Mike Holmes
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Articles by Mike Holmes
Holmes on Homes: A Tearful Reveal
By Mike Holmes Thursday, March 6th, 2025 @ 10:19am In my line of work, I often meet families that change MY life forever. This is the story of a wonderful family I had the opportunity to help on Holmes on Homes. Rachael and Robin’s are parents to two wonderful girls. Their youngest daughter Bree was born with trisomy 13. Doctors told them she wouldn’t live past a few days. Despite a very dire prognosis, Bree has defied the odds and is now three years old.
What Nobody Ever Told You About Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes · Follow 2 min read · -- Mike Holmes began learning construction from his father starting when he was six years old. Mike’s father was a jack of all trades, and Mike used to follow him around and learned a lot by building things together. By the time he was 19, Holmes had started his first contracting company with a crew of 13 employees. At 21, Holmes founded his own renovation company in Toronto.
Holmes Family Rescue Reno: We Have Lift Off for Noah
On this Holmes Family Rescue reno we got to help a great couple, Iwan and Ivona, and their son Noah to create a safe, accessible and functional home that was still beautifully designed by our designer Cynthia Soda. Iwan and Ivona wanted to renovate their kitchen and main floor to create a more livable space for their family. Ivona was eight months pregnant at the time, and the renovation was not going as planned, causing additional stress.
How to Choose a Heating System for Your Home
The kitchen is frequently described as the heart of your home, and I agree. Families and friends gather here to prepare and cook meals while enjoying a feast and one another’s company. However, I always say your HVAC system is the heart of YOUR HOME because its primary function is to keep your family warm in the colder months and cool in the warmer months. All at the most comfortable temperature year-round. But which heating and cooling system is right for you?
10 Minute Tailgate: Duke
Ingredients: 1/2 Dozen Eggs 1/2 cup Bacon Bits 1/2 cup Bleu Cheese Crumbles 1/4 Cup Mayo 1/8 Cup Yellow Mustard BBQ rub of choice Procedure: Boil eggs for 8 1/2 minutes, place in ice bath for 4 minutes, peel Slice eggs in half, lengthwise, placing yolks in a small bowl and whites on a plate. Add Mayo, Mustard, and Bacon to yolks and stir to combine Spoon mixture into egg whites Sprinkle Bleu Cheese on top of yolk mixture Sprinkle BBQ rub over eggs. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
A Holmes on Homes Story: Electrical Nightmare in Toronto - Make It Right®
I’ve been doing what I’m doing for over 40 years, and the most common problem I come across in my jobs is electrical issues. Sometimes homeowners think they can rewire their house. Sometimes it’s a friend who offers to do a panel swap. And sometimes the wrong products are installed. Electrical work can be dangerous (and deadly) if it’s not done correctly. That’s why we always pull the right permits and bring in licensed electrical contractors.
‘Send Reinforcements!’ An IDF Soldier Amid the Chaos and Carnage of October 7
by SGT May, Israel Defense Forces The terrorists just keep coming, and you are alone… in the most dangerous place in Israel. – An IDF soldier remembers being present for the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. 6:30 in the morning – a massive boom. I thought it was a dream, but when I opened my eyes, the booms just kept coming. “Red alert, red alert,” and the sound seemed faint compared to the massive booms. And then we ran to the shelter.
4 Heat Pump Myths And Facts That You Need To Know
I’ve been having many conversations with contractors and builders about heat pumps and whether they are a good choice for heating and cooling your home. However, there are many misconceptions, too. I am going to get into some heat pump myths and facts to help you make better heating choices for your home. Myth #1 Heat Pumps Are Just for Heating No way. Heat pumps can heat and cool your home. They are energy-efficient and a good alternative to furnaces and air conditioners.
2024 Position Group Previews: Defensive Line
The Room: (2023 Stats) #2 Keyshawn Byrgos 6’5” 247 JR Chesterfield, VA (18 TKLS, 4.5 TFL, 2 Sacks) #6 Josh Fuga 6’2” 308 GS Woodbridge, VA (13 TKLS, 1.5 TFL, .5 Sacks) #13 Kemari Copeland 6’3” 280 JR Virginia Beach, VA (38 TKLS, 4.5 Sacks) #16 Aeneas Peebles 6’1” 290 GS Raleigh, NC (44 TKLS, 5 Sacks) #17 Cole Nelson 6’3” 249 SR Johns Creek, GA (27 TKLS, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks) #22 Kelvin Gilliam 6’3” 295 Rs JR Richmond, VA (3 TKLS) #31 Jason Abbey 6’3” 231 Rs FR Richmond, VA (2 TKLS #32 Deric...
Holmes on Homes: Home Buying Nightmare Story
I’ve been a contractor for over 40 years, and I’ve seen A LOT of crazy stuff. The goal of my TV shows has always been to educate people. I wanted to show homeowners how to Make It Right and what it takes to maintain a house. Unfortunately, sometimes that means lessons learnt through a home nightmare story, like this one. While filming Holmes on Homes, I met a wonderful lady named Pat who bought a house. Her daughters were really excited that they got to own a home.
Importance Of Filing For Electrical Permits In Ontario - Make It Right®
I talk a lot about permits because they are an essential part of any major renovation or system upgrade to your home. Permits also protect you, the homeowners, and ensure that the contractor’s work is done correctly and according to the current national and provincial codes. Permits help keep us safe, and that includes filing for the right permits. In Ontario, this includes filing for electrical permits, building permits, HVAC whatever your reno needs.
Maximizing Storage: Tips for a Tidy Shower Space
Keeping your bathroom organized can be a challenge, but with the right strategies and storage solutions, you can transform your shower area into a clutter-free space. I love my curbed walk-in shower. It’s spacious and has a custom wall niche and a bench. Through the process, I discovered there are many ways to keep your shower area organized by incorporating different storage solutions. Here are some bathroom organization tips for a tidy shower space.
How Does A Mini-Split Heat Pump Work?
By Mike Holmes Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 @ 4:03pm The Many Ways Mini-Split Heat Pumps Can Be Used We’ve recently been adding mini-split heat pumps to our projects when we are doing an addition, like a sunroom. It’s important for us to give our homeowners a healthy, COMFORTABLE home back. On one project for Holmes on Homes, we fixed a home that had a 17-degree difference in temperature between the top floor and the basement. That’s not right. A mini-split heat pump works to heat and cool a home.
Walk-In Showers vs. Bathtubs: Which is Better? - Make It Right®
There are two teams when it comes to bathing — walk-in showers vs. bathtubs. Some love baths, some like showers and some like both. If you only have one bathroom in your home, it’s always best to keep both the bathtub and shower combination. If space allows a good option would be to have a separate bathtub and a shower area. This is both practical and good for resale.
How To Choose An EV Charger For Your Home
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining increasing popularity, with a growing number of people either contemplating getting one or have already made the switch. According to a recent US study 22 million EVs will be on the road by 2030, and over 78% of EV charging will be done at home. In Canada, it’s also estimated that there will be 13.2 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030 with a predicted increase of EV charging at home.
What Is The Future of TV? - Make It Right®
Think about how you watch content. You probably have some streaming programs such as Amazon Prime or Disney+. But what’s the future of TV? That’s something I have been thinking about for a long time as I read about patterns of streaming channels. As a TV guy, it has been very interesting for me to watch how audiences watch my shows. Popularity of Video on Demand There have been huge changes in the way people have consumed content over the decades.
Planning a Home Renovation
Many homeowners are starting to think about renovating some part of their home. The goal of any renovation is to add value, whether it’s in the materials and finishes, improvements to structure and mechanics, or just making it more comfortable for you and your family. More and more homeowners are leaning towards home renovations these days, so I want you to stop and PLAN IT RIGHT. If you had 20k to spend on your home, how would you spend it?
Herter's Big Bore Sixguns
Readers in my age group likely remember when the Herter’s Company had a thriving mail order sporting goods business, selling everything from firearms and ammunition, reloading equipment and fishing tackle to camping supplies. This was in a different America, one that must still give Hillary Clinton and her ilk nightmares. In “those days” customers could order a firearm — even a handgun — through the mail and have it delivered to their doorstep, and with no paperwork or permits involved.
9 Must-Have Features For Your Bathroom Reno
It’s safe to say that almost every home renovation we do for our show includes a bathroom renovation. Bathroom renovations are a great way to update your look, add more functionality, and increase energy efficiency. There are also many bathroom design features you can incorporate to add value to your home. Plus, a bathroom renovation provides the opportunity to repair any water damage or mould that has accumulated over the years.
Herter's Big Bore Sixguns
Readers in my age group likely remember when the Herter’s Company had a thriving mail order sporting goods business, selling everything from firearms and ammunition, reloading equipment and fishing tackle to camping supplies. This was in a different America, one that must still give Hillary Clinton and her ilk nightmares. In “those days” customers could order a firearm — even a handgun — through the mail and have it delivered to their doorstep, and with no paperwork or permits involved.
A Home Inspection Fail Story
I started my own home inspection company (Mike Holmes Inspections) because I noticed that many home inspectors in the field weren’t properly trained or qualified to spot issues in the house. The home inspection industry needs higher standards. The house is the biggest purchase most people will ever make. We need qualified inspectors who can note major issues with the house that may make it a nightmare purchase. I’ve met and worked with some excellent home inspectors across North America.
Risk of Rain Returns release date confirmed - Rogueliker
The cult classic platformer is set to make an imminent return, after Gearbox Publishing and Hopoo Games confirmed Risk of Rain Returns is to release on November 8. Returning 10 years to the day after it was originally released, this classic 2D platformer is heading to PC Steam and Nintendo Switch, and supports up to four players in local coop. I remember playing the original Risk of Rain almost a decade ago and my main memory is it being a punishing and chaotic experience.
Hokie Football Focus: Marshall
The Virginia Tech Football Hokies are in a bad way. I always try to be an optimist about all things related to the Hokies, as it takes too much energy to be a hater. We all expected this season to not be perfect, but most in the fanbase expected some sort of growth from the staff and program as a whole. There have been some expected growing pains and some of the craziest things to happen to a team in just four weeks of a season (weather delay, plane issues, 14 surgeries, key injuries, etc).
Hokie Football Focus: Rutgers
Another week, a second loss of the season for the Hokies. Kyron Drones got the start, but did not have weapons on the outside in Jennings and Lane. The Hokies were also without Alan Tisdale and Nasir Peoples on defense. A lot of the same issues that have plagued the Hokies all season came back to hurt them this week. Offensive line struggles, lack of roster depth, and inability to stop the run continued to be detrimental to Coach Pry and the Hokies efforts.
Hokie Football Focus: Purdue
Hello Sons and Daughters! It’s never a good time when you have to write a report on a game where the outcome is not what we as Hokies were hoping for, but even with the loss there were some things that show on film that we can build on. Overall the game was a mess. Delayed start, no sandman, five hour and seventeen minute weather delay, all led to things being a little bit sloppy all around.
Hokie Football Focus: Old Dominion
Greetings Sons and Daughters! This is a new addition to The Sons of Saturday, and we're calling it Hokie Football Focus. With HFF we are going to break down game impacting moments on offense, defense, and special teams and evaluate the individual players involved in each play. Each week we will also look at position groups and grade their units overall performance pointing out where they excelled and where they struggled.
8 Things To Look For When Buying A Smart Lock - Make It Right®
I think smart locks are definitely worth the investment, especially if you have a busy household with lots of people coming and going. I’m not saying traditional locks are bad, but as our lifestyles change and become more integrated with technology and automation, smart locks will make our lives easier and more convenient. Smart locks are much more practical than traditional key locks. They provide remote keyless entry using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology.
How To Find A Licensed Electrical Contractor
Wondering if you should do the electrical yourself or hire a licensed electrical contractor? I talk about electrical work a lot because everyone must understand the importance of doing the work properly. Electrical work isn’t always as simple or straightforward as it looks and one bad wire or connection can be dangerous. I’ve seen too many electrical disasters waiting to happen. Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) have the expertise, equipment and training to do the job safely.
Helical Piles for Foundations - Make It Right®
I’ve been using helical piles (also known as helical piers) for years. You may have seen them on my shows when we install decks or additions. They are an excellent alternative to concrete footings for many projects. If the projects meet the proper specifications and certified engineering approval, helical piles can save money and time. This is an advantage for both the contractor and the homeowner.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) | Make It Right®
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI is an electrical safety device. It is designed to trip or cut power to electrical circuits by monitoring the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral wiring. GFCIs are not to be confused with fuses or circuit breakers. Here is what you need to know about Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. What is a GFCI used for? If a GFCI detects a difference between the current flowing from hot to neutral wiring, the GFCI will trip and cut the supply of electricity.
Tankless water heaters can be a good option
Tankless water heaters have been around for years and offer many benefits over traditional water heaters. Tankless water heaters work on demand. They don’t waste any time heating up the water you’re not using. They’re efficient and can run on electricity, natural gas, or propane. That means you have options, depending on what’s available in your area. Tankless water heaters are more compact than traditional water heaters. They are typically wall-mounted and don’t take up much space.
Tankless water heaters can be a good option Original
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Tankless water heaters have been around for years and offer many benefits over traditional water heaters. Tankless water heaters work on demand. They don’t waste any time heating up the water you’re not using.
Finishing Your Basement? Read This First.
By Mike Holmes Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 @ 4:21pm When I inspect a house, I always hope to find an unfinished basement. For one thing, it’s easier to see all the mechanicals when the walls and ceilings are exposed instead of closed in with drywall. For another, a finished basement is too often finished poorly. Most of the time, moisture is trapped in the basement ceiling and walls. Here are some tips on finishing your basement! Is a Basement Remodel A Good Idea?
Mike Holmes - Guide To Choose Roofing Shingles - Make It Right®
Few aspects are as important to your home’s protection and overall curb appeal as the roof. A well-constructed properly installed roof not only protects your home from the elements, but it also adds to its appearance and value. And it starts with picking the right roofing shingles. So what should you look for when choosing your roofing shingles and how do you pick the best material that will last longer and protect your investment? What To Look for When Picking Your Shingles?
How Does The Panasonic Air Purifier Work? - Make It Right®
By Mike Holmes Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 @ 2:30pm What Should You Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier I have been an advocate for building healthy homes throughout my career. When I did my own home reno, healthy materials and good indoor air quality were the top priority for me. I had a Panasonic WhisperAir Repair® – air purifier installed as part of my home upgrades. This is a good unit to have to improve your indoor air quality.
How Does The Panasonic Air Purifier Work? - Make It Right®
What Should You Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier I have been an advocate for building healthy homes throughout my career. When I did my own home reno, healthy materials and good indoor air quality were the top priority for me. I had a Panasonic WhisperAir Repair® – air purifier installed as part of my home upgrades. This is a good unit to have to improve your indoor air quality.
DIY Home Inspection Checklist
I always recommend that homeowners get a home inspection when buying, selling or renovating their homes. However, there ARE certain red flags you can spot in your house yourself. When my team of Mike Holmes Inspectors is working with a client, they teach the homeowner about defects they can spot on their own. Of course, a DIY home inspection is not going to be as thorough as a professional home inspection. My point is, you should know some basics about identifying typical defects found in your home.
DIY Home Inspection Checklist
By Mike Holmes Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 @ 1:56pm I always recommend that homeowners get a home inspection when buying, selling or renovating their homes. However, there ARE certain red flags you can spot in your house yourself. When my team of Mike Holmes Inspectors is working with a client, they teach the homeowner about defects they can spot on their own. Of course, a DIY home inspection is not going to be as thorough as a professional home inspection.
Mike’s Tips To Planning A Reno Right
Mike’s Tips To Planning A Reno Right: If you want to love your reno, you have to plan it right. We plan to have a baby; we plan to buy a house; we plan a lot of things in our lives but people tend to not plan a renovation properly. This is the time you need to start planning for that reno, especially if your target start date is spring. By following the tips below you’ll be in a better position to get the renovation you’ll love and the results you expect. 1. Slow Down Why are we in a hurry?
Read This Before Installing a Pool Or Hot Tub
By Mike Holmes Thursday, May 4th, 2023 @ 2:08pm It’s spring time and that means hot, warm summers are just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor space and consider all the things you need if you’ve been contemplating installing a pool or hot tub to “up” your backyard fun this summer. A recent study said that 60% of Canadians are planning a reno in the next two years and most of those renos will be happening in the backyard.
5 Tips for Creating a Healthier Environment - Make It Right®
The pandemic taught us a lot, but one of the most critical factors to evolve from it is how we can create healthier environments. The transfer of bacteria significantly impacts the health of our communities, particularly public spaces like hospitals, schools, and venues. These infections often spread from touching contaminated surfaces, such as door handles, push buttons and equipment. Most experts agree that a healthier environment could in turn improve our health.
How To Choose An HVAC System For Your Home
By Mike Holmes Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 @ 3:02pm You might be surprised to know that some people don’t actually know what HVAC means. They don’t understand what HVAC systems they have in their homes, even though this is the heart of your home. So what should you be looking for when choosing an HVAC system if you’re in the market for a new one? Here is my full guide on HVAC systems and how to choose the right system for your home. What Does HVAC Stand For? For starters, what does HVAC mean?
How To Hire A Contractor: Do A Background Check
By Mike Holmes Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 @ 3:59pm Researching a contractor should be an important part of your home improvement projects. A good contractor will produce a detailed contract and have payment terms tied to project milestones. So how do you hire a contractor? AVOID CONTRACTORS ASKING FOR CASH JOBS I’ve heard many horror stories from homeowners who decided to accept a cash job and there was no paper trail. In the event of an issue DOCUMENTS ALWAYS WIN.
How Do You Prevent Tiles From Cracking - Make It Right®
By Mike Holmes Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 @ 2:04pm Let me start off by saying that tiling is not a DIY job. Installing tile requires experience and skill, not to mention the materials, supplies, and tools it takes to complete the job. Professional tile setters have spent years perfecting their art. Tiling is also time-consuming, and for amateurs, it will take that much longer —that’s not including correcting your mistakes which includes tiles cracking. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the pros.
How Do You Prevent Tiles From Cracking - Make It Right®
Let me start off by saying that tiling is not a DIY job. Installing tile requires experience and skill, not to mention the materials, supplies, and tools it takes to complete the job. Professional tile setters have spent years perfecting their art. Tiling is also time-consuming, and for amateurs, it will take that much longer —that’s not including correcting your mistakes which includes tiles cracking. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the pros.
Spring Yard Maintenance Tips For Your Outdoor Space - Make It Right®
By Mike Holmes Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 @ 1:39pm I love spending time at home in the summer (although I barely get to do so). A few years ago I redid my deck, and now I try to sit out there as much as I can when it’s pleasant outside. If you have a yard, with proper care and maintenance, you CAN have a healthy, high-quality, stunning lawn and beautiful outdoor entertainment space. However, It all starts with good lawn and spring yard maintenance.
THE DANGER OF DIY ELECTRICAL WORK - THE DANGER OF DIY ELECTRICAL WORK
When renovating there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals. While legally, electrical repairs can be done by homeowners I would always recommend you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor to do the job. Why? Electric work is not something you want to take a risk with, because if DIY electrical work is done incorrectly it can result in electric fires or fatal electric shocks. This can not only damage your property but it can endanger you and your loved ones as well.
THE DANGER OF DIY ELECTRICAL WORK - THE DANGER OF DIY ELECTRICAL WORK
When renovating there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals. While legally, electrical repairs can be done by homeowners I would always recommend you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor to do the job. Why? Electric work is not something you want to take a risk with, because if DIY electrical work is done incorrectly it can result in electric fires or fatal electric shocks. This can not only damage your property but it can endanger you and your loved ones as well.
How To Check Hard Water At Home
By Mike Holmes Friday, November 25th, 2022 @ 4:29pm I’ve talked a lot about hard water recently and shared my personal experience on the effects of hard water at my own home. I kept asking questions about the water in my house because I knew there was something wrong. Showerheads were clogging, and I could feel the hard water on my skin. It was really bothering me. I now have cutting-edge softening and reverse osmosis drinking water systems.
How Serious Is A Crack In The Foundation?
When talking about foundation cracks, we mean vertical AND horizontal cracks found in the walls or floor of your home. Most of the common basement foundation cracks occur around basement windows and doors as it’s a “void” in the foundation wall. A well-designed foundation supports the house and diverts water away from the structure. And what do I always say about water? It’s your home’s #1 enemy. When concrete cures or dries, it can crack.
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