Mike Holmes Buys Home in New Meaford Development

All the way back in May of 2013, Mike Holmes announced that he would be working with a Meaford, Ontario developer to develop a line of homes that would not only look good on the outside, but be good on the inside. A year and a half later, it was announced that Mike Holmes has purchased the first home in the Third Line Homes community of TerraceWood, a "healthy home" community built without toxic materials. In the article below, it describes Mike's relationship with Holmes Approved builder Third Line Homes and their commitment to building better, healthier, sustainable homes.

For more information about Mike's involvement with Third Line Homes, see the following Holmes Spot blog entries:
Holmes Works With Meaford Builder
Holmes Approved Homes: Third Line Homes


From the Meaford Independent:

First Home in New Meaford Development Sold to Television Personality Mike Holmes
Thursday, 29 January 2015 12:32

Third Line Homes has announced that contractor and popular television personality Mike Holmes has purchased the first home in TerraceWood – Meaford’s new boutique healthy home community.

“Together we’re raising the standards,” says Holmes. “This is about taking residential construction to the very next level – redefining the way homes are built.”

Third Line Homes is a Holmes Approved Builder. Last year the two companies worked together to build a 'healthy home' four-plex in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek – a First Nation Community west of Sudbury.

“Mike Holmes epitomizes quality and innovation,” says Paul Osborn, president and CEO of Third Line Homes, “and we’re thrilled that Mike endorses our approach to building.”

The company says that TerraceWood homes strive to be physically, socially, and environmentally restorative. They are designed and constructed to support health and wellness, to optimize energy efficiency and to minimize their carbon footprint. “These homes are toxin-free, mould- and fire-resistant, sound- and termite-proof, accessible, super energy efficient and feature superior indoor air quality.”

All Third Line homes are built with Durisol - insulated concrete forms (ICF) that do not use foam or polystyrene but instead use a proprietary wood concrete material that creates a 'breathable wall', explained Tim Singbeil of Third Line Homes

VP of Production and Innovation, Singbeil discovered Durisol in his search for truly healthy building materials. He and his team have built more Durisol homes than any other builder in Ontario.

TerraceWood is a small development on a ravine not far from the town of Meaford, trails, and the harbour. The boutique neighbourhood reflects a new sensibility, incorporating great design, simplicity, and health. The original designs were created by blackLAB Architects to reflect "small town Ontario with a modern twist”.


“We are working hard to deliver sustainable, healthy, and beautiful homes,” says Jan Singbeil, VP of Strategic Planning and Design. “Third Line's mission is to continually innovate and find new ways to perfect the art and science of building, with the clear objective that everyone has the opportunity to live in a healthy home.”

International Builders' Show 2015 Rundown

I've been a busy girl these past couple of days? Why? Because I was an attendee at the 2015 International Builders' Show, or IBS for short (I know, terrible acronym). The show took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, which happens to be my hometown... How very convenient! The show is a building/renovation geek's dream come true, with literally millions of square feet of the industry's best and newest innovations, products, and vendors. It's also a great place to meet your favorite HGTV and DIY Network superstars, like Scott McGillivray Norm Abram from This Old House, and (guess who?) Mike Holmes!

After a trip to the Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, Mike drove 12 hours from Arizona to Las Vegas to attend the show. Being a life long resident of the Southwest, I'm not entirely sure how it takes 12 hours to make that drive (unless you're driving 30 MPH or you get lost) but I'm sure Mike and Anna took made a great vacation out of it. Here are some photos from Mike's Arizona trip:

IBS 2015 was an absolute blast, and I met some really cool people that I hadn't met before during previous trade shows, but the crowning jewel of the show for me was getting to see Mike (again for probably the 5th or 6th time). I don't care how many times I get to meet Mike, it's still a great honor each and every time. Mike was stationed at the CertainTeed booth. CertainTeed is a really great and innovative company whose products Mike Holmes not only endorses, but also uses. He especially loves their AirRenew drywall, which can actually absorb and neutralize VOC's in the air, improving indoor air quality.

While addressing the audience before meeting and greeting with fans, Mike Holmes tipped his hand as to his next TV project. Although he wasn't allowed to say exactly what he's up to, he definitely said that he would be filming again, soon, and in the US! He indicated that he would be doing something totally different and BIG! Just a few months ago, Mike was in LA talking with some big wig TV execs about something very important and asked all his fans to wish him luck! It sounded to me that whatever was being negotiated got the green light! Wow, can't wait to see what he's doing, although I do have some ideas as to what he's got planned for all of us (You can check out my rumors and completely unfounded speculations here). Here are some super exclusive photos from Mike's appearance at the CertainTeed booth today:

 

And here's my photo with Mike, to add to my collection. Our conversation went something like this (not joking):

 

"Have we met before?"

"A couple of times."

"Like 4 or 5 times."

"Yes, a couple of times."

 

 

200K!

Who doesn't have a Facebook account? Pretty much everyone on the planet uses Facebook in some capacity, and it's a huge accomplishment to have a ton of people following your account if you have a public figure page. Last year in February, Mike's Facebook page hit 100,000 "Likes" signifying that 100,000 fans were following his posts and updates (see 100K! for more information). Less than a year later, Mike's Facebook presence has literally doubled to 200K! It's a milestone that Mike marked with a short video featuring himself and his buddy and fellow HGTV star Scott McGillivray. Congrats Mike, here's to the next 100,000!

PS - not to brag, but the Holmes Spot hit its own milestone yesterday when it hit the 1,000,000 page views mark! Yay us!

Post by Mike Holmes.

Mike and Scott's Wacky Project

Mike Holmes and Scott McGillvray are the both huge HGTV stars, but they're also the best of buddies. And if you're a girl, you might find both of them easy on the eyes too. It appears that Mike and Scott were palling around today at the Shaw building, a place where they produce a lot of Canadian television shows. What exactly they were doing is as of now a bit of a mystery, but that didn't stop a bunch of photos and videos of their special project from finding their way onto social media. Whatever they're doing, I can't wait to see the finished project! I also can't wait to find out why Mike Holmes is tied to a chair... not that I'm complaining or anything.

Post by Mike Holmes.

Mike Holmes: Last Action (Figure) Hero?

What happens when you combine professional wrestlers Brock Lesnar and Erick Rowan with the nimble hands of Indiana Jones? Apparently you can get something that more-than-vaguely resembles everybody's favorite renovation superhero, in miniature. That's right, a Holmes fan and action hero builder who goes by the handle of Ole Jade Jaw combined parts from several different toys to concoct a super beefy Mike Holmes action figure! The figure stands a whopping 7 inches tall, and features intricate details including Mike's signature tattoos, tool belt, and oversized wrist watch, all the way down to his work boots! A job well done!

From FigureRealm.com:

Mike's Advice For Renovating Smart in 2015

It's a brand new year, and chances are you've resolved to make some changes both big and small in 2015. According to Mike Holmes, it's wise to approach a renovation with the value and comfort of your home in mind. Focus on increasing the energy efficiency of your home by addressing any issues you may have with the exterior envelope of your home, including the windows, attic, and foundation. You might think that fixing non-cosmetic issues is a waste of time because you can't immediately see or enjoy the improvements, but they make a huge difference in improving the value of your home, especially if you plan on selling it in the near future. Taking an outside-in approach to home improvement is the only smart way to renovate.
From the National Post:


Mike Holmes: My best advice for approaching a smart reno in 2015

It’s a new year and you’re starting to think about taking on a renovation. Be smart; make it a good investment.
Focus on renos that help increase value, by improving the energy efficiency, durability, comfort and performance of your home. Some people think if they invest in a new kitchen or bathroom that will increase value the most. Not always the case. What if you get a leak or moisture intrusion, which then results in mould? To fix it, you might have to tear out that new kitchen or bathroom.
That’s a huge waste of money and materials.
My top advice is to work from the outside in. Take care of your roof, attic, windows, exterior and foundation first to make sure everything you do on the inside is protected. Some people think that’s pointless, especially when it comes time to sell because people can’t actually see those kinds of improvements. Or you’ll get more bang for your buck by focusing on the lipstick and mascara — the finishes.
But that’s like trying to sell a car with a weak battery, blown head gasket and faulty brakes by throwing on some new rims and a paint job. You might get someone to buy it, but only after some serious renegotiating on the selling price. You could even end up losing money on what the rims and paint cost you. Instead, if you present a solid package, you’ll get your full investment, for the selling price you want.
A good start is a maintenance inspection to help prioritize what should be done first. For example, if you can see large cracks in your brick exterior, especially along windows, your bricks are spalling, flaking or the mortar is being eaten away. Getting this fixed should be at the top of your list. Otherwise, you risk moisture getting in behind the brick and into structure, rotting the substrate.
By investing in your building envelope first — that’s everything that separates the inside of your home from the outside — it will pay off in energy efficiency, durability and protection.
Insulation plays a big role when it comes to your building envelope. A properly sealed and insulated home saves money every month.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a top product for energy efficiency and airtightness — as long as the right professional installs it; that’s key. I like blown-in batt insulation in the attic with a minimum of R60. A stone wool insulation, like Roxul, that is fire-, mould- and moisture-resistant is also smart. It’s great for basements, plus it can also absorb sound.
Once you take care of the outside, you can start having fun with the inside. There are simple upgrades that homeowners should consider. For example, consider switching carpeting for engineered hardwood; it looks good, is durable and low maintenance, and can also help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
We can also start looking at better, smarter interior products that work for any renovation, like quality drywall. Given the right environment and the right conditions, regular drywall will get mould. Luckily, there are drywall products that have been designed to protect against mould, moisture and mildew. Some drywall even absorbs and locks in volatile organic compounds, which helps create safer and healthier indoor environments.
Think about sub-floor systems that protect your final flooring choice. For example, insulated sub-floor panels with raised drainage and air-circulation channels allow air to move freely and dry out any moisture.
When these panels are placed over a concrete basement floor, not only do they help reduce surface moisture but also temperature fluctuations, which could lead to mould and mildew problems. They also provide a continual thermal break across the entire floor surface, meaning you get warmer floors and use less energy for heating.
Keep a record of every upgrade you make, especially the ones you can’t see, like premium roofing materials, drywall and subflooring products or extra insulation. And keep a copy of all warranties! You never know when it all might come in handy, especially if you ever want to sell your home.
A smart reno is an investment. It should pay you back.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.

Big Fish!

Mike and his son Mike Jr. are still away on their father & son holiday vacation to Turks & Caicos, which are a group of tropical islands just off the tip of Florida. Per Facebook and Twitter, the two left the week before Christmas, and while the rest of Canada was shivering in the cold, Mike and MJ spent Christmas and New Years lounging on the beach.

Nothing tops off a father and son vacation like a good old fashioned father and son fishing trip. Check out the sail fish that MJ caught! That thing is almost as big as he is, what a catch! Despite a little bleeding from a wayward hook, the fish was just fine and was released to swim another day.

"Intimate with Liza Fromer" Special With Mike Holmes - Video

Happy New Year from the Holmes Spot! I hope your 2014 was as great as mine was, and that your 2015 is even better!

On December 29, Global News Toronto aired the special Intimate with Liza Fromer, featuring an interview with both Mike Holmes and Mike Holmes, Jr.  The interview was filmed inside of Mike's man cave/garage, of which Mike Jr. supervised the construction of in the HGTV special Mike's Ultimate Garage.

For those of us who weren't able to catch the special on TV, Global posted the entire 12 minute interview online. In the interview, Mike Holmes speaks about his career and how he got started in TV. As most fans have come to expect, Mike speaks a lot about his father and how his dad influenced and shaped him as he grew up. Mike Jr. describes what it's like to share his father's famous name and how he's working to make a name for himself. Lastly, Liza asks Mike the fill-in-the-blank question "Mike Holmes is....?" To find out what Mike said, watch the interview, posted below.

If you can't see the embedded video below, visit the Global News website: