Holmes Does It "Beyond Smart" With Cisco

If the words "smart" or "green" appear before just about any word in the English language, it would be a safe bet that Mike Holmes is already all over it, using it, or endorsing it. In this video from February of 2012, Mike discusses building communities (such as Wind Walk, see below) "smart" and energy efficient, complete with high tech energy controllers that help homeowners manage how much energy they use. Those controllers are currently under development by the company Cisco. For Mike, it's all about being aware and knowledgeable of one’s own energy consumption. "We get up in the morning, we flick the switch, the light goes on. Where'd the power come from? How much power are we using? We don't know."

Currently, Mike is working on a first-of-its-kind development in Alberta, Canada, Wind Walk, which when completed, will be a fully sustainable "green" urban community. In January of 2012, the project took a huge step forward when, according to a press release posted on makeitright.ca, "The Municipal Government Board (MGB) of Alberta have confirmed the Wind Walk project represents no detriment to the Town of Okotoks. Thus permitting the project to move forward." No doubt, Mike is looking to companies like Cisco to develop the energy conservation technology which will make this kind of community possible.

I absolutely love this little article/blog post from routesmagazine.ca. In it, Mike talks candidly about the currently-stalled Wind Walk Project, which would be a sustainable community built to last that would produce more electricity than it used. Mike is relentless about changing the minimum code and building homes that don't mold, burn, or blow over. “It’s about doing the right thing, in the right place, at the right time," he states in the article. Doing it right is truly the heart of Holmes. But Mike talks more than just business in this article. He also talks about growing up as a wimpy kid who got beat up a lot, the up and coming "Mighty Mike" cartoon, and the sixth book he plans to write, entitled "Men are Easy."  (Are they really, Mike?)  "...I have always been drawn to write a book about love, life and sex," he says. Mike, I am eagerly awaiting this book. It should be a good one. And I really hope he's joking about buying an island and disappearing one day... unless he plans to take me with him. Wink ;)  PS- Dig the Knight in Shining Armor pictures. Super cute!

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At the Heart of Holmes

September 2, 2011

Photo by Neville Palmer at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Contrary to public opinion, Mike Holmes never believed he was destined to become a contractor, let alone a Canadian icon in the construction industry, but from the age of six, and by virtue of his father’s influence, he was constantly fixing or building something. Never at a loss for words or ideas, this natural born leader has always aspired to make the world a better place – beyond building homes that won’t burn, mould or rot. Now at 48, his drive to educate millions of people – all at once – is stronger than ever, and he has new goals on the horizon. But when his work is finished, don’t be surprised if Holmes disappears from the public eye – seeking seclusion on an island in hopes of regaining some well-deserved privacy.

By Mary Savage

Photos by Neville Palmer
Read more here about the photoshoot by Neville.

After spending an afternoon with Canada’s most trusted contractor it became apparent that Mike Holmes is even more personable than his “non-scripted” television demeanor depicts. Behind the piercing blue eyes and diamond-studded ears, the self-proclaimed workaholic is starting to realize the importance of enjoying life by stealing pockets of time amidst his breakneck schedule, his vision for change never sleeps.

“For whatever reason, we don’t think outside the box: we know it’s wrong, but we don’t change our approach to building better homes. It’s not about changing the minimum building codes, it’s about changing how we look at things,” says Holmes. “Things won’t change until we know better – by learning from our mistakes.”

He appears to be a knight in shining armour to the thousands of families he personally helps to ‘make it right’ when renovations go wrong, it’s no wonder he has a global following. “We’ve got to stop doing things because that’s the way we’ve always done them. We haven’t changed the minimum building codes for 30-odd years and they’re not working,” remarks Holmes. “Two of the fastest growing businesses are home inspections and mould abatement.” Because according to Holmes, every single house has mould – the question is how much.

“Imagine living in a house that won’t mould or burn, it won’t fall down or blow down. Imagine building a community that operates as ‘net-zero’, meaning it actually produces more electricity than it uses,” Holmes adds.

When Holmes forayed into the Wind Walk project, a sustainable community slated for development south of Okotoks, his vision of the Holmes Community was to build houses that would last for centuries (costing about 15 per cent more than the going rate). Three years later, the project sits before the provincial government awaiting its decision, and Holmes has no intention of giving up.

“Eventually, it will move forward because I’m not giving up, it’s the right thing do to. I picked Alberta because it’s progressive with respect to the environment,” explains Holmes. “It’s about doing the right thing, in the right place, at the right time.”

Holmes explains that the project’s greatest challenge has to do with water. “We want the water and sewer to be 100 per cent contained within the community. The water source comes from the aquifer: we’ll use it and clean it and return it to the aquifer. Everything in life is about that cycle: how can we move, how can we grow, how can we continue – for our kids and their future.”

As for other communities like Wind Walk, there’s one slated for Haiti. It’s being built near Port au Prince to house children who were left orphaned by the earthquake. His team has been down there several times and he will go down in November to begin the project.

And when it comes the next generation, Holmes has met with the prime minister on several occasions to talk about ‘green’ initiatives. “We’re all thinking green, we’re all talking green, but who’s teaching it? How do we move from the level we’re at now, building minimum code that’s literally not working, to designing differently?” he asks. Holmes Communities will hire local apprentices and teach them how to build these houses. It creates a brand new certification and will change the industry overnight.”

When it comes to building a better house, Holmes combines history with technology and a bit of common sense. “When you think about how we built years ago, we had canopies over our windows and they were positioned at perfect degrees. In the summer, it shaded us from the solar passive and kept the house cool, but in the winter, it still allowed the sunshine to heat the environment,” he says. “Why did we stop using canopies? Was it cheaper or did we just become stupid?”

His forward thinking, backed by his drive for action, has landed him in a league of his own where he is both respected and disliked. Regardless, Holmes has already made a tremendous difference and he attributes many of his traits – like them or not – to his father.

“My Dad was a real unique person and, among other things, he taught me respect and to think for myself,” Holmes says. “I grew up in a tough neighborhood and maybe that’s what made me strong. I was a wimpy kid and got beat up a lot. I was about 14 when I finally stood up for myself and realized I was strong enough to fight back.”

For the past five years, Holmes has been working on Mighty Mike a cartoon character to be launched in 2012. “It’s a version of me as a kid. It follows Mighty Mike’s activity with a crew of kids around him. It’s going to help teach kids integrity, kindness, respect, having a passion for what they do and, of course, how to become a contractor,” Holmes explains. “He’s going to be an icon for the next generation.”

Looking at Holmes’s bucket list, there appears to be a lot of checkmarks. “In the last 10 years, everything was planned, with one exception: the accident was going from Holmes Homes to Holmes Communities!” With four companies, a bi-monthly magazine and four books under the Holmes Group, he’s on a roll.

“I planned every book ahead of time and I’ve still got two more to go. The fifth one is about the environment and how we need to understand the changes that are necessary. The sixth book is called, Men are Easy, because I have always been drawn to write a book about love, life and sex,” he says with a grin.

“When I read the book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, I was 30 and newly divorced. Afterwards, I said to myself, ‘It’s that easy?’ Then I called my ex-wife and apologized – for everything.”

Holmes looks at life as one continuous learning curve, turning mistakes into lessons and moving forward. “To me, there’s never a mistake in life. Everything is a lesson and that’s how we learn. I’ve never regretted anything that has helped me understand life better and helped me get to where I am today.”

Holmes admits he thought Wind Walk would have been better received, but like most things in life, he sees it as a learning opportunity. “There’s nothing negative about this project – we spent over a million dollars planning and testing it,” he says. “No matter what happens, after the first community has been built, I’ll have changed the industry.”

In a rare moment, when Holmes is not working, you’ll find him on his boat or travelling across the country on his new three-wheel motorcycle. “I calculate my time by what’s important to me. It’s important to finish what I’ve started and I speculate I’ve got about five years to go, but I doubt it will ever stop,” he adds. The next bucket list will take him to 60 and according to Holmes, it’s anybody’s guess what happens after that.

“I always said I’m going to buy an island and disappear and I’m probably going to do that, but then again, maybe I’ll build an underground house.”

Wind Walk at a Glance

• For the 1,000 – 1,200 Wind Walk residents, their community would be a compact, walkable neighborhood featuring Green™ and sustainable building solutions that include Holmes Homes, Holmes Approved Homes and high performance infrastructure. The concept, introduced in spring 2008, proposes development of a 145-acre parcel of land, located south of Highway 7 and the Cornerstone area, just outside the Okotoks city limits. The current plan promotes a mixed-used land plan:

• 457 single and multi-family homes
• 33 per cent of the land is comprised of open green spaces, allocating ten acres to public park use
• a full-sized soccer pitch
• over 80 plots designated for a community garden and farmers’ markets
• 7.5 acres for a school
• approximately 80,000 sq.ft. of retail space

The plan also includes technological integration to offer:

• district wide heating and electrical generation plan to be the first net-exporting energy subdivision in North America
• improved automation and home energy management
• renewable energy systems such as solar on every rooftop
• an integrated water management system retaining storm water on-site to pre-development rates and conservation standards
• improved broadband speed and capacity through fibre optic infrastructure
• full compost, recycle and waste management plan during and after construction
• district wide battery back-up storage to eliminate risk of power outages, surges and interruptions

Mike Holmes is "Radically Canadian"

On Mike's Facebook page today, he shared a post from David Suzuki's page.

I have a radical idea. Let’s make Canada a leader in energy efficiency, responsible use of resources, green jobs for young people, and innovation!
- Mike Holmes, Radical Canadian

"Are You Radically Canadian?" is apparently the battle cry for David Suzuki, famed Canadian environmentalist, and his foundation, the David Suzuki Foundation. Underneath the photo and quote from Mike, he posts a link, where you can make a monthly pledge to be "Radically Canadian," the qualifications of which include:


If it's radical to:

1. Protect nature
2. Defend informed debate and policies based on science
3. Work tirelessly to leave Canada a better place

then we are radically Canadian!


I am neither radical, nor Canadian, but I do find it admirable to care about your country and making it a better place.

This is the banner, currently posted on David Suzuki's Facebook, by the way. It sports the "Are You Radically Canadian?" slogan, and as you can see, Mike's mug is in the bottom right hand corner, right above the David Suzuki Foundation logo.

Canada's Most Trusted Peeps Fight For Cleaner, Greener Energy

Forgive me for being terribly American (or Amercian -- LOL, inside American joke. Google it if you don't understand), but until Mike Holmes became a blip on my radar, I'd never heard of David Suzuki. Apparently, he and Mike Holmes are #1 and #2 respectively on a 2010 Reader's Digest poll of the top ten most trusted Canadians. So, what do you get when you take a couple of Canada's crown jewels and stick them on top of a roof with TV personality Rick Mercer? Why, you get a bowl full of awesome! In this article from David Suzuki's website, you get his and Mike's perspective on the controversial Green Energy Act, which has been heavily debated over in Ontario.

For more information, you can refer to previous Holmes Spot blog article "Mike Holmes' Push For Solar Energy."

 

 

Get the goods on growing green energy in Ontario

October 3, 2011

Watch Canada's "most trusted" people get up on a roof to install a solar panel.

By Mike Holmes and Dr. David Suzuki

Over the past few weeks, Ontario politicians have engaged in heated debate about the province's much lauded and much criticized Green Energy Act. Some say it is the backbone of the province's promising green technology sector; others want to put a stake through its heart. Regardless of your political stripes, everyone agrees; the stakes are high.

So what is really happening in Ontario? Simply put, a lot. If you want to learn more, please read below. If you would rather spend the next few minutes watching a couple of Canada's "most trusted" people get up on a roof to install a solar panel, check this serious bit of journalism from the Rick Mercer Report.

The Province of Ontario is two years along a brave new path that is expected to bring future prosperity and cleaner energy to Ontario communities. It has done this by encouraging the private sector to invest in local power projects and companies that make the thousands of components that are required to make windmills whir and solar panels purr. At the same time, the province has begun promoting energy conservation and making huge investments in our energy infrastructure — measures that will reduce energy consumption and save taxpayers money in the long run.

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While parties scramble to convince voters that their plans to power the province into the future is the best, we feel we should take a moment to first look at the past to gain some perspective and insight into how to move forward.

More than one hundred years ago, Ontario Premier James Whitney was in hot water over his proposal to tap the power of Niagara Falls by building a hydroelectric generating station. His opponents said it would likely bankrupt the province. Instead, this source of green renewable power has helped fuel Ontario's economic engine ever since. Ontario now gets over 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable hydroelectric generation, thanks in large part to the foresight of Whitney and our great grandparents.

Germany embarked on its green energy strategy more than ten years ago. Since then the country has become a clean technology powerhouse, creating more than 370,000 fulltime jobs and tripling their production of clean energy — now 17% of their total power supply. This is something we can do in Ontario. We can all benefit the same way—or even more so—if we continue down the path we've begun.

Ontario passed its own Green Energy Act in 2009. Modelled on the German laws, this legislation has kick-started Ontario's green energy sector by encouraging investment by hundreds of companies, farmers, community groups and residents throughout the province. In only two years it is has spurred the private sector to invest billions of dollars in dozens of new factories and power projects and has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming years.

These newly created jobs include skilled trades workers manufacturing components for solar panels and turbines, contractors installing them, and the engineers and entrepreneurs that dream them up. Good-paying, full-time positions. We aren't talking temporary or part-time jobs in the service sector.

And for many youth, these are the jobs of the future. This is why more than three-dozen green technology programs have been created at Ontario colleges and universities. They will be retooling students and professionals to meet the demands of this emerging new sector of Ontario's economy—part of the global trillion-dollar clean technology sector that has blossomed worldwide.

While job creation numbers can often seem a bit suspect, especially around election time, the progress on the ground has been remarkable. Ontario is now home to some of the most exciting green energy projects on the planet, including the world's largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the world, in Sarnia. Countless farmers, community groups and entrepreneurial residents have also been getting some of the action with small installations that will provide them a second source of income for the next couple of decades. This will help support a sustainable economic and environmental future.

While this progress is impressive, candidates and parties intent on killing the program are now threatening the entire enterprise. They raise the spectre of rising energy prices without acknowledging that investments in green energy represent less than one per cent of the total price householders pay for energy.

This province has a history of leadership in manufacturing and growth. This is the sort of foresight that has made Ontario great. Treading into new territory undoubtedly will lead to a few potholes on the path. However, we believe Ontario is on the right track towards a green energy future that will wean us from dirty, old fuel sources and bring us closer to a brighter, cleaner, healthier future — and fuel Ontario's economic engine into the 21st century.

David Suzuki and Mike Holmes are two of Canada's most trusted and recognized personalities and were recently seen on a roof installing solar panels. For more information, please visit davidsuzuki.org and makeitright.ca.

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How Mike Holmes Keeps His Cool

As someone who lives in the Southwestern desert in the United States, I can surely appreciate Mike's efforts to cool me down. In this Ottawa Citizen article, he talks about alternative -- greener -- ways to keep the home comfortable during those grueling summer months. All I can say is Mike, just be glad you don't live where I live. But I guess in places where the temperature doesn't rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping your blinds closed and putting up awnings helps. My tip -- go hang out at the grocery store in the frozen foods isle. That always seems to work for me.

Use more than an air conditioner to cool your home

By Mike Holmes, The Ottawa Citizen May 30, 2012

Things are heating up, folks.

Most of us love the warmer weather. But as soon as the temperature starts to rise, a lot of us are ready to crank our air conditioners into overdrive.

If you can’t take the heat there are different ways to keep your home cool over the summer. Not only do they work, but they’re also easy on the wallet and the environment — I love it when that happens.

Keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day helps. I encourage everyone to do this. But a lot of heat can get trapped between the blinds and the window. And once the heat is already in your home, cooling things down is an uphill battle. Most homeowners treat the effects of heat. The smart ones stop them before they start.

You want to stop the heat before it comes into your home. Otherwise, half the battle of beating the heat is already lost — before it’s even started. And since the problem starts in nature, let’s look to nature to solve it.

How do we stay cool when we’re outside? We look for shade. What gives us shade? Trees.

Just how trees keep us cool outside, they can help keep us cool inside, too. They provide a natural way to block the higher temperatures from entering our homes. If you’re thinking of doing some landscaping, plant a few extra trees around your house. But don’t plant them near the house itself. The extra foliage will direct water and precipitation to your home’s exterior and roof. This wears down exterior finishes and is an open invitation to leaks.

Another way to block the heat and get some shade is with an awning, an exterior covering that extends from the top of windows. They’re like a visor for your home. Some homes even have a large one that extends across one side of the house — the side that gets the most sun — usually over a patio.

Awnings are an old-school solution that works. They reduce heat gain by about 55 to 77 per cent. They also block UV rays that can damage floors, furniture and finishes. In certain climates, awnings have proved their worth — saving homeowners as much as 25 per cent on their energy bills.

Some awnings are retractable. These are good because they let heat and light come in during the winter. Other ones are stationary and have to be taken down before the colder weather sets in again.

You need to install an awning the proper way. Do it wrong and it can cause a lot of damage. If it falls, it can pull the siding off your home and damage the exterior — not to mention the safety risks of it falling on someone. Just like everything else, you want to get the right pro for the job.

If you’re interested in awnings, contact a company that specializes in them. They’ll be able to recommend the right length, width and material, depending on your home’s specific needs. And they’ll install it the right way. Their employees should have a lot of experience working with these units. Some companies even certify their installers in-house to make sure they know what they’re doing before they show up at your home.

Another way to keep your home cool is insulation. Most people think insulation only helps keep our homes warm during the winter. But it actually keeps the interior temperature at a comfortable, constant level. So it keeps homes cool in the summer, too.


If your air conditioner is always working and your energy bills keep rising, your home could need insulation. A good home inspection will tell you if you’re missing insulation. Make sure the inspector you hire uses a thermal imaging camera and is certified in thermography. Otherwise, the inspection could be worthless.

Summer is a really good time to do this. It gives us that crucial temperature difference we need to do thermal imaging the right way. If the inspector knows what they’re doing, they’ll be able to see heat spots along surfaces where insulation is missing.

Air conditioners are the still the crowd favourite for keeping cool. But we want to minimize our A/C usage and make it work as efficiently as possible. To achieve this, the outdoor unit must be clear of any leaves, dust and debris. Also, clean the filter every month while you’re using the A/C. And if you can, keep the outdoor unit in the shade. This will increase its efficiency by five to 10 per cent.

If you’ve had the same air conditioner for more than 10 years, consider replacing it. Older air conditioners use 30 to 70 per cent more electricity than energy-efficient models. They can also corrode or rust. When that happens, harmful refrigerants like Freon can enter the environment and contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Incorporating different cooling solutions is smart. We decrease our energy consumption, we decrease global warming, we make our homes work for us — and we save money in the process. Everyone wins when we care.

Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Best of Holmes on Homes, 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

Mike Holmes Niagara University Commencement Ceremony Video, May 13, 2012

On May 13, 2012, Mike Holmes was awarded an honorary doctorate in Pedagogy (definition: the correct use of instructive strategies; the holistic science of education. Source: Wikipedia). This is a video of Mike humbly and graciously accepting the honor.

In the video, he gives his father credit for why he does what he does, calling his father "a man of strength and love." Addressing the group of professors and students, he couldn't help but do the very thing he'd been awarded a doctorate for. Not holding anything back, he instructed the crowd with his words of hard-earned wisdom, "If you're going to do something, you'd better love it. Because if you don't love it, you're going to waste your time and you're going to make an awful lot of mistakes. If you love what you do, that's the passion in itself." He also stated in regards to being passionate about his line of work, "I love my job, I love what I do, and I'm never going to stop. I will change the industry."

You can read the prologue to Mike Holmes receiving his honorary doctorate, as read by Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., President of Niagara University, here (or just scroll down the page):

MIKE HOLMES
Doctor of Pedagogy

For people intent on fixing up their homes, Mike Holmes is a household name. As the host of HGTV’s Holmes Inspection and Holmes on Homes, Mike advises homeowners around the world on how to manage renovations, repairs and maintenance. He is also a judge on HGTV's Handyman Superstar Challenge and its American counterpart, All American Handyman.  

Mike learned his craft from his father, who started teaching him construction work when he was 6 years old. By the time he was 19, Mike had started his first contracting company and, at 21, founded his own renovation business.

Mike is a contractor who knows the importance of resourcefulness and craftsmanship. His experience in new home construction and sustainable building has garnered him a growing number of fans and awards. In 2006, Mike was recognized in Canada’s House of Commons for his support in improving building standards and skilled trades. The House of Commons called him an "extraordinary craftsperson" and "an accomplished master builder with a social conscience."

True to form, Mike launched a charitable foundation in Canada to support youth training in the skilled trades through apprenticeships and scholarships. The purpose of The Holmes Foundation is to encourage young people to enter the building trades and to assist those who have been impoverished by poorly-constructed renovations.

As the national spokesperson for Skills Canada and for World Skills 2009, Mike is often invited to speak in front of a variety professional organizations, including the Ontario Building Inspectors Association and the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors. His C.V. lists more than 75 such high-profile speaking engagements. Mike is also the author of two best-selling books and a weekly newspaper column.

Mike recently partnered with several home builders across Canada to develop the Holmes Approved Homes program. The goal of the program is to raise the bar for home building standards by granting Mike’s inspection teams’ access to a residence several times during the building process.

Mike’s charitable work has even crossed international boundaries, such as when he and his crew built a sustainable and hurricane-resistant house in New Orleans as part of Brad Pitt's "Make It Right NOLA" project in 2008.

But it was our neighbors to the north who showed Mike their appreciation by voting him as Canada’s second most trusted person in a 2010 Reader’s Digest survey. Today, it is our turn to recognize a man steadfastly determined to improve the lives of those around him. Niagara University is pleased to confer,

honoris causa, the degree of Doctor of Pedagogy on Mike Holmes.

Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.

President

May 13, 2012

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Congrats Mike for an honor much deserved. You are a teacher of millions upon millions. Keep making it right <3

6/11/12 UPDATE - Full video and critique

Talking To Mike Holmes with Toro Magazine

An online Canada edition of the New York Times, Toro Magazine, sat down for an interesting interview with Mike Holmes in 2009. It's pretty much the standard Q & A we  usually get from a "candid" sit down with the big man himself. Long story short, Mike Holmes is a Canadian ninja, and he wants to take on a tornado. Good luck with that Mikey. Do be careful, and please let us know how it all turns out. :)

TALKING TO MIKE HOLMES
POSTED BY: Salvatore Difalco
April 7, 2009

To be canonized a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, an individual must enjoy, among other holy virtues and requirements, something referred to as "the Beatific Vision," and perform one or more miracles. I don´t know if Mike Holmes enjoys the Beatific Vision, or if he even believes in God, at least the Roman Catholic version of Him, but Holmes has certainly performed a bunch of miracles. And although he may never be assigned a feast day, and no parish church may ever be built in his honour (don’t count it out), it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to think of Holmes as a secular saint, and one of some considerable standing.

Mike Holmes, the affable, sturdy Canadian contractor made himself a household name with his television show Holmes on Homes, where he came to the rescue of homeowners stuck with renovations gone terribly wrong. His integrity, his technical knowledge and his unflagging and rigorous desire to make it right really struck a chord with the public. And not just in North America. Holmes on Homes is catching on across the English-speaking world. And his influence goes beyond simple reality-TV entertainment to educating an ignorant public and pressuring contractors and legislators alike to clean up their acts.

Last June, Holmes headed to New Orleans to face the toughest assignment of his professional life: in 10 weeks, make it right for one family whose home was destroyed three years earlier by Hurricane Katrina. The result is Holmes in New Orleans, a two-part special which begins Tuesday, April 7, at 9 p.m. ET on Global, and concludes the following night. Untangling the tragically stupid mistakes of several layers of government administration and doing it in the sweltering heat of a New Orleans summer proved daunting to say the least.

He did have some high-profile “assistance” from Brad Pitt, who had launched his own Make It Right campaign in New Orleans. When Holmes heard that Pitt had co-opted his trademarked expression, he made inquiries and got on board with the project, flying his all-Canadian crew down to build the first energy-efficient home in the still devastated Lower 9th Ward region. Holmes and his crew, which included his son Mike Jr. and daughters Amanda and Sherry, put in long, difficult days and nights to meet their August 29 deadline.

Whether or not he ever does get canonized, make no mistake, Mike Holmes is a much beloved figure these days, and it doesn’t seem like this will soon wane. Women swoon around him, children smile and most men find themselves simperingly beguiled. Maybe one day we will see a parish church go up in his honour, or at the very least a monument with his warm and smiling visage on it. And why not, the guy can do it all – he can do what most of us cannot. TORO caught up to Holmes during the production of his new series called Holmes Inspection, which profiles home inspections gone wrong.

Q: I remember as a kid in the ’60s watching a sitcom about these bumbling handymen called Mack & Myer for Hire. Some of the jobs you’ve been called in to fix look like their handiwork. Nightmare reno stories abound, but is it as bad as it seems out there or are you highlighting worst-case scenarios?
A: It’s worse than anybody really knows. And that is the bare-bottom truth, because I can prove it. You know, to receive 100,000 emails a year at Holmes on Homes to help 13 families – and out of that 100,000 there’s 60,000 for sure begging for the help because they’re in big trouble. Now these are the people brave enough to send in an email. Imagine how many are ashamed and don’t want to do anything.
Look at the world of construction and what is happening. We’re actually building no longer with knowledge, we’re building with education of how: minimum code is how it’s not why. So long as we build this way, we’re going to make mistakes. Now, add the factor that there’s a lot of people who really don’t give a shit about what they’re doing, like “mine over matter” – it’s not mine, so it doesn’t matter. And I hate these sayings, but the truth is there. We only have so many people with integrity that actually care about what they’re doing. Add that factor into a bare-minimum code, with no real knowledge of what they’re doing, and you really have a bad formula.

Q: Your motto is “make it right.” If there is virtue in doing a job right why do so many fail when it comes to doing home improvement – is it a lack of ethics or a lack of skills? A skill set that used to be widespread has waned. Trying to find someone competent and trustworthy to do the job isn’t easy.
A: That is the truth. I always say the good, the bad, the ugly – and that’s the good 20 per cent, the bad 70 per cent, the ugly 10 per cent, you know. Easily we can see the ugly because these are trained guys who rip you off. But that’s a low percentage. And the good 20 per cent, these guys know what they’re doing and they care, they have the integrity. It’s the bad. And that’s 70 per cent, and that’s because they just don’t know enough and they don’t care enough, and if you put those two together it’s just a recipe for disaster.

We need to make some sort of a change. And I don’t think it’s the licensing or the certification programs. I think it’s the education itself: stop teaching how and start teaching why. Let me give you some examples. We have mould-resistant drywall on the market, but it’s not in the stores. Okay. We have environmental wood which is made of aspen and poplar and it’s not in the stores. We have BluWood and it’s not in the stores, it’s custom order. So we have all these things and why aren’t they in the store? Minimum code says use green drywall if you’re going to tile. We know it moulds. We know it because I can put it up everywhere in the house possible, take it down and it’s all moulded. The reason that it’s not in the stores is because of demand. If we do not change the demand – which means people buying stuff that doesn’t work start demanding stuff that does – it won’t change. So, for example, no one should ever use anything but mould-resistant drywall, and it should be in the stores now.

Q: Holmes on Homes airs on HGTV Canada, BBC Canada, on the U.S. Discovery Channel, in New Zealand on The Living Channel, in Australia on The How To Channel, in the United Kingdom on Discovery Realtime ... Have I left any out?
A: Germany [chuckles].

Q: Germany! Well. Are you surprised by the show’s amazing success and reach – and your sudden iconic status? Everybody knows who you are, including my elderly Italian mother who admires you immensely.
A: [Laughs.] I had a feeling the show was going to do something, but I didn’t expect this whole thing – the whole country pretty well knowing who I am. It’s surreal to go to the store and hear, “Hey, Mike how you doing?” – and it doesn’t matter where I go. That’s something I didn’t expect. The interviews, the other television shows, the popular magazines, I just didn’t expect all that. I didn’t know what the hell I was thinking.

Q: A television show like yours wasn’t imaginable a few short years ago. Why did you think it would work, and how did you convince someone to take it on?
A: It was an accident. Actually, I met the executive producer of HGTV – he asked me to build him a custom home. And I got to know him and I really liked him. And one day I said to him, “I’ve got a show idea for you, just one guy to another.” I asked if he wanted to hear it and I blabbed off – long story short, he just started smiling and said he wanted a pilot right away. I laughed. “I’m a contractor. I’m giving you an idea, run with it.” And it took him a few months but he convinced me to shoot a pilot. And it was the way he said it to get me interested to do it: it wasn’t money or anything, it was education. And once I shot the pilot I got where he was going with it, and that’s how the show started.

Q: When I heard about the Holmes Foundation I thought that learning a trade or a useful and in-demand skill set had to be a lifesaver for some of these troubled kids. How has that project fared?
A: Well, I think they’re lost. They don’t know where they’re going and for whatever reason they’re lost, and to give them help, to steer them in the right direction so they’re back on course and give them a job in the skill trades – my God, this is a great opportunity, this is a great job. I think anybody, if they had the opportunity to be educated well in what they were doing, I think they would just thrive in it. How much better can it get to be able to stand back and look at your work and go, “This is awesome.”

Q: Talk about your work in New Orleans. I know it was a big concern of yours.
A: It was. I remember when Katrina first hit, I had watched it on television much like 9/11, and I said, “That’s it, we gotta go down there and help these people.” I think some people think I’m insane when I say these things. Why do we want to go down there? Because they’re going to build the same crap and it’s going to wash away again. I said we can help build better technologies, so all of a sudden, three years later, I’ve got so much work hanging out of my pants I can’t hold the mop [laughs].

Anyway, Brad Pitt started the Make It Right Foundation, and I love him for what he’s done. I kinda own Make It Right, and so we contacted him and I said, “I really love what you guys are doing and your intentions – and hey, by the way, why don’t I help you? Let’s make it right together.” And that’s exactly what happened. I went down there and we helped with all the technical part of the builds. I didn’t change the designs because they were done by 13 architects worldwide. But I’m responsible for the technical part and, really, the show. Throughout an emotional show, you’re going to see what happened after Katrina, what happened to the people and the stories that blow me away. In between all that you’re going to see the world’s best house being built.

Q: You have a new project in the works – Holmes Inspection. How will it differ from Holmes on Homes?
A: It was the next – obvious for me – the next obvious thing to do, because I think I’ve helped make a difference in the building industry with Holmes on Homes but it didn’t really change anything other than the education of homeowners and maybe some of the contractors, which I’m proud of, but we have big issues with the home inspections. And as it stands, it was the number one complaint on my website since Holmes on Homes started.

And I wrote a book about it, and in writing a book about it I went and inspected many homes and I got to talk to all the home inspectors, really, of Canada, or the great majority of them, and the organizations. And I said, “Look, you need to start making serious changes and introducing documents – it’s just not good enough now. You must create a documented report that goes with that house from homeowner to homeowner. Let’s do thermographic image reading, and air sampling, that’s all easy. Let’s find out if the permits were pulled on the house that the real estate agents are bragging about.”

So how I made a difference with a television show was doing just that: showing how I believe, or how I think, or what I’m actually doing (I opened the first Mike Holmes inspection company a couple of weeks ago) and how to change the home inspection industry. And I added an element of special effects to it that I think people are going to love. I put my money on it that it’ll get more viewers than Holmes on Homes.

Q: Do you hope that your work will lead to stiffer legislation and penalties when it comes to shoddy and often dangerous work, or do you think an educated public and perhaps a more ethical ethos among workers is enough?
A: You know, it’s a shame but I think we’re going to need both. More education is a definite – start teaching why and not just how – and I do think that for those that are ugly and the ones that don’t care enough there should be a penalty, because right now there is not a penalty and the truth is that these homeowners are left holding the bag. And that is wrong, and something should be done about it. I’m always the person who says you get what you give. So, if you really give it, you know, you deserve to get it. And that depends whether it’s good or bad that you’re giving – if you’re giving bad then you deserve bad, if you’re giving good you deserve good. So those who are really screwing people should have to pay a penalty.

Q: You’re probably the first man Ellen DeGeneres has every proposed to – but I can understand why. You perform miracles, and we all want you to come to our homes and make them shine. What’s next on your agenda?
A: [Laughs.] I like the idea of changing the building industry. I started the Holmes Homes, the Holmes Communities, the Holmes Approved Homes, which [together] is a whole new program, and that’s building the next generation of homes. And that’s also educating the next generation of builders with the skills to build the home – how to build them, creating a new system that easily educates, that easily gets them into the trades and starts the change that we should have been doing years ago. It’s about time somebody steps up and does it. I don’t care if it’s me or anyone but someone’s got to do it so I’m doing that.

I would also like to play a little more with the worldwide shows – I get the idea that I can go to Kansas City and piss off a tornado because it can’t tear the house down [laughs]. I like those ideas.

Holmes On Your Home

I always like to find articles originating from the US pertaining to Mike Holmes. Not that I don't love Canadian sourced articles, it's just that I like to see people from the outside Canada recognizing the expertise of my home improvement hero.

This article from EnterpriseNews.com asks Mike all the major questions about home inspection and renovation. Who better to ask, right?

Holmes on your home
Getting it right from inspection through renovation
By Molly Logan Anderson, Posted Apr 23, 2012

With the housing market trying to rebound and more Americans retiring each year, many opt to renovate, or downsize to new homes that require work to elevate a house to “just what we’re looking for” status.
In order to set homeowners on the right path, we asked general contractor Mike Holmes, star of “Holmes on Homes” and “Holmes Inspection” and author of “Holmes Inspection: The Essential Guide for Every Homeowner, Buyer and Seller,” for his top tips on the inspection and renovation processes.

Q. Once a project begins, how can homeowners remain involved and assured that the project is running smoothly?

It’s always good to talk to your contractor. Be involved, ask questions and communicate your concerns. And the sooner, the better. Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a big one. Also, set up a clear contract with a payment schedule that’s tied to project milestones. This helps everyone start off on the same playing field, with the same rules. And if at any point you feel uncomfortable or see red flags – stop the project!

Q. On the flipside, what won’t inspectors provide?

You can’t expect a home inspector to know and see everything. For one, they can’t move things. Two, they’re not experts in every field, so they can’t tell you exactly how much a repair will cost. And three, they’re limited by outdoor conditions. This is especially important if they’re doing a thermal scan.

Q. In determining which contractor to choose, what important questions should homeowners ask?

Make sure the person you hire has done the kind of renovation you’re looking for. Don’t hire a deck guy to do your kitchen reno. You’ve got to do your homework. Ask for referrals and follow-up on them. Go see their work, talk to their clients. And look at work they’ve done a few years ago. Those are the jobs that tell you the real quality and durability of their work.

Q. Does a renovation project need to be stressful for homeowners?

No, it doesn’t have to be. It shouldn’t. More often than not, they are. First off, renovations inconvenience peoples’ lives. When a person doesn’t have the space to do regular, everyday stuff, it takes a toll. But add handing over your home to someone you don’t really know you can trust – that’s stressful. I can understand why some homeowners stay up at night when they’re going through a renovation. It’s tough. But that’s why you’ve got to do your homework before letting anyone touch a single brick on your house. That way you’ll know if you can trust them. And once you’re sure, you stay sure by staying involved. If you don’t understand something, ask as many questions you need to understand. A pro is happy to explain. If you’re respectful, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Q. What can folks in the market to buy expect from a home inspector?

A home inspector looks for the clues and red flags that tell the general condition of the home. And that starts the moment they arrive on the property. They should be scanning the outside of the home for signs of water damage. They should be looking at the roof, the foundation, trees and shrubbery around the home, and windows. They should also be looking for signs of past renovations, and how well they’ve been done. And when a home inspector points out problems, they should be explaining why one problem might be safely overlooked for the time being and why another cannot. They should show you the cheap fixes and the ones that will cost more to make right. And if they come across something they aren’t qualified to judge – maybe something related to the home’s structure, electrical, plumbing or HVAC system – they should advise you to bring in a licensed expert that is.

Q. When moving forward with a renovation and selecting a contractor, what’s the No. 1 mistake that homeowners make?

Rushing. They’re impatient to get the project done so they rush to find a contractor. What’s the rush? Are you rushing to end up on my show? Slow down. Finding the right contractor for the job takes time — usually longer than doing the job itself. If you rush, you’ll pay for it in the end. Period.

As always, great advice from home improvement ninja warlord Mike Holmes. Bow to your sensei.

Mike Holmes To Help Rebuild High Park Playground - Video and Article

From CBC News

Mike Holmes to help rebuild High Park playground

Work set to begin in July

Famous TV handyman Mike Holmes and his crew will help rebuild a children’s playground in High Park badly damaged by a fire in March.
Details of plans to rebuild the Jamie Bell Adventure Park were released on Friday
“I haven’t been this excited since I went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina,” Holmes said.
Plans for the new park include more seating, slides and cutting-edge building technology.
"Solar lighting that has no electricity ... we are going to be state of the art," said Holmes.
The playground, which is located near the park entrance off High Park Boulevard and Parkside Drive, was originally built in 1998 by a group of community volunteers.
Coun. Sarah Doucette has been working to co-ordinate the rebuild efforts, which include pulling together community and corporate partners.
She said having Holmes and his building expertise will be key to the project.
"This is what we needed," she told CBC News. "Someone to come and do the big heavy build so the community can still do the painting, the mulch, the tweaking."
Corporate donors, including Canadian Tire, Lowes and TD Bank have all pitched in with contributions of money and materials.
Holmes and his crew will begin the work in the first week of July.

Skills Canada 2012 National Competition

Yesterday, Mike Holmes, official Skills Canada spokesman, was hanging out in Edmonton with Team Nova Scotia for the Skills Canada National Competition. From Mike's Facebook page:

In Edmonton to cheer on the 2012 Skills Canada / Compétences Canada National Competition. I love the energy here - very inspiring!

A message from Mike was also posted on the official Skills Canada page:

 “Supporting the skilled trades has been an important part of my work and what I do because I understand the incredible value they bring to every industry. Skilled trades people are responsible for taking ideas and concepts, and turning them into real, tangible things. They literally build and shape the world around us,” said Mike Holmes in a message of support to Skills Canada – Nova Scotia.
“Skilled trades are important to the economic stability of our country. They build our homes and office buildings; assemble and fix our cars, trucks, trains and jets; theyʼre involved with robotics, computer graphics, welding and so much more! They are among our countryʼs most crucial resources.”
Holmes explained that he cares about the work he does, takes pride in his craft, and always does his best to give people the quality they expect with the integrity they deserve. He said he is a proud supporter of Skills Canada because it promotes this kind of work ethic.
“Skills Canada helps Canadian youth involved in vocational education and training develop a sense of pride in their skill, which doesnʼt just affect the quality of work they produce but shapes the kind of people they become.”
In October 2011, Mike Holmes (official Skills Canada spokesperson), traveled to London, England to support Team Canada at the WorldSkills competition. While there, he met “some of our countryʼs best and brightest – some of the most skilled and determined youth in the world!” Among them was Aaron Hebb of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, who took home an international medal in car painting. Hebb earned his spot at WorldSkills by winning gold at the Skills Canada National Competition in 2010, and as a champion in his trade, took his skill to the next level at World’s and won bronze, marking the first time a Nova Scotian competitor has received a medal at the global event.
“Nothing inspires me more than seeing the future, the next generation of trades people, achieve that kind of success!” Holmes said in his letter. “To Aaron, and each of the other 33 competitors who represented their province, their country and their trade . . . thank you! Thanks for your single-minded dedication to a craft and for investing countless hours, energy, blood, sweat and maybe even a few tears to produce the best work you can. If youʼre winning a medal at WorldSkills, you know youʼre doing something right!”

More Photos:

Mike Holmes' Push For Solar Energy

This article, from the National Post (Canada), Mike Holmes discusses his ever-growing love for "green energy." He explains why he feels that green energy, solar in this instance, is the technology of the future given the rising cost of energy. Holmes is never without his critics, however. I found the user-submitted comments about the article almost as interesting as the article itself. Not being Canadian, I found it a bit hard to follow without Googling some names and terms, but I got the gist of the complaints. Still, good article. Anytime Mike has something to say, his passion for building the best always comes through.

Mike Holmes: Sunny days with solar leasing

Mike Holmes May 14, 2012 – 8:00 AM ET | Last Updated: May 14, 2012 9:04 AM ET

The Rick Mercer Report


Mike Holmes helps to install solar panels on a residential roof.


The move for renewable energy and greener technologies has been really important to me for years now. Why? Because I’m building homes that are going to be around for years. So if I’m going to do it right, I have to think about the environment these buildings are going to be in today and tomorrow.

Let’s look at the facts: The cost of energy keeps rising. A lot of the resources we use for energy are on the verge of depletion. And the environmental fallout of modern living has reached a critical point. As a homeowner, what do you do? As a builder or contractor, how do you respond?

Many people might look at the current situation and say it’s hopeless, but I don’t. I deal with hopeless situations every day, and time and time again we push forward and make things right.

If we look at what’s going on in the economy and the environment, we’ll see there’s actually a huge opportunity here. For new infrastructures, new technologies, new skills and an economy that gets stronger the more we help our environment. There’s no conflict of interest here.

Another bonus is that green economy creates long-term jobs for different skill levels. This includes skilled tradespeople to manufacture all the parts for solar panels and turbines, contractors to install them and engineers to dream them up.

The good news is more and more governments and organizations are realizing this and they’re working together to build stronger communities for the future. For example, in Ontario we have the Feed-in Tariff program. This program lets homeowners and businesses feed the electric grid with renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro and/or biogas. This is great. The problem is the upfront investment exceeds most homeowners’ budgets. Solar panels and windmills aren’t cheap, folks — at least not yet. In the meantime, organizations are stepping up and doing what it takes to help make both ends meet. For example, PURE Energies and the David Suzuki Foundation are working together and it looks like they’re on the right path.

PURE Energies is a microfit company that facilitates solar leasing. They install, operate and maintain solar power systems on suitable residential homes, at no cost to the homeowner. They’ll also monitor a home’s HVAC system to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible, given the weather

and temperature. And even though PURE Energies owns the solar power system, they share the revenues from the energy produced with the homeowner. Everybody wins. Right now, PURE Energies will make a donation to the David Suzuki Foundation for every inquiry they receive from homeowners interested in a solar power system. And if an inquiry leads to the installation of a system, PURE Energies will make another donation. Why the David Suzuki Foundation? Because they’re helping lay down the groundwork, through science and education, for a shift to sustainable living.

The collaboration is a smart setup. It reinvests in energy conservation and renewable energy solutions. The benefits here are exponential: We’re using solar energy, we’re taking pressure off the grid, we’re putting money toward better green solutions, we’re putting money back into homeowners’ pockets and we’re moving away from combustible energy sources, like coal. Most people don’t know but a side affect of coal-fired power plants is mercury emissions.

There are real facts driving the green movement. It’s important people know what they are and the options they have. Education has always been key to what I do. I’d say it’s the most important part of everything I do. Why? Because building affects the people involved, but education affects everybody.

As a contractor and builder, I take my job seriously. And I don’t take this responsibility lightly.

No matter the project, I always try to go for green options and renewable energy solutions. I could be working on a house for the new series, a custom home, a hurricane resistant house in New Orleans, a children’s village in Haiti or a First Nations reserve. I always try to incorporate green solutions that make sense. Not just for short-term maintenance but also for long-term sustainability. And solar leasing is a good way to start weaning our homes off non-renewable energy.

Solar leasing is on the rise, especially in the U.S. due to their high-energy costs. Currently, Enmax Energy is making solar leasing possible in Alberta. But I want to see more provinces push for legislation that lets solar leasing be an option for all homeowners across Canada.

Mike Holmes' Sweet Homes

Great little article from the National Post (Canada). I particularly like how they compare what Mike does to a wall with what a surgeon does to a tumor. (And by the way, I didn't know what the "world's best hammer" that Mike occasionally refers to on his show was until I read this article -- $500?!!! Wow Mike, that hammer better get you laid!)

Iris Benaroia, National Post · Jan. 7, 2011 | Last Updated: Jan. 7, 2011 3:26 PM ET

In the unfinished basement of a Toronto home, Mike Holmes pulls out his magnificent tool: “If I’m going to swing a hammer, I’m going to swing a big one. I’m using the world’s best hammer.” (Brand: Stiletto. Composition: titanium. Cost: $500.)
The beefy host of HGTV’s Holmes Inspection is known for his candour. (Suck it up if you don’t like it brash.) He’s also known for his generosity and eco-mindedness, providing housing help to Canada’s native community, a relief mission to New Orleans, and soon, to recently devastated Haiti. His chockablock agenda will also include a green subdivision in Okotoks, Alta.
But on this chilly day in a once-squalid home, which nearly went up in flames because of a bum fireplace (episode date yet to be determined), he’s surrounded by walls studded in blue two-by-fours. “Why do we use blue wood?” he booms, in a parent-to-child tenor, pausing to answer his own question: “Because it’s environmentally friendly. You can even lick it, but you’ll have a blue tongue.”
The blue stuff is also highly regarded because of its mould,- bug-, water-, and soon, fire-resistant qualities, he says.
Trust his advice. The strapping contractor with chunky biceps and blond buzz-cut brings reno-gone-awry salvation to homeowners across Canada. Under his “Make It Right” dictum, mouldy basements and drafty attics get their comeuppance. There’s a certain thrilling satisfaction watching him coated in a patina of sweat yanking apart walls to expose, then extract, their shoddy innards — like a surgeon would a tumour — then righting it all back again.
Rarely seen without his trademark overalls and work boots (he has donned them today), it is surprising to discover Mr. Macho’s earlobes festooned with the kind of bling — rhinestones — you’d expect to find on Jay-Z.
To be sure, Mr. Holmes is not all tough guy. Take his view on ladies in the trades: “I love seeing women in the industry, and I believe women will make men honest in this job. We’ve had a 6% increase of women in the industry. I’d like to think I had something to do with that.”
In fact, his daughter Sherry — another Stiletto hammer devotee, who went into a tizzy in the basement when she temporarily misplaced hers — also gets dirty on Holmes Inspection, along with her brother, Mike Jr. (who really should consider a career in modelling, if his day job doesn’t pan out). Sibling number three, Amanda, works in the Holmeses’ office headquarters.
Holmes Inspection is now in its second season. The first episode, which aired Jan. 6, showcases disgruntled homeowners facing large repair bills and dangerous living conditions, and sheds light on the importance of detecting problems before you buy the house.
And this blue-basement, in the home of a single mom, is another example. By the time the Holmes squad gets through with it, the fix cost will be about $150,000, with the homeowner contributing what she can. The television production budget pays for the labour and there are donations from sponsors.
“We had asbestos in the plaster in the ceiling. The garage was leaking terribly. We had to gut the whole thing. We had electrical issues, plumbing issues. You name it,” Mr. Holmes says. The real kicker is that the home isn’t old. It should be in better shape. “Can you believe, the furnace was off-gassing in the house?” he balks. “And it’s brand new! We’re going to make sure they get in trouble.” (“They” meaning the furnace installer.)
Mr. Holmes doesn’t suffer ding-dong trades folk gladly. “I never understood how people did things, when they don’t know what they’re doing. It doesn’t make sense. I made mistakes at the beginning, but I was the guy who went back and fixed it. My name follows me forever and I’m going to make sure it’s done right.”
Many of us are guilty of hiring a cheap inspector when we buy a house. This irritates Mr. Holmes tremendously, so much that he’s begun to colonize the inspection industry. He launched Mike Holmes Inspections in February 2009, as a pilot project in the Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge area. The mission: to make every single house right. (This should really rankle charlatans on the beat.) His company offers a range of property services — a basic package ($395) includes an examination of your home’s foundation, roof, electrical and plumbing. “The base inspection provides a thorough, fully documented report with photographs. It’s much better than industry standard,” Mr. Holmes says. The full monty — or in Mr. Holmes’s parlance: “the infrared thermographic scan” ($695) — detects thermal defects and air leakages in building envelopes, so you can finally stop wondering why your bedroom feels like the arctic tundra in winter and the Sahara in summer.
Were you one of those dopes who spent all of your Christmas bonus on a fancy-pants kitchen when there were raindrops falling on your head inside your house? Mr. Holmes derides such prioritizing, calling them “makeup and lipstick fixes,” or surface renovations, that should never come first when there are bigger cracks to be filled. Don’t do it again.
However, if you have yet to buy your home, by no means should you hire any old schmoe for a once-over. “Want to know how easy it is to become a foundation repair guy? It’s a verbal exam,” Mr. Holmes scoffs. “You have to have a minimum renovator’s permit, and you’re a foundation specialist. As for the home inspector,” Mr. Holmes goes so far as to say, “it’s a two-week course — you could have worked at McDonald’s.”
Mr. Holmes believes the government needs to overhaul the inspection industry. “They’re trying to establish a licensing system in B.C. and Alberta,” he says. “No matter how you look at it, they’re going to do it wrong. Anytime something doesn’t work, you need to abandon it and think fresh. What do we need? Better schooling. Make sure the inspectors have a better education and apprentice.”
But if you call Mr. Holmes’ company for an inspection, don’t expect him and his rhinestones to turn up at your home. He is not a certified home inspector and only uses fully qualified inspectors.
Hiring a pro does make perfect sense when he points out most homes cost an average of $400,000. Why spend a pittance to secure yours? In fact, Mr. Holmes advises lining up a proper inspector before even putting in an offer on a house.
But this better-safe-than-sorry harangue will provide little comfort to those who’ve already purchased lemons. Now what to do with the mess? For instance, what should a person do if she has bought an old detached home that has a shabby building envelope but it’s in a thriving west Toronto neighbourhood? (Hypothetically speaking, of course.)
“Sell it,” he says.
“But what if it’s valuable?”
“Then you’re passing on your valuable piece of crap.” Mr. Holmes belly-laughs, looking particularly smug.
“But what if the hypothetical buyer told you the real problem is lack of heat? There might not be insulation.”
“Have you never seen your attic?”
Answering in the negative incites further laughter and a shocked expression from Mr. Holmes, as if he’s just been told a sip of cyanide before bedtime makes for a terrific sedative: “Whatever you do, don’t pass your home on in its current condition — make it right,” he says. “Then sell it.”

Mike Holmes Interview about Building Safety

In this Utah interview from April 2012, Mike talks about Building Safety Month, codes, and his desire to tackle the tornado. These ladies are obviously not very interested, as evident by the last 30 seconds of the video, LOL. It's worth watching to the very end.

Holmes Takes on A Housing Project

Another interesting article, this one from the Edmonton Sun. Yes, Mike Holmes is more than just a reality TV star. He proves this quite often...

A reality TV handyman will help turn an Edmonton affordable housing project into a $22-million reality.

Home building superstar Mike Holmes and his company — the Holmes Group — broke ground the second phase of the Boyle Renaissance project Tuesday — a 90-unit complex that will house Metis seniors and the disabled.
The ball for the project began to roll when one of his workers sat down with an Edmonton city planner on a airplane a while ago. After the conversation during the flight, the worker then took the idea back to Holmes and the rest is history.
“Affordable housing for so many years now was just that term. They were making a bunch of crap to make it affordable for people to live in. The issue is they don’t last,” said Holmes.
“I always say if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time. Don’t waste money and don’t waste time.”
Holmes broke ground on the project Tuesday — a 90-unit complex that will house Metis seniors and the disabled.
The 120,000 square foot complex — located at 95 Street between 104 and 105 Avenue — will stand seven floors high and boast green design technologies including shared heat and power systems and mould resistant wood.
Solar energy generated by panels on the buildings rooftop will make the complex a net-zero living space. The roof will also have gardens that will act as thermal barriers in the summer, ultimately saving on heat regulating costs.
Three of the suites will be equipped with a state-of-the-art communication technology that will allow disabled tenants to control numerous aspects, like answering the door from just one control pad. All of the suites will have the ability to install the communications tools if the need arises.
That’s relieving news, says paraplegic Michael Willier.
“It’s really hard to find wheelchair adapted apartments, (especially) in the city — it’s pretty bad,” said Willier, adding that there are 150 new spinal cord injuries reported in Alberta every year.
“Once you get hurt…you’re most likely going to migrate to an urban setting because it’s just much easier to get around. If you think about the winter time on an acreage, you’re not going to be able to get out and do anything in a wheelchair.”
In addition to a rooftop terrace that’s accessible to wheelchairs, all signs on site will be typed out in braille. Certain suites will have specialized showers, adjustable counter space, and enlarged room sizes to accommodate wheelchairs.
All three levels of government have pitched in about $13.8 million to help make the project a reality.
The Holmes construction team will see the project through until it’s expected occupancy date in November 2013.
“It’s been absolutely amazing since we’ve met Mike and his team,” said MCHC executive director Darlene Lennie.
“We have turned to Mike to make sure that this project is built right. Being poor does not mean substandard.”
As a branch of the Metis Urban Housing corporation, the MCHC was launched in 1998 and owns and operates 198 homes.
In all, both groups have more than 1,000 affordable housing units in urban centres across Alberta.
The modern luxuries in the Boyle Rennaisance complex “raises the bar” for future affordable housing projects said Lennie.
Mayor Stephen Mandel said having a TV personality like Holmes gives the whole revitalization credibly and a “joie de vivre,” but ultimately it’s the hard work done by city staff and Lennie that has made this project a reality.
“This didn’t happen overnight. It’s been perseverance and hard work by a lot of people,” said Mandel.
tanara.mclean@sunmedia.ca
@SunTanaraMcLean

Mike Holmes, 2012 Building Safety Month Honorary Ambassador

This article from Canada.com discusses Mike's involvement in the ICCF's 2012 Building Safety Month.

A few weeks ago, I got a letter from the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF). Sometimes letters make me nervous; they're usually from people who are upset over something I've said. But this time, it was a good letter — a really good letter. The ICCF wanted to let me know I had been chosen to be the 2012 Honorary Ambassador for Building Safety Month this May.

This is a big deal, especially for me. Building safely has always been a top priority on every job I work on. And when it's ignored, I get really upset.

But the real question here is why building safety should be important to you.

Every May, the ICCF sets an entire month aside to talk about all things building safely. The point is to help people understand why we need safe, durable and sustainable buildings and homes, and what it takes to maintain safe structures.

To me, building safety is a no-brainer. It's important, because it affects everyone. Anyone who lives in a home, works in a building, learns in a school, shops in a store, or receives care in a hospital is affected by building safety. And if we don't address building safety during the construction and maintenance of these structures and facilities, we're in a world of trouble.

As contractors and builders, we have a huge responsibility to the public at large to make sure every structure we build and work on is safe: safe for the people inside, safe for the people outside, and safe for the environment. This includes outdoor structures, too, like decks, pools and patios.

We've all seen the headlines: Elevated decks crashing down with people still on them. Children drowning in pools because there were no fences protecting them. As builders and contractors, our jobs are to stop these headlines before they happen.

But knowing code and knowing why we have code also helps homeowners. How? Because it teaches people what to look out for when looking at their own homes, and when their safety is jeopardized. When you know something's wrong, you can do something about it and start to make it right.

Building Safety Month is also about educating the public and pushing the government to adopt modern building codes — codes that respond to the most current environmental conditions.

For the first time ever, there are new International Green Construction Codes (IgCC) for communities interested in safe and sustainable construction. These codes go beyond traditional requirements. They include things like energy- and water-efficiency, and building waste and materials. This is smart and definitely a step in the right direction. Yes, it's above minimum code, but we need to set that minimum bar even higher.

For years now, I've been talking about why we need to go green, and I'm not stopping any time soon. The issues aren't going away; if anything, they're becoming more crucial. And as a professional working in the industry, it's great to see a regulatory body like the ICCF taking huge strides in forward thinking and providing these new green codes. The more I work, the more I realize how much of an impact the environment has on all of us.

Last year, all over North America, we were hit with all kinds of extreme weather. And as the environment continues to fluctuate, it's only going to get worse. That's why some homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and building safe shelters to protect their families. What's a safe shelter? It's usually an above-ground safe room that's meant to protect families during severe storms, like tornadoes and hurricanes.

Safe shelters made major headlines last year after the massive tornado outbreak in Alabama. A family survived the storms, only because of their safe shelter. After the tornado passed them, the only thing standing was their safe shelter. Their home, their neighbourhood, and everything in the storm's path had been wiped out.

Are safe shelters something we should be concerned about in Canada? Well, that depends. How severe is our weather going to get? All we need is another Goderich, Ont., or Mont-Laurier, Que., for this danger to hit too close to home.

The bottom line is that strong codes and building practices protect property and saves lives. This is what Building Safety Month is about and it should be important to all of us.