Holmes on Homes was first aired on HGTV Canada in 2001 and it has been gaining international popularity over the past few years. Most home renovation shows are targeted at teaching homeowners how to do a job. Mike Holmes shows the audience what went wrong with the job and the steps he takes to do the job efficiently and according to building code.
Mike Holmes' Background
At a young age, Mike learned many aspects of the construction business from his dad who believed that a job had to be done right the first time. By age 19, Mike Holmes started his first company and two years later, formed a renovation company.
By working as a contractor for the last 20 years, he has become thoroughly knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the building trade. His mission: to expose the work of inept contractors in order to help homeowners make informed decisions on choosing skilled and ethical tradesmen.
Holmes on Homes History
Mike had the idea for a television show back in 2001 after seeing too many people experiencing financial ruin through hiring unskilled and unscrupulous renovation companies. He wanted to find a way of making the public aware of this problem. Mike Holmes was doing behind the scenes work on the show Just Ask Jon Eakes and decided to pitch his television show idea to the producers. The rest is history.
For the first two and a half seasons, Holmes on Homes was a 30-minute show. Because of the time frame, his renovation jobs were usually restricted to one room or job. Due to popular demand, the show expanded to 60 minutes where more extensive projects could be featured. Since 2004, Holmes on Homes has been rated the #1 show on HGTV Canada.
Mike’s first international appearance was on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and he ended up helping a couple rebuild their home in California. He has appeared several times on Ellen’s show. He has made guest appearances on shows such as the U.S.-based 20/20 and Canada AM and CBC Television’s Marketplace plus several commercials. Mike has completed his 3rd season as a judge on HGTV’s Handyman Superstar Challenge.
Holmes on Homes now airs in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Germany, South Africa. The first four seasons are available on DVD.
Mike Holmes’ Accomplishments
- In April 2006, Mike launched The Holmes Foundation which is a charitable foundation that supports the training of youth in the skilled trades by offering apprenticeships, scholarships and bursaries. This is to encourage young people to enter the trades and learn how to do the job properly. Donations can be made at the Holmes on Homes website.
- Mike’s first book, Make It Right—Inside Home Renovation with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor, was released November 23, 2006 and has been a very great success.
- Mike was acknowledged by the Canadian House of Commons as an "extraordinary craftsperson" and "an accomplished master builder with a social conscience".
- Mike writes a weekly renovation column in Toronto’s Globe & Mail newspaper.
- In 2008, Mike was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
- Mike’s latest book Holmes Inspection is being released on May 31, 2008.
Mike Holmes continues to make speaking engagements at professional organizations for home inspectors and for building trades. Mike and his crew also make special appearances at home renovation stores.
In a recent behind-the-scenes episode of Holmes on Homes, Mike says that his job will never be done and he will continue to expose shoddy workmanship. Mike says he considers himself a contractor and not a celebrity.
Related Articles on HGTV Home Design Programs:
Divine Design With Candice Olson
Canadian Designer Sarah Richardson
Sources:
- HGTV Canada
- Holmes on Homes Website
- Wikipedia
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