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Saturday, March 30, 2013

My Mike Holmes Moment

I had a teachable moment today as I was trying to finish the last of my back yard project I started several weeks ago. I decided to try my hand at laying concrete pavers with a paver mold. My only problem? I was in a hurry, I didn't give myself time to finish, and I rushed to get it done. Not only did I make a big mess, but when I woke up this morning and looked at the work I had completed the night before, I was less than happy with the messy, crumbly, uneven results. That's when I heard the immortal words of Mike Holmes echoing in my brain... If you're going to do it, do it right the first time. Well, I failed you Mike! But my Mike moment didn't end there. I tore it all up, and started fresh. This time, though, I'm taking my time and I'm doing it right. Even if it is the second time around. Have a great Saturday!

 

Friday, March 29, 2013

Mike Holmes Interview on SpeedFreakTV

Every Holmes fan knows that Mike is a huge car guy who frequents Toronto's MegaSpeed Custom Car & Truck Show every year. This year, Mike did an interview with SpeedFreakTV, where he spoke about his love of cars, and how he uses this fascination with fast toys to benefit his charity, The Holmes Foundation. From the SpeedFreakTV YouTube Channel:


We get an amazing opportunity to chat with one of the foremost home experts, Mr. Mike Holmes. Star of Holmes on Homes, Make it Right, and a dozen other hit tv shows on HGTV. But you might not know, he is a total car guy and super awesome person!

Special thanks to Mike, and the folks at Megaspeed for making this happen for you, my subscribers! Seriously, how the hell did I get so lucky!?


 



Very interesting and insightful interview! My only criticism? The Super Mario-esq video game music in the background was a bit distracting at times. As a child of the 80's, my ears are trained to instantly pick up on the "Nintendo frequency" which has a tendency to drown out anything else that is said. But other than that, I'd say it was a pretty neat video.

THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!



Thursday, March 28, 2013

Mike Holmes on ET Canada Live

Yesterday, Mike made an appearance on ET Canada Live in honor of his up-and-coming 10th anniversary special. Unfortunately, if you're not Canadian, you can't watch the video. I'm not Canadian, and so therefore I cannot comment on video footage I haven't seen. For the purposes of this blog, I make it a point to only link to things I can personally view and review, so if you're curious to see the video, it's on the ET Canada website, but you have to have a Canadian ISP. Mike did post this:

http://vine.co/v/bj1ODZ1jwZD

It seems to be on a loop, which makes it really weird if you leave it running while you click to another window to do something else.

There's been a discussion happening on one of Mike's Facebook pages, I think the Holmes Makes It Right page to be exact, where people are lamenting Mike's US fans not getting to see the tenth anniversary special that will air on HGTV Canada in April. Some people have stated they think Mike is wanting to rebrand himself as a Canadian persona and pull out of the US market all together for the purposes of spending more time at home. I don't think that's the case, but if it were, that would be disheartening. I think the reason why Mike seems to be pulling out of the US is because HGTV/US is giving him the proverbial middle finger. I don't even watch HGTV/US anymore because of the non-stop boring crap they run day in and day out. And yet for some reason, they think that 57 episodes of House Hunters everyday is better than picking up Mike's new show. It doesn't make sense, and I'm sure there are details and negotiations that are not being discussed publicly that would shed light on the situation. If anybody in the know wants to share those details with me, I'll be happy to listen.

In the meantime, we, the US fans and supporters, need to put on our happy faces and celebrate Mike's accomplishment and just hope that some naughty hacker will rip the show onto YouTube long enough for people to see it before it's promptly removed by the network. It's sad when you have to resort to illegal activity to see a TV show!!! The Holmes Spot has also started a petition, which I think has gotten a lot of support in the last couple of weeks since its inception. The petition is petitioning HGTV to air Holmes Makes It Right in the US. It might be fruitless, but It's all that I can think of to do. If you're so inclined, it would be wonderful if you could add your name to the list and help spread it around.

PETITION HGTV/US TO AIR HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Spring Time Is Home Maintenance Time

For many people, including Mike Holmes, spring time means one thing... HOME MAINTENANCE! Once the snow thaws, it's time to see how your home has weathered the winter. Luckily for me, there is no snow in my part of the world, but for many, snow on roofs and around their homes can lead to leaks and puddles of water which can seep into basements. Spring is also a good time of the year to look for evidence of pests such as termites. Because I live in a desert climate where it snows very infrequently, spring for me means checking the irrigation system to make sure our 18 grain ultra hard water has not damaged any of its internal parts (it did this year, and we had to replace a diaphragm in the valve of the drip system.) It means checking the landscaping for dead plants that didn't make it through the winter and promptly replacing them so that they'll be blooming and beautiful in time for summer. It also means checking for cracks in the drywall and stucco from the contracting and expanding brought on by rapidly changing temperatures. Spring maintenance also means being on the lookout for pests. In our case, this means watching for snakes and scorpions coming out to play in the warm weather, and making sure there are no dens behind your shed. Regardless of where you live in the world, reading Mike's article on home maintenance will give you a better perspective on how to keep your home in tip top shape, regardless of the climate.

THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!
 
 
 
 
From the Ottawa Citizen:

Mike Holmes: It’s home maintenance time

Problems in your house tend to be more visible after winter, making spring the perfect time for a checkup


A thorough assessment of your home’s exterior in the spring can flag important issues that should be corrected as soon as possible.

OTTAWA — We’ve set our clocks one hour ahead. St. Patrick’s Day mayhem has wrapped. And Easter is about a week away. I’d say all signs point to spring.
This week — March 20 to be exact — marked the beginning of spring. And when most people think of spring they think April showers, the birds and bees, maybe a barbecue or two. I think of home maintenance … and my boat (but that’s another column).
Spring is that special time of year when we give our homes the once-over to see how well they’ve made it through the winter.
What are we looking for?
The first thing I would do is check for water stains in the attic, especially around the rafters. The roof is your home’s first line of defence. The attic can tell you if it’s holding up.
With the extra precipitation and melting snow that’s typical of spring, it’s also important to check for water pooling on your property. Puddles in your yard or along your fence could signal a grading issue. You will need to call in a professional landscaper to regrade the property or it will get worse every year. A grading issue can lead to costly problems such as water coming into the basement.
Also, check for cracks or holes in your home’s exterior walls and foundation. Holes usually can be filled in with expanding foam if they aren’t major. Not all foundation cracks are serious, but some might need extra attention. If you find any cracks — either outside or in an unfinished basement — mark them with tape and check them again after a few months. If they do not change, fill them in with an epoxy injection; but if they do get worse, call a structural engineer.
Look for pellet-shaped droppings or shed wings along the perimeter of your home; they could mean termites. Get rid of any leaves and debris along your exterior walls where animals can nest. Also, clean out the gutters and check if they’ve corroded or disconnected. If there are any shingle granules, get your roof checked.
Check the mortar in between bricks. If it’s been eaten away, it will need repointing. If you have a stone path that was dry set (instead of set in mortar), brush stone dust or sand in the joints. This locks the pavers and prevents weeds from growing in between the stones.
Spring is also a good time to check the air conditioner. Disconnect the electric power and clear away leaves and debris on the unit. Vacuum the grill and register inside and change the furnace filter. Plug it back in and turn it on to see how it works.
Also, consider getting a home maintenance inspection, which can point out any issues in your home and let you know which ones need to be addressed first. After winter, problems in your home should be more visible, which is why home maintenance inspections are popular in the spring.
But be careful. Not all home inspectors are created equal. Hire a qualified, licensed inspector who knows what they’re doing. How do you know if they’re qualified? Ask a lot of questions and check out the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. fact sheet Hiring a Home Inspector.
Catch Mike Holmes in his series, Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.


Saturday, March 23, 2013

Mike Holmes: What Makes Floors Squeak?

Squeaky floors - they're not just a problem in older homes. With minimum code requirements, it's just a matter of time before floors in newer homes begin to bounce and squeak. The source of squeaks is usually an inferiorly built subfloor. In this article, reposted from the National Post, Mike explains why floors make noise, and how better building can be the solution to the squeak!

THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!


From the National Post:
Mike Holmes: An archeology course in squeaks



Alex Schuldt, The Holmes Group Ensure floor joists and subfloors are properly secured before installing finished flooring, or you’ll likely face ripping up a newly finished floor.

There are some homes that are impossible to sneak in and out of. Not because of the latest in high-tech security or an iron-clad exterior; these homes have squeaky subfloors and noisy stairs loud enough to wake the dead. And it’s a growing nuisance in more and more homes.

Some new-home owners think squeaky floors or stairs are older-home issues. Not the case. In fact, if your home is built to minimum code, it might not squeak yet — but it will, in time. Go and stand in the middle of a room and start jumping — the floors are going to bounce.

It’s classic minimum code. When homes are built to minimum safety requirements — because that’s what minimum code is — that’s all you’re getting. It will be safe but it might not be built to last more than 10 years.

Squeaky floors are usually a subfloor issue. Minimum code says subfloors need to be built using 2x8s, 16 inches on centre, with a minimum of 5/8 inches of OSB (oriented strand board) sheathing on top. Not to mention that most builders use a nail gun to install subfloors. Together, it’s the perfect recipe for squeaky floors.
If you don’t want your floors and stairs to squeak, use plywood — the real kind — for the subfloor. There’s a lot of debate around plywood, OSB and other types of sheathing for subfloors. Are they comparable? Which one is better? Which one is no good? OSB is even called the “modern version” of plywood. Some kinds are more expensive than plywood.

But bottom line: When I pull up flooring and I see something like particleboard, low-grade OSB or aspenite, I’m not happy. Sixty years ago, subfloors weren’t built of plywood, they were built with heavy planks. Plywood might be above code, but if you want to solve squeaky floors for good, it’s just one part of the package.

Second, you want to make sure the subfloor is properly glued and screwed to the floor joists; if it’s not, there will be squeaking and creaking.

When you use a nail gun to attach subfloor sheathing to the floor joists, the nail sometimes misses the joist. If your basement isn’t finished, take a look at the ceiling. You can see how many nails from the floor above missed the joists (a worker would feel the difference when manually nailing them). That means there are fewer nails holding down the subfloor.

When people walk on a floor where the subfloor hasn’t been properly secured the sheathing moves up and down. This motion will eventually cause the nails that did hit the floor joist to pull away. The squeaking will only get worse.

That’s why I always glue and screw my subfloors. The glue secures that connection and the screw locks it in place. Remember, nails can pull up; screws don’t. This gives us stronger floors that will not move or squeak.

Hardwood flooring also might squeak over time — it expands and contracts depending on the humidity in the home. Wood treads and risers in stairs also shrink with age. Hardwood usually shrinks in the winter because home-heating kills most of the moisture in the air. That can cause gaps between the hardwood boards, which can lead to creaking. Plus, as hardwood is nailed to the subfloor, shrinking can pull the nails out, and thus the squeaking begins.

If the problem has to do with the subfloor — either it’s not plywood or not properly secured to the floor joists with glue and screws — the best option is ripping up the finished floor and making the appropriate repairs. That could mean pulling up the subfloor as well and replacing it with better materials, and using better products to secure it. It’s not a quick fix, or the cheapest. But it solves the problem. That’s why a renovation is a great time to get rid of squeaky floors for good.

Another option is blocking, also known as strapping or bridging. It’s a good option if the creaking is caused because the floor joists are too far apart. There are different ways of blocking — it depends on materials and installation. It also depends if there’s wiring or duct runs in the way. The way I like to do it, and the way I tell my guys to do it, whenever possible, is to screw a piece of wood in between and perpendicular to the two joists. Usually we’re dealing with 2×8 floor joists so we do 8-inch blocking. But if the floor joists are 2x10s, we use 10-inch blocking.

Blocking adds rigidity and stiffness between floor joists, so they won’t move or shift. If you have access to the floor from underneath, i.e. from an unfinished basement without any drywall on the ceiling, you can solve the problem upstairs without having to rip up your finished floors. But if the problem is in the subfloor, you’re out of luck. Those floors have to come up or you’ll have to live with the squeaks.

Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Mike Answers His Critics - Video 4 Commentary

Once again, this is video 4 from the CanadianContractor.Ca interview with Mike Holmes. I erroneously assumed that video three was the final installment. Here's the video:



And again, once again, it's time for the Holmes Spot disclaimer... The Holmes Spot is an unofficial fan run blog. All opinions expressed are my own.

Out of all the interviews so far, this one is by far my favorite. I'm kinda glad the third one wasn't the end, because this is where Mike most clearly and concisely dispels many of the myths surrounding much of the criticism he receives.

The interview starts off with the host putting the common conception out there that because Mike does his contracting work on a television show, he's not driven by profit making. In other words, Mike makes his living as a TV star celebrity contractor, and the pressures of having to be a "real" contractor to make a living, with all that entails, isn't as much of a concern. The host says, referring to the last segment of the interview, that under the shadow of trying to do right by the consumer is the day-to-day struggle of trying to stay in business and make a living. "You don't have the same kinds of pressures," the hosts states to Mike. It was very apparent by the look on Mike's face that he was taken aback by those words. After taking a moment to digest what was said, he interrupted, "Wow, I think I even have more pressures." He explains how he has to have a ton of insurance to protect him and his company from sue-happy clients, and how the show, which Mike owns, pays for the jobs, not the television companies. Mike laments how people who beg him for help would have the gall to then threaten suit after all he does for them. Mike then implies that the pressures he faces as a contractor are magnified by having to do them in front of the world on television.

Mike reminded the host that before he was Mike Holmes the television star, he was Mike Holmes the ordinary contractor. He laid out the business model that he used in the days before the TV cameras that made his business successful. First and foremost, he practiced transparency and itemized his services so that his clients could understand exactly what they were paying for. The host interrupted Mike and interjected that by doing that in today's market, the average contractor would place himself as the highest bidder and would most likely price himself right out of the job. Mike disagreed and dispelled yet another myth. He stated that he thinks its funny when people say "If I ever won the lotto, I'd hire Mike Holmes to come fix my house," because it assumes that to get a job done like Mike would do it, you'd have to pay out the wazoo. He puts that myth to bed by implying that he doesn't do what he does because it's the most expensive, he does what he does because it's what should be done in that particular circumstance. (Although, I have to say that I don't think that's what people mean when they make the "If I won the lotto..." comment. I think people mean that it would take quite the pretty penny to entice the busy Mike Holmes to drop what he's doing and come to wherever they are in the world and do work on their home!) Mike explains how he would list the price of everything the client wanted done line by line and item by item. When the client sees the total price, it's not the "most expensive;" rather, it's the price to get the job done, and done right. And if that price is outside of the client's budget, then the homeowner can go line by line and adjust until it fits.

The interview ends abruptly there, with no commentary from the host. Again, I found this segment very interesting. I think Mike did a fantastic job explaining himself and defending how he does business. Looking forward to the next segment (if there is a next segment!).

THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Mike Holmes Answers His Critics - 4th Video

Earlier this month, CanadianContractor.ca released the 4th segment of their interview with Mike Holmes. Due to a lack of jabs and underhanded remarks at the end of the 3rd video, I erroneously assumed that it was the last installment. Here is the 4th installment, and tomorrow I'll comment.




THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Canada's Handyman Challenge Winner Crowned

Mike Holmes was one of the founding judges on the Canadian show, Canada's Handyman Challenge. Due to his busy schedule filming Holmes Makes It Right, he was unable to serve as permanent judge for this season's show. However, as promised, he did serve as a guest judge on the final episode, where contestant Maria was crowned winner.

From the Canada's Handyman Challenge Facebook:


The Final Episode! Tonight....the top four contestants must design and build a unique outdoor living space with the help of two highly skilled carpentry assistants. The handyman who best represents knowledge, skill, creativity and passion will be ceremoniously awarded the title of Canada’s Handyman Challenge winner and a $25,000 prize.






THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Mike Holmes In Ottawa, Part II

On February 26, 2013, Mike Holmes spoke to students at Algonquin College in Ontario, Canada. He spoke about his background and early days of the show. Here's part II of the video of Mike speaking at Algonquin College. It includes an interesting Q&A at the end. Just like part I, it's a little difficult to hear at times, but it's very interesting.



View Part I of the video:
Mike Holmes at Algonquin College - Video

THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

New Video From The Kalamazoo Home Expo

Mike Holmes really made a splash at the Kalamazoo Home Expo a couple weeks ago. He was the headlining talent and sold out two shows on March 9th. Videos are still being churned out from the event. Here's the latest one, which is a plug for kalamazoohomepage.com.



THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Rumor Mill Is Churning

The other day I stumbled upon an entertainment website where users submitted questions pertaining to their favorite television shows and network lineups. Lo and behold, a question had been submitted asking about Holmes Makes It Right.


From Community Voices Post Gazette

Q: Are there going to be brand new Mike Holmes shows -- either “Holmes on Homes” or “Holmes' Inspection” -- on either HGTV or DIY?
- Jan, 65, Kennedy Twp

Rob: According to a publicist for the networks, Mike Holmes will have a new series – “Holmes Makes It Right” - which is slated to premiere on DIY Network in August.




Interesting. I didn't quite know what to think when I read this being that we've been told that Holmes Makes It Right was going to be premiering in the States in"early 2013" and August is far from early. So I posted a question on Mike's Facebook page, and I actually got a response back.


So I just read on an entertainment website that Holmes Makes It Right is set to air in the States on DIY in August 2013. Is there any truth to this or is this just a rumor?


Hi Raquel. We are still waiting on for an air date from the broadcaster. It looks like it may be later this year - but we can't confirm anything. Fingers crossed that it will be soon!




From my experience, I know that things premiere on HGTV and then move to DIY later. Hopefully this will be the case, because August is an awfully long ways away! Although I did manage to glean one piece of information from this brief interaction... Holmes Makes It Right will NOT be airing in the US in "early 2013" as was initially stated. It's going to be a little later than that. The rumor mill is churning...

THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!


Friday, March 15, 2013

VIDEO: Mike Holmes Talks In Kalamazoo

On March 9, Mike Holmes was drawing in large crowds at the Kalamazoo Home Expo. He did two sold-out shows in which his fans lined up around the building just to see him. While there, Mike did an interview where he talked about The Holmes Foundation, education, and ways in which consumers can protect themselves. He also talked about sampling a little local Kalamazoo beer!







THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Mike Holmes: Behind The Overalls Special Announced

Mike Holmes, 10 years ago
I've said kind of jokingly before that Mike Holmes is a rockstar. I guess I'm not the only one who thinks so, because HGTV Canada is celebrating 10 years of Mike with their "Mike Holmes: Behind The Overalls" special. Of course, this is a play on "Behind The Music," where rockstars and their closest friends and foes are interviewed to show the entertainer for who he really is. I guess the question HGTV Canada is asking is who really is Mike Holmes, their biggest icon, and how did he get to be the star he is today? The special is being called a "retrospective of his life," in which he will reflect on his childhood and revisit memories from the past 10 years of his career as a home improvement guru on HGTV.


THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!




From HGTV Canada's Facebook page yesterday:

Congrats to Mike Holmes on his 10-year anniversary on HGTV Canada! An all-new special "Behind The Overalls" will air on April 9th at 9pm on HGTV Canada to celebrate this exciting milestone. Here's a picture from last night's anniversary party, with Mike Holmes being interviewed by ET Canada http://t.co/ClfXyyuE91





From Newswire.ca:

Mike Holmes celebrates milestone 10th anniversary on HGTV Canada

Canada's Most Trusted Contractor Is Still Making It Right
All-New Special Goes Behind The Overalls on April 9 Kicking Off New Episodes of Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV Canada
For additional photography and press kit material visit: http://shawmediatv.ca and follow us on Twitter at @shawmediaTV_PR
To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/15zSRrX
TORONTO, March 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Over the last 10 years HGTV Canada has drawn attention to Mike Holmes and his renowned ambition to "Make It Right" for homeowners, communities and individuals in need. Viewers have been informed, entertained and inspired by his inspections, renovations and reveals, but to celebrate this milestone Mike is giving fans a more personal glimpse in Behind The Overalls. This brand-new special premieres Tuesday April 9 at 9pm ET/PT on HGTV Canada, followed by new episodes of the hit series Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT beginning April 16.
"The last ten years have been incredible. Thanks to HGTV Canada I have been able to do what I love while educating Canadians about their homes and making it right. Can't wait to see where the next ten years takes us," said Mike Holmes.
Mike Holmes first appeared on HGTV Canada in 2003 with the launch of the hit series Holmes on Homes. Since then Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right have premiered to huge audiences on HGTV Canada along with special events like Holmes In New Orleans and Lien On Me. In addition to generating a remarkable fan base, these series have received critical acclaim, garnering 13 Gemini nominations over the last 10 years.
Mike's commitment to building standards, the promotion of skilled trades, and his adamant belief in making it right have led to impressive accolades - from the Gemini Viewer's Choice Award for Favourite TV Personality to the Queen's Jubilee Medal. He has been named one of the Most Trusted Canadians by Reader's Digest two years running, and was recently named the third Most Trusted Celebrity by Forbes Magazine.
"Over the last decade Mike has dedicated himself to improving the lives of Canadians one home at a time," said Barb Williams, Senior Vice President of Content, Shaw Media. "We are so proud that HGTV Canada has been able to provide a national platform for Mike to continue to inspire and educate homeowners."
The anniversary special Behind The Overalls gets personal with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor. Mike answers fan questions, reveals a day in his life, revisits his childhood, reflects on his greatest memories from the last 10 years, and also gives a hint to what's next. With meaningful congratulations from celebrities such as Randy Bachman, David Suzuki, Liza Fromer, Rick Campanelli, Cheryl Hickey and HGTV Canada alumni Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler, along with an inside look at Mike's surprise 10th anniversary party, this special will be a remarkable reflection on one of Canada's most influential and meaningful celebrities.
Behind The Overalls premieres on HGTV Canada Tuesday April 9 at 9pm ET/PT, followed by all-new episodes of Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT beginning April 16. In the first new episode Mike helps a high school shop teacher and his students with renovations for the family of a classmate who passed away suddenly. For further information, photo galleries and full episodes after they air visit www.hgtv.ca.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hgtv.ca
Twitter: @hgtvcanada
HGTV Canada is a Shaw Media Network
About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw is a diversified communications and media company, providing consumers with broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Home Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business), satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct) and engaging programming content (through Shaw Media). Shaw serves 3.4 million customers, through a reliable and extensive fibre network. Shaw Media operates one of the largest conventional television networks in Canada, Global Television, and 18 specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY and Showcase. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, NYSE - SJR). For more information about Shaw, please visit www.shaw.ca.
About The Holmes Group
The Holmes Group is an international brand with operations in independent media production, new home building and inspection divisions and expansion into product development. It is entirely owned by Mike Holmes and it is responsible for developing and managing HOLMES branded entities, including HOLMES Homes, HOLMES Inspections, HOLMES Workwear, Make It Right Releasing Inc., and The Holmes Foundation.
SOURCE: HGTV - Home & Garden Television
For further information: For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Stevens
Publicist, HGTV and DIY Network Canada
Shaw Media
416-324-7471
sarah.stevens@shawmedia.ca
Amanda Heath
Communications Manager
The Holmes Group
publicity@makeitright.ca



From BroadcasterMagazine.com:

HGTV Canada Celebrates Mike Holmes' 10th. Anniversary

2013-03-13

Over the last 10 years HGTV Canada has drawn attention to Mike Holmes and his renowned ambition to "Make It Right" for homeowners, communities and individuals in need. Viewers have been informed, entertained and inspired by his inspections, renovations and reveals, but to celebrate this milestone Mike is giving fans a more personal glimpse in Behind The Overalls. This brand-new special premieres Tuesday April 9, followed by new episodes of the hit series Holmes Makes It Right beginning April 16.
"The last ten years have been incredible. Thanks to HGTV Canada I have been able to do what I love while educating Canadians about their homes and making it right. Can't wait to see where the next ten years takes us," said Mike Holmes.
Mike Holmes first appeared on HGTV Canada in 2003 with the launch of the hit series Holmes on Homes. Since then Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right have premiered to huge audiences on HGTV Canada along with special events like Holmes In New Orleans and Lien On Me. In addition to generating a remarkable fan base, these series have received critical acclaim, garnering 13 Gemini nominations over the last 10 years.
Mike's commitment to building standards, the promotion of skilled trades, and his adamant belief in making it right have led to impressive accolades - from the Gemini Viewer's Choice Award for Favourite TV Personality to the Queen's Jubilee Medal. He has been named one of the Most Trusted Canadians by Reader's Digest two years running, and was recently named the third Most Trusted Celebrity by Forbes Magazine.
"Over the last decade Mike has dedicated himself to improving the lives of Canadians one home at a time," said Barb Williams, Senior Vice President of Content, Shaw Media. "We are so proud that HGTV Canada has been able to provide a national platform for Mike to continue to inspire and educate homeowners."
The anniversary special Behind The Overalls gets personal with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor. Mike answers fan questions, reveals a day in his life, revisits his childhood, reflects on his greatest memories from the last 10 years, and also gives a hint to what's next. With meaningful congratulations from celebrities such as Randy Bachman, David Suzuki, Liza Fromer, Rick Campanelli, Cheryl Hickey and HGTV Canada alumni Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler, along with an inside look at Mike's surprise 10th anniversary party, this special will be a remarkable reflection on one of Canada's most influential and meaningful celebrities.


 
From CraveOnline.com:

Mike Holmes Celebrates 10 Years With HGTV

“Behind The Overalls” offers a softer look at the DIY guru.

marilyn denis show 020211
Mike Holmes, one of the country's most recognizable contractors, is celebrating a decade with the HGTV network.
The host of a number of a DIY shows such as "Holmes on Holmes" and "Holmes Inspection," he will now be appearing in a retrospective of his life called "Behind The Overalls" where he reveals more about his personal life.
Mike Holmes made his debut appearance on HGTV Canada back in 2003 with the launch of the hit series "Holmes on Homes," which he followed up with "Holmes Inspection" and "Holmes Makes It Right." In addition to generating a remarkable fan base, these series have received critical acclaim, garnering 13 Gemini nominations over the last 10 years. He was also named one of the Most Trusted Canadians by Reader’s Digest two years running, and he was named the third Most Trusted Celebrity by Forbes Magazine.
On the new anniversary special "Behind The Overalls," Holmes gets personal and answers fan questions, reveals a day in his life, revisits his childhood, reflects on his greatest memories from the last 10 years, and also gives a hint to what’s next. There will be special appearances from celebrities like Randy Bachman, David Suzuki, Liza Fromer, Rick Campanelli, and Cheryl Hickey.
The "Behind The Overalls" special premieres Tuesday, April 9th at 9pm on HGTV Canada, followed by new episodes of the hit series "Holmes Makes It Right" Tuesdays at 9pm beginning April 16th.
Photo: Dominic Chan/WENN.com

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Mike Holmes Spreading The 3M Filtrete Gospel

Mike had another very busy morning today. He announced on his Facebook page not too long ago that he was doing some TV and radio spots across the US and Canada for 3M Filtrete, a brand for which he has become a very popular spokesman for. I'm presuming these were live spots? But I could be wrong. I've done a couple of searches on the internet for video, but I haven't found anything yet. I'm pretty sure that whatever he did will be archived and made available, and when that happens, I'll be sure to post it here!

From Mike's Facebook this morning:


I've got a busy morning! Talking healthy homes and indoor air quality with 3M Filtrete. Beaming into 15 radio/tv stations across Canada and the USA!


Photo: I've got a busy morning! Talking healthy homes and indoor air quality with 3M Filtrete. Beaming into 15 radio/tv stations across Canada and the USA!



THE HOLMES SPOT HAS STARTED ON ONLINE PETITION TO BRING MIKE'S NEWEST SERIES "HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT" TO THE US. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN THE PETITION. THANKS!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Holmes Makes It Right US Premiere - Online Petition

Mike's latest and arguably greatest series Holmes Makes It Right debuted on HGTV Canada in October 2012. Many, many months later, the US has yet to see Mike's newest show, and no timeline has been given as to when the show will air in the States.

A few times, Mike has told anxious fans that they should write HGTV and tell them they want to see Holmes Makes It Right premiere in the US, and that's precisely what I did. Several weeks ago, I went to the HGTV contact page and wrote a short but polite letter to HGTV, letting the powers that be know that I would like to see Mike's latest series. As expected, I never got an answer.

With Mike recently drawing in huge crowds at the Kalamazoo Home Expo this past week, and with his US television campaign for Filtrete brand filters, you'd think HGTV would take the hint that Americans LOVE Holmes! Given all this, the Holmes Spot blog has started an online petition, petitioning HGTV to premiere Holmes Makes It Right in the US. We would like HGTV to know that we are anxiously awaiting an air date, and the sooner they air the show, the better! I hope that all fans from the US and abroad will take the time to sign the petition, and to also write HGTV/US to let them know that you would like to see Mike's new show. Please share the petition all around via Facebook, Twitter, or good old fashioned word of mouth if you feel so inclined.


SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION TO BRING HOLMES MAKES IT RIGHT TO THE US.

Mike Holmes at Algonquin College - Video

On February 26, 2013, Mike Holmes spoke to students at Algonquin College in Ontario, Canada. He spoke about his background and early days of the show. As he always does, Mike encouraged students, young men and young women, to enter the trades and be proud of being tradesmen. Here's a video of Mike speaking at Algonquin College. It's a little difficult to hear what he's saying at times, but it's a great video!




For more information, please see previous Holmes Spot blog entry:
Mike Holmes Speaks At Algonquin College In Ontario

Monday, March 11, 2013

Mike Holmes in Kalamazoo - Retro Flashback

A couple days ago, Mike Holmes was in Kalamazoo, Michigan selling out shows like a rockstar. What some people might not know is that this was not Mike's first time in Kalamazoo. Mike was at the 2011 Kalamazoo Home Expo, and just like this time, he was bringing in large crowds of people. Here's a 2011 interview with Mike at that Expo. I've also attached the accompanying article about the event (FYI - whoever wrote the article doesn't know how to spell "contractor" LOL)





Here's an accompanying article about Mike at the Expo in 2011 from WKZO.com:

VIDEO: HGTV's Mike Holmes Speaks to Packed Audience at Home Expo

Saturday, March 12, 2011 11:53 a.m. EST

Mike Holmes from HGTV's "Holmes on Holmes" speaks at the 2011 Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Home Expo in Portage, Michigan.  3/12/2011
Mike Holmes from HGTV's "Holmes on Holmes" speaks at the 2011 Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Home Expo in Portage, Michigan. 3/12/2011
PORTAGE -- (WKZO) The Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo is focused on promoting the need to work with licensed contracters and professionals of any trade. That belief easily aligned them with television personality and contractor Mike Holmes from HGTV's "Holmes on Homes".
After several conversations the Home Builders decided to contact Holmes to see if he would be able to headline the 2011 Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Home Expo in Portage. That became reality Saturday morning when fans of Holmes lined around the building waiting to attend a sold out show with the contractor.
Every seat was filled while Holmes performed for an hour discussing his initial childhood interest in building and even going into what he believes is a need for him to help in other parts of the world. Holmes has already gone to Haiti with other contractors to help with the rebuild of their country following their devastating 2009 earthquake. But he says he is now considering lending a helping hand in Japan which is suffering from the destruction an 8.9 earthquake and a tsunami.
Holmes also took questions and spoke with the audience about a need for more women in his profession as well as his involvement through his foundation to train the younger generations. Holmes was spoke very clear about the importance of getting the younger generation trained to take part in the industry so it continues to grow.
Wincountry.com and wkzo.com had the chance to speak with Holmes before his presentation. Segment 1 is below. We will be releasing the video in segments on our "Around The Home" section on wincountry.com. "Around The Home" is a section dedicated to providing the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek community with accurate information on the latest in home improvement, videos from local contractors and businesses and podcasts from our experts.
We'll release a new segment every day next week on "Around The Home" so visit the "Around The Home" section by clicking here: "Around The Home".


 
 

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Mike Holmes At The 2013 Home Expo In Kalamazoo - Article

Yesterday, Mike Holmes attended the Kalamazoo Home Expo in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

For more information about this, please refer to previous Holmes Spot blog entry:
Mike Holmes At The Kalamazoo Home Expo

According to this article from the Kalamazoo Gazette, Mike Holmes attracted some pretty big crowds at the two shows he did yesterday - nearly 500 a piece - proving once an for all that Mike's not a celebrity, he's an all out rockstar! And if you've ever drawn some sort of mental parallel between Mike Holmes and Tim Allen from Home Improvement, it's addressed there at the end of the article.



 From the Kalamazoo Gazette:

TV general contractor Mike Holmes draws large crowds at Home Expo Kalamazoo


Jef Rietsma | Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette By Jef Rietsma | Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette
on March 09, 2013 at 3:48 PM, updated March 09, 2013 at 11:47 PM
 
Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo
EnlargeMike Holmes, of HGTV, speaks to the crowd gathered during the Kalamazoo Home Expo on Saturday morning. Date Shot 3-9-2013 (Matt Gade | MLive.com) Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo gallery (7 photos)
None, however, are likely as young or as devoted as 6-year-old Jamison Bosch.
“He’s the only kid I know whose grandparents get him Home Depot gift cards for his birthday and Christmas … he’s seriously that much into construction and (home repairs) because of Mike Holmes,” said his father, John Belmont.
The Belmont youngster’s day was complete after Holmes autographed the tyke’s rust-colored Carthartt overalls, which will likely never again be washed.
John Bosch quipped the overalls will probably end up framed and showcased in his son’s bedroom.
Holmes, a 49-year-old Toronto-area resident, is the star of the television programs Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection. Broadcast on HGTV and DIY networks, the programs typically feature home-building or remodeling jobs gone awry due to unscrupulous contractors, unqualified laborers or questionable materials. Holmes then steps in and corrects the flaws.

“Do it right the first time,” Holmes said. “It’s what my dad always told me and I still live by that today.”

Holmes said people who are considering a new house or renovation should abide by three rules: Slow down, educate yourself and check out your contractor. As an example, he said a couple who agrees to re-do their kitchen may be overzealous with excitement during the planning process. So much so, they typically work with the person from the first company they contact and don’t bother exploring other potential options.
Slow down the process, Holmes suggested.
“The job isn’t going to get done overnight, so take your time,” he said. “Many of you probably wouldn’t give $50,000 to your brother, so why would you be in such a hurry to give it to a stranger?”
After about 45 minutes, Holmes spent nearly half an hour fielding questions from the audience. He drew about 500 people to each of his shows Saturday. Holmes attracted similar numbers during appearances at the same venue in 2011.

Richland residents Nick and Jessica Del Vacchio said they are in the midst of closing on their first house and hope to move in by the end of the month. Nick Del Vacchio said he watches Holmes faithfully every week and said he has picked up a number of tips and suggestions.
“I really admire the guy because he stresses how people should do their research and not go into a situation blindly, and I probably wouldn’t have been as careful if I didn’t hear Mike talk about that over and over,” Del Vacchio said.
Kalamazoo resident John Parks said he likes the benevolent side of Holmes, who spends much of his time correcting a job poorly completed by someone else. Parks said he remembers an episode in which a woman paid for her garage to be reinsulated and driveway refinished. It was clear she was bamboozled, and Holmes and his crew stepped in and did the job correctly.
Prior to his public appearances Saturday, Holmes in a media interview said he enjoys not following a script, both in person and on his TV show. He said the start of his television career 11 years ago was a reluctant beginning.
“I didn’t want to do TV and I told them repeatedly no when they jumped up and said they wanted a pilot,” he said. “I was too busy and I said I don’t need this, I’m not a TV guy, but the one guy came back and he said he noticed I like to teach one family at a time and he asked if I’d do a show if we could teach one family at a time.”
Holmes said he committed to a two-year run. As time passed and his fan base grew, however, Holmes said he recognized his work was changing a system that included immoral contractors and builders. He also savors being a role model to young men and women who are considering following in his line of work and need the education to be good at what they do.
He said he doesn’t want to always be on TV, but at the moment, Holmes said his work on TV is not completed.
A father of three and grandfather of two, Holmes said he has never had occasion to meet Tim Allen, star of the ‘90s sit-com Home Improvement. Though Holmes and the character Tim Taylor have a common interest, they aren’t the same people.
“I’m quite the opposite (of Tim Taylor) … I’m very serious and Tim Allen is a funny guy who plays a funny character, but I’d still love to meet him,” Holmes said.

The four-day Kalamazoo Home Expo was scheduled to end Saturday evening. Organizers said they were projecting about 18,000 people over the course of the event, an increase from about 16,000 last year.

Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo

Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo

Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo

Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo

Mike Holmes at the Kalamazoo Expo

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Sherry Holmes Is Getting Her Own Show!

Yesterday, March 8, was International Woman's Day. Mike used the opportunity to point out and recognize all of the wonderful ladies who work with him on his crew, including his daughter, Sherry. Sherry took the leap from office staff to crew member during the filming of Holmes on Homes in New Orleans, and from that moment on, she was hooked! Although the details he gives are sketchy at best, Mike indicates in this article, reposted from the Ottawa Citizen, that Sherry will be doing her own series, along with two other female "powerhouses." Hmmmm... this calls for some good ol' fashion speculation! Perhaps Kate Campbell will be one of them? I don't know, but that won't stop me from guessing! All I know is that ladies like Sherry Holmes prove that just because you're beautiful doesn't mean you can't swing a mean hammer.
 
As far as the article goes, Mike has proven himself over the years to be very pro-women in the trades. He has sought to increase the percentage of females in the trades because he believes women will benefit the industry and make it better. He states in the article, as he has on several occasions before, that women in the trades will keep their male counterparts honest. As a woman, I really appreciate Mike vote of confidence. I also appreciate that Mike not only hires women on his crew, but his expectations of his crew members are equal across the board. Lastly, Mike acknowledges that opening doors that were previously shut won't be easy, but it's worth it, and he encourages women who want to pursue a career in the trades to work hard and learn all they can.

 

From the Ottawa Citizen:

Celebrating women in the trades on International Women's Day

 
 

 

Sherry Holmes working on Mike’s crew for Holmes Makes It Right. Photograph by: Alex Schuldt, The Holmes Group
 
I work in the trades and that means the women who work with me are in the trades, too. There is no doubt in my mind that they are part of the reason why people celebrate International Women’s Day — this year on March 8. I get to step back and be proud of the women I work with every day.


It’s always a great moment when your kid decides to follow in your footsteps — even if it’s just for a while. It was a proud day for me when my son, Junior, told me he wanted to be a contractor — and what he’s accomplished since then has been unbelievable. But it was different when my daughter Sherry said she wanted to join the crew.

Sherry had been working at the office for years, helping run the business side of things. Then Hurricane Katrina happened and, next thing you know, the crew and I were heading south to New Orleans. We were going to build a hurricane- and flood-resistant home for one of the victims, Gloria Guy. I’ll never forget Gloria; she was another firecracker.

This was a huge opportunity for everyone. We knew that this job meant a lot to a lot of people, and Sherry wanted to help and be part of that. The truth is there isn’t a better reason to get into the trades — or do anything, for that matter. What happened next, no one could have predicted: Sherry was hooked.

Helping out in New Orleans turned into a permanent position for Sherry on the crew for my series Holmes Inspection. That turned into her working on the crew full time for Holmes Makes It Right.

And now Sherry’s stepping out from her dad’s shadow and taking on her own construction show, along with two powerhouses by her side — women too, of course.

They are going out there, speaking to other people in trades, working with contractors, managing jobs and making sure they get it done right.

Together, these fix-it chicks are proving construction is not a man’s world — at least not anymore. And I’m thankful for it.

I’ve always said women in the trades keep the men honest because when women work in the trades, they give it everything they’ve got, every day. When guys see that, it makes them work harder. It’s like teamwork — one person pushes hard, everyone else does, too.

Women are still fairly new to the game. Although they’re usually in the top 10 to 15 per cent of their class, they’re among the last 10 per cent to get hired. There might be some old ideas out there that need to be demolished. But it makes women hungrier to learn, to get better, to be the best and see how far they can take their skills. And they’re giving guys a run for their money.

There’s a lot of power that comes from using power tools — it’s no joke. You learn to have no fear, not be intimidated by big tools or powerful machines. It takes confidence to use the tools of the trade. The kind of confidence that not every girl gets a chance to develop growing up — but I made sure both my girls did. Also, thanks to the generations of women who are making headway every day, more girls are growing up with that chance.

I can’t tell you how many homes I’ve gone to where the handy “man” is a woman. The numbers keep growing every year.

Confidence in your abilities is something that boys and girls should have an equal opportunity to develop. Not to mention, there’s nothing like the feeling of learning how to do something yourself. Especially something that people didn’t think you could do — maybe even you.

I think it’s healthy to have shop class and home economics in schools. We should expose kids to as many different skills as we can — you never know what hidden talent they will show you. If they never get that chance, we all lose out.

What if tomorrow’s leaders never learned that they could develop and supervise or manage a project through to completion? I want to see more women get out there and run the show — and not just any show or someone else’s show, but their own show. I want to hear them call the shots — say what they mean with confidence and mean what they say with heart. That’s what integrity is all about.

If you’re a woman thinking of getting into the trades, go for it. If it’s your passion, learn as much as you can. Doors that were shut continue to open for women. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. It might even be harder for you than it is for others. But I promise you it will be worth it.

Catch Mike Holmes in his series, Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.


© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Friday, March 8, 2013

Mike Holmes Answers His Critics - Final Segment Commentary

Yesterday I posted part three of the interview with Mike Holmes conducted by CanadianContractor.ca.





This third and final installment turned out to be just as interesting as the first two. It started out with the host asking Mike what percentage of homeowners bear some responsibility for their shoddy renovations? Mike's answer seemed to surprise the host - "At least 50-60% of them." As someone who has read Mike's books and watched his shows, I've seen Mike scold and warn homeowners over and over again about the dangers of not checking references, rushing into a job, cheaping out, or not making sure that the contractor gets the proper permits needed for the job. It's very, very rare that Mike walks into a home and states that the homeowner got screwed in spite of doing all their homework. Perhaps unaware of this, he wags his finger at Mike and laughs, "You know, that's really important for [other contractors] to hear." Mike then correctly points out that he exposes not only the contractor's bad work, but also the client's bad decisions as well because he wants to educate homeowners as well as other contractors.

Mike then defends himself as a professional - "I've been doing this since I was a kid... This is all real, this is not phony, and it doesn't matter if people believe me or not. I know who I am. I know what I'm talking about." Mike also expressed his desire for professionals to work together to produce a superior product for the consumer. He gave the example of a bathroom where the toilet is in the wrong spot because the carpenter and the plumber didn't collaborate to create an appropriate layout. "I've learned from experience that it takes time to get good at what you do," said Mike in his final closing comment.

During the host's end remarks, he expressed an agreement with Mike that there is a need for the industry as a whole to work together to become better. After the first two segments, I was surprised to see the interview close so amicably and succinctly. I was expecting fireworks and harsh criticism, but I'm happy to see that the two sides were able to come to some sort of middle ground. The question remains though, will this be enough? Does this interview quell the ad hominem attacks that many websites and forums lob at Mike? Probably not, but it's good to know that Mike acknowleges that he has critics, and is able to address them intelligently with solid, satisfying answers. Overall, I think Mike did a great job standing his ground in a less than friendly environment.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Mike Holmes Answers His Critics - Final Segment

Just like last time, I'll post the video first, and comment on it tomorrow. Here's the third and final portion of the interview conducted by CanadianContractor.ca.




For more information, please refer to previous Holmes Spot blog entries:

Mike Holmes Answers His Critics
Mike Holmes Answers His Critics - Part II
Mike Holmes Answers His Critics - Part III
Mike Holmes Answers His Critics - Commentary

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Mike Holmes & Foam Masters

Mike Holmes loves to use spray foam insulation. If you don't believe me, check out these previous Holmes Spot blog entries:

Mike Holmes on Spray Foam Insulation
Mike Holmes and BASF
Purple!

Recently, Mike and Thermal Pro Insulation out of Ontario, Canada put out a video to promote the benefits of using BASF's Walltite Eco spray foam insulation. He also stressed the importance of having the right materials properly installed by professionals, such as the Foam Masters from Thermal Pro Insulation.



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Mike Holmes Inspections Expands Into Saskatoon & Regina

There's big news for Mike's home inspection company. Mike Holmes Inspections is expanding its service area to include Saskatoon and Regina in Canada. Clients of Mike Holmes Inspections receive not only a very thorough home inspection that fits Mike's stringent standards, but also a copy of his book The Holmes Inspection, a must-have manual for any homeowner or home buyer. Clients are also able to receive a Canadian Home History Report and are able to take advantage of the Recall Chek service, which checks all large appliances in the home, such as the furnace and the AC unit, for any issued recalls. This is good news for the people who live in these areas. Hopefully one day, Mike Holmes Inspections will be nationwide across Canada, and maybe one day even in the US!


From iStockAnalyst.com:

Mike Holmes Inspections expands into Saskatoon & Regina

Monday, March 04, 2013 8:00 AM
 
TORONTO, March 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Mike Holmes Inspections is pleased to announce that it has expanded its service area to include Saskatoon and Regina. Mike Holmes Inspections is now serving areas in Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
"We're going all the way, full steam ahead. This is only the beginning," stated Mike Holmes, President of Mike Holmes Inspections.
Homebuyers, sellers and owners living in Saskatoon, Regina and surrounding areas can now book a Mike Holmes Inspection via their 24/7 customer service division or through their website, which re-launched last November.
"The company has been preparing for an expansion into these markets because we know there is a demand for our service," stated Ashley Shojaie, Director of Mike Holmes Inspections. "We restructured the website, invested in enhanced customer amenities, and increased our number of trained Inspectors," added Shojaie.
Mike Holmes Inspections clients currently receive Mike's book, The Holmes Inspection and are able to take advantage of additional services, such as the first ever Canadian Home History Report for any property.
All Mike Holmes Inspections also include Recall Chek, a recently added service that verifies whether or not a recall has been issued on any home appliances, furnace, air conditioner and/or water heater in the home at the time of inspection. Information is also provided on how to receive full repairs free of charge from the manufacturer.
About Mike Holmes Inspections
Mike Holmes Inspections is an independent home inspection service company. Through the integration of advanced technologies with sophisticated industry techniques it provides thorough, fair and educated assessments of building structures and their 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 more information on Mike Holmes Inspections, please visit: www.mikeholmesinspections.com.

For all queries concerning Mike Holmes Inspections, please contact:

Ashley Shojaie, Director
contactus@mikeholmesinspections.com

(Source: CNW )
(Source: Quotemedia)

Monday, March 4, 2013

HGTV Canada Changed Their Cover Photo

There are so many different things to write about right now, but I just spent my entire weekend tearing up my back yard and hauling bricks, and I am TIRED. Totally drained, and totally pooped out, and the fun has only begun. So, I'm doing a Holmes Spot lite edition today. As I was scrolling through Facebook this morning, I noticed that HGTV Canada has changed their cover photo...


 
Check out who's front and center! Keep leading the pack, Mike! And I promise that tomorrow, I'll actually post something with substance :-)

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Mike Holmes on CBC Marketplace: Home Ripoffs

On March 1, 2013 CBC news rehashed a story they did several years ago with Mike Holmes, talking about home owners getting ripped off by unscrupulous contractors and bad home inspectors. In this latest story, they followed up with some of the homeowners and criminal contractors they had featured previously and talked more with Mike about how to avoid getting scammed.

Just FYI -- There is no pause, rewind or fast forward, so get your snacks and potty breaks out of the way first before you click on the link!

Watch the CBC Marketplace video here.

Screen Shots:








Friday, March 1, 2013

Home Inspection Program at Sault College Gets A Name Change

In January 2011, Mike Holmes endorsed Ontario's Sault College when they created the province's first two-year home inspection course. Two years later, the course is receiving a name change to better reflect the curriculum.


From SaultStar.com:

College makes changes to home inspection program backed by Mike Holmes


By Michael Purvis

Mike Holmes speaks with media at Sault College in January 2011.
Mike Holmes speaks with media at Sault College in January 2011.
 

Sault College is renovating a construction program name just two years after the course of study's creation was endorsed by Canada's Most Trusted Contractor.
A two-year home inspection program, backed by Mike Holmes in early 2011, will be retitled residential construction technician – home inspection in September 2014.
The title change won't nail students who want to work as home inspectors, says the college's dean of natural environment, technology and skilled trades.
“They have all the training they need to work as home inspectors,” Colin Kirkwood told The Sault Star after the college's board of governors approved the name change on Thursday.
“If graduates aren't working as home inspectors it is because they're not trained.”
The board approved the new monicker following a short presentation by Kirkwood. The curriculum, about 90% of which relates to residential construction with courses such as residential wiring, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, remains the same. There are three specific home inspection courses.
“Most of the learning is relating to residential construction,” said Kirkwood.
“It was designed that way so that students would be better home inspectors. If they know how to build houses, they know how to inspect houses.”
That approach to instruction, he added, “came from Mike Holmes.”
An advisory committee that oversees the program “discussed and recommended” the name change, a rationale given to the board says.
“It's quite normal for programs to evolve and as we get the experience with what the job market looks like, and what student expectations are like and what employers have as far as employment goes, then we just adjust accordingly,” said Kirkwood.
Sault College launched Ontario's first two-year home inspection diploma program with great fanfare in January 2011.
The college's gymnasium was packed for an appearance by Holmes, creator and host of HGTV's Holmes on Homes.
In a video from that event posted alongside the program's description on the college's website, Holmes says the program “makes total sense to me” and will teach students “what they need to know.”
The program's first graduating class is this spring. About 20 students have signed up for the program in each of the two years it has run.
“We are requesting a change to the program name to better reflect the curriculum in the program,” reads a name change rationale given to the governors.
“Students are primarily receiving residential construction training with some speciality courses relating to home inspection. The revised title is a better reflection of the curriculum focus.”
Amanda Heath, a spokesperson for Mike Holmes Inspections, said the organization is part of the program advisory committee and supports the name change.
“Since the two areas are so closely related the name change makes sense,” said Health. “This change hopes to broaden the appeal of the program and to increase enrolment. In order to be a good home inspector you need to understand construction and this will provide students with a solid foundation in both disciplines.”
Heath said MHI is happy with the Sault College program and the feedback they've received from students. MHI has brought on two co-op students from the college program.
b.kelly@sunmedia.ca