Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes and The Holmes Foundation: Giving Back to the Community Mike Holmes , known for his work on home renovation shows, has always been passionate about improving homes and communities. This passion extends beyond his television projects through The Holmes Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Founded by Mike Holmes , The Holmes Foundation aims to provide resources and opportunities for young people pursuing careers in the trades. The foundation focuses on empowering students, offering scholarships, mentorships, and hands-on learning experiences to help them gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.  “Anyone who works in the trades is already a hero to me –girls, boys, young, old– Because the work isn’t easy, it’s underappreciated, undervalued, and bottom line, it’s tough work that requires even tougher skin. But every time I go to a tradeshow or trade school, and I see more and more women there, interested, enga...

The Home Purchase Mistake Mike Holmes Doesn’t Want You To Make Mike Holmes, contractor and TV host, has built a career out of educating homeowners on how to make good decisions about their home. When buying a house, Mike Holmes recommends NEVER to skip a quality home inspection. A home inspection is one of the most crucial steps in the home-buying process. While it may seem like an additional expense or just another task to check off, a thorough home inspection can save you from costly surprises down the road and provide peace of mind as you make one of the biggest investments of your life. The primary purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of the property and identify potential issues that could affect its safety, structural integrity, and long-term value. Mike Holmes recommends always hiring a certified inspector who will thoroughly examine the home, including the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. They’ll look for hidden problems such as wat...

Mike Holmes Saves Home from Collapse Contractor and TV host Mike Holmes was contacted by a homeowner to investigate a mysterious leak. What Holmes discovered was that the two-storey addition was sitting on a dirt foundation and was in serious danger of collapsing.  Mike Holmes has gained a reputation for helping homeowners with major issues in their house. Homeowner Sandry bought a house without getting a home inspection. Eight months later, she noticed a leak in the basement. She initially thought it was an easy problem to resolve. Mike Holmes came in to do a full walkthrough of the house, and he did NOT like what he saw. On this episode of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes , Mike Holmes quickly secures the structure and pours a proper concrete foundation. About Mike Holmes : Mike Holmes , the renowned contractor and TV personality, has long been celebrated not just for his expertise in construction but also for his unwavering commitment to helping people in need. Through his pop...

Mike Holmes - Should I Paint or Stain My Bricks? According to home renovation expert Mike Holmes, staining your bricks is the way to go. Brick stain is a mineral product that soaks into the brick. It becomes part of the brick. This means the stain is not prone to chip away or peel like paint. You won’t have to worry about your color fading or having to do touch-ups all the time.  “ Look for brick stains that are non-toxic, non-VOC, water repellent, UV resistant, and mold and algae deterrent and therefore sustainable. In my books, that’s a good thing,” says Mike Holmes on his blog .     Disadvantages of Painting Your Brick According to Mike Holmes Paint isn’t long-lasting because it doesn’t soak into the bricks. Paint can block your brick’s porous surface. Remember that brick needs to dissipate moisture.  Acrylic or latex paints sit on the brick’s surface and form a film that traps moisture Mike Holmes recommends using mineral-based stains that are breathable and soa...

Is a Mini-Split Heat Pump Right For You? By Mike Holmes A mini-split is a type of heat pump. It doesn’t require any ductwork and is a stand-alone system. Mini-splits are a great option for you if you cannot easily hook into an existing HVAC system. Their compact size and ductless design make them ideal for retrofitting older buildings or for room additions where traditional ductwork may not be feasible. If you watched Holmes on Homes , you would have seen us install mini-split heat pumps on several projects. One outdoor unit can service several indoor units, also providing customized temperature control in the different zones. Keeps your Spaces Comfortable A mini-split is a great way to control the temperature in a single room. This type of heat pump works independently from other heating and cooling systems. You may consider installing a single zone mini-split to keep your top-floor space comfortable all year or just perfect for a short time when it is being used. Does a Mini-Split H...