April. For instance, ads are running on regular broadcast TV channels in the Tri-Cities through mid-March and on Comcast cable TV channels in the Puget Sound region through Feb. 23.
Besides the Holmes’ spot, you might also see what’s called a “taggable.” That’s a 10-second ad that’s tagged onto the end of a longer commercial for shows like “Love It or List It” or “Holmes Inspection.” These shorter ads show the ProtectMyHome.net icon as an announcer urges viewers to go to the website before hiring a contractor.
Can’t wait to see the Holmes’ ad on TV? Watch it at ProtectMyHome.net.
Monday, February 24, 2014
100K!
Today, the odometer rolled over on Mike's Facebook page... well, not really. It did hit 100,000 "likes" though, which is a huge milestone for any public figure Facebook page. A "like" on Facebook is of course when a person shows interest and/or support for a particular topic, person, item, or idea. Each like represents a person, and in Mike's case, each like represents a fan. To celebrate this milestone, Mike created a short video to show his love for his fans and their support.
For a little perspective on the growth of Mike's Facebook page, which more or less represents Mike's growth as a public figure, when I first discovered Mike on Facebook in November 2011, the page had 30,000 likes. A few months later in mid-2012, the page hit 50,000 likes. Less than a year later, the page has literally doubled in size. I see 1,000,000 fans in the near future!
Watch Mike's video:
Post by Mike Holmes.
For a little perspective on the growth of Mike's Facebook page, which more or less represents Mike's growth as a public figure, when I first discovered Mike on Facebook in November 2011, the page had 30,000 likes. A few months later in mid-2012, the page hit 50,000 likes. Less than a year later, the page has literally doubled in size. I see 1,000,000 fans in the near future!
Watch Mike's video:
Post by Mike Holmes.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Mike Holmes for CertainTeed at IBS in Las Vegas, Nevada -- Video
On February 5, 2014, Mike Holmes attended the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Nevada as the special celebrity guest of CertainTeed. Recently, CertainTeed put out a short video recap of their experience at IBS. Having attended the show, I spotted myself more than once in the crowd. In the last portion of the video, they focus on Mike's meet and greet with his fans at the booth. Check it out!
Update 2/23: Correct video posted!
Update 2/23: Correct video posted!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Simple Repairs Around the Home May Be Your Ticket To Romance
So yes, Valentines Day 2014 is officially over, but the romance continues on... if you know how to complete some simple basic tasks around the home. Nothing shows that special man or woman in your life that you love them quite like completing a honey-do list. Painting a bedroom or changing out some fixtures or trim could be just the ticket to your special someone's heart. In this article from the Montreal Gazette, Mike talks about "lipstick and mascara" touches, such as a little paint, hanging up some photos, and upgrading bathroom fixtures. Even basic fixes such as these can require a little know-how and a lot of common sense. Mike cautions that all the lipstick and mascara in the world can't hide a real problem if one exists. For instance, you wouldn't want to fix a leaky toilet with new caulk. Doing so would only hide the problem for a little while. If you were to change out the shower head in the bathroom, you'd want to be aware of your home's water pressure. Some shower fixtures are designed for higher psi. If your home's psi is lower, you'll want to choose a shower head made for lower water pressure. Last but not least, when it doubt, call the pros. Even seemingly simple tasks such as putting up crown molding can be a rather complicated task to get just right. Unless you have years of experience in woodworking, you might want to hire a good licenced carpenter.
From the Montreal Gazette:
Mike Holmes: Please your partner with simple repairs
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
Did Valentine’s Day put you in the doghouse last week? Well, I have good news: You might be able to fix your way out of it.
Sometimes a little lipstick and mascara of the home reno kind — like hanging up those photos or fixtures you’ve been meaning to or painting the bedroom — can go a long way with partners.
But remember, these are just finishing touches: they make the surface look good. If you have bigger problems beneath the surface, you need to fix those first.
For example, if your toilet is leaking, not flushing properly or is just old and needs replacing, caulking isn’t going to do much. Call a professional and get a proper repair or have the toilet replaced (go with low-flow if you do!).
Caulking cure
If a little caulking around the tub or shower is all you need — and your partner has been asking you to do it for the last few weeks or months — then by all means, caulk away. When you do, make sure you get caulking specifically for kitchens and bathrooms. These products resist mould and mildew.
Here’s another trick of the trade: tooling, or smoothing out the caulking. Most people will use their finger to smooth it out, but that can look sloppy.
Instead, take a tool — something like a piece of wood with a rounded tip — dip it in soap and water and run it along the caulking. The soap and water makes the tool slippery, so it won’t grab the caulking. Pros will usually have a container with them that has soap and water, especially if they are doing bigger jobs, like caulking windows.
Shower solution
Another thing you could do to make up for a less-than-perfect Valentine’s Day is upgrade the shower head — especially to one your partner (and you) will enjoy, like a rain shower head. On a recent job we installed a square rain shower head by American Standard, and the homeowners loved it.
There are also low-flow shower head options, including the rain variety. Some people don’t like low-flow when it comes to their shower heads because they feel like it takes longer to rinse off soap and shampoo. But there are low-flow, water-saving options that are also high pressure. A pro can help you choose the right one.
Something you might not know is that in Canada, shower heads can’t have flow rates higher than 9.46 litres (or 2.5 U.S. gallons) per minute at a standardized pressure of 80 pounds-per-square inch (psi). But not every home has water pressure this high. Some have lower, averaging around 60 psi. When you install high-pressure fixtures, like shower heads, in homes with low water pressure, you get dribbles instead of a strong, powerful stream of water. If your home has low water pressure, look for a shower head made specifically for low water pressure.
All the trimmings
If the kitchen is the way back into your partner’s heart, fixing or adding trim are simple additions that can make a big impact.
If you have space or a gap above your kitchen cabinets, add trim or crown moulding. This can boost the overall look of your cabinets without replacing them. But please, hire a professional to do it. If it’s not perfect, your eye will notice every flaw.
Trim seems like an easy job, but you need to be very precise. It takes years of training to perfect, so you’re better off hiring a trim carpenter, who specializes in all kinds of trim work.
Simple fixes and upgrades around the house can be your ticket out of the doghouse. But if done wrong, they could be your ticket into it. You are usually better off hiring a pro.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.
Sometimes a little lipstick and mascara of the home reno kind — like hanging up those photos or fixtures you’ve been meaning to or painting the bedroom — can go a long way with partners.
But remember, these are just finishing touches: they make the surface look good. If you have bigger problems beneath the surface, you need to fix those first.
For example, if your toilet is leaking, not flushing properly or is just old and needs replacing, caulking isn’t going to do much. Call a professional and get a proper repair or have the toilet replaced (go with low-flow if you do!).
Caulking cure
If a little caulking around the tub or shower is all you need — and your partner has been asking you to do it for the last few weeks or months — then by all means, caulk away. When you do, make sure you get caulking specifically for kitchens and bathrooms. These products resist mould and mildew.
Here’s another trick of the trade: tooling, or smoothing out the caulking. Most people will use their finger to smooth it out, but that can look sloppy.
Instead, take a tool — something like a piece of wood with a rounded tip — dip it in soap and water and run it along the caulking. The soap and water makes the tool slippery, so it won’t grab the caulking. Pros will usually have a container with them that has soap and water, especially if they are doing bigger jobs, like caulking windows.
Shower solution
Another thing you could do to make up for a less-than-perfect Valentine’s Day is upgrade the shower head — especially to one your partner (and you) will enjoy, like a rain shower head. On a recent job we installed a square rain shower head by American Standard, and the homeowners loved it.
There are also low-flow shower head options, including the rain variety. Some people don’t like low-flow when it comes to their shower heads because they feel like it takes longer to rinse off soap and shampoo. But there are low-flow, water-saving options that are also high pressure. A pro can help you choose the right one.
Something you might not know is that in Canada, shower heads can’t have flow rates higher than 9.46 litres (or 2.5 U.S. gallons) per minute at a standardized pressure of 80 pounds-per-square inch (psi). But not every home has water pressure this high. Some have lower, averaging around 60 psi. When you install high-pressure fixtures, like shower heads, in homes with low water pressure, you get dribbles instead of a strong, powerful stream of water. If your home has low water pressure, look for a shower head made specifically for low water pressure.
All the trimmings
If the kitchen is the way back into your partner’s heart, fixing or adding trim are simple additions that can make a big impact.
If you have space or a gap above your kitchen cabinets, add trim or crown moulding. This can boost the overall look of your cabinets without replacing them. But please, hire a professional to do it. If it’s not perfect, your eye will notice every flaw.
Trim seems like an easy job, but you need to be very precise. It takes years of training to perfect, so you’re better off hiring a trim carpenter, who specializes in all kinds of trim work.
Simple fixes and upgrades around the house can be your ticket out of the doghouse. But if done wrong, they could be your ticket into it. You are usually better off hiring a pro.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Go West Young Man
This just in... Mike Holmes Inspections, which is of course Mike Holmes' company which conducts residential home inspections, is expanding west, all the way to British Columbia! Pretty exciting news for homeowners who wish to have a Mike Holmes-trained expert inspect their potential home before purchasing it. For more information about Mike Holmes Inspections, the Holmes Spot has covered numerous stories about its expansion across Canada.
From Newswire.ca:
February 19, 2014 11:00 AM
Mike Holmes Inspections expands into British Columbia
TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Mike Holmes Inspections is pleased to announce it has expanded its service area into British Columbia, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond and Surrey.
Mike Holmes Inspections is now serving areas in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia."We're going across the country," stated Mike Holmes, President of Mike Holmes Inspections. "Everyone deserves a proper home inspection—one that protects their home and their investment. My guys are trained to do it right."
Residents of Vancouver and surrounding areas can book a Mike Holmes Inspection online or by calling their Customer Service division, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"Expanding into BC was the next logical step," stated Ashley Shojaie, Director of Mike Holmes Inspections. Mike Holmes' contractor referral service, Holmes Referred Contractors also recently launched in Vancouver.
"Demand for our service in BC has grown every year," added Shojaie. "But before moving in we needed to make sure we had the necessary resources in place to effectively serve clients and maintain our level of service. We expanded our internal services, restructured our booking system and increased our number of trained Inspectors."
Clients receive a copy of Mike's book, The Holmes Inspection and can take advantage of additional services, such as the first ever Canadian Home History Report for any property.
All Mike Holmes Inspections also include RecallChek, a service verifying if recalls have been issued on any appliances in the home at the time of inspection, including the furnace, air conditioner and/or water heater. If a recall has been issued, information is provided on how to receive full repairs free of charge.
For more information on Mike Holmes Inspections, please visit: www.mikeholmesinspections.com.
About Mike Holmes Inspections
Mike Holmes Inspections is an independent home inspection service company. Through the integration of advanced technologies and sophisticated industry techniques it provides thorough, fair and educated assessments of building structures and their related systems. Mike Holmes Inspections also invests in the development and augmentation of industry standards through collaborations and third-party ventures with educational institutions and industry associations.
SOURCE Mike Holmes Inspections
For further information: For all queries regarding Mike Holmes Inspections, please contact: Ashley Shojaie, Director
contactus@mikeholmesinspections.com
Monday, February 17, 2014
Pardon my French
Canada is a unique country that embraces two official languages, English and French. In Quebec, a province that embraces their French side a little more than their English (that might be a bit of an understatement), they have what I can only describe as a French language version of HGTV called CASA. CASA runs some shows which typically air on HGTV, such as Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes It Right (see Holmes Le Fait Bien for more information). On February 7 of this year, Mike Holmes attended a home show in Montreal, the ExpoHabitation de Montréal, where he meeted and greeted his fans. CASA TV was also in attendance and took a moment to ask Mike about his book.
I can't understand a word of French, so I used Google translate to interpret the CASA website for me. Below is the "translated" blurb from CASATV.com:
By CASA February 14, 2014
Two of the headliners of the chain CASA, Mike Holmes and Karyne Beauregard, were present at the ExpoHabitation show, which was held from 6 to 9 February at Olympic Stadium. Chloé Bergeron went to meet them.
Contest
The chance to win a copy of the Holmes Inspection (in English only) book, autographed by Mike Holmes!
To participate in the draw, nothing simpler! Correctly fill in the form below. To increase your chances of winning, enter every day! Only one entry per 24 hours is permitted.
I can't understand a word of French, so I used Google translate to interpret the CASA website for me. Below is the "translated" blurb from CASATV.com:
By CASA February 14, 2014
Two of the headliners of the chain CASA, Mike Holmes and Karyne Beauregard, were present at the ExpoHabitation show, which was held from 6 to 9 February at Olympic Stadium. Chloé Bergeron went to meet them.
Contest
The chance to win a copy of the Holmes Inspection (in English only) book, autographed by Mike Holmes!
To participate in the draw, nothing simpler! Correctly fill in the form below. To increase your chances of winning, enter every day! Only one entry per 24 hours is permitted.
Good luck!
[THE HOLMES SPOT EDITORIAL: To watch the video, which couldn't be embedded, visit the CASA link. Mike's segment begins at around the 2:25 mark]
(Apparently "MAKE IT RIGHT" is "MAKE IT RIGHT" in any language, as long as Mike Holmes says it!)
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Family That Builds Together
When Mike Holmes started doing Holmes on Homes some 10+ years ago, I'm sure he would have never guessed two things that are very evident today. First, that the show would be a huge success and catapult this seemingly ordinary contractor into legendary status along the likes of Bob Villa and Tim the Tool Man Taylor. Secondly, I doubt Mike could have ever dreamed that the empire he was building would one day become a family affair. With all three of his children, his uncle, and his son-in-law all working along side of him, there's bound to be some drama and a whole lot of love on every job site. As this article from The Province reveals, Mike Jr. and Sherry never thought they'd be following in their dad's footsteps so closely. Growing up, they had other plans, but once the bug bit, there was no going back. With their "make it right" ethos that was undoubtedly drilled into them from early on, there's no doubt they make their father proud every single day.
For more information on Mike and Sherry and their appearance at the BC Home and Garden show this February, see Mike Holmes, Jr. and Sherry Holmes to Appear at the B.C. Home and Garden Show.
From Canada.com:
Joanne Sasvari
Special To The Province
One thing both Mike Jr. and Sherry Holmes knew growing up: They weren't going to go into construction. Sure, their father was the famous Mike Holmes, the respected residential contractor and star of television's Holmes on Homes. But they had other plans.
For more information on Mike and Sherry and their appearance at the BC Home and Garden show this February, see Mike Holmes, Jr. and Sherry Holmes to Appear at the B.C. Home and Garden Show.
From Canada.com:
The family that builds together
Close to Holmes: Mike Jr. and Sherry follow in famous
dad's construction footstepsJoanne Sasvari
Special To The Province
Thursday, February 13, 2014
One thing both Mike Jr. and Sherry Holmes knew growing up: They weren't going to go into construction. Sure, their father was the famous Mike Holmes, the respected residential contractor and star of television's Holmes on Homes. But they had other plans.
"For me, I wanted to get into firefighting," Mike Jr. says. And Sherry didn't
want a career at all - she just wanted to make enough money to travel. "It was
always something random," she says. "I can't do just one thing because I get
bored."
But then Mike Jr., now 22, took a summer job with his dad when he was 14 just
to make some money. "I fell in love with it, and now I've been doing it for
eight years," he says.
And Sherry, now 26, found herself at loose ends in 2008 and joined the family on a project with actor Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation to build a home in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, which had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. She had no construction experience, and conditions were brutal - long days in punishing heat and humidity - but to her surprise, she loved every minute of it.
"It was phenomenal," she says. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Now both siblings are hammering and sawing alongside their dad on HGTV's Holmes Makes It Right. And they'll be here in Vancouver, offering tips, advice and anecdotes at the BC Home + Garden Show, Feb. 19 to 23 at BC Place Stadium (www.bchomeandgardenshow.com).
Their dad couldn't be more proud of how his kids have followed in his work boots. (His oldest daughter Amanda also works for the family business, but behind the scenes. "She refuses to get the attention," Sherry says.) "They've both done so much, and they're just at the start of their careers," Mike Sr. says. "Sherry is already a tiling pro - she's better
than other guys that have been tiling for years. And she's creative. She likes trying different colours, patterns, different types of tiles, products and learning new tricks, different ways to make the job easier, better."
As for his son, who is now a site supervisor on the show and will one day
take over the family business, Mike Sr. says: "Look at him - he's 6'3", looks
like a model, and he's my son, but he's humble, he helps anyone he can and he
has a good heart. I'm proud of the man he's become. I love working with my kids,
watching them build on what they know and get better every day."
Not that it's always easy working as a family.
"My dad is a perfectionist. He is who he is on TV, outside TV," Mike Jr. says. "He's an old-school kind of guy. 'Do it right the first time.' 'Don't take sick days.' 'Work it off.' " And yes, there has been the occasional disagreement on the job.
"Of course, of course," Sherry says with a laugh. "It's the family aspect of the business."
"But he means well," Mike Jr. says. "And he's taught me well."
We wanted to know...
We had just a few more questions to ask Mike Jr. and Sherry Holmes, who star alongside dad Mike Holmes in HGTV's Holmes Makes it Right.
Q: What was your career highlight? Mike: "I just finished building my dad's garage and that's something I'm extremely proud of."
Sherry: "Mine would definitely be the New Orleans build."
Do you have a favourite tool or gadget? Sherry: "My stiletto hammer is my favourite tool ever. I love it to death." Mike: "My cordless Paslode nail gun. It's my baby. I'm not even kidding."
What's your best tip for DIY-ers? Mike: "Like my dad says, check your contractors' references and make sure you do background checks."
Sherry: "I'm going to say do your homework. Try to do some research and come up with some ideas so you can present something to your contractor. They're not going to know what you want if you don't."
What was you most embarrassing moment on set? Sherry: "Oh, there's a lot. The guys used to love scaring the hell out of me." But perhaps hitting herself in the face with a chunk of drywall - on camera - was the worst."
Mike: "I was talking to some people on set and I stepped on a rake and it smacked me in the face. It wasn't painful. It was embarrassing."
What's the best advice your dad ever gave you? Mike: "Treat people how you want to be treated. It goes to every aspect of life. It creates a better environment." Sherry: "His best advice to me is happiness is a choice. And that applies to everything. If you make yourself happy, you'll love coming to work."
But then Mike Jr., now 22, took a summer job with his dad when he was 14 just
to make some money. "I fell in love with it, and now I've been doing it for
eight years," he says.And Sherry, now 26, found herself at loose ends in 2008 and joined the family on a project with actor Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation to build a home in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, which had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. She had no construction experience, and conditions were brutal - long days in punishing heat and humidity - but to her surprise, she loved every minute of it.
"It was phenomenal," she says. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Now both siblings are hammering and sawing alongside their dad on HGTV's Holmes Makes It Right. And they'll be here in Vancouver, offering tips, advice and anecdotes at the BC Home + Garden Show, Feb. 19 to 23 at BC Place Stadium (www.bchomeandgardenshow.com).
Their dad couldn't be more proud of how his kids have followed in his work boots. (His oldest daughter Amanda also works for the family business, but behind the scenes. "She refuses to get the attention," Sherry says.) "They've both done so much, and they're just at the start of their careers," Mike Sr. says. "Sherry is already a tiling pro - she's better
than other guys that have been tiling for years. And she's creative. She likes trying different colours, patterns, different types of tiles, products and learning new tricks, different ways to make the job easier, better."
As for his son, who is now a site supervisor on the show and will one day
take over the family business, Mike Sr. says: "Look at him - he's 6'3", looks
like a model, and he's my son, but he's humble, he helps anyone he can and he
has a good heart. I'm proud of the man he's become. I love working with my kids,
watching them build on what they know and get better every day."Not that it's always easy working as a family.
"My dad is a perfectionist. He is who he is on TV, outside TV," Mike Jr. says. "He's an old-school kind of guy. 'Do it right the first time.' 'Don't take sick days.' 'Work it off.' " And yes, there has been the occasional disagreement on the job.
"Of course, of course," Sherry says with a laugh. "It's the family aspect of the business."
"But he means well," Mike Jr. says. "And he's taught me well."
We wanted to know...
We had just a few more questions to ask Mike Jr. and Sherry Holmes, who star alongside dad Mike Holmes in HGTV's Holmes Makes it Right.
Q: What was your career highlight? Mike: "I just finished building my dad's garage and that's something I'm extremely proud of."
Sherry: "Mine would definitely be the New Orleans build."
Do you have a favourite tool or gadget? Sherry: "My stiletto hammer is my favourite tool ever. I love it to death." Mike: "My cordless Paslode nail gun. It's my baby. I'm not even kidding."
What's your best tip for DIY-ers? Mike: "Like my dad says, check your contractors' references and make sure you do background checks."
Sherry: "I'm going to say do your homework. Try to do some research and come up with some ideas so you can present something to your contractor. They're not going to know what you want if you don't."
What was you most embarrassing moment on set? Sherry: "Oh, there's a lot. The guys used to love scaring the hell out of me." But perhaps hitting herself in the face with a chunk of drywall - on camera - was the worst."
Mike: "I was talking to some people on set and I stepped on a rake and it smacked me in the face. It wasn't painful. It was embarrassing."
What's the best advice your dad ever gave you? Mike: "Treat people how you want to be treated. It goes to every aspect of life. It creates a better environment." Sherry: "His best advice to me is happiness is a choice. And that applies to everything. If you make yourself happy, you'll love coming to work."
© The Province 2014
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