Holmes on Homes

Although the show could be cut from 60 to 30 minutes, Mike Holmes consistently gives good advice throughout the series. Among that advice is how to find a good contractor, how and when to pay them, do your research and know how much you're going to pay for a specific project, and how to inspect the contractor's work. Here's the full list:

(1) Start with an honest assessment of current situation. (2) Recognize that a temporary fix is just that – temporary. (3) Rip away the external and get to the heart of all problem areas. (4) Return to the basics and focus on a good foundation. (5) Do the hard work in the beginning -- and continue with it until each task is completed. (6) Make sure each layer of subsequent work ties in to the work that came before it. (7) Stop making excuses and do the work. (8) The true cost of any decision cannot be measured simply in dollars, but must also take in to account time. (9) There is little value in appearance if it is only camouflaging structural damage. (10) A job well done is its own reward.

Mike has no tolerance for half-done workmanship and though he doesn't name names, he points out exactly where previous contractors fell short. When something has been messed up, however, Holmes is the guy you want fixing it. There's a guy much like him in my hometown; he's not cheap by any means, but he's a perfectionist and the work gets done right... once.

Okay everyone knows the story, something happens to a house and Mike and company come in and fix the problems.

Does he go out of his way to make the previous contractors look bad? Nope they do an excellent job all on their own. What Mike does however is teach people as he is fixing the problems.

Some of the homeowners it is really tough to feel sorry for, I mean if the contractor starts to ask for certified checks made in their name, or they don't have you sign a contract (contract-OR hello) then you need to be taken for every penny.

One thing I love is that Mike shows that the judicial system will actually protect the contractor regardless of negligence. One would really hope that a contractor who fails to get the required permits would be sanctioned in some way, but NOPE, it's the homeowners responsibility to get them. So when a contractor tells you that you don't need them, then it's your a** if you don't have them.

My brother-in-law was having work done on his house, a kitchen remodel, just so happens that down the street a house was having some work done on it. The building inspector was driving by saw the work being done, took a quick peek and viola, NO permits. He (my bro-in-law) was hit with fines and a cease and desist order until the permits came through. Other than being fired from the job, nothing happened to the contractor.

When he tried to sue the contractor, the court basically tossed the suit. Homeowners responsible for getting permits.

My grandfather was a contractor for over 50 years the best advice he gave me was, you have to know who to call for what you want, there is no contractor who can do everything. Sure in little projects they can do the small stuff, but with remodels, if they are the only ones on the job,something is seriously wrong.

I love this show. I especially love it when Mike gets livid at other contractors. Best of all, it's Canadian. I have learned a lot from this show. I now have the confidence to take on projects around my house. Mike also teaches us to beware of contractors and check their references. Often times, he makes mention of "Code". You should keep in mind, as with any other home improvement show, that the codes he is referring to are local to his area, which is Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Although, I am sure that Mike's building practices would meet code in just about any area of the world. Good job, Mike Holmes. I look forward to seeing more of you and your show.

Mike holmes and the crews he assembles comprise THE standard for home renovations and repairs. attitudes, explanations, budgets, and straightforward, no nonsense communication make his episodes enjoyable to watch several times over.

I love the show, lots of useful information in the illustrated situations. I recently graduated with an electrical engineering diploma from a local community college. One thing I learned (subject to correction) regarding covering an electrical panel with doors or other trim. From what I was told by prof's who have been in the trade indicate that this procedure is against the electrical code, therefore bordering on illegal practice. I stand to be corrected however but from an instructional viewpoint I would challenge this practice of covering the electrical panel (even though I personally would think it was acceptable and aesthetically acceptable).