Holmes On Homes Exposed

Holmes on Homes-A Holmes on Homes Review

Holmes on Homes – Reality, Ratings or Hollywood Glitz?

Mike Holmes of Holmes On Homes claims He is the, "Most Trusted Contractor in North America." In an April  edition of Canadian Home Workshop, The front page shows the concerned look of Mike Holmes sitting on the tailgate of a truck.

This rising Star of HGTV Holmes on Homes boasts of being,  "The Most Trusted Contractor in North America."

But an article in the Canadian Workshop reveals some questionable feelings some of his closest colleagues have about him.

Jim Caruck- host of HGTV Real Reno's, and fellow judge on Handyman Superstar Challenge suggests there can be two sides to renovation woes.

But sadly the audience only gets one side of the story from Holmes on Homes, Mike Holmes. Caruck goes on to say that what sets their shows apart is that;  . . "it's about real money, real time, real heartache. In other words, it's not a superhero show. "

Just Ask Jon Eakes", another home-improvement show that ran for six years on HGTV and hosted by Jon Eakes, appeared on the Holmes on Homes show early on.

Eakes remembers filming in an attic space with Mike. "He (Mike Holmes) was going on about how the duct work wasn't up to code and I thought, 'OK, this is his Holmes on Homes show, don't contradict him on camera.' But I knew he was wrong. What the average Do It yourself layperson doesn't know is that The code didn't say anything about the detail he was pointing at, so, in a way, it was code: just not his (Holmes on Homes) code.

Things like this go on all the time in TV Land. One person will say that their show tells the truth more than the other show. Their show is more real and deals with everyday issues.

That's exactly what Holmes on Homes does. Sure there is some TV flair added. It would be boring otherwise. Mike adds a certain charisma to the whole idea of exposing these con artist Contractors.

Most Professional Contractors I deal with despise the fakes and the con artists.

One thing for sure. Mike Holmes, of Holmes on Homes is the, "Real Deal".

Why do so many people love and trust the Man with the Holmes on Homes Show?

It's simple . . . He sticks up for the homeowner that has been screwed by shabby work and scheming Contractors.

I have also had to endure the garbage of "fly by nighters" in the Construction Industry. These guys prey on helpless homeowners thinking that a few big words and larger promises will convince them to part with their money.

A quick glimpse at the history of the show and the things that Holmes On Homes is doing for underprivileged people and homeowners in trouble, absolutely tells the truth.

Homeowners will always find something of value by watching the show.

Don't catch yourself trying to remember what Holmes on Homes said last year.

You can own his collection and have the information you need at your fingertips.

Holmes On Homes Exposed

(Bad Contractor Crusher)

Make It Right: Expert Advice on Home Renovations	Make It Right Attics And Basements	Make It Right: Kitchens And Bathrooms (Trade Paperback) Mike Holmes

Holmes On Homes

(Knowledge Is Power)

There is no way a homeowner can learn everything there is to know about Home Improvement. That is why most of us will hire a Professional to help with the project.

But certain steps must be followed and precautions need to be taken. You must arm yourself with basic knowledge so that the, "Red Flags" are easily recognizable.

Knowledge is Power. Purchasing educational material in the form of video or books can be a small price to pay before deciding to undertake a major Improvement on your home.

Homeowners need to be prepared with knowledge and the process of Remodeling.

You can never have enough information and tips to minimize problems. Even if Holmes on Homes cannot be in your home doing the work,

You can have his knowledge and training to use as much as you want when you need it the most.

Start out by getting a book, then slowly get more resources so that there is no way you'll be duped into getting ripped off.

I have been a Contractor for 30 + years and hate hearing about the shabby work and heartache some of these con artists cause Homeowners.

Along with Holmes tutorials and tips, go get this no cost "16 Bullet Proof Guide to a problem free Remodel" right here http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com. This is years of experience condensed.

Holmes on Homes

(Conclusion)

Holmes on Homes has done its job. They have brought attention to a faulty system which can cause problems in the Home Improvement Industry.

They do hire some of the Best Contractors and show how a good team can make things work for the Homeowner.

This type of show does help homeowners in realizing that there are steps to take before, during and after work is done on a home.

For the most part . . . Holmes on  Homes has helped many people see that cutting corners is not something you want to do on your home or anything else of importance. As always, it's buyer beware.

It's your money, so as soon as a problem arises, stop the flow of money and resolve the problem before continuing.

To achieve the best results with a Contractor, you'll want a good working relationship.

Here's a few tips that I think could help:

Open Communication:

Speak up immediately if you are displeased about anything. The longer you wait, the more expensive and difficult corrections will be. Be clear about what you'd rather see.

Frequent check-ins:

Try to coordinate a time everyday to discuss progress. That way you can quickly assess the previous day work and discuss any problems or upcoming decisions.

Changes need to be in writing:

These could be costly in the event you may need to alter the plans after work has started.

Make these change orders precise and detailed as the original contract.

Financial Updates:

Frequent checkpoints will allow you both to assess whether the project is on budget. There may be setbacks that neither you nor the Contractor can control.

Be prepared to discuss how this could affect the budget and how to adjust the critical path to keep costs down.

Holmes On Homes

Important Tools For All Homeowners

What Your Contractor Can't Tell You: The Essential Guide to Building and Renovating	Black & Decker Codes for Homeowners: Electrical Codes, Mechanical Codes, Plumbing Codes, Building Codes

Holmes On Homes Comments

Holmes On Homes Comments - homeowner 19 months ago

I'm not surprised to hear about the short comings of Mike Holmes. He's clearly pretty full of himself and seems to have let fame get the better of him. That said, as a homeowner, I can vouch that many, if not all, of the problems he (attempts) to correct are very real. I don't think his show exaggates the problems all that much and I have personal experience to boot. While there are surely very qualified and honorable contractors out there, there are at least twice as many incompetent weasles. Problem is, it's next to impossible for most home owners to tell the difference. And our government agencies do little to help distinguise good from bad, and futhermore often offer more support to a shady contractor than a dupped consumer. It's not a black and white issue, and I welcome some any real insight for homeowners besides "get a permit" and "check for references".

Holmes On Homes Comments - WISE MAN 19 months ago

I believe in making things right and customer satisfaction. As far as Holmes On Holmes is concerned, it's a TV show and meant for entertainment purposes only. I do not believe that Mike Holmes knows as much as he may say he does. Although he is knowledgable in the trade he does make errors and at times costly ones. I tried to become a contractor but very quickly realized that my knowladge was far to weak to persue it so I packed up and went home before I made a big mess of things. I may try again someday but I think for some one like me it's better to stick to one thing. I enjoyed reading your HUB and look forward to more.

Holmes On Homes Comments - down pillow 19 months ago

I agree with wise man here… it's a tv show and is for entertainment mainly and educational purposes sometimes (even if by accident). He's doing a job he's getting paid to do. And that's to appear on a tv show. Of course there are things being done outside of that realm. None of this is real time. I certainly hope no one believes this man is infallible.

Holmes On Homes Comments - duanebrickles 15 months ago

who pays Mike to redo these houses? does the homeowner have to pay again or are these redos a part of a court settlement?

Holmes On Homes Comments - T. Sparky 15 months ago

Im an electrician, I dont do the building I do the wiring. I agree that Holmes is sometimes a bit full of himself but he is still out to do it the correct way even if that is the harder way. Im not sure about your insurance information"recently in Canada only a General Contractor must have some form of Insurance to conduct business" I know for a fact that I need to be insured, bonded and licensed to even turn a screw on any job site and it has been that way for as long as I can remember. Sure there are contractors that dont have insurance, they also get paid in cash and only work evenings and weekends, but they are not just in Canada, they are everwhere. Thats called a side Job and any contractor will tell you that if anything goes wrong, its the homeowner's fault for not hiring someone with proper credentials. For me to get a Contractor's license I needed to work for a company for two years (As a Journeyman) just to apply so thats at the very least 6 years in the trade and its probably more for others. Our building codes are par with the states by the way. Holmes is not a tradesman he is a contractor, he hires tradesmen. Just like Bob Vila (wherever he is now???)

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jim 14 months ago

I am also a professional contractor for 30 years and can't stand to watch Mike Holmes play god and run everybody elses work down. What upsets me is that his main mantra is "tear it all down " even for small not to serious problems that mostly are completely unnecesary as if money is no object not to mention all the wasted materials just added to the landfill

Holmes On Homes Comments - MRED 14 months ago

Holmes, is a GOOD GUY, I'm reading alot of sour grapes in comments. Not absolutly everything he says or does is perfectly correct. People do have to realize that minimum Code is just that MINIMUM and can be a step above junk!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Shawn 14 months ago

I guess I don't have a problem with the tear it all out and rebuild it. It isn't practical but it makes for more enticing TV. More than one show does this.

What I'm curious about are these items that the pros see that a regular viewer would not catch. Are the inspectors missing this after he performs his work on a building? What about other shows? There must be a market for these shows as there are quite a few of them. Do you see these mistakes with other shows? Are they worst or better?

Holmes On Homes Comments - MRED 14 months ago

Your statements have merit. Perhaps my statement was a little bold I should have stated , minimum code can be a cut above junk. I didn't say how I was involved with code enforcement, perhaps you have figured out my identity? We're from the same neck of the woods.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 14 months ago

It's OK ..I get this all the time..It's the hazards of speaking your mind, writing about something you're really good at, have done for many years in various countries and with hundreds of tradesmen/women and being able to recognize the wannabees from "True Tradesmen/Women". And I'll stand my ground because of my history in the trade..Code is not a cut above junk..It's the person that messes the code up, does shoddy work, misinterprets the code or uses garbage for material…Period..It's almost the same as me commenting on photography..Sure I've taken pictures. But I'm not stupid enough to wage a discussion with someone who has done it professionally most of their life. LOL…Luv ya Man.

Holmes On Homes Comments - TheSonofMan 13 months ago

I read the article and when you cut away the fat the foundation seems to be concerned with the show itself. The first sentence "Holmes on Homes Exposed". I don't know the first thing about Mike Holmes, other than what I can deduce from a 30min television program (hour less commercials). I can say, and it seems that most here agree, that the show is mildly entertaining and successful. Lets try to think of this; the show isn't specifically geared for contractors, its not an educational program for most of you and I don't believe that its Mike Holmes's intent nor the show to discredit credible contractors out there. I wonder if a stew of doctors every come together and hammer away on another doctor from a program on Discovery Health Channel. Hmmm maybe. Seems like a waste to me though. What we see on tv is a program for entertainment, its been cutback, edited, cutback, edited again, all so that it can fit into an hour slot. I'm willing to bet that there is a full unedited version of the show, where you might see Mike at a drawing desk, making phone calls, occasionally cursing from his mistakes and etc. Check! Maybe we should all try using this time visiting a work site that Mike is running instead of writing an informal critique about the man. I'm sure many of the questionable ethics and stupidity that we see on tv can be answered that way, probably much better than it would trying to create a summation from a 30min program. Is this whole thing about Mike Holmes or about what you watch on tv? If you're in a position to professional argue what you see on HGTV then I would say it would be your responsibility to raise those concerns with the show, or Mike.

Good Luck

Cheers

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

Great comment..The article was written months ago and since then my focus has shifted. I'm sure Mike's has also. He's probably on to bigger and different things. Who knows..he might just focus on feature films or MOW's. Anyways…My guess is that he probably doesn't have time to place any energy on articles like this or the one that was in The Canadian Magazine. He just does his thing like the rest of us.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Kirk 13 months ago

Most of you have valid comments both for and against Mike Holmes. I haven't seen him try to screw anyone on this show yet. If the contractors he is talking about on his many episodes are so innocent, why have NONE of them come forward and disputed what Mike has said about them on TV. In the US that is slander, as it impacts their livelihood, and he could be sued for that. Haven't seen or heard anyone dispute what he has said other than you and other "contractors" with hurt feelings. Did I just miss that somehow? I don't think so. Let someone round up all those who have been wrongfully branded as "lousy contractors" from his shows and refute these claims by Mike. I doubt they will want their faces known on TV. Just my take on this. Kirk

Holmes On Homes Comments - David 13 months ago

Holmes does find many problems on the jobs he works on. BUT, as someone mentioned before, we don't see the other side. Homeowners ofter take the lowest bid, they don't check the background of the GC, they don't make sure permits are pulled (usually because they know permits cost money and the increased value of ther property will affect their taxes!). Cheep work is cheep work! If most of the homeowners would have spent as much money as Holmes spends in the first place they probably would have gotten a better job. Also many of the problems could be avoided if all states had lisenceing for General Contractors. My state of Ohio does not, and every guy laid off from the Ford plant becomes a contractor. Then when they all evaporate the rest of us come and fix the problems. But again it comes down to the homeowner going for the cheep fix. Go figure. I must admit though, I usually learn something when I watch the show. I would really just like to hear the other side and see the breakdown on how much money Holmes spends and what the original contract for the work was. Follow the money.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

Very true David. I've been asked to do jobs without permits before, but refused. I wouldn't put my State license in jeopardy just to save someone a few bucks. Thank you for your comment…I assumed that all states required Contractors to be licensed and bonded

Holmes On Homes Comments - Springboard 13 months ago

Every time I watch that guy he scares me to death. I think, if I ever saw that guy come within inches of my house I'd form a posse and run him outta town. He'd tear the place apart and leave me with nothing but a frame. I can't imagine what the BILL would look like; "This tile is crooked…take up the floors and the joists…remove the roof…something must be off."

I agree. Like maybe your thinking.

I do think the guy knows something. He's not skilless, I'll put it that way. But I think in any profession, no one knows it all. People who are intelligent can figure that out and understand it. Put five carpenters in a room and they may have five different opinions on how to do carpentry. Put five investors in a room and they may have five different opinions on the state of the markets and where to put the dollars.

You're right to point that there are also many things that are standard or common…

At the end of the day, when it comes to ALL of these kinds of shows, one must have at least some modicum of sketicism. These are all TV producers and executives, kids just out of school who haven't experienced life or execs who think they know what works—including who they think LOOKS good. It's TV, it's entertainment, but it's not necessarily real all the way through.

It's like having served in the military and watching a military movie. Inaccuracies abound and its frustrating. But you don't watch the movie to learn about how the military works, so if you can see it that way you can still at least enjoy the movie.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

You nailed it "Springboard". The show must go on. TV is "ONLY" about ratings. And they better be good or you're history. I like the comparison about a military movie and actually being in the Military.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Springboard 13 months ago

Yeah, I see a LOT of discrepancies there.

Holmes On Homes Comments - ~green~ 13 months ago

I wish they'd air the shows AFTER any 'court precedings' were over – that way we'd see if the family was right, or if the contractor was right. Why mention a lien and lawsuit, if you aren't going to say how the courts, or Crown, followed up on it? The guy in California that 'took the family for $206,000' – I'd love to know who was 'right' there. It could have gone either way from what I saw of the work. And for him to still be working in the neighborhood? Jeez, IF he had been wrong (if I were the homeowner), there'd have been a BIG banner hanging off that house stating who halfassed the job if I thought I was as right as they thought they were. Makes you wonder how immune they are to lawsuits (the show) since they never name names, they just give the Canadian code, and hit on some U.S. ones when it's a (presumably) U.S. show.

Holmes On Homes Comments - GINGER 13 months ago

MY QUESTION IS DOES HE DO THE WORK FOR FREE I NEED SOME /LOTS OF WORK ON MY HOME ..????

Holmes On Homes Comments - Dan Reeves 13 months ago

I ran across Mike Holmes while flipping through the channels one day. Being a long time fan of "This Old House" I thought he was interesting, but not terribly accurate. I have done a few "owner/builder" renovations on homes I have owned doing some myself and hiring contractors for other things. Fortunately I contract pretty regularly for industrial projects, so the nuts and bolts of weeding out the scabs is pretty easy for me. I think the greatest benefit his show provides is educating the average person about hiring a competent contractor. Watching the parade of people who have been screwed (by the contractor or by themselves) is mildly amusing. I Mike "the best"? Not really, is he a good contractor, I think so. But he is one many excellent contractors I have used over many years, so he really is not that special.

Holmes On Homes Comments - TB 13 months ago

Sounds like a hold lot of haters on this list. Or more like chest pounding… I am as good or not better then mike.. If you think you know it all then your not a good contractor.

Holmes On Homes Comments - ginger 13 months ago

how do you contact the show ,?

Holmes On Homes Comments - ginger 13 months ago

how do you contact the show.????????????????????

Holmes On Homes Comments - ginger 13 months ago

how do you contact the show ,,,,,,please let me know my house need helppppppp .

Holmes On Homes Comments - AAL 13 months ago

As A GC out of Elgin, IL. I see a lot of "hack" work, mostly guys who need money and don't know when to say NO to a job they are not qualified to do. We have all worked on an install [unique, different, or new product] that we are not 100% versed in. BUT the difference is the commitment to get the right folks involved and apply the resources needed to do it right. HoH is a decent venue for the DiY market, he reinforces basic quality virtues in ways the average person can understand. He recently did a show fixing a basement that a single Jamaican woman got hosed on after the "contractor" split with most of the $, and left a poor job covering worse mechanicals. It was good to see him talk about how 30K was average for the SF IF the job was done right. Too many clients first remarks are "how cheap are you?" "can u start tomorrow?" "I don't want a permit."… I stress that we are a legal corporate entity in our state, carry 2 million in coverage, and pay our fair share of taxes [EIN, etc.]. I can't tell you how many times we have lost a job to "fly-by-nighters" for only a few percent of the job only to have homeowners frantically call us when their guy hits the skids and the wheels fall off the project. At that point it is a history lesson for them and very sad. I should write a book… "he [they] stopped showing up, showed up high/drunk, are unsafe, swear a lot, caught sleeping, caught going thru underwear drawer, hitting on my teenage daughter, caused damage to…[fill in the blank]. caught eating my food, plugged up my toilet and left, was taking a shower in my house… etc, etc". Things I would never have thought of in a million years if a homeowner did not tell me…just unthinkable!

BOTTOM LINE: HoH is one of the first "hits" that show the aftermath of a BAD job. And the average folks it affects. Although I don't agree with everything MH says [I'm not a groupie]. He is probably averaging a solid 75%+, and like all entertainment should not be taken as gospel. At least with the economy in the crapper I've got to say he's got some job security, which is a lot more than a lot of us can say.

Just one professionals opinion.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Sam 13 months ago

I came across this hub by total accident.I too watch Holmes on Homes, but never took Mike Holmes to being a god. Personally I think he does a great job in sending the message across to do the job right,I'm not a contractor or claim to be one,but as a homeowner i do what i can and try to do it right. Maybe I Missed something somewhere,that he himself said that he was the most trusted contractor in North America. I've always took that as the slogan that the show uses to get your attention to watch the show(boost their ratings).

As a professional contractor I'm sure you are able to see any mistakes that are made, and would make sure to do it right, In defense to Mike, I don't think he's done anything wrong, he's been put on a pedestal by the producers to get your attention to watch the show. I have a brother in law who is a carpenter who i usually seek advice from when it comes down to work that needs to be done, How does one really know who to trust to do the work, sure you can do the homework, but in the is the end when we make that choice was it the right one? there's always going to be a bad apple that ruins it for everyone, we always tend to look at one side of the story and never the other side, but then again nobody's perfect, I've owned my house now for 10yrs. and made most of the repairs myself, I've learned how to do the work from watching all different kinds of home improvement shows but mainly from reading books, and have asked numerous questions on how to do the job right, not just to save money, but to educate myself for when i may need to do the homework and hire someone to do the work that make the right choice and don't run into the problems that you would see on these shows.

I do not believe that Mike is bad mouthing the contractor industry claiming he's the best and that everyone makes mistake and that he doesn't. As I said before no one is perfect, Can you honestly say that in your entire career that you've never made any mistakes which may have or have not been pointed out to you? If Mike Holmes is making mistakes then why isn't anything being done about it, instead of everyone making comments versus any real action? I'm just trying to understand why everything is always one sided.

Everyone always has something to about someone, trust me I'm no better. If other contractors feel the way you then maybe you should all get together and have an election and see who the people think is the so called most trusted contractor in North America really is. The only problem with this is Mike Holmes has a show and everyone else doesn't.

I do agree with some of your views and disagree with others, but have to keep an opened mind to both sides of the coin.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Nitram76 13 months ago

I have talked to 2 manufacturers who have met with Mike Holmes to use (translates 'to endorse') their products. Simply put, they couldn't afford Mike's fees. Can you trust the tools and products Mike uses when such fees are involved? For example – Dewalt – not the quality I use. Blue brand spray foam insulation – not a great reputation in the spray foam insulation industry, and applied thicker and faster than the spray foam association recommends – translates to splitting later – and hidden from view by drywall.

Holmes On Homes Comments - MagicStarER 13 months ago

My oh my! You have certainly stirred up a mess of controversy here. Though I am not qualified whatsoever to comment on H's competency or lack thereof, I agree that the show is quite sensationalized. That says enough right there. Thanks, btw, for following me, and I am also your new friend!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

Yep …it gets nasty at times..but what the heck. Jump into the unknown for some quick lessons. Thank You Magic.

Holmes On Homes Comments - ignoranthomeowner 13 months ago

sound like a bunch of sour grapes against someone pointing out the shorcuts of the Canadian construction induustry. Personally I'd like to see a similar show her in the US exposing the corners cut unbeknownst to the homeowner!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Ed Cowles 13 months ago

Why just pick on Mike Holmes? The rest of the JOKERS on HGTV or DIY are not any better. With watching any of these shows from Norm Abrams, to Tom Silva and ask this old house you are only getting an opinion on how to do something. If the homeowner wants to do any renovating it starts with reading and talking to the reputable people who work the trade. I think almost all of the shows on hgtv especially are a joke. But it sells products at lowes and home depot by getting people thinking they can do it themselves.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Troy Smith 13 months ago

What a great artical and blog. I've been in the business for a bit over 30 years and applaud all the home impovement shows. I don't mind being questioned and argued with about the quality of the work I do. There is a huge quantity of 'shakey' contractors out there and if knowledge is power then Mike and his like simply give the average homeowner a basis to question our work.

I say, watch every show you can, question your contractors and demand quality. In my eyes it just gives me more work because the true craftsmen don't mind having their work examined closely.

Home Time, Holmes on Homes .. hang in there and educate our customers, I can take the heat.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

Yep…there is no shortage of work out there for good Tradesmen/women Troy. Thanks Troy.

SB 13 months ago

Typical of contractors, always saying the last guy in your house screwed up.

I will take Mike Holmes work, because he takes the time to do it right. There are different codes in countries, states, counties and towns, so saying he is wrong, when you don't necessary know where he is at is off. I have learned plenty from the show and that is why I enjoy it, not for me to diy but to watch and listen to some of the bull contractors sling when they do a job half &^*. There is plenty of them, plenty who charge double if you have a different zip code. Credentials don't mean crap, I had a top surgeon operate on the wrong knee, he had creditionals out the wazoo and was on the cover of Chicago magazine for best orthopedic surgeon in the city. The show is good, it's entertaining, he seems like a fair, kind hearted guy. Seems like a lot off want to be Holmes on here. Get your show, then let's see you do it and be as successful as him. Always easy to be the Monday quarterback.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

My mother lost sight in her right eye because of an expert eye Doctor. Believe me..I work in the film industry and don't want a show. It's too damn much work.

You're right …There is a lot of crap out there..And not just in the Contracting world..People just don't give a damn about each other anymore. At least not like when I was growing up. Folks stuck together and helped each other out. Sure there was the odd screw up..But that's life.

Hmm..Last guy in the house…Isn't that the homeowner?

Super Bowl Sunday..here we go!!!!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - bananaeater 13 months ago

After reading your articles, and yes I did read them, I signed up for a hubpages account solely to respond to this thread. As for my background, I have been a general contractor in the midwest for 35+ years – having grown up in that industry. I wanted to respond first to a number of assertions you have made. For one you have made very large sweeping generalizations about contracting in America – assertions that are patently false. I want to stress that I'm not trying to be a jackass, but rather provide a point of view coming from somewhere that operates COMPLETELY different from the local environment in which you work. A few:

-Building codes and code enforcement are not standard across the united states. They vary GREATLY from state to state, and in different municipalities. There are cities and states all over the nation where PERMITS ARE NOT REQUIRED to do ANY work. There are places where residential trade inspections DO NOT EXIST. I built a home for a customer on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. There was ONE permit and had ONE inspection – for the septic tank. Other than that, I could have built a shed of a home on a pile of rubble and would have violated no laws. No electrical permits, no structural, etc etc etc. Want to sue me? Good luck. Check the laws there.

-I have done a lot of work in Wichita Kansas as well. You talk about contractors getting educated and taking a test to become licensed? ANY person on this site (well maybe not ANY), could walk into the testing office, pay the $200 or so and pass the OPEN BOOK contractor license test. You literally just have to be able to read. From that point on you are just as qualified, according to the government, as me or anyone else that has worked in the industry for decades and are able to pull permits. It is ridiculous.

-There is no place where you can go and look up the record of every contractor in America regarding disputes or liens as you conend. If that is the case where you are from I salute that system. Around here when things go WAY south a shady contractor pays the $160 to form a new LLC with no record tying him to past work. He could burn down someones house and be clean as snow in less than 72 hours.

How does all this relate to Mike Holmes in my opinion? Mike holmes stresses a few key points over and over again.

-Check references. Double check references. Go visit those references. Check out their history from previous clients exhaustively. In places that I have worked this is the ONLY way you will have any idea whether or not you are getting someone good. The license means nothing. The "clean" record means nothing.

-If you can't afford to pay for what is needed to be done, then you shouldn't do it. We've all had the customer that wants the champagne kitchen on a beer budget. What's behind that 50 year old drywall? Who knows. In areas that have no code enforcement, I've seen scary stuff less than 5 years old. You have to remember that the majority of folks hiring contractors for renovations have absolutely no knowledge of the industry in which we work. As an example, they don't have problems that they know of with their plumbing, so if the choice is between gutting the room and having to settle for laminate countertops, or facelifting the room and getting granite – they'll choose the eye candy. A contractor that doesn't explain the reality of the situation is doing as big of a disservice as someone who does crappy work. Some here may not agree with my view, but I stand by it. I WILL NOT do a $20k job when a $35k job is necessary to make it correct. That is screwing over someone who doesn't know any better to make a buck.

-Homeowners should educate themselves. Mike stresses this every episode. When you a homeowner and have nobody to protect you in your area, you must educate yourself. Find out what the standards are. Find out what codes should be followed. Find out if there are inspections needed. Bring in outside people to inspect work. This is not bad advice.

-Mike stresses bringing in the right experts for every part of the job. Every episode. He admits freely that he doesn't know everything and that is why he brings in the right guys. Again, that is what good contracting IS. I don't think you necessarily disagree on this point, but it is a hallmark of his show.

At the end of the day, the details of the work done on his show aren't what is important in my view. The aforementioned concepts are. They are what he preaches to homeowners over and over and it is GREAT advice.

Now, where we have some common ground. I have no shortage of work. I have worked for decades to get to where I am today where I can pick and choose the jobs I want to do. You seem to have gotten to a similar position. I also take great pride in the guys that have come up under me and run their own businesses now. They are all good contractors – and good competition. Nobody trusts contractors anymore. At all. We have become viewed almost in the same light as used car salesmen or the guys that sell vacuums door to door – untrustworthy. I believe this is one of the aspects of Mike's show that most upsets you. It also upsets me. But what upsets me even more is the fact that folks in towns that I have worked in have every reason to be leery when a contractor walks in the door. You slap a sign on your truck, pay a few hundred bucks, and you are licensed in a good portion of this country. You absolutely would not believe some of the things I have seen over the years. The past ten years or so it has become downright sad. I regret to say that in the 100 mile or so area that I now work, the ratio of CRIMINALLY BAD, SO-SO, and GOOD contractors is probably 30%, 50%, 20%. When you chastised the poster above that there are 10 times as many good contractors as there are bad, you are talking from your own experience in your own market. It isn't the same everywhere my friend. Homeowners have every reason to be leery around here – and they know it. If this isn't how it is in your area, I applaud whatever system is in place there. It is why I totally support what Mike Holmes is doing on his show as far as educating homeowners. Not on the "how-to" of the ACTUAL WORK (where you are right, I have seen some screw-ups), but on the "how-to" of approaching a remodel and hiring a contractor. It is what he preaches over and over in his little speeches at the end of the show. If they don't do that here, their lives can be absolutely devastated. When all is said and done, Mike Holmes pisses off contractors, many like yourself, because he is coming from a place that is different from where you do business. It is not far off from where I do business. I live by the "take it down" mantra where I work for the same reason he does. It is the ONLY guarantee that MY work will stand up to MY warranties and MY guarantees.

I apologize for going long and getting fired up. But I too have stood in houses and have had to tell crying homeowners that they don't have enough money to fix everything that some other jackass "contractor" screwed up weeks, months, or years earlier and that their homes are essentially unsafe and uninhabitable. It is heartbreaking. So I will accept Mike Holmes and the great message he is spreading, warts and all, if it slows down this disgusting trend.

Holmes On Homes Comments - TLR 13 months ago

I am a homeowner wanting to remodel a bath and kitchen myself, minus electric and plumbing. I have been watching DIY Amy Matthews for the past 2 years and then stumbled upon Mike Holmes. The main reason is his work ethic and wanting to go above and beyond to make things right. And you have to admit, there have been quite a few contractors on the show who should not be in business. I want to get my contractors license, but have not been able to find schooling in my area for carpentry. Therefore, I watch and read what I can to learn to do it myself. Every contractor has a different way of doing things, especially one doing it for 30 years and one doing it for 5. Some contractors are stuck in the old school and cant convert to new ways of doing things.(new materials, procedures). Who do you really believe when trying to do things right??? We have to educate ourselves and do research and have common sense when tackling home improvements. Quite a few things I have seen on DIY are what Mike Holmes does and I have also confirmed in doing alot of reading. Even in reading I have found quite a few home improvement books are out of date. It can be overwhelming, and I think that is why people want to trust contractors. Again, I am not a contractor but have learned quite a bit from Mike and Amy in regards to materials used for refinishing basements, bathroom and Kitchens. It is very important to get permits, licenses and referrals. How many times have people been had a lien put on there home from contractors who weren't doing a good job and the customer refused to pay. There have to be better laws protecting customers.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

Exactly TLR. The construction business had to become specialized. It is a complicated business. That's why you have Concrete, Framing, Finishing, Plumbing, Electrical, Hvac, Insulating, Roofing, Siding and Landscaping Subs..Along with many more Trades specializing in areas like fencing, decks, feature waterfalls and pools. There is so much regulation and code in most areas that a General Contractor MUST hire "VERY GOOD" people or he will be out of business. My hat goes off to you for taking the time to learn about the biggest investment you have ( besides children). Look up apprenticeship programs and then see if you can purchase the Technical books. Just the other day I had to fix the radiator in my Wife's car. I've never done it before ..but 4 hours of reading the specs and I had it figured out…oily arms and all. It saved me 400 dollars. Well worth the effort. Now we'll see just how good the job is and if "I did it Right"

Holmes On Homes Comments - East_TN_Patriot 13 months ago

Seems to me that all these self-proclaimed honest contractors need to spend their time seeking out and exposing the crooks out there who make Holmes' show so popular instead of demonizing a guy who tries to make things right. The simple fact of the matter is that it seems there are as many con artists out there as honest contractors. The trade workers need to clean up their own mess instead of making excuses. I have a tremendous amount of respect for honest tradesmen and women because they have knowledge and skills most people don't. Part of their responsibility is to hold their fellow tradesmen accountable.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Robert Irwin 13 months ago

I don't think there is and honest contractor in the world. I have been screwed everytime I have had work done on my house. I would give my left nut to have Mike Holmes work on mine. I think we just hsve a bunch of jealous people here.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Chris Maxwell 13 months ago

We bought our first home in Aug 08 and had an inspection done by a reputable company with all the credentials. Holmes is right on the mark exposing the home inspection industry! Our inspector missed no range hood over the stove (although we should have seen that)and bathroom exhaust fans discharging into the attic causing large areas of mold! He dismissed a sagging main support beam under the master bedroom, a very large crack in the foundation floor and foamed in plumbing vents on the roof as nothing for any concern. He missed all the clues in the crawlspace pointing to serious problems with the foundation. His attitude was these were projects a homeowner would be happy and find interesting to do since he had built his own house. Thirty thousand dollars and still counting later we know first hand about the useless home inspection industry.

Recently a contractor gave us an estimate of one thousand dollars to put two lally columns and a wooden support beam in the center of our garage. He intended to bolt the columns to what he thought was an eight inch slab. The slab is actually four inches which he would have known if he bothered to measure it. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think these columns need proper footings!

We had the sagging beam fixed last year guess what it was done wrong. The lally column was put in and is held in by two nails into the wooden beam and sits on the basement slab which is six inches thick. There is nothing securing it to the basement floor!

So go Holmes and if a few of the terms he uses don't meet your standards so be it. If you know of a single reputable contractor in the Ulster County area please let me know.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curt B. 13 months ago

bananaeater is correct. I've been to areas of this country that indeed, the only inspection that was needed was a septic permit. One area of Montana had the power company as the only mandated inspection…other than the sewage disposal system…to inspect the rough electrical. I was intriqued by such a concept, but as the health sanitarian stated to me…"HEY….if you build your own home…you've gotta live in it"!!!! How much value do you place for your own well being is what I came away with. And I was pointed out that no amount of regulation guarantee quality work by outside contractors. Again…..DON'T TRUST ANY CONTRACTOR!!

I live in western Colorado now. I just completed building a new home and the statewide regulatory agency regulates only HVAC…PLUMBING…ELECTRICAL…PEST CONTROL. That's about it. And howbeit I took to task of doing much of the work on this house, I contracted out certain portions of this construction project. Such as the framing, of which I had only one issue that I had to correct. The HVAC contractor is a liar and untrust worthly and I had to threatened to have another contractor finish the work and subtract that bill from the original contractor. The insulation contractor is a joke. Spray foamed exterior walls and I had to grind and scrape off the excess foam just to have the sheet rock fit flat and flush against the stut faces. OH….the insulation contractor did remove "MOST" of the over fill of foam. But not 100% as he stated.

There are others, and most have been corrected by myself. My point is…TRUST NO CONTRACTOR!! NONE OF THEM! And I've been a licensed sanitation systems contractor and plumbing contractor. I do not need one now because of my working for a national company and theres no need for these license any more.

There is always going to be the human nature that resides in all of us and that human nature is inherently lazy. Cutting Corners are easily available to all of us and it's up to an individual to resist such temptations and to have high standards for his own conscience. I have no connection tto Mike Holmes. Christ! The show is not even in production aanymore. But if anything was placed in peoples minds by this show….which was nothing more than another reality show…was that as I stated….TRUST NO ONE!!

I'm confident that most of the readers has viewed "Ask This OOld House" and of course "This Old House". I've got to say, that I've noticed certain details of worked performed by "ALL" tradesmen on these shows {NO NEED TO NAME NAMES!!} and I've highly questioned some repairs preformed by these tradesmen. Does that mean these are not highly skilled or untrustworthly? Oh course not.

I would urge anyone that reads any comment here to educate themselves of such local laws and think about a wanted repair long and hard before moving forward with a project. Other than emergency repairs, such as plumbing, electrical. Even then…place the responsibility back on the shoulders of a repairman. Watch!! And then watch even closer!!! TRUST NO ONE!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curt B 13 months ago

Just one more note to my comments.

The hired contractors that I have issues with, know that I have slammed them and ratted them out to other possible clients. I will not and do not hesitate to tell anyone that listens or asks about these unethical slobs, of the sloppy crappy work they performed. And happy to say…I've stirred more than a dozen individuals to other company's.

You've got it!! These slobs hate my guts!! As if I'm scared or my feelings hurt because they hate me? I've taken it right where it hurts these scumbags. RIGHT IN THE POCKET BOOK!!! And we're talking about some pretty large jobs that would have netted many thousands of dollars to these punks!!And they stir clear of me when our path course. It's a great feeling!!

For the record, the building inspector always made the comment about the work I performed on this house as over kill. That I over built my house. I would always counter back with a response of "How can you over build a house"? That is what I'm know for around here. But all that came and observed the worked with amazed by the quality of construction.

Ethical contractors will perform their trade as if their lives depends on the highest quality of work. BECAUSE IT DOES!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 months ago

The State of Oregon does require licensing, insurance and a bond. Contractors without this can be fined. I'm not sure where Curt obtained his information but he is definitely wrong. A simple search on a computer would have given him the right information.

When you decide to be your own General Contractor you are responsible for your subs, just like a real General Contractor is. You can't complain about the shoddy work because you hired them. It's the GC's job to make sure the subs all perform according to the contract they sign. Did you have contracts?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Keith 13 months ago

You know, it's really irrelevant whether or not you like the guy, or if he makes a mistake here or there. The good he is doing outweighs the inconsequential.

To put it in other words: Most of legality today is about victimizing the victim. In other words, making the hapless homeowner responsible for policing the GC and tradesman. You all yourselves have seen this in other areas of your life. Do you go to any Doctor without checking them out as best you can??? No. You usually have to educate yourself so that yo can police your doctor. Something no one should have to do. When someone hires a contractor, they should be able to trust implicitly that they will do the work they've agreed to do. Furthermore, the inspector should be liable (personally) if the work is done wrongly. That would end bad-contractor work.

Lastly, as for contractors not liking being questioned by the homeowner for work and method being performed, I remind you THEY are your boss. You work for them if you take on the work, not the other way around. You answer their question, prove it if necessary. That is just part of your obligation. If you can't deal with scrutiny, perhaps you should work in another field.

If Mr. Holms brings on a little extra pressure in this field– it's about time. If you're a quality GC, you shouldn't have any fear if you're honest and good. By the way, when was the last time you checked to see if any tradesmen working under you had a felony conviction or prison record…. Yeah. Hmmm mmmm. Construction industry is full of such people. Lot of size 40 shirt, size 5 hat types out there in this field.

Sadly, as a non-licensed individual with an above-average knowledge of the construction industry and methods and having had a close up view of a lot of homes being built, I wouldn't be so quick to laud the ethic of folks in the construction industry. I myself have seen a *lot* of corner cutting, lousy construction, and outright code violations. I've only found one builder in the USA that builds a house decently. And I've looked at hundreds of homes.

I appreciate what you have to say kowality, but seriously- I wouldn't be so interested in defending your industry if I were you– defend yourself, just what you control. Not the rest. The construction industry has become a haven for less than ethical persons to hide in, unscrutinized.

Curt B 13 months ago

I understand that the state of Oregan does require qualifications, test, etc…before a person can contract out for home improvement or any sort of building other than yourselve, as does California if a person contracts out for a total job price…material included in excess of $499.00. But you stated that the U.S.A. requires a individual or entity to be a licensed contractor. That is a error of statement. A qualification of trades {Time spent in a particular field of work} and a testing proceture is not a national item!! It is a regional or local, if any, requirement. State or county.

So, having stated a true fact, I knowingly plead for anyone who decides to have someone perform work on your home or business structure, to be a totalitarian pretaining to keeping yourselve smack dap in the middle of "ALL" the process of work. And if a so-called contractor cannot understand this, then the homeowner needs to demand a contractor to GET OFF THE PROPERTY….NOW!! And progress payments upon verification of quality work, even if that means obtaining outside inspections for a unrelated company to reinspect any work done. No more than a token 10% down payment before work begins….I wouldn't pay a dime personally….and progress payments on completion of quality work. See how that would weed out many shady slobs that should be working at McDonald's instead!!

We've all seen these types or have seen the so-called completion of a construction job that, to be fair, is sub-par work at best.

It's your money and your home!!!!

Regional license requirements only. And that's a true fact.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curt B 13 months ago

By the way. You bet I had contracts. And I held up payments to said contractors til they had a very complete understanding that they were worthless and complete idiots!! And they knew better than to slap a lean on my property, for then I would have had someone else come a verify the poor work and would have paid this by subtracting money from the original contractor. I decided in my own interest that I didn't want these punks back on my property and I corrected the errors because I wanted the work to be completed properly. It was fascinating to see how cooporative said individuals became.

I physically threw a so-called concrete contractor off my property. I mean I personally nabbed him and escorted him to the property line.

I have a well built home that I am proud of because I was a constant jerk if you please to a few no-goods. But what if I hadn't? It may have cost me a little extra money….but it would have cost me far more if I hadn't been a tyrant! Some call me hard nosed. Some will not work for me anymore. Like I care?! But the other quality contractors that worked for me understood that there would be no slip ups.

End of subject.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

Holey Schmoley . . great comments..I had no idea this hub would get so much attention. There's nothing wrong with self-promotion. That's how business is done. I have no problem approving comments with links. Everyone is right. HonH has raised the bar.

I picked him because I am in the same trade and the show is controversial. Now this hub is controversial. A job well done I guess.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Mike Holmes 12 months ago

Yes, my name to is Mike Holmes. By the way, he is who he is. I can honestly say that he does great work from the start to finish. I had used him before, and his work is outstanding. My my home 100 percent better. I have an old house and wanted to do some serious upgrading and he and his team made it happen, so please lay off of him.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

He's a big boy..I'm sure Mike couldn't care less what is said here. He's way to busy working on a great Hollywood career.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Dink96 12 months ago

Fabulous hub, particularly the video critique of the dollhouse contractors—LOL!!! Although I enjoyed "Holmes" for a time, he is pretty full of himself. I've worked for construction law attorneys as well as in a construction office over the years. Caveat emptor! First rule of thumb for me is always hire licensed contractors, check them out, get references and be vigilant! And I don't know much at all! Thanks for educating us. I can use all the help I can.

Holmes On Homes Comments - MyTradesDirect 12 months ago

Great hub!! Seeing as I am in the trades business everyone always compares us to Holmes!! I get so mad when they do that. Anyway loved the hub.. I am My Trades Direct and have been getting a lot of projects that way and some of them look like houses from the Holmes TV Show. LOL

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - JustMyOpinion 12 months ago

Iread all these blogs and welcome everyones opinions.For myself I watch what I like, simple as that. 95% of these homne improvement shows have host who want to be entertainers or comediams and are so full of themselves its unreal. TV ruined "This Old House". If you like Bob Villa, then watch him. To me he's a motormouth with his hands in his pockets. I'll take Holmes on Homes any day. But that's just my opinion.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

Here is part of an article Mr. Holmes wrote titled

/So You Want to Start a Renovation – How to Shop for a Contractor/

It amazes me, after doing my television show all these years, that I’m still seeing homeowners making the same KNUCKLEHEAD mistakes over and over. The big one — the one that starts a chain of events ending in disappointment and frustration — is the notion that they want the renovation done “fast” and they want it done “cheap." And let’s face it:, in the renovation game, fast and cheap add up to just one thing — crap.

I'll go out on a limb and say the Mike is disgusted at homeowners just as much as he is the Shabby Contractor.

But all the writing and exposing and helping will NOT stop most homeowners from:

1.Getting Cousin Rupert to do the job because he has a hammer and chisel…and he'll save us a ton of money..oh ya..he's not doing anything right now.

2. Asking the Contractor if this can be done under the table and not pull any permits.

3. Asking the Contractor if they can eliminate their P&O to cut costs.

4. Not check references.

5. Not treating their home like one the biggest investments.

6. Go through a step by step planning procedure by ensuring that all things have been looked at.

7. Thinking they have it all figured out.(If you do..then do the job yourself)

My clients depend on me to tell them the truth. I don't advertise because ALL my work is through referral.

If I can't make it when they need me I have reliable sources that will help them out. This has all taken me many years to build.

Things I will not do:

1. Forgo the permit procedures.

2. Knowingly cut corners to save money now only to see problems later.

3. Omit a gut feeling I have about working with someone(Good Or Bad)

4. Let you tell me how to do my job if I decide to work on the home.

Things I will do:

1. Show you my credentials because it is (MY) State Law.

2. Communicate how the job is progressing.

3. Answer your calls until 9PM, but not on Sundays(That is Family Time)

4. Work out a solution if you change your mind about part of the project midstream.

5. Be extremely confidant in my abilities as a Contractor/Carpenter and do the best I can.

6. Fight like a Basta _ _  if you try to screw me.

I know that being in business for yourself is not an easy thing. I know that people can have crazy expectations and sometimes think only of themselves (includes me).

I'll continue to speak my mind on a subject I know very well and will shut my mouth on things I do not know.

That includes trying to tell you about. Tailoring, Photography, Medical, and things that stay at home parents should or should not do.

Once again…The producers and Mike have worked incredibly

hard to make HonH what it is today. They deserve everything that has come their way and more.

Holmes On Homes Comments - relica 12 months ago

You know after all of the winter storms comes roof repair, and I am always amazed at the number of people who hire unlicensed contractors to do repair thinking that they are licensed. Experience, skill and certification is extremely especially in construction, and it takes mere minutes to check before you hire. Great hub!

Holmes On Homes Comments - mbunny 12 months ago

As a social researcher I know that adults learn quite quickly from dilemma and stress. As a new home owner who cannot physically do the work needed to fix my house myself and because I relocated to a state where I have no social network,I have to rely heavily on my ability to glean who is the best person to do the various jobs that need to be done. I also found myself to be quite ignorant of the workings of a home and was drawn by necessity to books, people and television shows that give me some insight into the field of carpentry and various other related home repairs.

I like Mike Holmes because if I hadn't been watching that show I would not have known about the issue with aluminum and copper wires. That alone saved me from disaster. Thank God I saw that show because I had a handyman couldn't understand what was going on with the wires. His show also taught me about way to use the vent in the bathroom properly. Now I don't have a lot of money and need to get my house fixed as inexpensively as possible. I don't have the luxury of many mistakes. I believe that many contractors need to "get real" with the amount of money they want for an hourly wage. I know people with PhD s not making that much an hour. The show stresses hiring the best people for the job and what questions you should ask. I didn't know that much about codes and such but because of the show I called up the county and asked more questions that I might have. The county also even gave me some hints as to who to hire. You can get a list, at least you can in NC, that tells you who has a valid license. When I lived in New York I had plenty of friends who worked in construction and they were a pretty motley crew. Construction is an industry that seems to lend itself to giving fringe people a second chance. Also it seems that there is a lack of structured education and apprentice programs for learning these skills. The success of the networks and hubs for DIY/HGTV shows that people are eager to learn and hungry for information about home repair. Considering the state of the economy this makes perfect sense. We are in a depression as far as I am concerned and not many people have money to buy new so they fix what they have and live with it. Where I live in Charlotte, construction workers make up a large percentage of the unemployed and homeless. Many contractors are going to the homeless shelter to pick up workers and paying them next to nothing. I know this from personal experience. I actually took in one of the workers that worked on my house and give him a place to stay. He was a good worker as many are that have been displaced in this time of economic downturn.

The question is what can we do? If you do a needs assessment of the industry I think you will find a need for more schools and apprentice programs that start in high school. A union of competent laid off workers would be able to access grant monies to start a program for teaching building arts. Maybe have a certification process for handymen. I would love that.

Anyways, it was interesting reading all the responses to your article. I personally like Mike Holmes and love his show. Believe me, most people are media savvy and know all reality shows are edited and scripted to some extent. Time to think about solutions and remedies to the problems he brings up. I take everything with a grain of salt these days.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

mBunny's comment is right on. We can pick up all kinds of valuable information just by watching , reading, and listening to experienced people.

HonH has raised the bar(don't know how many more times I have to repeat that) The show does give out some great information.

I really feel mbunny's comments about better schooling, apprenticeship programs and stricter hiring practices would eliminate many of the problems today.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curt B. 12 months ago

Oh….just for kicks….I know a guy….who lives in Oregan mind you….and his daddy has money….and this young kid never work a real job….never put in time working under any trades contractor….his daddy pulled some strings and presto!!!! Junior gets a contractors license to operate in the state of Oregan.

This is a true story….and I can name names. So much for a strict licensing process and qualification check in that state….eh??!! It wasn't that this kid was stupid…but who verified his work experience?! Who signed off that his appreticeship is true? So all one has to do in Oregan is take a test?????!!!!!!

That doesn't mean squat!! In California….4 years working for/under a trades contractor before you can apply to test is normal for most trades in that state…..4 YEARS~~!!!!

Sooooooooooooooo…..I rest my case…delete away!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

This sort of thing isn't isolated within the Construction Industry. Sadly..I think it's a part of life. Maybe the Kid will turn out OK.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curt B. 12 months ago

So the very thing that you are trying to state…you know…pushing for knowledge by contractors so consumers will not be taken by those that do not have the knowledge nor experience….you say that this kid may turn out alright….????….!!!! I talked to this kid for a lenghty time…about 2 hours worth. And he doesn't [Didn't] know squat!! As the saying by "Mr. T"….I PITTY THE FOOL!!

How many people will have to suffer from soddy work by these kinds? I did notice you deleted one of my post from last night. No matter….what I state is a known fact and I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A NATIONAL STANDARD AND A NATIONAL TEST OR AT LEAST A NATIONAL DATA BASE…that would be easily accessed by consumers in all states.

That isn't going to happen. Hence…as I stated before…be wary consumers! And be a complete tyrant to all contractors in all trades if and when you hire one!! Trust no one…not even Mike Holmes. Watch/examine/pick apart the work being performed by hire people…licensed or not. Seek outside knowledge if need be. A little money spent just may save you a lifes worth!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curt B. 12 months ago

Continueing education is what you are referring to.

In the California Pest Control Broad's code….I believe that there was a minimum of 40+ hours per renewal per field of practice. So if you had a license for wood destroying organisms + general pest control…there were more hours per renewal. And that is one industry that needs for more policing! If you'd only knew….such as termite pre-treats. WHAT A SCAM!! Tell me how a termite pre-treat with certification papers can be done for $75???!!! Usually. Consumer beware!!

Though I cannot remember what the hours were in continuing education for license renewal when I was a trades contractor….it was still not enough actually.

No….the deleted comment was not crap. It was factual. There's no subtitude for experience and experienced gained from the most reputable contractor one can get employed by. If someone breaks into the trades with a so-so contractor..his ethics must be really high and study…read…take classes…and study some more. Then….MAYBE~~!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

Sorry Curt..Maybe not all crap.. You do know what you're talking about from experience. But I do also. 32 years in the Carpenter/Contracting game sheds a lot of light on things. That's why most people say "the hell with going into business for oneself". It is a constant challenge.

I'll shout loud and clear with you about education and ongoing upgrading. Materials, codes, circumstances and cost are constantly changing and the guys I work with including me, stay on top of things to ensure our clients are well looked after.

Holmes On Homes Comments - mikeb 12 months ago

Odd series of posts but interesting, TV is entertainment period. Like any other profession being a GC, carpenter, plumber or whatever can either be the hardest job on the planet or easiest. Depends on how lazy or not you are (and your level of pride in your work) you know who you are!)

In massachusetts to get a home improvement license after passing a fairly basic test the HIC fund is 150$ for 0-3 employees and you need to have a hell of a lot more time on the job to be a plumber than an electrician.

Yo Kowalty, you may be speaking in general, but there is not alot required of home inspectors in my state, so to claim that by virtue of being a home inspector you are qualified to do anything misses the mark, read the contract that you need to sign to get a home inspection done, "we (the undersigned) understand that the (home inspection company) is liable for nothing regardless of what we do or do not find.

In short, I dont think that you are taking an objective view of contractors in general, for every one that is honest, hard working, knows his or her craft, there are a lot more that would not qualify for any of the above.

Sounds like you are a good guy, you are not the one that consumers need to be worried about, it's all the other scumbags out there.

Holmes On Homes Comments - joeyF 12 months ago

Googled to find out a bit about Holmes. Found your thread. I'm a home owner. Been one for 6 house in the past. Used only licensed "trades people" Always checked them out. Talked to their previous customers. Never bargained them on price or time. "ALWAYS got ripped off" Not only me but EVERY other homeowner I've ever talked to has had the same type experience. Doesn't matter if its Lowe's, or Home Depot or Sears or some other scum bag jerk, home owners CAN NOT ever learn enough to control the quality of work on their home. The gov't systems from licenses to inspections to standards are all BS and subject to money or sloth or both.

The solution.

1. Have independent (non-government) inspectors (which the homeowner pays and can hold accountable). These inspectors will inspect for standards and code but also for quality and timeliness.

2. Stop complaining about someone trying to lift the integrity of an industry and start getting every reputable sub/contractor to hunt down and hound out of the business those untrustworthy in their ranks. There will be less of you but you can charge a reasonable price your work.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

I am blown away. Some of you do all the right things and still get ripped off. No wonder homeowners hate the fact of hiring someone to work on their home. Damn..that pisses me off. Gives us a bad name.

I like #1…but how much would this service be worth?…Would it be cost effective? How would you hold this independent Inspector accountable when you have contracts written with the GC. OMG..this gets really crazy.

#2 is up to the homeowners.. We're too busy working on Homes to go out on the Vigilante tour.

Thanks Joey

bill 12 months ago

like the show, but he needs to loose the stupid earings

JoeyF 12 months ago

1. Independent inspector. Works similar to how insurance co's. make annual (or more frequently) risk assessment reviews on the operations/facilities/procedures of corp policy holders before the policy is issued (renewed). Sub/contractor- you want to get paid?, you'd better finish the project as promised, with acceptable quality or you ain't gonna see a dime cause I have paid an expert who's going to review your work, before, during and after. That type of thing.

No 2 – Industry cleans itself up. You said it yourself – "He did all the right thing and still gets ripped off. – Gives us a bad name." Flash – Your industry already has a bad name and instead of getting the gov't involved to protect us out of our citizen rights, better you all do the job of putting the scum bags out of business before the gov't drives you all out of business with cost raising regulations making your work unaffordable by anyone.

The telling thing about my comment was not the problems in my past but that EVERY homeowner I talk with had similar stories. NOTE: It says EVERY homeowner not some or most homeowners. (If that is a valid proof of the condition of your industry as Curt B. says above (Trust no one) than item 2 in my comment is much more important and much, much more urgent than the admittedly cumbersome item 1.

(I don't Holmes and have no connection with him and am not interested in defending him) As for you, instead of catching Holme's lapses in technical jargon with your experience in construction/remodeling and film/media you can lead the way to getting your industry out of the company of used car salesmen, politicians and lawyers. Zsuzsy Bee above has it right. Homeowners don't care if it's plumb of level. We don't care if it's a bulkhead, a header or a lintel. We are NOT buying any of those things, we just want the door hung right, on time and at an affordable price. And don't tell us to go reading code books and don't tell us to learn all about the job cause if we do, you'll all be out of a job as you have been with me, cause I have taken it upon myself do my own remodel, get my own permits all without a sub/contractor/tradesperson. Continued laxity in cleaning your industry up will lead to effective DIY shuting out the tradesperson or the gov't option. Neither bodes well for all of you.

Jeezze. It's amazing that this thread has gotten under my skin, when all I wanted was to find out a bit about Holmes.

Good luck, cause you all gonna need it if you miss the point and focus on terminology or parts and items, instead of customer service good enough to earn the next sale without competitive bidding.

God bye

EILEEN 12 months ago

I ENJOY WATCHING YOU ON TV YOU SEEM SO INTO YOUR WORK AND AND VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH OF MONEY I WOULD LOVE TO HIRE YOU AND YOUR CREW TO BUILD A HANDICAP BATHROON AND REDO OUR KITCHEN SO MY GRANDSON WHO HAS CEREBAL PALSEY CAN DO THE THINGS A NORMAL 18 YEAR OLD WOULD BE ABLE TO DO.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

TPS 12 months ago

I watch Holmes on Homes with my Mother. We really like him as he shows what bad contractors can do to some ones home. He has shown a lot of messed up houses. I think we liked the one where he and his crew stepped up and build a house in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans, LA as the best.

I wished our Government, the United States (you all noticed capitalized correctly) would have stepped forward and helped them. Of course then there wouldn't have been any money for the war, President Bush wanted to keep fighting.

I actually know quite a lot about carpentry, plumping, and electrical as my Father did a lot of work as what you would call a handyman. He knew a lot more that a lot of "experts" of today know. He was also a master mechanic, just with out the license. My Uncle and Grandfather were carpenters. My Grandfather was from the old school, learn as you go. Of course he was born in 1885, I didn't know my other biological grandfather born in 1875. Even though I was born when my Grandfather was 76 years old he taught us kids a lot. At ten, he was 86 years old, he taught me to bail hay. Those bails were any where from 75 to 200 pounds each. My Uncle Herald was a carpenter and worked for the U. S. Government at the Hanford Nuclear Site in Washington state. They all would have liked Mike Holmes, proper names are suppose to be capitalized, and his show.

Yes he has said a few things incorrectly. but some maybe the junocular is different in his area. I do know that it does depend on the area what terminology is used. In England, they call erasers-rubbers. We call something else rubbers. I know a whole list of differences, but no need to list them. When you gripped about plumb for level it sounded silly. The first time I heard him say it was when he had a level in his hand. The viewing audience probably would have thought him crazy saying plumb at that time. Later he said plumb when they were using the plumb line. Wow who knew that he could say the correct thing when it wouldn't confused the viewers.

Oh by the way You say you do not want some one who cannot say the correct terms to work for you. Well I would not give you the job as you do not use the correct spelling of words, like there for their and here for hear. It was very hard reading a lot of the comments and answers because you and the other people couldn't spell correctly or use the correct version of the words and sandwich words together that do not 'belongtogether'.

Oh another thing, Mike brings in people for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC because he knows he isn't a expert in those fields. I like how he compliments everyone on how good a job they do. He also says he doesn't have to go back to a home if the first contractor or builder does it right the first time.

I really do not do a lot online, as I am old fashion, I like the library and hardware (you know books) not online where anyone can say something is true and it is not. Do Not believe everything you see online!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because it might not be. I can setup a website and make it look official and then rip off a lot of people.

Wow 12 months ago

You know, putting so much energy into something so silly is pretty pathetic. I googled this Holmes character to see if he had any books just to see the normal human reaction, OH, let's crticize this tard… The only thing I see is that this dude has helped a boat load of people and that is what really matters. As far as contractors, can you really blame people??? I mean, some of you guys are tards. I'm not defending anyone because overall, it's just a rat race, and you guys overall don't have to live in the house and apparently, this guy has done seomthing to rate his own show and I only see his work is nothing less than wow. Let's not forget that he hires local contractors too to accomplish the work. So in reality, he just gives direction, but does not actually do some, if not all, of the work. As for me, you guys did remind me that overall, you just can't trust anyone to do good work except yourself and if something's going to get messed up, it will be done free by me and not have to pay someone a down payment just to walk away when I realize the guys' work is a joke and I'll be buying that Home Depot bible that everyone I know loves.

Jim McClain 12 months ago

It continues to amaze me, after 18 years on the Internet and nearly 40 years in the floorcovering business, that so many people just don't pay attention. They don't read, do little or no research and believe everything they see on TV.

I do enjoy watching Holmes on Homes, but I also realize it's, first and foremost, entertainment and, second, under strict time constraints. We'll never get to see everything, least of all the boring parts. But those boring parts could tell a whole different story.

But even knowing all this, I still get pissed off that every time the show depicts carpet installation, the procedures don't seem quite up to par. I know there's a difference from California to Canada, but if Mike Holmes cares so much, why hasn't he made sure the paltry 15 seconds of installation sequence shows the use of a power stretcher or other industry standard installation methods?

I'm happy to replace my career in installation and sales since my disability with running a forum for flooring professionals, consumers and do-it-yourselfers to help people "get it right" when it comes to their floors.

Thanks for the great article, entertaining videos and some very interesting and insightful comments.

Jim McClain

anthony j 12 months ago

Kate – I totally agree with you, it is totally tall poppy syndrome.

It makes me laugh to hear these contractors cry foul over anothers success, but it sickens me to hear the same loosers bad mouthing someone who is for all accounts highlighting a huge problem that continues to break the hearts of everyday people. If Holmes is responsible for contractors loosing jobs then it was because they are lazy, didnt do their paper work, or are sub contracting while trying to take people for rides – and they deserve to be bunkrupted.

As to wheither Holmes is qualified. Rather than imply that he isnt and spread rumors, why dont you use a little invention called a telephone and find out – or would that involve a few too many brain cells.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Honest Charley 12 months ago

Holmes on Homes is very consistent. He is CONSISTENTLY causing me to switch channels to TLC every time he is on. He gets on my nerves. He comes across so pompously I just can't stand it anymore.

The music, his holier-than-thou comments, the dramatic music, … make me hate this show.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Spanner 12 months ago

ICE COLD HATERADE all day long.

Overengineering is just fine.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

I don't see hatred here. I don't see anyone making threats. Folks are just taking sides like we all do on this planet. People have the right to freedom of speech in North America.

That's what my Father and many other Men and Women fought for.

Go over to Iraq, Iran, North Korea, China, and many more if you need an education on what oppression and hate trade tastes like.

Yes I agree, overbuilding, over-engineering is just fine if you think it's necessary. I'm not sure what some of you are reading, but what I have said is that the code is sufficient to provide lasting results and safety. Most Tradesmen I know including me have been following code for 30 years and none of our work has collapsed.

I do overbuild at times but the customer has a right to know that it will cost more(material wise). Not that it is normal procedure! Usually if I recommend the extra support or beefed up structure, they listen. But most of the time it's because the homeowner wants to make additions in the future and it's much more cost-effective to do things now.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Debora 12 months ago

To Shawn, who made the statement that the people who appear on Mike's show and that got burned were either lazy, old, or cheap, you do not know what your are talking about. My husband and I right now are up to our butts in trying to repair damage to our home simply because the people who built it didn't care about the workmanship. They didn't pay attention to whether they were nailing down the floor and getting the nails in the 2×8's as they should. They only did the minumin to get by. Our walls are sinking because "code" didn't require supports under what is called non-load bearing walls. Ever wall in a house has some weight on it. All it would have took to prevent this problem, was to move the 2×8 a few inches. We, twelve years down the road, are now paying the price. We did our homework, we are not cheap, old, stupid, or lazy.

Holmes On Homes Comments - littlehelper 12 months ago

I apologize if anyone took my comments as threatening. That was not my intentions at all, but I do stand by my statement ,that everyone that gets burned isn't cheap, lazy, stupid or old. I don't feel people should be painted with a broad paint brush. I actually came across this site because I was looking for information on how to contact Holmes for some information on how to fix the wall sinking problem. I read all advice before choosing a solution. I know his show is TV and you can't believe everything you see or hear. Investigate and make sure it makes sense before acting on it. Again, I apologize if my comments were taken wrong, I am not a crazy, just frustrated with problems we are encountering because people will only do just what is required and not one step more, even when they know they would be producing a better product if they did make that extra step.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

No problem littlehelper, you're just frustrated.

Anything to do with excessive settling starts at the foundation. If that's is not the problem than load bearing beams and framing needs to be looked at. There are different ways of tackling the problem depending on accessibility to the foundation. But the foundation must be repaired or beefed up to carry the load. The floor would have to be supported while work was done.

It also depends if your home is slab on grade with thickened perimeter footings, grade beams(post and beam supported by concrete pads) or a full 8-10 inch wall set on footings.

It is your home and it does make a person crazy when you can't get a straight answer

Holmes On Homes Comments - TNP 12 months ago

I've been in the residential construction business for 20 years and I am a licensed contractor in the state of Arkansas. I enjoy watching HGTV including Holmes on Homes. Yes, the show puts out some bad information from time to time but most of us that know the trade also know whats being said. I personally try to do the very best work I can do for my customers, that said, my customers many times dictate what I can do for them with their budget. People need to realize that Mike Holmes has no budget and don't we all wish we could work that way! One thing I would like to see the people in charge of HGTV shows like Holmes on Homes do is to bring to the forefront in no uncertain terms the failure of the homeowner to "do it right" in the beginning when they are planning their projects. Number 1 is budget, do I have the money to get what I want done by a professional or am I going to stretch my budget by hiring unlicensed people (which many of them do). My biggest competitors are unlicensed people many of which do not even speak english who work for cash and do not pay taxes.

Holmes is showing some of those hacks results on his show but they really need to explain how it happens. Teach the public to hire licensed people!

Ask to see your contractors credentials, insurance papers and always get references and then call those references.

Most general contactors do not hold licenses in HVAC, electric and plumbing however they all know subs who do and if they have been in the business long enough have narrowed the field of sub down to the ones who do the job right.

This is the information that needs to be hammered home to homeowners.

Holmes On Homes Comments - new_home_owner 12 months ago

Sure, Mike is over the top sometimes.

He is *obviously* not an actor (for heaven's sake, have you seen him lift anything? No matter how hard you work out you're not gonna get muscles like that in a gym.)

He pulls other professionals in to do the HVAC, Electrical, plumbing, tile, landscaping. What he's telling homeowners is that NO ONE GUY can do everything, and that any general contractor should work in partnership with other other professionals. Gee…I think that's a pretty good message. He gets some terminology wrong…perhaps…but he's not teaching the viewer how to build.

The only complaint I have is that he DOES set up unrealistic expectations as to how far a general contractor (even a good one) CAN go on a budget.

Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

No matter how carefully bids are prepared, most homeowners know that a remodeling project could end up costing 8-12% more than estimated.

Unexpected problems and changes are common. Homeowners often upgrade plans and materials, figuring that "if we've gone this far..why don't we go for what we Really want" Spare yourself hassle and headache by anticipating budget overruns.

I have had jobs go the other way also. Some folks may want to take on part of the project later for certain reasons. Stuff happens and plans don't always work out..But that is no reason to get into disputes. Sure, the job could mess with a Contractors schedule. But it's to be expected in any industry.

Those are the chances you take being in business for yourself.

PS(yup..Mike has some pretty good pipes)

Holmes On Homes Comments - Cheryl Poole 12 months ago

Boy, you all have so much to say, but the reality is that the show makes normal everyday people think and stop and get the guts to stand up to unworthy contractors!! And we all know you unworthy contractors are out there!! I know a few my self!! Start a job, and cant seem to finish it and not only that, well need i go on, you all already have!!! It's just a TV show that shows us what could be right and wrong!! I say he is yes loud, and pushy, but if someone who has been run over by one of these so called upstanding contrators,(i mean lousy) they need a upstanding, loud, pushy man like Mike Holmes!!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - laura 12 months ago

I am a landscape contractor and I hate watching landscape shows. The do things wrong, put the wrong plants in the wrong locations. Basically give bad advise at least 50% of the time. After having said that I have to say I am weary of the whole situation. I bought my dream home 4 years ago. The builder actually owned the home for a few years before selling. Just after purchasing the home we had the garage converted into a bedroom. I contracted a highly reputable company for $20,400. He said it would take 3 weeks. It ended up taking 13. I had one issue after another with them. Not showing up, cutting phone lines, using gloss and semi gloss paint which left the walls all patchy, cieling fan wobbles, can lights blow bulbs every month. I have since found that the duct work was never run. The grates on the wall are only covering a whole in the drywall. I have attempted repeatedly to contact them to fix the issues. According to the BBB they have had numerous names since my job was done and now the owner can not be located. I have since done some work throughout the house myself and have found that wiring is questionable, other return vents are just a whole in the wall ie. not connected to anything. So the builder is just as bad as the contractor. My dream home has now become a big worry. I don't want to move because I don't know that the next house would be any better. You can't trust anyone. The bad contractors outway by far the good ones. I make sure my clients landscapes are done correctly and will last them for many years. I have not had a single complaint… and they have my personal sell phone number that has been the same for over 8 years. I would love for Holmes to come in and check you my home so maybe I would sleep a little better.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Vince 12 months ago

The issue that you are missing in this is that the contractors are supposed to be the professionals. If I have a renovation or a garage to be built I will take multiple bids on this project. The contractor should submit a bid that includes the materials and labor involved.

I was going to have a detached garage built on my property and submitted the plans to 4 different contractors and received drastic differences in the bids. The highest was nearly $100,000 (which is what my 1,400 sq. ft. house cost, including $30,000 for the lot). So for $69,000 I could have had another house added to my lot, but for a garage I would have to pay 100k? The cheapest bid was $20,000. I ended up not building the garage, but how should I dissect this kind of bid variance?

The contractor bidding $20,000 should have taken all materials into consideration down to the last nail the same as the $100,000 bidder. The only difference realistically is what they charge for the labor.

Mike shows us that there are a lot of bad contractors that will make a cheap bid to get the job and then cut corners to save money. Just because I chose to accept a cheaper bid does not mean I do not want all of the materials to be included. To me, it means that I want the builder to pay himself what the job is worth to him. If he thinks his time is worth $10 an hour charge that. If he thinks he is worth $100 an hour bid that amount. The amount spent for materials should be exactly the same for each bid.

I do agree that Mike's methods of deconstructing the place is difficult to watch. At the same time it shows the viewer where a contractor will cut corners. It seems like often they leave out insulation where the home owner would never notice. Just because I'm not educated on the building process does not mean I did not want the home insulated appropriately.

I also agree that his method of looking at the entire house can be a bit unfair to the contractor too. If I hire a crew to update my bathroom, I would not want them to find foundation issues to add to my bill. In a way this is like when you take your car to a shop to get the tires checked and then he tells you "you need new brakes really bad, you also have a crack in your axle and your alignment is out of whack. You end up paying a couple thousand dollars more than the tires that you budgeted for in the first place.

By the way, what is a fair bid for this garage design?

details.coolhouseplans (only pre-approved links are allowed-All others are deleted)

Holmes On Homes Comments - Kaya 12 months ago

I like the show. But most of the stuff that happens on the show is not everyday construction. For example when they build a shower the walls are all nice and plumb, everything is square. It never happens that way, at least most of the time its out of plumb or not square. Usually the tile guy would fix that but in their show they start plumb so it makes it easy on the tile guy. It just doesn't happen like that in real life. Somebody messes put some were along the way and screws the next trade. Its just the way it is.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

Very cool site Vince..

Holmes On Homes Comments - CAROLYN 12 months ago

Holmes has a big heart. He believes in building homes for people who have none, from New Orleans to the 132 countries around the world in which SOS Children’s Villages creates homes for orphaned children.

Mike Holmes sponsors an SOS child and an SOS Children’s Village.

Mike Holmes with kids at an SOS Children's VillageMike Holmes sponsors an SOS child and an SOS Children's VillageSOS Children’s Villages provides warm homes and loving, professionally trained local SOS mothers to children whose life prospects would otherwise be very grim.

The charity’s work is based on the principle that all children need a secure home and the attentive care of a mother and a community in order to flourish. SOS also runs schools, clinics, and social counseling centers.

Two Things That Mike Holmes and Brad Pitt Have In Common

After the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Holmes joined forces with Brad Pitt, who formed the Make It Right Foundation to help rebuild New Orleans’s Lower Ninth Ward. Holmes and his colleagues at the Holmes Group have donated their time to construct affordable, environmentally sustainable houses.

Brad Pitt appears at the end of the Holmes TV special to be shown on Saturday.

But Mike Holmes and Brad Pitt share another cause—the plight of children taken in by SOS Children’s Villages. Through the Jolie/Pitt Foundation, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have contributed funds toward SOS work in Sudan and its neighbor, Chad.

Children in places like Darfur, in western Sudan, have experienced horrific violence, deprivation, and emotional loss. SOS operates safe havens for children in Sudan and other war-torn countries.

A little bit goes a long way in places like Sudan. Follow the lead of Brad Pitt and Mike Holmes by supporting an SOS child today.

Holmes On Homes Comments - STEVE 12 months ago

I'm on the fence when it comes to Mike Holmes. He does do good work,well his crew does anyway. On how much he actually knows is a good question.I remember Joanie on Home Time quit because she got tired of running into people and being asked a question she had NO idea on how to answer.I wish they would tell us how much Mike's crew is charging these people after already been raked through coals.Unless Ads are picking up the bill.I'd be calling them to fix my house for free.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Frank 12 months ago

HOH is interesting. Would like some answer like what does he charge? How much does he pay the different tradesmen? What happens to the " bad " contactors? Does the home owner have to pay again? He poses a lot of Questions with no answers. I also agree that no one knows it all.

Holmes On Homes Comments - theunknownknows 12 months ago

First, I agree with the posters who wonder where the questionable contractors are, having their less-than-ideal work torn out and redone by Holmes. Second, if you go with the lowest bidder, you're a bit foolish, but the CONTRACTOR HAS AGREED to work at that price. If he/she didn't or couldn't do quality work at that number he/she should've walked. Third, can we ever know how many negative posts here are by contractors embarrassed by Mr. Holme's show? Shouldn't you be looking for a lawyer, or posting on your OWN site or blog? Scumbags.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Curtis Allmighty Renovations LLC 12 months ago

I've watched many home improvement shows just to see if there're any new techniques and or products. Its been my experience just trying to get someone to teach you the trade is a job in its self, people not wanting to teach or knowing what they're doing leaves one with many questions. I remember i was watching Amy Mathews doing a bathroom renovation and she just laid the cement backer board on the floor without any thinset under it, I know the board will loosen around the screws making it unsound. For over 20yrs of doing home improvements its refreshing to see some type show that at best gives the home owner some type of information on what to watch out for in Gc's or tradesmen/women. Also just because a person or company has its license and insurance doesn't mean they do good work, all it means is that they met all legal procedures it doesn't speak for their skills

Holmes On Homes Comments - gmoney 12 months ago

I just learned that in oregon that contractor licenses are giving by are given by company name and not the individual. This means a bad contractor makes up a business name and screws someone over, the goes in under a new company name and get a new license. I am doing more research into as I want to remodel the home my wife and I are buying. Sounds hokey to me to be honest.

Holmes On Homes Comments - gmoney 12 months ago

Holmes said on Ellen it depends on the case if the homeowner pays any money. In some situations where the homeowner has money they will split the costs. However in most cases the bad contractors have left them with almost nothing. In those cases HoH will get donations from companies and money from the studio to pay for it. I think this is fair considering some of the obviously rich people he has also helped out.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Michael Lee 12 months ago

I would say that I have been in the construction industry for more than 30 years,and I have seen allot of mistakes by contractor's and home owners, wanting certain things and not wanting to pay for them DONE THE RIGHT way.

As for HVAC that is my expertise and Mike seems to allow himself to say that THE min. Code standard is not met, allot of times, well it has to do with home owner and MONEY.

I bid jobs and take the time to measure , design and offer customers best options for there home. Here is where the MONEY aspect comes in.You can only do what the customer agrees to pay for.If you find un-seen items later, then a change/order can be presented to insure a quality job is done.

As for Holmes as general contractor I think he does a great job, but is he the Best contractor in America… NO He is not..Just an opinion.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jonny 5 12 months ago

My family have been in the construction/maintenance business for 5 generations and i will agree that mike holmes is unrealistic in some of the work he does, simply because of the fact that the show pays for most of the work done, which sets an unreal standard that people expect. however that doesn't make him a bad contractor or inferior in any way. but it also doesn't make him the best, and i don't believe he tries to be. However he is an amazingly generous individual, not only does he do this work for usually minimal compensation, but in instances he goes above and beyond, I read about one specific episode where the show actually refused to pay for the project because it involved completely demolishing the home (recommended by 2 seperate engineers) so mike actually paid for the majority of the project (minus donations and etc) from his own pocket. i'm not saying that makes him a saint or anything, however it may put things in perspective for some people who choose to bash the man specifically instead of just the show in general. As stated by others, he's only human and NO contractor knows everything about everything.. mistakes happen.

Holmes On Homes Comments - duckhouse 12 months ago

I've watch a number of episodes. I have some knowledge of construction and destruction. By and large Holmes does things right. Does he take liberty with $$ to tear it out to see what's behind the wall or under the floor. Sure. If your reputation is on the line are are you willing to guess?People cheat, cut corners all the time. This show is all about creating an awareness. Best advice is given most every episode. Does the contractor have a license? Where are the permits? Where are the references? And perhaps the most important what you do not see does matter – do it right, structure, insulation, water proofing, plumbing, electrical the first time.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Rob 12 months ago

Allot of people complain about Mike knocking other contractors work. Those guys are doing the same thing here. They are also probably the same type of guys that are doing the crappy work. Just because someone says they have been doing a trade for X amount of years doesn't mean anything. Remember that. They could be doing the same crap work for 20-30 years. Want to know who these guys are? Question them about what they are doing. A guy who does it right is up with current materials, techniques and codes. They will be happy to explain what they are doing and why they are doing it. They won't be afraid to tell you the cost of the job and explain why things cost that much. If you can't afford it don't scale back the quality scale back the job.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Bob 12 months ago

The one thing I see on the show is disregard for safety. A few things come to mind, standing on top of a six foot ladder to trim a skylight. Cutting granite without safety glasses. The worst was standing in a trench over his head without shoring to installed waterproofing on a basement wall. If OSHA were to catch this infraction Mike and the show prodicers would get fined back into the stone ages.

Holmes On Homes Comments - sparky 12 months ago

I think he is a joke everybody in the world makes mistakes

but the homeowners watch this crap and think all contractors are thieves if you had carte blanc on jobs

you would do it 100% correct im sorry i mean by code

Holmes On Homes Comments - Dalig_Ulv 12 months ago

Yah know, I've been in the trades, mainly plumbing, most of my adult life. And I have to admit that I really rather like Holmes…

Yes they make occaisional mistakes on the show. It happens. *lol* I got zapped for that particular OSHA violation {Being in a non shored ditch} myself back in the beginning of my career. Yes, Holmes is a bit flamboyant and over the top. But then, that isn't exactly a private club in the construction industry. Where I've noticed that most GOOD people tend to be a bit vehement about their opinions.

And he harps on the same points that I came up in the trade with…

To wit..

Do it right. If you do it right you only have to do it once. Guarantee your work. If you do it right then that's not a problem.

You have to talk to the customer. Don't talk down to the customer {Even if they have a PHD. and talk down to you}, they aren't knowledgable in what you are doing but they are paying the bill. Tell the customer what is going on and tell them the truth.

A part of the job is to show up on time {Or call with a damned good reason as to why not]. Listen to the homeowner. Diagnose the problem. Explain the problem to the homeowner, including the how, the why, and the how much. Fix the problem. Tell them if there is something that is going to make it happen again. And why. And how to avoid it. Talk to them about anything else that you found that might be a problem. But don't fix it unless they give the Ok.

Use GOOD MATERIALS.

Use GOOD PRACTICES.

Explain both to the customer.

Be courteous.

Be clean.

Be considerate of their property.

Following those simple rules I have built, more than once in different locations, large repeat customer groups.

A couple of other points.{If you're in the trades feel free to skip}

For folks that aren't in the trades… No, I don't think the Fed. Gov. needs to try and impose a universal licensing standard here in the U.S. Honestly, they just don't seem to do a very good job of it. It rapidly gets huge, unresponsive, awkward, and expensive. All of which, through no other choice, will get passed on to the consumer.

Then there is the problem that a lot of consumers see "Code" as some monolithic universal thing. The not so minor fact is that assorted codes are different in different places for an actual sensible reason. The U.S. has a HUGE range of climate and other conditions that call for assorted differences in code requirements {depending on the trade of course}.

However, I am a big believer in the concept of "Fight the ***holes". Your inspectors, licensing authority, etc. may in the U.S. be state, or county, or municipality. Find out which and find a way to hold their feet to the fire.

Report bad or unethical practices. Never ever throw up your hands and just accept getting screwed. Most of the real bozos are counting on you doing just that. And I, like most other honest tradesmen, would like to see them gone.

Though I will admit I used to make quite a bit of money following up on the "work" of one national plumbing chain and repairing their "repairs". Most of the time for less than they charged.

Nag your state representatives… Try and get rid of the "No license/permit for repairs under X dollars" setup that exists in too many places. Keep in mind that a lot of the shadetree "fixer-uppers" had to ask the hardware store clerk how to use the part he just bought {Seen it personally a few hundred times}.

Time to stop before this turns into a rant.

Sincerely:

R.

P.S. To the fellow poster, the social researcher. Yes, I have known quite a few folks in the trades that had some sort of record… Not a terrible stretch when you consider that we have about a quarter of the incarcerated population of the world at a given time. There was an interesting article on the recidivism rates ..Comparing the current ones to the ones in the old west. You should try and find it.

But more to the point…About the hourly rates charged. Make friends with a couple of your local tradesmen. Say, a plumber, and an electrician. Then ask them about their overhead. By the time you take into account the insurance, performance bonds, etc. etc., on top of materials..That's where your money is going. Most of it is mandated and non-optional expenses. But you wouldn't want to use someone who didn't have those things would you?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

Great comment and awesome information Dalig.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Kevin C 12 months ago

Big fan of the show and I have a little bit of knowledge built up after reno-ing some of my own homes. I agree with Holmes a lot of the time due to the fact that I can usually tell when a contractor has done work to any of my previous or current homes. They shortcut because they're trying to make a dollar and obviously have time constraints and other jobs to go to. Holmes, on the other hand, obviously has a much bigger budget and a pretty good crew so it has to be frustrating for a lot of contractors to watch. Is he cocky? Yeah, maybe, but I also think he is justified a lot of times because some of the crap work he finds is appalling. I just watched a recent 2 part episode and Mike was honestly ranting, he was so frustrated. I think he is more passionate than cocky and in this day and age that's a very rare thing and, unfortunately, lost on a lot of people that can't believe that anyone would care about some poor schlub that got screwed.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 12 months ago

I hear you Kevin. Something homeowners don't understand is that guys like us do hundreds of jobs, You only focus on yours.

I have seen it all as a Contractor for 30 years…you have seen only your remodel and maybe 1 or 2 complaints from some of your friends.

You see..I've been in the industry long enough to know that there are always 2 sides to the story. And from where I stand..it's usually the homeowner that has illusions of grandeur. Grant it..As a Professional..there is nothing more that I want to happen than have the homeowner understand the process, pitfulls, challenges and how I can help.

Contractors also get screwed by the savvy. You have no idea how many honest Contractors and builders get sucked in to garbage projects because the client looks so reputable and promises heaps of referrals and more work.

This controversy is a 2 Way Street.

Holmes On Homes Comments - bananaeater 11 months ago

There is one other HUGE problem that plagues the construction industry – especially in the remodeling arena. Limited barriers to entry. In most markets, you will find many, many tradesmen that decide to strike out on their own having absolutely no idea how to really run a business. They may be a great plumber, a great HVAC guy, a great painter etc, but they don't understand finance, accounting, or the true cost of running a business. As a result, they oftentimes bid projects way too low, not realizing that they can't be successful doing that in the long run. Ultimately, they will end up broke and back working for someone else again, and there will be someone else taking their place going out on their own. Every person that has worked in construction has seen this a million times. You won't find a tradesperson that works for someone else that hasn't at one time worked for himself or will in the future. In certain trades, especially those not requiring a licence, this can dramatically affect the "market price" of certain work, forcing skilled and well run businesses to lower their prices below the true value of what they are providing. This often makes the consumer believe that certain contractors or tradespeople are trying to "gouge" them with high prices. I'm all for the free market and the lowering of prices to the consumer through competition. But people need to understand that just because someone has been a plumber for 15 years doesn't mean that his lowball bid work will be just as good as the higher priced competitors. Often these jobs end up with the tradeperson realizing that they are losing money on the job and either walking away, or cutting corners. As an experienced and well seasoned general contractor, I am very, very leery of giving business to new up and comers that are the low bidders. I generally only hire people whose BUSINESS has been around for at least 5 years – not just the number of years the worker(s) is experienced. Just something else for consumers to keep in mind.

Holmes On Homes Comments - phil 11 months ago

I've been an electrician for 22 years and love the show. I wish he could come to my house in Long Island to fix what my builder has screwed up. They used the cheapest stuff in the world. 2 weeks after I moved in the lightbulb in my living room went out. It was installed about 23 feet high and was a small glass cone shaped fixture. What homeowner could replace that bulb? I borrowed a ladder and put a chandelier which hangs down 8 feet so now I can reach it to replace burned out bulbs. every light fixture was the same in my condo. I saw them for sale at Walmart for $4.00. Of course I replaced every one at a much higher cost. The two bedrooms in the front of my condo are cold all the time. They are over my 2 car garage. I have cut a hole in the garage ceiling and plan to stuff tons of insulation up there. That's not all. My rugs upstairs have turned black at the edge of the walls where the baseboard is. On my first levelof stairs the sheetrock is turning light shades of black. They put no insulation in the wall and it is an exterior wall. I have to open it up and insulate it. None of the floors are level either. These builders are crooks. Of course not all are but the ones that aren't charge big bucks. If only Mike Holmes could come to the states I would sign up right away.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Tim, New York 11 months ago

I watch HOH and find it to be a very good show, not necessarily because I know one way or another if Mike is correct in the work him and his team are doing, however it certainly looks good. I believe the show is appealing to the masses in a therapeutic way, because anyone that has been taken to the cleaners by a contractor, knows the stress that faulty renovation can put on a family. So there is Mike feeding our dream of a “Superman” savior who is righting the wrongs of all the ills we suffered at the hands of those contractors that are void of skills, morals and compassion. I am sure we all have more horror renovation/building stories than very positive ones.

All industries have slugs and the best of the best in any profession are usually hired by people of means, and that is understandably so. The majority of us will never see a Mike or a Norm, or a Tom Silva at our homes even with references checked, licenses verified, etc., so we suspend belief and watch HOH, live out for us what we wanted to have happen in our homes but in reality it never did.

Finally for those suggesting that more money would make it right, it is a very lame excuse to justify why some renovation work is not done correctly the first time. The only reason a job should cost more money is the cost of the material, not because it cost more money to do it right. Ironically though, top contractors or any top skilled person in any industry, need the poor ones, otherwise you couldn’t charge more for doing a better job if all were equal in skill.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Hooper 11 months ago

Funny thing about limits and codes. In America it is easy to find that most drivers think of the posted speed limit as the absolute slowest a car should drive. And, in America, contractors think of the minimum code as the absolute most that they are responsible for completing. Most general contractors that I have dealt with are just not Generals. They have no leadership skills. They do not command their subs (pun intended). They do not participate in morning meetings. They do not install products so as to maintain OEM warranties. This is particularly disturbing with such products as Kleer Lumber which holds a lifetime warranty if only installed as per OEM directions (which are quite clear by the way).

Holmes On Homes Comments - Chavak 11 months ago

Just a few comments from a homeowner who loves the show.

I've never had to hire a contractor, but when I do I can

help eliminate a lot of potential problems from what I

have learned on the show. I think the average viewer is

quite aware that most contractors are not bad and do not do the kind of shlockly work seen on the show. His job is to clean up after bad contractors, so of course the poor work is emphasized.

As far as codes and safety, the shows are filmed in Canada so perhaps there are differences between there and the US?

And there is a disclaimer on the show that some safety equipment has been removed during the filming. Being in the field, not wearing safety eye wear really grates me, and there is absolutely no excuse to not have safety glasses on.

I like Holmes and his show, and I think he does good work (even if overkill sometimes) and has a big heart.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

He does have a Big Heart and is a very hardworking Man. I agree Chavak. There are some differences for sure but for the most part those differences are not huge.

Holmes On Homes Comments - darkroommike 11 months ago

Couple of things from a "gifted amateur" DIY'er.

1. In the USA, building codes and licensing requirements vary a lot, here in my TRI-State corner, contractors are doing work under three different state codes and many counties and municipalities have their own codes. A GC has to adhere to whatever the most restrictive code is in a certain location. Sheesh. A unified code would be a great thing but may never happen. Additionally "the" code is updated from time to time and various government bodies then need to vote to adopt all or parts of the revised code. Mike often speaks about "the government", more power to our norther neighbors is they have one unified Federal building code.

2. OSHA has no jurisdiction in Canada so standing in a trench may not get you fined. Is is safe? Maybe, depends on soil conditions. The chap that does most of Mike's foundation repairs looks like he's been down the rabbit hole a million times. One of the few real old-timers on the show.

3. Nomenclature can vary between the US and Canada, additionally Canada is mostly metric. If a guy is using a level to check plumb I am OK with him saying the structure is level or on the level since there is a spirit level vial set into his stick to check plumb.

4. I see Mike's plumbers using ABS all the time in Canada for DWV, not allowed in my city, OK in my county or for repairs to existing systems. In my amateur opinion, ABS is a better DIY construction material than thin wall PVC vent pipe but has other issues from a code point of view.

5. And, again, treat building codes as only a minimum, there's no reason to feel bad overbuilding a floor or wall if you have the time/materials/budget; if you feel that down the road you will feel better about the project. Especially if you know someone will see your work someday. I'm only an amateur and do only small repairs but I always sign and date my fixes before I sew the "patient" back up. We wouldn't have the newer 2×6 wall with thicker batt insulation for higher R-value walls if some builder hadn't tried it out before it became part of the tricks of the trade. Extra perceived value makes one contractor stand out from the pack.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

Great comment Darkroom. Thanks

Holmes On Homes Comments - Paul 11 months ago

Check out our firm's blog entry regarding Mike Holmes and Bad Contractors, then read the following -

What's also important to understand is that a bad contractor won't be able to hide his mistakes. If he plans on starting another LLC, previous LLCs and their histories do not just disappear. There are nationwide checks that can be performed to look for criminal records, civil lawsuits, sanctions by regulatory agencies, and information in local news. Just checking references is never enough.

There are litigation opponents, neighbors, people in the business and many other groups that, when discreetly interviewed, can present a comprehensive picture of a person. Mike Holmes says to do it right and get experts on board. If you can't bring on Mike Holmes for your $100,000 plus renovation, you need an EXPERT to check out who you're about to assign your home to. For that kind of money, a couple thousand dollars to get a complete picture of who they are on the public record, as well as interviewing folks with firsthand experience, should be a no-brainer.

Our New York-based firm does this every day for law firms, corporations and private individuals. If there's a way we can help you or someone you know – call us to ask questions and find out more.

Holmes On Homes Comments - baggz 11 months ago

hey all…..

Yes one good thing that this hub brings is attention to the badly needed policing of our ripp-off construction practices in the housing industry. Thank you for that Johnny. Yeah there are many beefs and bouquets on the subject but least, as I said, we are talking about it.

thnx again Johnny well done lad.

baggz    http://igotalk.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Dalig_Ulv 11 months ago

Hello again:

I've been reading the assorted comments on this board with a great deal of interest. Thought I would chime back in.

Canada has it's OSHA … It's CanOSH… I understand it has a nice website.

For "Darkroom". Some of the codes are unified… You can in fact buy your own copy of the internation plumbing code.. Get the updates and the whole nine yards. However.. to the best of my knowledge it has not been adopted by everyone. There is however no monolithic "CODE" that governs everything. No "unified field theory of construction". Which, honestly, most of us see as a good thing. It helps prevent some of the worst excesses of blind regulatory stupidity…Though not all by any stretch of the imagination.

I.E. Try asking for a show of hands from contractors and tradesmen that post here, about the "inspectors" they have dealt with who are drawing a check for something they are just not qualified to do. Nothing like a clueless man with authority.

Also.. Proper technique and material are subject to regional demands. Always. Don't believe me? What is your frost line? What is your water table depth? Average rainfall? Etc…..

Plumb and level can both be check with a spirit level.. However drives me nuts when people use the terms interchangeably.. They aren't {really important when you're a plumber, and Mike does this sometimes. Such is life.}.

However, do you trust their level? I've pulled brand new ones of the shelf at both Home Despot and Slowes that were wrong.

I'm not sure what the Canadian attitude on the ABS/PVC debate is. Personally, with over 20 years of experience, I prefer ABS. For one thing, it is much quieter pipe than PVC. A real concern when the pipe drops run through the walls of the customers house. PVC is cheaper and seems to be more widely available these days.

Either has it's advantages and disadvantages. I've used both in three different states. I especially prefer ABS for anything underground. It has to do with the nature of the material and the glue and the joint they make. In those twnety years I've never seen even a halfway correct ABS joint come apart. I have seen this happen with PVC, especially in the cold. With that in mind. One thing I have noticed from the show, that would have gotten bounced in all three of those states, one outcontry federal project, and anywhere else that I am aware of at this time. One of the plumbers on the show was gluing ABS directly to PVC. Thats pretty high up on the bad idea scale in my experience. And against my codebook. But hey, it may be just fine in Canada {But I doubt it}.

Minimums… Ok I like Mike Holmes.. Building codes may or may not be minimums.. Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. Mechanical codes most times aren't. Too big can be as bad as too small… To far can be worse than too close. Wishful thinking does not outweigh physics… In spite of the U.S. governments occaisional efforts to the contrary.

The bottom line for a homeowner? Buy a book. Listen, if the book cost as much as your car, it would still be cheaper than dirt compared to the cost of even the simplest repair he does on the show.

Oh, and talk to your contractor… I'll talk to my customer as long as they want. Why not, it's part of what they are paying for.

Holmes On Homes Comments - ajbarnett 11 months ago

Wow- some hornets nest been stirred here. Great Hub, thanks for sharing it.

Holmes On Homes Comments - joyce 11 months ago

Whats wrong guys, jealous because somebody exposed your shoddy work. I had some work done by a so called carpenter, guess what; he used cheap materials. It was also passed by inspectors. Then the next year most of the material buckled. He was suppose to the best around the area. So if you people want to do the right things, you would do it right the first time. So stop crying over the you spilled yourself. So he makes mistakes, but I'm sure he also corrects them himself. And don't leave the customer holding the bag .

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

You are very welcome ajbarnett. I really wish more people would understand the comment section.

The more we talk about what is wrong or right about the industry and work ethics..the better informed we will all be.

If I started to explore other industries, jobs and business. I'm sure we'd find a lot more wrong everywhere and not just in the Remodel industry.

Famous old song which is so true.. "You can't please everyone..So you gotta please yourself"

A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

You've gone too far.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Wide Boy Awake 11 months ago

I think Mike H. is great for the business of contracting… Sure he makes mistakes, but who doesn't? What I like the most is that he educates the homeowner and he educates his protege's on how to become contractors… That can only be a good thing…

He also seems to know his limitations… He doesn't try to do plumbing or electrical, he calls in the experts…

He may be a little "full of himself", but he is good for the business overall…

Holmes On Homes Comments - worldtraveler 11 months ago

Hi, wanted to add my 2 cents worth about Mike Holmes. My wife and I are currently having a home built on property we recently purchased. By chance, I happened to catch one of the Holmes on Homes show on the cable network, and found it interesting. I am sure there are plenty who will write sour grapes concerning both sides of the building and coding issues, but for me, the show taught me to open my eyes, ask questions, research, and understand what my builder is doing during the building process. Am I worried about his "credibility"? No, but then again, I am not here to judge, just to learn. Hope others are getting educated like my wife and I have been!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

Anytime someone comes away learning something …that is a good thing. I'm glad it worked for you.

Holmes On Homes Comments - JenDobson27 11 months ago

I'm totally addicted to the Holmes on Homes show! Thanks for sharing this great information about article marketing.

Holmes On Homes Comments - RICH 11 months ago

IT'S ALL ABOUT MIKE AND HE THINK'S HE IS THE BEST AT ALL PHASES OF THE JOB. WELL I WAS A DRYWALL CONTRACTOR FOR 40 YEARS AND HE DOES NOT KNOW AS MUCH AS HE THINK'S HE DOES ABOUT TAPING. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A 1 ON 1 WITH HIM JUST ABOUT DRYWALL HIS EGO WOULD EXPLODE AND I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT. MY GUARANTEE WHEN IT CAME TO MY QUALITY OF WORK WAS IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE WAY IT CAME OUT THAN YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY ME. I NEVER GOT BEAT FOR MY MONEY. I NEVER TOOK ANY MONEY UP FRONT FOR MATERIALS EITHER. I THINK I HAD A GREAT REPUTATION AND I OWE IT ALL TO MY FATHER WHO WAS MY BOSS FOR MANY YEAR'S. HE WAS THE BEST. AT ONE TIME HE HAD 42 TAPER'S WORKING FROM 1949-1960 AND HE WAS CONSIDERED KING OF THE HILL. I LOVE WORKING FOR AND WITH MY DAD. HE WAS THE BEST. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN TOGETHER.

FOR THE BEST IN DRYWALL

R—- P——- AND SON'S

YONKER'S NY.

Holmes On Homes Comments - no flakes 11 months ago

i love the show very funny i wont hire any licensed flakes on my jobs most dont do the work themselves anyways they drop 8 mexicans off at my house run off to the nearest bar to tell all how great they are and take cedit for the job the helpers did// then not answer the phone when called so i called the board on the flake no help from them so few yrs later hes changed name and number i ll take my chances with creative unlicensed contractors the state may not like it but look what they do with our money anyways so stay away from me clipboaord contractors testtakers who sit in there trucks on cell phones with there helpers doing the work cut out the middle man and hire the helpers much more creative good testtakers dont make a quality contractor its a license to steel with the states blessing and financial gain. the state does nothing for people out of kindness of there hearts then sick these slobs on the public .creativety and proper placement of materials is mostly obtained by the unlicenced who dont have the time for the states games check fico scores if there credit is bad or filed bk in the past that tells there story if they dont pay there suppliers there not paying there help either the rob peter to pay paul applys

Holmes On Homes Comments - goodman 11 months ago

good points no flake could you be in the bankrupt state of california known as the rip off state lol your right a state license does not make a honist person theres good n bad in all people i do get tired of hearing all this crap about a licensed and unlicensed where the unlicensed are being blamed for pour workmanship what about do it yourself homeowners who try to save money or the jobs done so long ago they didnt have the right materials or know how it reminds me of bob vila who remodeled a house in malibu ca hired all his east coast guys the house fell apart in a year he lost seven million in the case. amazeing the amount of quality unlicensed contactors saving consumers alot of money without a sign on there trucks and not even advertising, word of mouth goes a long way while others have to beg and con to get work .

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

Just so you know "no flake" and "goodman" I can see the IP address for every comment and know if someone is having a conversation with themselves. I get your drift on things but do not want this sort of thing happening in these comments.

This sort of thing happens in all industries, not just the Construction trades. All we can do is educate ourselves in order to recognize the cheats. Thank You for your comments "no flake" and "goodman"

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jennifer 11 months ago

I absolutely love this show! I truly believe if it's done right the first time, then there shouldn't be a need to go back and fix it. All Mike Holmes does is correct the current situations and make them SO much better. Of course he should tear it down and start over. Mike doesn't know what someone else has done wrong. I'm the same way. If my name is going on a job, by golly, I'm starting from the very beginning. Even if it's someone else's work. He really takes into consideration the homeowner and goes above and beyond "up-to-code" work. He just makes it better! I've never heard him bash these so-called contractors by name or company. These people should know who they are. I would trust Mike Holmes with renovating my home than anyone here in my town.

Holmes On Homes Comments - ObitheOne 11 months ago

I would be very interested to see a step-by-step analysis of his shows by you. You have stated you have a lot of experience in the field which as a lay-person I admit I do not. However, I have seen no other negative discussions regarding Mike Holmes and I am wondering if maybe you were one of the contractors in Canada "not mentioned" on his show. This is not the only discussion I have seen from you on the web. This seems more like a crusade than anything. But feel free to prove a regular guy like me wrong. I have seen step-by-step critique of other shows like "House" for instance which do show some solid errors in the show from people who actually in the field. As far as I have seen on "Holmes on Homes", he finds errors and fixes them. Any person who believes that everything he says is 100% perfect needs to be slapped anyways. If you have a valid contract with a valid contractor with valid permits, then at least you have some sort of defense if something does go wrong. But that critique of his work you have mentioned here and in your Ezine article would be something I would be very interested in just to see if you're a valid critic or just a crackpot.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

Well..Obitheone..You might want to read the other comments, by other people. When someone goes public with a point of view, they will always hurt someone's feelings.

As you can see, I've written several articles and have varied interests. Approximately 100 people have opted in for my free guide to a safe remodel and "Everyone" is grateful for the information.

I am far too busy in the film industry and have just finished working on the Olympics..and I have to say…I have nothing to prove to you unless you want to pay for the experience..because I do not give freely of my 30 years of experience to just anyone. You being the anyone part.

So if you have a problem with reading articles on the net, and there are millions with varied topics and opinions, I suggest you get off the net and do not participate in the authors hard work of giving you FREE information, because everyone will owe you an explanation…or so you think.

Now go and start enjoying your life, because I am thoroughly enjoying every aspect of mine.

Did you understand any part of this article?

Holmes On Homes Comments - kasper 11 months ago

i dont know much but i do know the 450k i just spent building my house was worth every penny. cause i know it is done right a couple of years ago i could not have said that but watching MH has taught me to know what to do what to ask and how to go about it. i know that when my kids have my home and i am not around any more it will still be better than most. if there is anything i learned from MH its that if you do it right and ask the right questions you will be happy with the end result

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 11 months ago

Absolutely right Kasper. Homeowners need to educate themselves. The show HonH has revealed flaws in the Construction industry.

But the flaw lies with miscommunication, invalid expectations, little or no knowledge in the scope of work, and some homeowners inability to treat their home like the big investment it is.

Mike clearly states in one of "His" articles that even after all the episodes and education he has given…that homeowners still make the same knucklehead mistakes. Those are his words, not mine.

I am really glad things worked out for you and your children are well looked after. Any Man would be happy knowing that.

Holmes On Homes Comments - worntorn 10 months ago

Just watched an episode filmed in S. Cal where Mike is whining about the architect's plans being drawn all wrong. He really couldn't find any specific mistake, it seemed he just didn't know how to read the blueprint for a fairly complicated structure and that must be the architect's fault!

It seems he wanted the architect to draw elevations of each and every wall to be built, couldn't figure it out from plan view. Most home plans use paln view to convey the bulk of the info, if you know how the read plans this is all you need!

At one point he starts to wwhine and whimper that he has never, NEVER, seen this many windows. He manages to say this in such as way that it sounds like the Architect has made a critical error of some sort. Could it be that one can build with a few more windows in warm S. Cal than in frigid Ontario? Perhaps let in some natural light?

What a dough head!

I've built homes and done custom woodwork for 38 years(hands on Contractor + co owner of well equipped Millwork shop) and I can tell you that as a Carpenter/Builder, Mike Holmes makes a pretty good tile setter. That appears to be the one job he's reasonably competent at and comfortable with. That and the job of a labourer, tearing things apart with a wrecking bar and sledge, but looking great while doing so!

His main job though is just to bitch about anything and everything done by others.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Uncle Dave 2 10 months ago

Newbie here. Hope I do okay. Sorry if I'm not in the latest thread, but 9 months of comments is a lot to wade through.

I do my own stuff around the house. Especially these days, folks have to do what they can afford. Whenever I deal with plumbing or electrical, it is up to code. When it comes to non-structural things, I do my best. It's a "good enough" mentality. Don't get me wrong. Everything I do looks fine, it may just not be "right". I'm 57 and not concerned about resale value like most younger folks. I do the best I can with a 50 year old house built by hog-barn builders.

I've learned a lot from all the home improvement shows. Holmes come off a bit smug and self righteous but it's entertaining when he finds horrible screw-ups. And he's hit on a few things that will help me in the future.

I'm concerned about the money. On the house flipping shows, they routinely list costs for things that I know would be three or four times as much where I live. Just how much is Mike paying for all those top of the line stainless kitchen appliances? And the labor? I've seen shows that feature kitchen remodels that would run ten or fifteen grand in my area. That's a lot for a nine by twelve kitchen.

One more thing that I can't seem to find: I'd like to read some comments from the folks he's had on the show a year later. Is everything still good? No leaks, cracks, sagging cabinets, etc?

Sorry if this has already been covered.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Welcome Uncle Dave. No Sir..You are right on the money! I had the same beef when I started watching the show. HonH has brought attention to disasters in our industry, but TV has a different smell. It is all about ratings.

You sound like a hard working Man and you do what you need to do. I'll be 55 next month and I only know one way to do my work. The best I can given the circumstances.

You are welcome anytime to comment.

Holmes On Homes Comments - dissapointed 10 months ago

I am a HUGE HGTV Fan, But this is one Show I cannot Handle. When I hear Mike's voice on our TV, its all I can do to get to that Remote and Change the Channel!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Susie 10 months ago

This is for Honest ? Charlie and disappointed – Are you one of those Shoddy contractors Mike unveils on his shows? It seems like you are… For the people who don't like Mike Holmes they should allow their eyes to see a little bit farther and watch his shows to the end, see how many families Mike has helped and how many charities he continuously helps. On the other hand, for Kowality, if this is a free country and this is America how come some positive comments about Mike homes do not show up on these pages? Disappointed too…

Holmes On Homes Comments - TIM KRICH 10 months ago

WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO PAYS FOR ALL THE REPAIRS THAT HOLMES DOES ON THESE HOMES IF THE PEOPLE HAVE TO REFINACE THEIR HOME OR SOMEONE DONATES TIME AND MATERIALS

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Hi Susie. I'm not sure what article you are reading. There are many positive as well as negative comments. If you advising people to watch the entire show, then a suggest you take the time to read all the comments and see that they are split down the middle. It's easy to judge people, articles, and opinions if they don't agree with yours. These articles take time to write. Authors give freely of their research and time. I also give a free "Remodel Guide" that many have opted in to receive and the feedback is all positive. This guide has valuable tips and is years of experience bundled into a nice package. I don't know why anyone would not get it, but I guess people like Susie would rather complain about all this free information than use it.

Hi Tim. You might have to write the show in regards to this. Only the Producers and the Production Manager would really be able to answer this question. They are the ones that see that the contract between the homeowner and the show is carefully followed.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Chavak 10 months ago

Hi Tim, what I read was that if the homeowner has any funds left that were not paid to the original contractor, that money goes to Holmes to cover some costs. The expenses for Holmes and his crew come out of the show budget. Most of the other people donate their time and materials.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Thank you for clarifying that Chavak.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Uncle Dave 2 10 months ago

Kowality: I was impressed that you said you do the best you can given the circumstances. I have elitist contractor friends who would nit-pick everything I've done in my house to death. That's why they remain uninvited.

Yo, Susie: Here are some positive Holmes comments:

I've seen several episodes where he commended the contractor on certain aspects of a project.

He's on top of the latest innovations in construction.

I've learned a whole bunch more tricks and methods than I ever did watching This Old House or other shows. And he's a heckuva lot more entertaining.

The "tear it down" mentality seems to be waning a bit.

Let's keep in mind that this is a TV show. It's first and formost concerns are ratings, staying on the air and product placement. The rest is gravy.

Still, it seems a bit more realistic than the programs where they show what is certainly a $20,000 makeover for an 8 x 10 bathroom. Not to mention the shows where folks are looking at a 1.5 million dollar house and go from room to room discussing everything that has to go. Jeez.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

There are times a contractor and homeowner must make judgment calls depending on budget, time you'll spend in the home, the homeowners tastes and tolerances.

Susie must think everyone is a millionaire homeowner.

I appreciate your very logical and complete comments Uncle Dave. I put a lot of time into my "Free" guide for homeowners only because I've seen the crap out there personally.

I am by choice a finish carpenter Uncle Dave and can get really picky myself. But I understand that not everything can be "My way or the Highway". Most of my work has been in custom homes spanning 5 countries and currently Set Construction for feature films.

Most people think that this is just scenery but because of liability and extremely picky Art Directors, our work must be just as good as real life Construction.

It is very clear to me that you know what you are talking about. It is most definitely about ratings, staying on the air and product placement. The rest is gravy. Cheers Dave!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Uncle Dave 2 10 months ago

Kowality: Thanx for your comments. You seem to get it.

Back to Holmes: This is from an LA Times Forum:

Q: Who pays for the renovations on Holmes on Homes™?

A: Holmes on Homes™ offers discounts depending on the scope of the job, which are passed onto the homeowner. As HOH is a TV show, we have money to cover Mike's time and his crew, and we pass these savings onto the homeowner. Any other costs are paid for by the homeowner.

Realistically, most of the folks I've seen on HOH appear to be pretty well off (at least compared to me) so getting 5 grand worth of kitchen appliances for 4 grand is cool, but probably not a deal maker/breaker. We all know that labor is the big ticket so the network throwing that in is a BIG deal.

But here's one of the things I'm unsure about. When they show a kitchen or bathroom that needs fixin', did the original crappy contractor supply the fixtures & appliances? Were they crappy, too? They usually seem to get replaced during the redo. And with way more high-end stuff, too. Did they need to be?

One more thing: a general contractor is only as good as his subs. He can't see everything especialy after it's been buttoned up. So if you're going to dump a wad on a remodel, ask the GC for the names of the subs he's gonna use & check them out as well. Dig, dig, dig!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Oh Yeah Dave..Another great comment. Only the bean counters and the Producers know where the money comes from and where it goes. A good friend of mine is a Producer and that is straight from his mouth. Anything else is just speculation. But I'll tell you one thing..TV is about money..so if they can chisel it out of someone else's pocket they will.

Other than that..it is buyer beware like Unca Dave says. Get a list of the subs the GC uses and check them out also. It is your house and your biggest investment besides your kids, so treat it like it was one of your kids and check out who their friends are.

Holmes On Homes Comments - davesch43 10 months ago

I have been in the building and maintenance trades for almost 30 years. I have just recently began watching the show and am delighted to see someone go and get the job done right. Sure its tv doing what its supposed to do, but remember that a lot of people take for granted what a shady contractor will tell them and they get screwed. MIKE HELPS them understand what they got screwed on in the work done to their home. I applaud his fortitude in getting it right

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

The show definitely performs to the highest standards. What I really like about Mikes message is that he constantly tells the homeowners to educate themselves, or at least have a better understanding of the remodel and construction process.

That is what is important. A homeowner doesn't have to know everything. Just have an outline ready that you can follow. Take notes and document everything. Halt the work or call a meeting with your GC if you feel uncomfortable with something. If your Contractor is a true Professional, he will understand your fear and work through it with you.

Thank You for another great comment Davesch.

Holmes On Homes Comments - echo 10 months ago

I think the show gives lots of people a good idea of what they should be looking for and lets them know that the small project they want done is going to probably take alot more than they think it will. I don't think most don't want permits, I think most don't know that they need them or which ones they need. We just had a contactor come to do work for us and he was supposed to take care of all permits for us and I kept requesting to see them but they would not supply them. I have had to stop them from further work and had to go find out what permits etc they missed and have had to call in help for all the safety violations they have. I was lucky that pictures were being taken all throughout to prove what was done wrong.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Awesome comment Echo. The Main Building Permit must be posted in plain view on the front of the house before work commences.

This permit shows that plans have been checked, approved and the "go ahead" has been given by the county.

Good on you to stop work Echo. It is so important to take pictures and document everything that is said and done. This gives you evidence should a dispute arise.

HonH has really helped homeowners see the "Process" and understand why certain steps cannot be overlooked.

I offer a 16 step guide that is free. This outline will give homeowners a basic flow chart to follow as they proceed with their Remodel. So far the response has been great.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Karen Pettinelli 10 months ago

There are a lot of negatives here as well as kudos, but let's realize that DIY TV needs a little drama, otherwise the "how to's" get sanitized. Mike Holmes has taught to "do it right". Nothing is wrong with a little drama if you learn the difference between less that acceptable and properly done.

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Absolutely Karen. Awesome Comment. I include all comments unless they are down-right belligerent either way. Some negative comments have been so disrespectful that I will never publish them.

Holmes On Homes Comments - palmerjo 10 months ago

I've read every single post here and I see half are pretty good and the other half not so good. Anyway, I would like to add my 2 cents too. I've seen people inquire about how the work they do is paid for, well after a little investigating I came across this information. The costs to the homeowner can be anywhere between 10%-20% for the repairs, some of the contractors donate their time, materials and labor. The remainder of the work is funded by the TV production company (and indirectly through the Canadian Govt. through tax credits). In some cases Holmes personally contributes funds towards the repairs. He also has a charity organization called 'Holmes Foundation' which helps raise awareness of skilled trades. He is also known to donate items to other charities. Kinda like we have Habitat for Humanity.

Also, some people complain about how loud he is, I have no reasoning for that other than he may have to speak loud because of drills and saws and whatever tools are being used. My father was the same way, being in the construction business my father spoke very loud. And one more thing someone posted something to the affect that they don't see Holmes doing a lot of the work and just barking out orders, remember he is the overseer of a crew and must give direction to his crew, but I have seen him in several episodes work just as hard as his crew.

Well, I guess that is all I have to say for now.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Thank You for your comment Palmerjo. I talk loud too. The construction trades seem to wear on our hearing. As a GC, Holmes or anyone else who wears that hat can't have the tool-belt on all the time. Just like you said, he needs to see that the entire job is running smoothly and cater to the homeowners needs.

Of course we'll get our hands dirty and contribute to some of the work but the Subs usually want to do their own work.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Thomas 10 months ago

I really enjoy watching Holmes in action, I find him to be very sincere and honest in what he says. I have learned a lot from the information he's provided. and I enjoy watching the faces of the Home Owners when he shows his finished product.

They look like they have been through hell. and he has helped them to learn how to trust again.

I find his personality to be very out going and straight to the point, I like that in a person, it lets you know your not dealing with a bull sh##ter. And I appreciate his candor. To all, and I mean ALL of the negative crap that has been put out in this blog, I just say this, I trust Holmes before I would ever trust anyone one of you. LOL

Thanks :

I would really love to meet Mr Holmes and get to know how he came to be a General Contractor and what motivated him to take up the trade.

He is a true asset to the building trade.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johno777 10 months ago

I have been a builder plasterer/bricklayer/carpenter for the last 44 years(started at 14) now in Scotland and England. Learned things the proper way, and was taught by my father and his brothers who learned their trades when you had to serve 7 years before you could start moving around as a journeyman, so they taught me properly, no shortcuts and no bodging.

I like Mike Holmes, but one criticism….you don't have to rip the whole place down when you notice a wall 3mm out….or rip out a out a half decent extension when the door handle is wrong style (exaggeration)……you improvise……..that's why we spent so long learning these trades. I think Mike's show is excellent for making homeowners more self aware before they jump into spending fortunes, and I don't know the prices of building costs in Canada……but some of his jobs would have homeowners in UK turning grey when handed the costs of his renovations. Anyway……apart from that and realising it is after all a TV show…..it is interesting to watch and I'm sure most of the top builders commenting in here will continue to watch it and continue to moan and groan about the man…Good luck

PS….He's not a master builder….he's too young to be one…..but he has great advisors……

Thanks

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Thank You Johno. Any person that has spent as long as you learning from Masters deserves to be called a Master Tradesman.

HonH has gone beyond a TV show. They have charities, consistently give homeowners breaks and provide the public with a good resource for education.

Once, again, I welcome all comments unless they are disrespectful or downright mean.

There are views that fall on both sides of the fence. So what, that's part of being human and a big part of being able to speak our minds.

I like what HonH is doing with their new series. The education they offer could really help someone out.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jud the oldone 10 months ago

I love watching HOH! He makes everything look so easy amd believe me I know it is not. I have tiled my kitchen with two different sized tiles. Boy that was really hard. I spent three days preparing the floor (cement) then with the help of my husband put a chalk line down (I was attempting to do without I did not know it was needed LOL) and started laying out the tiles out before glueing down. I got the floor down and it looks pretty good but I have a few that have a hollow sound. My husband tells me they are tiles that did not get glued to the floor (with that stuff i had to put down). The grouting job was I thought easy, however I have areas on the floor that the grout is coming out?? My husband tells me that I let it get too dry or was not cleaned good when I grouted?? I suppose I will have to find a pillow for my knees to regrout that area. So if you have any suggestions please send them to me at ijkent@sbcglobal.net The old lady needs all the help I can get. The repair/how to do it your self left out a few things including the lack of clear directions on the grouting and pasting bag/container. LOL I have three more rooms to do and the cement floor is cracked and uneven. I do not want to redo anyting. I want to do like you said DO IT RIGHT. I tried. Thank you for your shows I love them. Keep up the great work. Your will always have someone that has opinions. Ususally it is the ones that have no clue and want to throw stones at those who do take the time to learn and do it right. Poor things. GET busy and do it right.

The old lady repair person. NOT LOL

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Sorry Jud. This is kowality and not Mike Holmes. You will have to replace the tiles with the hollow sound. Tiling should be done by a professional as should most things during the remodel process.

Mike would probably rip the whole floor up and start again as would I. Someone who knows what they are doing must look at what product you used to adhere the tiles, what the surface was and if you prepared it properly, moisture content of the floor and a few other things.

I would not attempt to do electrical, plumbing or hvac work but I have been a Carpenter for 30 years. I leave that up to the Professional. I suggest you get someone who knows what they are doing to fix what you have done or it will never be right.

I really have no idea what some of you are talking about. From a Professional point of view, there are some excellent comments both for and opposed to the show.

Not even Mike gets everything right. He is human. Those of you that think one man on TV is God of all remodel need to come down to reality. He is an educator and a businessman.

Mike clearly states in one of "His" articles that even after all the episodes and education he has given…that homeowners still make the same knucklehead mistakes. Those are his words, not mine.

Stop blaming everyone else for your mistakes and get the education you need to make an informed decision to see if you can do things on your own.

Only irrational people get into a fight without knowing how to fight, try to win their own legal case without a Lawyer, try to diagnose their own illness and treat it without consulting a Doctor.

Why do so many homeowners think they can build and remodel their home when someone trains for years to do the exact thing.

I am truly blown away by some of the things I read on these comments.

Holmes On Homes Comments - palmerjo 10 months ago

I follow your reasoning on not touching electrical, plumbing and Hvac. As for tiling yes it does take a lot of work and a lot of know how, but with the way things are economy wise a lot of people just can't afford to hire professionals so you get a lot of do-it yourself people, which is understandable. However before doing a DIY project the only thing I can suggest is to really educate yourself about the work you are planning to do and what it truly encompasses before, during and after the job. And then truly make the right decision, if you are comfortable with doing the work yourself so be it. However, if you have any doubts whatsoever I would suggest to have a professional come in at look at it. Educate, educate, educate yourself because a small job can soon turn into a big can of worms if you don't have the proper knowledge. As for myself I feel comfortable doing many things on my own, only because I have knowledge instilled in me from my father being in the construction field, I've been around it my whole life and have even worked with my father, so I do have some experience. Also, there are many resources for people to tap into such as; the internet, checking out your local stores whether it be Home Depot, Lowe's or someplace to that regard, that may offer classes to show you the proper way to do things. I wish luck to the DIY'ers, but just remember to educate yourself, don't just jump in because it will cause undue stress, if you don't know what your doing.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

Once again a Great comment from Palmerjo. I couldn't agree with you more.http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - sandyman 10 months ago

I've been waching HoH for a few months and admit he does appear to grandstand a little bit which I attribute to television directors (have you seen him work in private?), but I think everybody's comments about him not being knowledgable is garbage from a certain perspective. Now I may not be a GC, but he is and I know what I know. He is an organizer of work, not a worker, and while it is important for him to know somethings, by no means does he NEED to know everything! The most important thing he needs to know is how to find the right people and make sure they do their jobs. Take a step back and think about it, when was the last time you really saw him do any work, but the people he finds appear to do a lot of work and a lot of good work at that.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

That is for sure SandyMan. He does not need to know everything. I don't know everything, but the things I do know, I know thoroughly. Thank You for the comment. Thumbs up!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Uncle Dave 2 10 months ago

Yo, palmerjo: Great job tracing the money. Didn't know about the charities, foundations & tax credits. Also agree with your DIY comments. Even if you're totally clueless, there are thousands of web pages that will take you though a project step by step, nail by nail. Granted, technique means everything for some things, but not all. I've found instructions so detailed that you can truly "be like Mike".

I agree also to totally stay away from electrical & plumbing if you're not 100% comfortable. Either of these have house destroying capabilities. A crooked door jam won't burn your place down or flood it. Dang door just won't close right.

Johno777: I agree on the rip 'er out thing. If you can fix a minor thing that's there by improvising and the end result is acceptable to the homowner (and will save them a bunch of dough), get the idea approved and go for it. I do think that the show has lightened up on this attitude. I'm seeing more "This is okay, leave it" than "Take it all down".

sandyman: On the nose. I know several general contractors who have smooth hands and dress nicely. Mind you, they paid big time dues coming up. But now their job is to sell, oversee and close. They have people to heft the hammers. If I hired someone to to a project and it was completed to my satisfaction, within budget and on schedule, I wouldn't care if that person was schlepping drywall or not.

Kowality: The Jud thing was priceless. You seem to be getting a bit frazzled. I would ignore posts that have LOL every third sentence or are in all caps or all lower case with no punctuation.

Everyone: IT'S A TV SHOW! (sorry…didn't mean to shout). There are countless hours of stuff you ain't seeing. Good Mike, bad Mike. Good installs, screwed up installs. I'll bet there's 20 or 30 hours of recording for an hour show.

If you like it, watch it. If not, don't. As I've said before, I've actually learned a few things.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 10 months ago

As always Uncle Dave, Thanks for dropping in. Your comments are great.

Nah..What is there to get frazzled about. This is my article so I get a chance to interact with everyone. I tell it like it is..no excuses..no ignorance..just my gut feelings and 30 some odd years experience comes gushing out.

I am really proud that this article made it to the first page of Google for such an incredibly competitive keyword. It gets on the average 1000 views per day and I'm lovin' it.

Give this writing thing a shot and you'll find out what I mean. But pick someone that is as popular as Mike and watch the reaction when you post your opinion. It is a blast.

Anyways, I'm off tomorrow to start working on Cesar: Planet of the Apes. This should be a awesome flick next year. Have a great weekend fellow Homeowners!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Granny's House 10 months ago

Great hub Catchy title. It got me here. It is a helpful article with some good info. Like buyer beware. Good Job. Rate this up.

Holmes On Homes Comments - T Hawk 10 months ago

People should not have to be experts in order to not get screwed over, plain and simple. Homeowners hire and compensate contractors to provide expertise. I don't know what the solution is but I do know it is BS to pretend that the victims of seedy contractors are victims of their own thrift rather than victims of the contractors. If anyone wants to pretend that Holmes paints an unfair picture they are out to lunch. Have you seen some of the crap he finds on the show? He's not pompous he's incredulous that a human could do that to another human. This week on his show a couple's brand new home had snow coming in the roof vents and the builders response was: "not our problem, deal with it." Like as though it was not incumbent upon the builder to build a house with a roof that keeps now out of the attic! On another episode this woman's balcony collapsed almost killing her and two of her friends because some a-hole who had not clue decide he would build a balcony. So yeah, Mike Holmes is incredulous at the amount of shoddy crap going on out there. I am also not sure how anybody could claim that Holmes thinks he knows everything. I would wonder if anyone who makes this claim has actually seen the show. He uses sub-contractors for everything except studs and drywall. His emphasis is on hiring the right people and spending the money up front to do things right. What the heck could anyone have against that?

Holmes On Homes Comments - wasinnowout 9 months ago

I applaud the popularity of the show and the "eye" Mike Holmes has. I have spent some time as a General Contractor and I love doing remodel. I can say that there is a reason why homeowners hire the crews they hired the first place, they didn't want to pay the big money. Believe it or not, homeowners want everything done right, but cheap. I can't tell you how often the materials alone out-weighted the labor, the skill and experience and knowledge to accomplish different levels of jobs from start to finish. That is why you have un-licensed guys busy 6 days a week. Just check out the guys standing in front of your local Home Depot waiting to be hired! I think the show should also educate the viewers on what the jobs should normally cost. I think shows like this have a responsibility to enlighted homeowners of what they can expect as far as cost. I can also tell you hiring sub-contractors puts you at a greater risk as a General Contractor. You need to carry insurance to cover their work because if they really aren't licensed, it comes back to you. I have been burned twice. Not everyone can be a Mike Holmes. He means well and is very helpfull. He has done work in California, flew his entire crew and tools out to New Orleans, etc. I shake Mike's hand in doing an awesome job. I suppose all builders and alike should hire crews with actual experience. Besides, what about the inspectors on new construction? Every part of a build has to be signed off before the next phase. Now who is at fault? For a closing statement, if you are in the busines or a homeowner, do your research. Definately do your projects correctly and be aware of not only the codes but also the manufactures specifications. You can't remodel a bathroom over the weekend.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Beth from PA 9 months ago

I love Mike Holmes and feel that what he does for people is wonderful and I wish more people in the world were like him.

I agree with everyone saying that his version of "up to code" may be a little high but if "code" is just above crap, why shouldnt someone try to change it?? This is just my opinion and I do not mean to offend anyone.

Holmes On Homes Comments – jon trent 9 months ago

Mike has a high standard and anyone that would disagree with that standard, is most probably a hack contractor. There are plenty of those out there.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 9 months ago

You got that right Jon. HonH does show the highest of standards. In some cases it is not necessary to go to the extremes that the shoe does because of budget restrictions.

That doesn't mean doing a crap job either. No one in this industry does everything perfect. There is room for different approaches while improving a home. Sometimes ripping everything down to the ground is inefficient, costly and some of the time unnecessary.

But ultimately it comes down to money. I have no problem tearing down and starting all over. I do try to help a homeowner understand that there are other alternatives and it usually effects the budget, which is a major factor.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jennifer 9 months ago

I think Mike Holmes is a very knowledgeable contractor. I have had bad experiences with contractors that did not give me the lowest bid. Oftentimes, they were the most expensive. That being said, that doesn't mean he's the ONLY good contractor and that that's not his message. I don't think Mike Holmes has the attitude that he's the only one that knows anything. He brings in skilled tradesmen to do the work he can't, and acknowledges their talents. As far as "things being up to code", I would rather be adhering to a higher standard than a lower one. I don't know if he only films in Canada, but in the U.S., the code is different depending on what state you're in. He might say, "This isn't up to code" when it's possible he's just used to a higher standard in an area he's more familiar with. The show pays for all the renovating he does, so yeah, he's got a bigger budget to work with. Of course that is going to make a difference with how much he decides to rip out, but as the homeowner, what would you consider ideal?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 9 months ago

Great comment Jennifer. My Mother went to an eye doctor, got his opinion and followed it because there was nowhere else to turn. She lost the eye because of his incompetence, and that was not our analysis, that came from another eye specialist.

An eye is a frikkin eye. It is still the same eye in Canada and it is still the same eye on Mars. What most of you don't understand or unwilling to except is a house is still a house in all parts of this planet. Most of you that comment about code, clearly have no idea what you are talking about. The code book is populated by Engineers, Builders, Contractors and other trained people that have been in the industry for many years.

Yes, there are different climates and conditions. But if you have not participated in the building industry and have not gone through the actual education to become an accredited Tradesman, than you might want to be quiet.

How many times have you questioned your dentist, doctor or for that matter, the people that control your pension plan money. Most of you have lost your shirts. But you all find wisdom in condemning someone that "YOU" hired to work on one of the biggest investments of your life.

You even have the expertise to come and comment how corrupt and vile all Contractors are.

The HonH show gives good advice, but how many of you actually follow it. HonH..not Mike..are giving you what you want. Entertainment.

Homeowners will continue to make the same mistakes because of these shows. You will watch an episode and have the aha moment like you know everything.

After 30+ years in the Construction trade I am still learning things like someone who has watched an episode of HonH telling me how to do my job, when they can't even do their own.

Look..I have been screwed over by stock gurus, mechanics, dry-cleaners and a host of other so called professionals. But, I will not lower myself into blaming them for my ignorance and selfishness to get rich quick or save money by screwing someone out of their just pay.

Shyte happens. Over and over again. I like the message HonH delivers, but I do not like how stupid some of the viewers have become.

Here is my promise..HonH will not rescue all of you. You will have to stop looking for the cheap way out and do some research.

There are always the innocent that have been wronged, get over it, it is called life. Learn from your mistakes, and believe me, they were "Your" mistakes.

Holmes On Homes Comments - tonya 9 months ago

how do i contact mike holmes show to apply for help

Holmes On Homes Comments - uncledave2 9 months ago

wasinnowout: I think you hit an important nail; money. I can do it like this for this much or like this for half. Seems like a small thing. Sure, do it for half. Oops..turns out it wasn't such a small thing after all. I wonder how much of this we're not hearing about on HOH.

Just watched an episode where the contractor said that everything was inspected & passed. Mike said no way, ripped it all out & fixed it. He said he'd have everything he did inspected & I'm sure he did, but I would have liked it if they would have followed up a bit more. Having ten or fifteen violations is a pretty big deal. Obviously, the homeowners took the contractor at his word and didn't ask to see the paperwork. Oops again. So, what happened after Mike saved the day? Did they sue the contractor for the money they spent? Did they win?

Building codes vary GREATLY from area to area. Some are unbelievably strict, some non-existant. Is it right or wrong? Hell, who knows?

Hate to say it, but some inspectors probably aren't above turning a blind eye on certain things for a little sumpin' sumpin' in return. Or maybe they're just overwhelmed 'cause there's not enough of them. (If you're an inspector, I'm not talking about you.)

kowality: Hope all is well on your latest gig. You sound a little stressed again. Remember: lots of folks don't have a clue about construction so it's a bit unfair to chastise the masses. Trust me, I have to educate people every day. I know how frustrating it can be. You and Mike tell people to do research but now how to do it. Internet on how a specific thing should be done? Too vast. References? Did a great job on my neighbor's deck. But I'm doing a kitchen remodel. Apples & apples. Most folks just don't know how to do the checkin'.

Best thing you can do is follow the progress closely. If something doesn't look right, question it. If you're told it's fine and you don't agree, get another opinion. Be subtle about it and be nice. Until it's time not to be nice.

Now, one more time people: HOH is a frickin' TV show! Its sole purpose is to stay on the air and make money for the advertisers. There is SO much stuff we're not seeing that it boggles the mind.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 9 months ago

Thank You once again for the insightful comment Unc, but you gotta drop the stress thing. I explained that earlier. But you might want to check your stress level. I have had hundreds of clients and thousands of jobs, so I do know what goes on in the mind of homeowners, other so called Contractors, Real Estate Agents, Building and Home Inspectors.

Both Mike and I absolutely tell people where to get the education and information they need. I am not sure if you followed up on my free 16 point guide , but go and get it and feel free to comment.

I have been giving feedback through the 9 months that this Hub has been published and also Contracting and building sets for feature films. I also answer questions, so if anyone that thinks they can help, than do so.

Anyone can give feedback. But it better be good or I delete it. Fair or not to anyone else but this is my forum, I know what I am talking about and have enough years and clients to back that statement.

I will have to disagree with UncleDave2 folks. This show does give a lot of knowledge and has helped many people over the years. Yes..it is a TV show and you need to do your own due diligence. But to brush the show of as purely entertainment is not valid and should be disregarded.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Uncle dave2 9 months ago

kowality: Message received. Sorry.

I tried to get your 16 point guide but was asked to subscribe to something & declined.

I said before that I've actually learned some cool things from HOH and by no means am I brushing it aside as pure entertainment. The point to my previous comment was that for every minute of show you watch, there's a big ol' bunch of minutes or hours you ain't seeing. We only get to see what makes a good show. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Most of it probably has little to do with the point of the episode. But just once, on HOH or any remodeling show, I'd love to see the homeowner say "Well, that's okay, but it's really not what we had in mind". It's had to have happened somewhere, sometime.

I totally respect your right to disagree but in my opinion TV, all TV, is pretty much about the Benjamins. From sitcoms to saving the whales to the news to politics ad infinitum, somebody's making a buck.

I find it interesting that in your 8-6-09 article on ezine.com, "Holmes On Holmes-Expert Marketer", you applaude Mike's marketing skills but not his construction ability. You even ask forgiveness if you point out some mistakes he's made. Are these posted somewhere?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 9 months ago

Your comment is well received Unc. I really don't have time to get into it with anyone. I write as I see it at the time. I am presently building sets for Caesar:  Planet of the Apes and "Do Not" have time to engage in petty bantering…ever.

I have always answered questions and given of my experience freely. Period. Enjoy what you are given here for free. It takes time to write these articles. Very valuable time.

So I will have to just thank you for your comments from now on and stay out of everything else.

You and almost everyone else perceives everything they read differently.

Why don't you go and find the mistakes and I'll gladly report them. As you can see..I write about different topics because I am building an online presence. Yes..To Make Money.

This article brings me alot of traffic and many people have subscribed to the 16 point guide. Everyone that has responded is happy and found the info invaluable. It's your loss if you think I'm here to scam anyone. As I said. "It Is Free" I don't want anything from anyone and have not solicited anyone.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Dolfincatcher 8 months ago

here's my take or better known as 2 cents worth on HOH. great show, great topic, great venue, informative something not done before to this extent and provacative. I would love to have the names of the contractors that basically screw up the home owners steal their money, time, and expectations. rob them of their dreams AND possibly put them in danger. throw these money hungry bastards under the bus and go back and forth several times or until they get it right…when our president screws up everyone in the world knows about it why can't it apply the same to these dogs.. OK 3 cents worth..

Holmes On Homes Comments - Joe Home owner 8 months ago

I really have to say that sitting around bashing Mike Holmes a man that has made it possible to help the home owners, is one of the most stupid things I have read or heard of in a while. Maybe he is not perfect and maybe his code is higher than the actual code. I personally do not think this is a bad thing. But to call him a shabby contractor among other things and then complain about his fame and insinuate that he thinks he is better than all contractors and suggest that he has fallen to stardom is very unproductive and seems sort of childish jealousy. Instead, why don’t you great contracts that we are looking for get involved and help us. If that means you offer your time on Holmes on Homes so you can reveal yourself to us on one of the most watched media shows that home owners desperately watch for help and information. Than do it!! Not to mention it would be GREAT advertising and maybe free. We need you!! Most of us knows we will not get to be on Holmes on Homes so instead of complaining on what he is doing, do something about it. I have personally seen on a few episodes where contractors just showed up and offered their time. It makes home owners think that if Holmes allowed them to help him, they must be trustworthy and a good contractor and then we want to hire you.

I am sure some of you might be annoyed because you really do not need Mike Holmes to prove you are a good contractor, but we don’t know that. If the only thing that Mike Holmes has done is to get our attention and educate us than he has done a great service. It is very frightening to hire a contractor because it is one of the most costly things that can destroy our lives. Unfortunately one other thing the Holmes on Homes show has done is scare the crap out of us. Because we now seen what can go wrong and become dangerous and what might happen if we hire the wrong contactor. This is monumental!

SO PLEASE SHUT UP AND GET OUT THERE, WE NEED YOU!! ME INCLUDED!!

Annoyed Home owner!!

Holmes On Homes Comments – Donna Pena 8 months ago

Love the show! I believe Mike does try to educate homeowners on how to look for a great contractor. We have lived in our new home now for 2 years and now there is a problem with mold in the kitchen and unfortunately looking through our contract and closing papers we only had a 1 year warranty and that alone should have been a RED FLAG for us but it was dream of ours to have a home and not rent anymore. Now that we have a problem and no money we are where we are stuck. We are struggling to make the mortgage because last year my husband job cut hours and pay and I was laid off so now we our trying to catch-up and everything else is lacking and now this repair that we can't afford and to make things even more unbearable for all of us I was tested for allergies and I am allergic to everything under the sun and mold happens to be one of my allegeries but one day some how everything will come together for us. Mike Holmes if your ever in our neighborhood give us a call. Until then Mike continue EDUCATING people and have a Blessed Life.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Bryn 8 months ago

Saw Holmes on Homes for the first time today. Haven't had tv since 2007. Personal problems. Anyway followed to this hub trying to find out if he was in USA. Wondered if he worked on attached homes. Flooded three times. Some mold ripped out in 2007 but all back. flooded again recently. Anyway very interesting thread and info. Don't be do hard. He definitely sounds as if he's doing a good thing for people. Wish his help eD available to me so I understand others questioning. I learned a lot watching his shows and reading all your info.Ike keep up the good work and God Bless you.

Holmes On Homes Comments - WilliamRLBaker 8 months ago

I've yet to see him bash competent contractors, But he has a code, and that code is above the minimum, and the minimum really is one step above junk thats why its the minimum, the minimum you can do without it being completely wrong, Minimum code means that stuff is going to have to be fixed or replaced eventually, beyond the minimum code means its going to last a life time.

and he highlights often and all ways that the consumer is the problem here he hates the rip off artists and bad contractors but he recognizes the consumer is the one hiring them.

So I'm not seeing any bad things about Mike Holmes, and I've rarely seen competent Contractors go to the lengths he does in these repairs.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 8 months ago

Thank You for your comment William, but I have to step in here because folks must know who is involved in writing the code.

Accredited Engineers, General Contractors, Professional Tradesmen and Women, Building Inspectors and a huge host of other highly trained and experienced people amend and help write the code as building practices, procedures, materials and County specifications change.

My guess is that most of these people have reputations and their own homes at stake.

I have been following code and adjusting certain code specifications now for 30 plus years.

If I feel that a foundation, framing or other needs warrant more attention than the code specifies, I will certainly address that situation seriously.

Those of you that think the code is just a cut above junk are grossly misinformed.

Codes are there as a benchmark to insure safety and proper building techniques. The people that pretend to be responsible Contractors, and are not, can deceive homeowners to a certain point.

This is where County Building Inspectors come into the picture. Do not confuse Home Inspectors with Building Inspectors.

There are loopholes in every industry including, taxation, Justice, Immigration and all the Medical fields. I am not making excuses but S!*^$ does happen in all these areas and more damage is done in these areas than any other.

We take many things for granted. Especially the awesome gift of life and nature. People will quickly adjust responsibility and project their misjudgment elsewhere.

I have been referred to Doctors, Auto Mechanics, Lawyers, Local Politicians and Tax Accountants with outstanding credentials only to be disappointed. This is where I had to just shrug my shoulders and try my best to find someone that would help.

When it comes to your home, I would hope that you do all the things necessary to ensure a good fit happens when choosing a Contractor, Contract, Financial Institution and Material provider. All anyone can do is prepare, learn and choose. Sometimes things go wrong but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Please forgive me for being somewhat philosophical but sometimes Kharma steps into the picture and presents a lesson that we seemed to have missed. I am no Saint, but I give 100% when on the job and sometimes I miss things and end up hurting people. All I can do is apologize and try to make good on the error. Which is what I do.

The problem is not "The Code". It is solid. The problem is how people interpret the code by choosing what is sufficient according to budget and time for that specific project.

Remember that HonH is a TV show that needs to keep Producers happy by getting great ratings. I agree that the show has exposed shabby work and unfortunate situations for some homeowners. HonH now has a magazine and a host of other products. Feel free to purchase these items if you feel comfortable. There is nothing wrong with accumulating knowledge about your home and remodeling procedures. I have looked over most of the products and they are very good.

But do not stop there. Talk to people in the building industry. Maybe buy some tools and do minor repairs around your home. That never hurts. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Girl Reno 8 months ago

It would be good if people would educate themselves half as much about the construction of there holmes as they do about there cars or clothing labels. Before starting renovationg we spent many years learning about what was right, wrong, code or just better. Yes code is just minimum and can be done better by most times. Also we should not depend on inspectors. After all they are government employees and at what point did we totally believe them and take there word as the best and only. Remember homes inspectors are also licenced by the government and looking into what they are or are not allowed to say in there reports is a subject never brought up on the show. If you are a house inspector there are many restuictions as to what you can or can not do. For example you can not move things in the house that you are inspecting. If the home owner has furniture blocking 90% of the walls you can not move it. How is an inspector supposd to tell you there is a problem if he can not see it. Not to mention the lack of knowledge the average home owner has when it comes to looking at a house. If you tell someone that the roof will need reparing in 5 years they think they will not buy the house. On the other hand a roof needs to be relaced every say 10 to 20 years depending on the quality of the shingles. Ok if you use metal or clay tile it is different but you get what I mean. I also get really annoyed with all the high end materials they use. The stuff that the average person can not or does not need to buy. The sponsers push these things to much. As a women who can renovate I don't watch the show much mostly because of the editing. Listening to bitch after bitch gets annoying. He probably in person is not that annoying but the editing both makes it seem that way.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 8 months ago

Great comment Girl Reno. Thank You for visiting this Hub.

http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - albey 7 months ago

mike holmes is a fake

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 months ago

Well albey. Can you get more specific on this statement? Do you know something we don't?

Holmes On Homes Comments - EDUCATEE 7 months ago

WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS, WHY SOME OF THE HOLMES SHOWS HAVE BEEN CUT TO 30 MINUTES.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 months ago

You would have to ask the Producers that question, but in my experience it is because viewer-ship is declining. Or they are planning another strategy. http://ContractorEdmonton.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - PassingBy 7 months ago

The first two seasons of Holmes on Homes were only half hour shows and then they expanded to one hour shows starting in season 3.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 months ago

Thank You for Passing By    http://ContractorCalgary.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Tom mason 7 months ago

I have asked myself this question a number of times – "

What happens to the companies who do the bad work?"a I have yet to hear of anyone losing a license or getting fined or having to pay the homneowner or anthing. Too bad.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 months ago

Thank You for the comment. I have asked myself this question many times and have actually spoken with people associated with the show. Nobody wants to answer this question.

I doubt very much that the "bad Contractors" are real companies. My opinion from viewing the problems, is that, the work in question is done by Joe handyman down the street.

Some of the things I see on the show are so out there that it is extremely hard to believe that a "Real Contractor" would do this type of work.

Don't believe everything you see on TV. I will say that the message of "buyer beware" is stamped on everything we do, purchase or invest in. It doesn't just apply to the Remodel industry. It applies to everything in our lives including getting married. The marriage horror stories far out way all others.  http://ContractorCalgary.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Hajnal Csorba 7 months ago

Can you please let me know how to go about offering my home to be one of Mike Holmes project for television. I have a half done project and I now have drawings and a building permit to finish the job that has been not done according to codes. I would like all the mistakes fixed and have the project completed.

Hajnal Csorba

hcsorba@hotmail.com

tel             416 850 4449

Holmes On Homes Comments - Rick DeVries 6 months ago

Yes, we all make mistakes. Having worked for some contractors in the past that are jerks. I appreciate Mike Holmes work ethics. He knows a lots but I think he is smart enough to know that there are others in special fields that know more them him and he seeks their knowledge to help him and I believe he follows my #1 rule. don't follow the belief that there is never enough time to do it right the first time but plenty of time to redo it.

Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Great comment Rick.    http://ContractorsBayArea.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - teresa bryant 6 months ago

you are the best iam sure you have heardthis bfore i just dreamof you soving a problem for me does this ever happen for a nobody like me or hare these people so lucky

we have a leaky garage aftedr three contracters worked on then wegave up and brought anew door and stiileaks help usif you really care &i believe you do teresa&robert@yshoo.comwewill be so greatfull believers againwe need mike to do it right

Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Holmes On Homes Comments - Well, hopefully Mike will read your comment.   http://ContractorFresno.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - mefarmer 6 months ago

It is true many contractors do not do things right. I do most of my repair myself. I have completely rewired my home, drywalled all of the rooms, replumbed every thing, replaced all of the windows, installed the furnace and air, removed the slate roof that was over 50 years old resheeted the hit and miss sheetng and re roofed it, replaced the drain field for the septic system, and the last project completely remodeled the kitchen. Including drywall, cabinets, sofits, plumbing, gas lines, and flooring. I try to do every thing right and tend to over build every thing a 250 pound man can do pullups on the sofit framing. While completeing the last project I found that the can lights that I had purchased required 80 degree c wire 2 feet from the can to be safe from the heat generated. I was having a hard time finding wire with a high enough rateing at my local home improvement center. While discussing it with the electrical manager a local contracter from my area kept interrupting by insisting that he just uses nm cable to wire it directly and hasn't had any problems. After several interruption and some agrivation I asked were he was working now? He asked why. I told him I like to make sure that the inspector took a good look at his instalation process. Big mistake, thought there was going to be a physical confirintation. I may learn to keep my mouth shut. It is important to read the instructions and follow all of them when doing your own work they are there to inform and protect you. PS remove your level from the sofit fram before you drywall it or you will need a new one.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Great comment Mefarmer. There is a powerful statement, "If you want something done right..do it yourself."  Of course you really need to "know the job!"    http://ContractorOttawa.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Reno Girl 6 months ago

It is sad to say that most people spend more time picking out and learning about there car than they do there house. The single most expensive purchase for most people in ther lives. If there are not educated that is when they take for granted that the real estate agent and home inspector are telling them the truth. The truth is all relative to the perspective of the person. What looked ok for the home owner may not look ok for Mike Holmes or your future. People educate youself even just a little before you buy. It saves a whole lot of heart ache later. Also Mike would not be so busy. There are lots of good contractors out there.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Well said RenoGirl. Most folks spend little time learning about one of the most expensive investments they will ever make.  http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Karen 6 months ago

I absolutely hate this guy, you hire him to clean hair out of your bathroom trap and it ends up costing sixty thousand 'cause according to him the whole rooms needs to be completely demolished… what a self obsessed jerk.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Nate 6 months ago

What is the deal with Mike Holmes? I have watched a ton of his shows and I don't get why he uses laminate contertops. If it was the cost factor why does he go all out everywere on most supplies but throws a really crappy counter in the mix. I would go with this option if we was trying to do everything in a very very short time, but he doesn't set the time frames for his projectd to beat a challange. Based on other shows including Extreme Home Makeover, There is no reason for this crappy choice. If a show can takedown a house, rebuild, prep, install everything, and move in plus putting up with designers, then what is his excuse?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Thank You for the comment Karen. HonH has opened the industry to controversy and loads of questions. I have noticed that maybe some of the writers and consulting staff need to be better educated in Construction.

For the most part, the show has raised some eye brows.   http://ContractorCalgary.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Thank You for the comment Nate. I doubt very much that this show or any other can please everyone that watches an episode.

Don't forget that an episode must be completed in 7 days, so they have to rush many aspects and say "ah that's good enough, most folks won't notice anyways".

TV is totally for entertainment and all shows must get positive ratings or they go away…no questions asked.   http://ContractorEdmonton.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Neb 6 months ago

so after reading this article and most of these comments related to it i have been able to realize how ignorant and self centered people are and where they have to bash someone who is doing a great cause for people who normally would be stuck in this situation and have to pay from their pocket all over again.

1. People who are complaining about the fact that he tears everything down so as to start again should stop and think. Now all the time in all the seasons does he tear it all down. The only reason he does this is by the time he is done looking for what is done wrong and sees too many things to just patch it over with he realizes its better to wipe it clean and start fresh with each step done carefully and precise.

2. For the ones complaining about the price that it would cost to have the things he did for them need to realize that because these people got suckered by the past so called contractors he steps up and does it over again. Now when he brings in the sub-contractors if u pay attention he often on other shows mentions that the people offer their time and money and products as a donation to these people. Also the products he uses are step above the norm in this industry to protect people for the long run not short term. If u had a project done would u not want to have products that u wouldnt have to worry about. Like the bluwood product. This is a product that has been tested and prove that it works. Look it up on youtube as it even shows that its fire resistance which no norm pressure treated would could do as good.

3. If you are someone complaining and picking apart his methods of taking on these big tasks than shut up and stop watching it if u dont like it. Its not made to please everyone. This is a man who tours around and gets together with other contractors to keep himself updated with current methods.

Overall people grow up whether your young or old. This is a show to help homeowners become more aware of whats going on to inform them of what they can do to protect themselves. Take it asa blessing that he is helping these people out there cause noone steeped up to this task that is so big

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Thank You for your comment Neb. There are many different ways to accomplish any task. Some will cost more, save more, be downright insufficient or wrong.

Your last point that this is a show to help homeowners become more aware of the home improvement process and to inform them of what they can do to protect themselves is also true.

But we must educate ourselves in order to understand that not everything we see or here's Gospel. It is up to us to perform due diligence.

Of course…a person cannot know everything and must rely on those that specialize in certain fields.

It is also our God given right to express any opinions we have or submit comments just like you have.    http://ContractorHonolulu.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - neb 6 months ago

kowality thanks for that last comment and yes it is our go given right but i really just think that people should really think about what they are saying about this man. Like why do we need to bash someone who is doing something extraordinary just be happy about what he does and how he does it. If u look at the people who are bashing him when they are stuck in this situation who are they going to ask for a professional and do it better than most people ever would. Than who will be complaining. Not trying to be rude even though i know i sound it but society is just going out of whack.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Hi Neb. I couldn't agree with you more. HonH has effectively stirred the Remodeling pot. I have always said that there are 2 sides to any story and everyone learns something from that experience.

All we can do is surround ourselves with good people. It has to be a very good give and take relationship for me.

When you meet someone and like them..ask them what they do. We all like that. I have all the aspects covered. If someone I know doesn't know someone that can solve a problem…than someone they know surely will.

Wow..what a long sentence!!

Anyways..I appreciate all comments.   http://ContractorFresno.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - HotRodRamMan 6 months ago

Yep, someone always got to rain on someone else's parade…

you can not disagree that Mike Holmes has stirred up a lot of questionable building and contracting practices in the past 10 years… why beat him up over this? I would fire the contractor(s) that when doing any work on my home/dwelling and NOT get a permit… matter of fact my city (in Michigan) would make me start over and get a permit if they noticed it was done with a permit. Everyone should be more smart because of Mike Holmes and not bashing him for it… enough said!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 months ago

Thank You for your comment. Permits are good. I also think everyone involved with HonH has done very well for themselves and really isn't concerned to much what other folks think.

They just keep on keeping on.    http://ContractorsBayArea.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - bibi 5 months ago

Hi all,

I have been reading what everyone has been saying here about Mike Holmes. In my opinion, it just seems a lot of jealous people are on here and feel the need to talk trash about him. Remember one thing the codes in Canada are a little different then the US. I have seen so many contractors rip people off and doing shady jobs and charging them more than they should. They cut corners and tell you they are doing a good job which is BS.

Just so you all know the televison series pay for some of the costs, as well as the contractors there and mike holmes himself. Everyone here seems to trash him and question his work. What about the Extreme Home Edition show, is it not the same when they go help people out!!!!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 5 months ago

Hi bibi. I am not sure why you and others are getting so emotionally attached to opinions. I have a hard time publishing frivolous comments such as this.

Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion..and I have also given you the chance to do this. I have no idea how you can judge if someone is jealous, angry or just has alot of time on their hands.

This is a TV show…stop defending someone you do not know and pretending to know where Production spends its money. You have no idea where the money goes. I've been in TV and Feature films for 23 years and these transactions are closely guarded. Unless you are part of production and it does not seem to be the case…try to just relax and understand that this is just an article for folks to vent.    http://ContractorScottsdale.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Regina Doane 5 months ago

Does Mike Holmes only work on houses in Canada? My parents are finding that they are having structure and foundation issues in their house (in Arkansas) to the point of being in potential danger of their roof caving in due to shoddy work by a contractor. My father is a Vietnam vet who is fighting luekemia and this has caused severe depression in my mother and I am very worried about her. This is a serious safety issue and I would like to get some help for them before something awful happens. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 5 months ago

Hi Regina, Sorry to hear your folks are having these problems. At this point I think Mike is busy promoting his new series on home inspections.    http://ContractorCalgary.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Regina D 5 months ago

Thank you for responding; do you know of anyone else who does this kind of thing?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 5 months ago

Hi Regina – I just did a quick check online for you and found the licensing board name, address and phone for that area. I have no personal knowledge of anyone in that particular area, but I am sure that this agency can guide you. I really hope you get a resolution! My Best to you and your family

Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

4100 Richards Road

N. Little Rock, AR 72117

(501) 372-4661

http://www.airpowertools.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - liah 5 months ago

Mike Holmes wants things done a certian way as does EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD. I have read on sites that this man is a scam artist , says all contractors are bad, i have NEVER heard him saying that, he complains about the idiot contractors that rip people off. You shouldn't hate Mike Holmes, He is out there helping people, and he is a great contractor, and he is a great man. But no one is perfect, so get over it. he doesn't have to film every part of his renos like other people. Extreme make over home edition doesn't. you don't have to, almost everyones been apart of a home reno big or small and they know theres hassels and issues. "make it right the first time" the most simple thing, yet people don't, then people are out money, those contractors are scum. Mike Holmes is awesome.

Holmes On Homes Comments - geoffrey s miller 5 months ago

Hi kowality

I though you might like this website thepullout.com It is a mobil tool workshop on wheels that goes onto any pickup truck and much, much more!!

any ? please get back to me.

Have a great day.

Thank You,Geoffrey S Miller

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 5 months ago

Hi Liah . Thank You for your comment.    http://ContractorsMontreal.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 5 months ago

Thank You Geoffrey. I'll take a look at your site and get back to you. It looks interesting.

http://ContractorOttawa.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - linda 5 months ago

disapointed in Mike and Scott with all american handyman…I know I could take a foodnetwork comp hands down…but like food,.. craftmanship should not be rushed..any craftsman that will compromise quality over schedule is not who I will hire !!! Shame on Holmes and Scott McG !!! Highly disappointed dudes !! You are compromising qaulity for $$$$ get back to your roots !…I watch extreme home makeover and I tellin you…I don't ant a house built in 3 days by 600 people…Oh NOO ..

Holmes On Homes Comments - hmrlane 5 months ago

there's a saying, 'those who can't do, teach' , here it seems to be 'those who can't do, complain' it's a tv show, people! the main purpose is to try to educate the average homeowner to acheive the results they want without getting ripped off. as a drywall contractor for 20+ yrs, i couldnt tell you the amount of times i'm asked to patch up or go over bad work. the extra work for me to 'cover up' bad work compared to tearing down & starting new is not worth it for me or the home owner, & the end result is a better quality job in the end. yes there're times when a patch is all thats needed. HonH is tv, and usually goes way beyond what is needed for a repair, but thats tv, & part of the education, on how to do it right, just my opinion

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 4 months ago

Great comment hmrlane. Thank You

http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Frankie 4 months ago

I need help with building my deck and stairs into my home so I am asking for real advice as I am 65 and trying to do all the work myself..right now I have too many peoplle telling me what I should be doing and how,, I was in hopes of getting the right advice from Mike Hoolmes

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 4 months ago

Hi Frankie. I really am sorry that everyone thinks that Hon H is the only reputable source for truthful information.

That is how powerful TV is and how people can be led to believe anything.

There are many resources that will show you the proper techniques for building stairs,decks or whatever else.

Let me ask you a sensible question. If you had to defend yourself in court for an assault, prepare your taxes for an audit, perform a root canal on one of your teeth, diagnose a pain in your chest, rebuild your engine, reformat your hard drive, or solder 2 copper pipes together while under pressure….would you go watch a TV show episode or get the star of that show on the telephone to give you step by step solutions.

No.. you or any sensible person would not. You would seek the advice and knowledge of a professional. Mike is definitely not the only professional builder in the world. There are hundreds of thousands of very capable builders and re-modelers worldwide.

I am amazed at how many people think that just because professional builders and remodelers make a job look easy, that anyone is capable of doing the same. My Dentist gave me a filling and it took 2 minutes. Do you think just because it only took 2 minutes and he charged me 140.00 that I am pissed off and will do all the rest of my fillings from now on. Of course not. that would be just plain stupid of me.

Carpentry is not easy. I went through a 4 year apprenticeship and many years of experience to get to the point of making my job look very easy.

If you are adamant on doing it yourself and think only Mike is your Savior, then I suggest going back up to the top of the page and buying some of his books and other materials to get you through the job. Good luck

PS. Stay close to my websites because I will soon be coming out with videos on how to do certain things properly. The first will be a request to show everyone hoe to hang a Door. But be prepared for most of you to screw things up even though I will show you step by step. I have hung thousands of doors in my 32 year career and still find that one certain door that is either faulty and there is nothing you can do but diagnose the problem and fix it.

http://ContractorAustin.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Roslyn 4 months ago

I am a former teacher who enjoys watching Holmes on Holmes every weekend. I have learned a lot from this program and though I am not a professional, as far as I am concerned anyone who bad mouths Mike Holmes is just plain jealous. This man has done so much for his community as well for people in New Orleans and many many other people in need. Whether or not this is just a tv program or not, what are you doing to help your fellow man besides trying to bring down someone who is trying to help his?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 4 months ago

Thank You for your comment Roslyn. This type of comment seems to get used more than any other.

People come here to express their opinions and..yes…tend to judge others much like you do in your comment.

I am 100% sure that most humans on this planet have helped someone in need at one time or another. No one needs to give you an explanation in this matter. Just ask yourself the same question and then go and help someone.

I only see folks expressing their opinions on building practices and maybe the odd sensationalism on this and all other TV shows.

Yes of course the show has opened up some controversy, and there are bad and good in "ALL" professional fields.

The best any homeowner can do is try to get some basic understanding of the Contractor/Homeowner relationship and then choose the best path.

http://CheapPowerTool.org

Holmes On Homes Comments - Abe Friesen 4 months ago

Mike holmes I believe is for the most part interested in the protection of the home owner,but would he admit to mistakes on air when proven wrong? I am a subcontractor, who has seen 3 mistakes he has said or done. First he said that you can not put tar on the inside of a basement because it's toxic, he better explain that to many Saskatoon SK. contractors who regularly put tar on the inside and outside of every basement of the houses they build, perfectly fine but now home owners can argue with contractors because Mike said you cant do this, who knows how many people have died in Saskatoon because of tar. Second he had a carpenter on one episode who said that when measuring centers for studs on your wall plates you can use your square instead of a measuring tape. But if you do that you must be very perfect where you hold your square, or you will not be as accurate as a tape. A tape can measure 100 ft or more and be exactly accurate, but the longer the distance the more you will be out. Mistake # 3 one episode he said when building walls in a basement you can build them tight from floor to ceiling, that is just asking for future problems. If you build you walls tight other than on the footing, if the floor heaves you will lift your entire house in that spot, which can lead to a lot of problems, mostly cracks in your drywall joints. Now as a television personality he has many people who will take everything he says as indisputable and that he is perfect. my point is people can harm their house from his opinion, because he is always right, and thats it. As his opinion holds so much weight to the general public he has a responsibility to make sure he gives correct info. Example Opra said once she wouldn't eat beef, or something like that and it dropped beef sales in the U.S so much the beef industry took her to court, for the financial down fall they took. One comment from a personality can ruin a business. so he should apologize on air for his advice. Een tho the damage has been done, if his ego and hgtv want to actually help and not harm people, first try to make sure (ego maybe in way) you make sure you give correct info in the first place.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 4 months ago

Thank You for your comment Abe. I know this will ruffle the feathers of HonH followers…but I wrote this article having 32 years experience as a Carpenter/Contractor.

I agree with everything you have said Abe. Folks have to be careful what they believe on TV.

I have always been aware that HonH has brought attention to the Homeowner/Contractor relationship and the show might have put some strain on this relationship.

The bad Contractors will always be there, as will all the bad professionals in every other field, including:  Lawyers, Dentists, Doctors, Scientists, Accountants, Auto Mechanics, Auto Sales and the list goes on.

I have stories and have heard many more nightmares about each and every one of these Professions.

My point is…"Get a Second, Third and maybe even a Fourth opinion when seeking some professional help".

TV is just that…It is "Entertainment"

As always.."Buyer Beware"   http://ToolsForWoodwork.com

Barbara Haddock 4 months ago

Mike,

Helppppppppppppppppp Would you consider coming to Texas?

We need help on our room addition and cannot afford to fix it. We are senior citizens and retired. We had a den added to our home and the contractor did not connect it correctly and there is a crack in the floor and ceiling. It has been approximately 25 years. Can you help us?

Barbara and Bill Haddock

Holmes On Homes Comments - Stewart Smith 4 months ago

Mike,

Would you consider a trip to Iowa. My wife and I rent and will our entire lives, our landlord absolutely hates to fix any thing. Only after it breaks and exposes us to the elements will he fix it. We have peeling lead paint on the ceiling in the kitchen results from a second story window leaking.

I spent $600.00 out of my own pocket to fix the garage and put in a new door. The door colapes as I was installing it destroying the door. Landlord still will not replace the door, He says if I want a garage door I have to pay for it.

I do not have money to continue to do repairs on a house that is not ours, we do not and never will have the ability to buy our own place, can you help us?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 4 months ago

Hi Stewart, Thank you for your comment. I am sorry to hear about your plight. As a renter you may actually have more rights than a homeowner in a rent repair dispute. Look at the link below for answers on bad landlords. You may have more power than you think. The things you are talking about – the kinds of repairs that the place you are living in seems to need – may even be illegal. Especially lead paint and holes open to the outside. Look into your rights here: http://www.hud.gov/local/ia/renting/tenantrights.c

I'm not affiliated with the show. I am a 30+ year contractor though just trying to earn a living like most people. I hope you find some help and comfort with the people at this website. At least you'll find some answers to your questions. I wish you all the best!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Kelly 3 months ago

We are waiting to build-our home is stalled by the Township on approval of house placement-we wanted it moved 3 feet-NOW I am worried we haven't broken ground and it is freezing here-I'm scared my concrete basement walls won't cure right! Help? Living in PA

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Hi Kelly.As long as the basement is covered with tarps and then heated with a construction heater, the foundation should cure nicely. If this isn't done and the concrete freezes…you're in trouble.

I was building basements in Edmonton and High rises in Canadian cities where temps. reached -40. We always hoarded the buildings in and heated appropriately. That was 30 years ago and those buildings and foundation are sound as ever.

Concrete also gives of heat while it cures. Make sure the Contractor heats the foundation if temps get below -18 just to be sure. Concrete will cure to around 85% in 7 days but needs 28 days to almost reach 100%.

http://ContractorCalgary.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - mark 3 months ago

Gosh there must be an awful lot of terrible contractors in Canada. Glad I don't work there!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Marcus Williams 3 months ago

People know there are crafty contractors out there, taking unsuspecting customers for a ride, What Mike is doing it more than entertainment, its giving people something to grasp on to, some ideas of what to look for so they are not take for a ride.

Rather than knocking Mike, I would like to see more legit contractors speak out against those cheats that give the profession a bad name.

He can work on my home any time, because I was one of those victims that paid out and got done bad.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

And there are many good Contractors in Canada and the USA. You can never please everyone. We all have opinions and have the freedom to voice them. Thank You for your comments.

PS (Share your experience – if you want)

Holmes On Homes Comments - liane mackenzie 3 months ago

I don't have a comment other than I love the show!!!!!I do have a question though. Has mike holmes ever gotten involved in law suits so the families can get some of their money/investment back? How is holmes on homes financed? keep up the good work!! liane181959@hotmail..com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Hi Liane. My best guess is that HGTV would not get involved in any lawsuits or let Mike get involved either. You have to remember that this is a TV show and they are focused on ratings and making money.

http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Carlos 3 months ago

Question…how can a contractor get away with shabby work??…where does the house inspector or bldg inspectors come into play?

Holmes On Homes Comments - neal pearce 3 months ago

I like Mike Holmes and agree he tries to bring to light the short comings of so called contractors. He gives good informatiom and great ideas. However I also have a problem with how to contact the show with a chance of giving my input into a real problem at my daughters house in Illinois.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Exactly Carlos. Where are those guys. My guess is that most of the work shown on HonH has not been permitted or inspected. I was occasionally asked by homeowners to forgo the permit part to save money. Out of the question when you are a licensed Contractor.

http://ContractorCalgary.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Hi Neal. The show does give out good information. HonH is not the only resource for great info.

http://ContractorEdmonton.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Wayne 3 months ago

Contractors watching HonH is akin to police officers watching cop shows, or surgeons watching doctor shows. They usually don't (or shouldn't) because they catch the mistakes – or have their own opinions that run counter to what they see.

It's entertainment – and a learning experience. I see things on the show that my GC missed when he did my house. I can live with it, though, since it's still to code – or not an issue.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Thank You for your comment Wayne.  Most of us can't really see a problem until it is pointed out top us unless we're experienced with the problem.

http://contractorottawa.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Barb 3 months ago

I kind of like the show; actually, I like the construction work, but am luke-warm to Mike Holmes. He definitely has an "attitude". I've had some bad contractor experiences myself. What I've learned is "don't pay them 'til they're completely done, and you're completely satisfied". Some want deposits. I'm o.k. with that, but no final payment until I'm happy. I try to do most of the work myself, but now, approaching 60 yrs old, it's becoming more difficult. I particularly liked the HoH show re: Quietrock. I'm thinking of installing it on one wall in my condo and need to hire a contractor. Mike removed the drywall, re-insulated and then hung the Quiet rock. He did not go over the existing drywall. Is this the way to do it? The QR website doesn't say one way or the other.

Again, lukewarm about Mike H., but do like the show. I also wonder what happens to the bum contractors who mess up the houses. Do the homeowner's have no recourse? Someone should expose the bums!

Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Great comment Barb. A homeowner should always have a 5% holdback for deficiencies. To be payed after final inspection and when all deficiencies have been taken care of.

This does leave the door open for some problems, but if everyone has been civil throughout the job, things should go smoothly.

You have to first see what the manufacturers recommendations are for their quietrock product, then determine if insulation and framing falls within those specs.

HonH likes to start from the beginning. This is unnecessary in many cases. But if you have the money…then do what makes you feel good.

I am not entirely convinced that a lot of the work done on HonH has been done by reputable, responsible and knowledgeable Contractors.

http://ContractorsMontreal.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Wayne Shambo 3 months ago

I AM A FLOORING CONTRACTOR AND NOW ON TWO DIFFERNT EPISODES I WATCHED CARPET BEING INSTALLED THE WRONG WAY NO DOUBLE TACK NO POWER STRETCHER COME ON YOU PRIDE YOURSELF ON DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AND YOUR NOT WHEN IT COMES TO CARPET VERY SAD HOLMES ON HOLMES FAN STEP IT UP MI

Holmes On Homes Comments - Neal Pearce 3 months ago

What is the best chaulking to use on fiberglass to fiberglass in a shower. This is a beach house rental unit.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

You obviously know what you're talking about Wayne. Thank You for your comment.

HonH has raised awareness in the Contractor/Homeowner relationship. I do wish they would consult with the Pros before they go ahead and push an episode through before it has been thoroughly looked at for mistakes.

http://ContractorHonolulu.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 3 months ago

Hi Neal. It is more about preparing the surfaces so that they are clear of any debris and grease. I have always chosen a silicon based caulk for bathroom fixtures and accessories. Latex has come a long way and can measure up just as well if applied to a super clean surface and allowed to cure properly.

http://ContractorFresno.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Patricia Donovan 2 months ago

Hi,

Would you consider coming to Massachusetts? I am in the process of a divorce, I just refinanced to buy my husband out for the house, I have 2 beautiful children who are going through a hard time right now.I have previously sent pictures & complaint form toEstee Ormont, Program Coordinator

HOME IMPROVEMENT REGISTRATION/COMPLAINT DIVISION

Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation

The Transportation Building

Ten Park Plaza, Suite 5170

Boston, MA 02116

Tel #             617-973-8738

Fax # 617-973-8799

I have water damage on 3 walls in my downstairs mud room, i had a professional roofer out to look as I thought it was coming in through the roof, but he roofer identified that the siding was not flashed properly which is allowing water to come in. I had someone come in and paint a room last weekend in the room above my mud room and now there is water in and on and around the ceiling in the bedroom. I did have the contractor who sided the house come out and he just stood there and told me he did this awhile ago and is not responsible for this and did not further look closely at the problem. I am concerned about mold developing. Can you help or come see this problem?

Thanks,

Patricia Donovan

Holmes On Homes Comments - frenchcanada 2 months ago

I live in Montreal,Quebec,Canada so Mike Holmes` name is, I guess, more well known than in the US. My experience with contractors is that they like to denigrate Holmes because of his success AND the fact that he does not cut corners. I have seen most of his shows since they first appeared and have learnt a tremendous amount about becoming a renovator (I won`t call myself a contractor as I work alone). My roommate and owner of the house I presently share had her foundation waterproofed by a well known Montreal waterproofing firm in 2006. Had I not seen the episodes where Holmes had to do some waterproofing I would have thought they were doing a fine job. I caught them putting sheets of EPS rigid foam on the foundation walls instead of XPS, I told my roommate about it and told her to complain. Sure enough they argued and tried to pass me off as an imbecile but I prevailed. EPS foam would have disintegrated by now (by the way she paid 12,000$ to have this work done, not peanuts and not something you want to redo once all the soil is put back in the trench).

I go to Home Depot the way most people go to the supermarket. What I see a lot is some very muscular men but also a lot of ignorants, automatons. To enter this field I subscribe to Fine Homebuilding Magazine, I also have an online subscription to Journal of Light Construction and I have bought many books from Taunton. Even if Holmes is a bit much sometimes he has a quality I admire, he is curious and does everything to find the root of the problem. And when he opens walls as some here have complained it is often to find the worst electrical work imaginable. How many bathrooms have been redone with just green gyprock instead of Durock cement panels with a Schluter Kerdi membrane ? the paper on green gyprock is still paper even if it is treated, mold will attack it some day. My client did not have the money for Kerdi membrane so I put 6 mil poly on the studs and then Durock. If water does get through somehow it still will not touch the wood studs. I have to thank Holmes because I learnt this watching his shows. Bottom line: there a lot of dishonest people in this industry, people who use untreated nails on decks, people who replace asphalt shingles without putting any underlayment (my neighbor 2 months ago was taken like that!, and in Montreal you really should have Grace Ice Shield with all the thaws and freezes we have). No, Holmes is a great guy, whatever his faults are.

Holmes On Homes Comments - frenchcanada 2 months ago

I forgot to mention something. Amy Matthews form the DIY channel, I saw her attach 12 inch shower tiles with pre mixed mastic type adhesive. You never do that in a very wet environment like a shower surround. Mastic is to be used on tiles no greater than 6 inches wide and in a kitchen where water won`t constantly be attacking it. Mastic is a product that never really cures. Holmes is a pro in comparison, he would never do that. If you think I am exaggerating about the mastic it was confirmed at the tile store, a store that should know something about tiling !

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 2 months ago

Thank You for your comment FrenchCanada. I guess we can all agree that upgrading and maintaining one of the biggest investments of your life is no easy task. It's like bringing up a kid. You will certainly pay in heartbreak for cutting corners and taking things much further than you should have.

Catch 22 in any event. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. This is exactly what a professional Contractor, and any other Professional, has to go through when they decide to accept a job.

Watch out what you believe in TV and any other media. Don't blame anyone for the compromises you agreed on.

There is a thing called kharma that most of us do not take seriously enough. Who did "You" screw previously in any given situation and now it's time for nature's payback.

It's easy to cry a river when you've been wronged…but what about the times you've witnessed others being wronged and not said anything.

Most of you do not know that I have switched the theme of this article many times. Some of you get so pissed off and others just love me for being bold. None of that matters to me. I just give my honest opinion and try to help. Even then, it is not enough.

I am not Mike Holmes. I am a guy that has practiced Carpentry for 32 years personally and had the pleasure to witness my Father work his solid ass off for another 30 when I was a kid.

PS…Mike is to busy to take on any of your requests unless the Network and his Agents decide otherwise.It really boils down to money my friends. Take it or leave it.

http://ContractorFresno.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jim Allan 2 months ago

I like the show but one thing gets me is that here in BC we separate all the material such as metal wood jiprock etc.I think that if you are going to do it right than do it right the first time.

Or don't the landfills in Ontario do that yet

Don't get me wrong i love the show

Jim Allan

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 2 months ago

Thank You for your comment Jim. I'm not sure what they do in Ontario, but I'm sure it's something. Merry Christmas.

http://ContractorOttawa.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 2 months ago

Thank You for your comment Jim. I'm not sure what they do in Ontario, but I'm sure it's something. Merry Christmas.

http://AirPowerTools.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Dunrite 2 months ago

First of all .. agreed, it's a TV show not a training film for the trade. As far as Holms himself, I think some mistake passion for a big ego !! He has a passion for the profession/trade !! He has a major problem when some jackwagon takes advantage of a "customer" and gives the profession a blackeye. Once bitten, Twice shy. How does someone trust a contractor again? Im sure many of you have delt with that time-and-time again.

Many have mentioned here about how he does things his way. From viewing many of the shows he generally explains himself very well. He says when something is "his opinion". He has mentioned many times that something HAS been done to code (or close to it) but he prefers to take it up a notch because that's the way "He" likes to do it. Some codes are good, some are outdated and need to be looked at. Products hit the market ALL the time that are far superior to what is code, being a TV show I feel they are showing these products and trying to educate. He does do a lot of "opening up" and tear down. I agree with his methods. If you are there to fix someone elses mistakes and while "checking things out" you start finding many things that are HUGE, dangerous mistakes – how do you know what else is wrong? It only maks sense to get it there and look.

Let me go back to my "passion" statement. Holms regulary states there are a lot of great contractors out there, but those unscrupulous people out there that are only in it to make a buck and don't CARE about anything else are the ones he is making a point about. I have enough basic knowledge to assist me if I need to hire someone. I will follow a contractor around to see what he is doing .. let me tell you, some REALLY hate that! But it MY house so I don't care ! I've had one guy leave the job after asking me, "Are you going to follow me around all day?" I feel the "good ones" don;t mind, they have nothing to hide … and thats his point.

Anyone in the trades puts in YEARS of work. Becoming a GC is not an easy task. So, in turn, you have a passion for the profession. You know you do a great job everytime and do it right because thats the way it should be done. I know I put A LOT of pride into my job and it sickens me when someone gives my profession a blackeye.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 2 months ago

Well said Dunrite. I stand right next to you on everything you have said, especially on this statement " I know I put A LOT of pride into my job and it sickens me when someone gives my profession a blackeye".

http://AirPowerTools.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Handyman 2 months ago

Well it is clear from watching differant home improvment shows that alot of the work is done by unqualified yoyos and alot of people are getting screwed. At least Holmes on Homes trys to show were the lousy contractors screwd up and how the job should have been done. Plus you get a glimps into the regulations and laws regarding building and renovations in Canada. As seen on the show you can have a lisenced profeesional doing work on your home and still endup with the job nneding to be redone. What Holmes needs to do is set up a branch of his foundation here in the USA and set up a division for inventerts to present there inventions for review and aid in the cost of applying for a patent. ( invetions that will benifit the building trades.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 2 months ago

Thank You for your comment Handyman.

http://airpowertools.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Susan Marie Boston, Hampton,Va. 2 months ago

I totally agree with Mike Holmes, but it doesn't always start with the contractor. The contractors is also limited by the quality of the materials he can purchase. So many of his shows bring me to tears because I can so empathsize because my family and I have experinced so many dishonest contractors. My folks had one contractor get money to pay for material(over $30,00) and then had his ex wife grab the money and contractor declared bankruptcy. My folks had to find money to pay someone else to finish the work. Turned out it was my college fund. It was not just my folks but other's affected by this contractor. I think my folks should have sued ex wife but back in the 80's things were different. Love ya Mr. Holmes and even if others think you are not perfect, it is your spirit to do the right thing that's important. You deserve much respect and you have my admiration. I would give you a Medal of Honor

Holmes On Homes Comments - DustyUSN 2 months ago

I have skimmed over quite few comments and come to one glaring conclusion. USE SPELL CHECK! OK – with that out of the way please allow me to say this: while alot of the comments question the need for "tear it out" have you been watching the actual show? Have you seen the totally FUBARed electrcal and plumbing behind those walls, ceilings and floors? Only the good Lord knows what would have happened to the structure and occupants if he hadn't done it. Not to mention all of the mold that he had discovered. Water damage? Any competent contractor will totally demo a wall that shows water damage especially if it show evidence of originating above eye level.

Common guys get on board – this is an educational program meant to be entertaining as well. How long would you last if all you did was sit there and spout data and code. We want to see the work being done – the dirty faces and busted knuckles. Mike shows this and much more. I have been doing my own construction and remodeling for forty years. I study all aspects of a project and won't hesitate to back off and call a pro when I even think that the skills needed are above my head.

Come to think about it a good many of you sound down right jealous of a man that is willing to put his reputation and name on the line for ALL THE WORLD TO SEE! How about you getting on board to solve the sleaze contractor problem instead instead of tearing down a well done educational show like HonH? Put your money where your mouth is so to speak.

I'm done – soap box is retired for now.

Holmes On Homes Comments - DYIer99 8 weeks ago

I am sure a lot of you GOOD contractors could do this show, but you didn't. Get over over it. You are still good contractors. HonH is is trying to educate homeowners so they will hire YOU. HonH has educated many a homeowner and I beleive that is his goal. I know if I ever hire a contractor I will educate myself first on the job I need done. And hopefullly that gives me a leg up to get in contact with you.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 weeks ago

Thank You for your comment Susan. The sad stories never end but there are many good stories also. Materials in general have dulled in quality. Our resources are showing signs of strain because of the demand.

http://AirPowerTools.org

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 weeks ago

Thank You for your comment Dusty. I am not sure what some of you are talking about when you say these comments reflect jealousy.

I read every one of them and only see folks voicing their opinions. Not to many people I know want to be in the TV industry when they find out exactly how difficult, demanding and unforgiving it is.

As far as spell check..I saw some spelling and grammatical mistakes in your comment. This isn't an English or grammar article. People will make mistakes but most get their ideas across just fine.

Let's stick to the remodel and renovation topic please.

http://GardenPowerTools.org

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 weeks ago

Thank You for the comment DYIer99. Many of us did not need a show to get us customers. We did that by doing a damn good job and getting good referrals.

I still have no idea why some of you think that everyone wants to be on TV or is jealous of Mike.

These fine folks are just voicing their opinions. It seems like the ones projecting this garbage are themselves jealous about everyone that knows more about construction than they do.

I really appreciate all of you that point out flaws in the show. This isn't about pouncing on HonH. They have done a wonderful job by educating the consumer. It's about keeping TV honest. In my opinion..there is no one man on this planet that knows it all or is the best. You need to nurture many relationships in any field to get the best results.

When we get ready to tackle a complicated movie set, many of us get together. It is very easy to overlook a critical component when your on your own.

http://batterypowertools.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Jim O. 7 weeks ago

Just finished watching Mike redu a stairway. He changed the head clearance from 6'2" to 6'5 1/2" and stated it is now to code. If I remember correctly, isn't code for head clearance 6' 8" ?

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 weeks ago

Thank You Jim. Yes you are correct. The minimum is 6'8" for a standard residential stairway in most counties. 6'6" for a spiral staircase.

Mistakes like these on TV can really screw up the average homeowner. If this stair was being inspected than it would have to be a complete tear out.

Big bucks for such a mistake.

It is OK to expose these mistakes. This is an educational forum and not a courtroom.I can't really blame Mike for this. He is an extremely busy Man and is doing many great humanitarian things. The producers should have a team of professional contractors they could consult to make sure these huge mistakes do not air.

This is an unacceptable error in my Professional opinion.

http://compoundslidingmitersaw.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - drog55chev 7 weeks ago

I am a general contractor in Portland, Oregon. After spending over and hour reading all of these comments I have to agree with the ones that promote the business and not against it. I like watching this program mostly because it shows a different perspective. I know that the codes are different in Canada than they are here and yes there are errors occasionally that are shown on these shows but we are all human. The editors should catch those just like the contractors should know these and not let them happen. That’s why I watch them to see if I can find errors or background stuff that most homeowners won't pick up on. I welcome competition and don't see other contractors as competitors but rather colleagues. With the economy a lot of the "fly by night" contractors have been run out of business and I report contractors that are doing work illegally which all of us should do to protect our businesses. I am thriving in these tough times because I have built a business on honesty and integrity and I have a background of 30 years as an electrical engineer. In fact Mike Holmes has actually gained me a contract for a new home that I will start in the next couple of months worth around $800K. My sales pitch is simple and didn't realize that it was much like Mike Holmes before I even knew who he was. I had a customer come back to a second home show that I was at and they basically said that I reminded them of Mike Holmes on how I do business and they want me to build their retirement dream home with those same standards. I do not agree with the comments above that minimum code is junk because it meets or exceeds engineering specifications but material used can affect the integrity of construction or if the proper trades were not used. It is a guideline because without it we would all have problems. Minimum code for instance for shear walls you can use select OSB material. I always use 5ply plywood for all of my shear walls and 4ply plywood for all other sheathing. My choice but the OSB would be okay too except in coastal environments which code doesn’t address. If the customer is willing to pay for joists on 16” on center instead of a minimum code 24” on center then I am all for that. If you are good at what you do you will know when minimum code will suffice and when it won’t. I could rant and rave on this for hours but again given this scenario to 10 contractors you would probably get 10 different answers. TV shows suppose to be sensationalized because that’s what attracts viewers and a lot of people will see MH as a god in the construction industry. He is not and I am sure he has had his share of problems with projects and/or customers like we all have had on occasion. See it as that and don't complain. Some people will always be jealous of other people's success. I applaud Mike Holmes and wouldn't want his job and quite frankly I don't have time to do TV when I am enjoying what I do out in the field dealing with customers and building people's dream homes.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 7 weeks ago

Thank You for this awesome comment drog55chev. I really enjoyed being a licensed Contractor in Portland for 11 years. Now I am back in the Canadian film industry working on Mission Impossible.

I love the construction business like you do and feel blessed to be good at what I do just like you drog55chev.

It is always good to see an intelligent comment come through every so often from a true Professional.

Anyone that thinks TV or Film is a breeze, has never been in either industry. That is a fact. Mike was chosen for a reason. He comes across as a real friend. It would be my pleasure to someday meet this man and share some stories.

There are many good Contractors and just as many shodsters all over this planet. That is why I keep saying that everyone you meet is equally important and could give you the gift of a great relationship which ultimately leads to more.

http://ContractorEdmonton.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - jeff davis 6 weeks ago

There should be a show on what happened to the shady contractors. Follow up on if they were taken to court and if the homeowners won or not. Hey, new show!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 weeks ago

Hi Jeff. That might just catch on.

http://ContractorFresno.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - horsespatoot 6 weeks ago

Holmes is an idiot. I watched the episode where he installed (in a hall bathroom) 3/4" plywood over existing sub-floor. Then added 3/8" tile membrane. Then added mud and 5/16" tile. This comes to almost an 1 1/2" higher then the hall floor. That would be some transition from the hall floor to the bathroom floor. Maybe he hung a sign at the doorway saying "WATCH YOUR STEP" He has NO credibility.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 6 weeks ago

Hi Horsey. I can't say that I've seen that episode. That is one heck of a way to do things. I guess you would have to "watch your step". Depending on what the problem was(I imagine water damage or tile failing) I would have removed the old subfloor then glued and nailed new 3/4 down. I have also always glued and nailed down a durable cement board(1/4 inch will do)which is a water-durable, mold-resistant panel for use under tile and other finishes in a variety of interior and exterior applications. Then apply the tile.

I have never had a failure by doing things this way. I'm not really keen on the membrane because I have always used the cement board with excellent results. The bonding agent you use is also very critical for that specific application.

I wish the Producers would help Mike and the audience by hiring a Professional consulting team to avoid this type of thing from airing.

http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - journymenplumber 5 weeks ago

I just received my plumbing ticket, my class b gas ticket and my certificate of apprenticeship 4 years of on job training and twenty six weeks of technical training im twenty four support my family of four, have two mortgages on two propertys, which i can thank my trade for i am self employed iv been doing trades since i was a child my father is a jjack of all trades kinda guy, any way, i like watching holmes for the same reason alot of you do… to see new materials look. For mistakes and yes… they do. Happen, his plumber cut up the concrete because the under ground wasnt four inch from what the show showed there were only two toilets canadian national code calls for four inch to be ran into the house to the building c/o unless theres more then two toilets on the horizontal, in my mind any one can pick peoples work apart..No matter how good it is, it takes a bigger man to appreciate positive critism and improve on. His/HER work. I think mike should have a show.promoting good practices.and. good materials instead of focusing on the garbage spend time showing. The homeowner good practices. I was always told a nail as up to 60percent better sheer strength..then a screw

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 5 weeks ago

Congratulations Journeymen Plumber. You worked hard. A nail has much more shear strength than a screw.

Folks..these are two different fasteners and have nothing in common when you talk shear strength. Try screwing your framing together and then tell the building inspector you did this. You will be tearing everything down and nailing the framing together.

Screws have there place for sure..but for sheer ratings…they are useless.

http://AirPowertools.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Amatuerhour 5 weeks ago

The episode in question it can be seen the hall also has 3/4 over the original subfloor, so the height difference isn't as great.

If I had one thing to say, its that the transitions aren't shown on this show unless they work well for TV. You notice it in episodes because its so rare. He talks about Slate in the threshold and how good it looks, but you see that in maybe 1 in 10. I just watched S4EP2 and sure enough he points out the threshold used is wrong, and upside down. They tile up the bathroom with subfloor, mat, tiles and never show the finished threshold which I'm sure would have been a difficult finish.

Above, somewhere, someone asked about the court issue. Only I think in one episode, in Season 3 did they show the full precedings and results ( client won over the contractor ). The rest after Season 2 when he started to gain "fame" as a contractor had resolutions when the bad contractors found their work was going to be fixed. In quite a few episodes he talks about talking to the old contractor and others they phone the home owner to try and scramble to fix the problems.

I am no pro, but found alot of useful tips from the show for my own smaller kitchen renos and general work being done. I tiled the floor, and being ground level concrete I wouldn't have thought about the mat helping absorb some of the "flex" if the ground shifted the slab, and therefore cracking my tiles. Its an old home, so its most likely fully settled, but still was something I followed and don't regret.

I like the show, and as opposed to some comments, I don't feel he acts like he knows it all, that's why he has professional contracters doing the electrical/plumbing/painting for him. He knows structure, and that is really the biggest hands on portion he does.

Holmes On Homes Comments - prof engineer 4 weeks ago

its inaccurate to say all nails have better shear strength than all screws. Obvioulsy, its the diameter of the fastener that determines the strength. Also, you can increase the number of the smaller diameter fasteners to compensate. For laminating floors, screws are way superior than nails – unless you use ring shank.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 4 weeks ago

Hi Prof Engineer. Thank You for your comment. I am not talking about increasing the amount of fastener to compensate for shear. There may be a rare instance that a specialty screw will out shear a nail, but I have not come across that situation yet.

I would welcome other comments from certified Engineers to clear this up.

There really is no rule of thumb, firm carved-in-stone formula or handy chart for your answer.

#8 coarse screws vary dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer. The root diameter – the diameter of the screw measured between the threads – always varies. Thread count or TPI and pitch is inconsistant, and some threads are rolled, some are cut, and some are grinded; and there are different grades, and they are made from many different materials. All those factors affect the tensile, yield, shear, and pullout strengths of the screw. Only the manufacturer – if he tests – would know those strengths, and that information should – well, might – be on the box or packaging.

#8 screws- provided you drilled pilot holes and/or did not split the 2 X 4 – may be acceptable. One accepted fastener theory says that the weight of an object will be equally distributed between it's fasteners. Assuming that old theory is correct, the four (4) screws fastening your 50 pound lighting fixture must each be able to support 12.5 pounds (4 X 12.5 = 50), but another theory says that the shear strength of a screw is proportional to it's root diameter. Using that theory and saving you the math; #8s would be good, #10s better, and #12s best.

Manufacturers have outsourced to so many different countries that it is difficult to get a consistent product of any type.

Try this test with a 3 inch screw and a 3 inch nail. Drive both fasteners into a 2×4 and leave about half of the fastener exposed above the surface. Now take your hammer a give the screw a good shot sideways and then do the same with the nail. Which one failed? This is a good way to understand what we are talking about.

Be safe folks.

http://compoundslidingmitersaw.org

 

Holmes On Homes Comments - Matt 2 weeks ago

Above Phil said:

"These builders are crooks. Of course not all are but the ones that aren't charge big bucks."

Astute observation Phil, and I invite any person who is interviewing contractors for a remodel or repair or buying a new home to think carefully about Phil's statement.

Doing it right is rarely a less expensive way.

sharon 2 weeks ago

Has anyone posting here forgotten the most important issue regarding remodling and repairs – saftey people !!!

When I watched an episode of Holmes where the lady had her basement remodled, only to find out that her major support beams were cut and hidden under the remodled facings of plaster board and drop ceiling – causing major structural damage and unsafe living conditions, well, if he wouldn't of pulled all that apart and took the time to tell her and show her the damaged, she would have never known her home was not safe to live in. Would you really want to live in a home you don't know isn't safe? She trusted these contractors – who stiffed her dry and left her home(probably her life's saving to boot) in complete shambles, not caring about her outcome after the fact AT ALL!!. I approve of his get in and find the truth and "MAKE IT RIGHT" attitude. If I'm buying a home – I want it inspected right and to saftety specifications. If I'm remodling a home – I'd damn well want the same, especially if I have small children and I'm doing my best to protect them besides myself and my family. He may come across as strong willed , but excuse me – isn't that who you'd want fighting in your corner. Integrity and trust goes a long way when you come across showing you have it…so dose respect. In my book, Mike Homles has all of the above and I would trust this man to work on any of my home projects of any kind. Keep up the good work Mike.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Charles 2 weeks ago

My oppinion of mike holmes is this. Yes he seems to know his trades. Yes i feel that homeowners should beware of unskilled

people repairing there homes. But i feel like he belittles us

private handymen that actually no what we are doing. And do it very well. I am not licensed not by choice but by my resources. I am a single dad raising 3 kids. Unemployed do to this recession and illegal undocumented workers. A contractors license is way out of reach. But i have 28 years of construction & painting experience. I am highly skilled and very professional and it offends me to be belittled and talked badly about. and i am speaking for other tradesman as well. The handyman has been around way longer than licensed contractors. So remember that and show some respect.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 2 weeks ago

You're absolutely right Charles. I think he's disgusted at the shoddy handymen and contractors. I believe he knows there are excellent handymen and contractors out there also.http://ContractorFresno.com

Holmes On Homes Comments - slc334 2 weeks ago

Great article, obviously well received!

Holmes On Homes Comments - Johnny Kowal-Response 13 days ago

Thank You slc334.

Holmes On Homes Comments - Gabby 8 days ago

I do renovations myself for a living, Mike does great work, problem is he never sais how much the job cost at the end, nor does he say what the owner paid on the original reno, when we quote prices to do the job Mikes way the right way, guess what, nobody seems to want Mikes way any more, MONEY is the biggest determing factor in renos, and in the real world owners ask you to cut corners where ever posible so they can save. Try going into someones house where they pay and tell them unacceptable tear it down, you will not get the job, Mike come back to reality.

Holmes On Homes Comments - George 7 days ago:

I am a fan of the show, but one thing Mike says on every program drives me crazy. Its when Mike calls a ceiling a "bulkhead." Bulkhead is a nautical term meaning wall, not ceiling. A ceiling is an "overhead." I spent several years in the US Marine Corps, part of the Naval Services. All walls on a ship or a barracks are called bulkheads. Holmes on Homes Mike – use the correct terminology.