Hubbry Logo
Mike HolmesMike HolmesMain
Open search
Mike Holmes
Community hub
Mike Holmes
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Michael James Holmes (born August 3, 1963) is a Canadian general contractor, businessman, investor, television host, and philanthropist.[1]

Key Information

Background

[edit]

Mike Holmes began learning construction from his father starting when he was six years old. [2] By the time he was 19, Holmes had started his first contracting company with a crew of 13 employees. At 21, Holmes founded his own renovation company. He has run two companies during his 20-year contracting career. He has three children: Amanda, Sherry, and Mike Jr., who have all appeared and worked on his shows.[2]

In 2006, Holmes started The Holmes Foundation after seeing a renovation that was so poorly done that he felt it was necessary for him to tear the house down and start again rather than try to repair the damage.[3] The purpose of The Holmes Foundation is to encourage young people to enter the building trades as well as to assist those who have been impoverished by bad renovations. Holmes works with SOS Children's Villages.

In 2006, Mike Holmes was recognized in the House of Commons of Canada for his promotion of skilled trades and for his advocacy for improved building standards. He was acknowledged as an "extraordinary craftsperson" and "an accomplished master builder with a social conscience".[4]

Holmes is the author of two books: Home Renovation with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor, Holmes Inspection: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Your Home, as well as a weekly newspaper column.[5][6]

In May 2010, Reader's Digest's second annual survey named Holmes as the second most widely trusted person in Canada behind David Suzuki.[7]

Television career

[edit]

HGTV Canada

[edit]

Mike Holmes' first starring series was Holmes on Homes, which premiered in 2003, on Corus Entertainment's HGTV Canada.[8]

Bell Media

[edit]

In June 2019, Bell Media announced a new development deal with Holmes, ending his relationship with HGTV Canada. His library of programming moved airing to Gusto, which was rebranded as CTV Life Channel, and two new series were announced, including Holmes 911, and the Holmes Family Rescue for CTV in 2020.[8]

Television series

[edit]

Holmes on Homes

[edit]
Main article: Holmes on Homes

Broadcast on HGTV Canada, Holmes on Homes first started in 2001. Holmes on Homes was first conceived when Holmes approached the producers of the Just Ask Jon Eakes home improvement show on HGTV with the idea for a new kind of home improvement show. Although there were few submissions to the show initially, their number ballooned by the fourth season. As the show evolved, it generally focused on bad renovations and the results of bad contractors.

In Canada, Holmes on Homes airs on HGTV Canada, BBC Canada, and Casa for the French version. It airs in the US on HGTV and DIY Network, in New Zealand on The Living Channel, in Australia on Lifestyle Home, in the United Kingdom on Discovery Shed (formerly Discovery Real Time), in Germany on DMAX, and in South Africa on the Home Channel.

Holmes in New Orleans

[edit]

Between the end of Holmes on Homes and the start of Holmes Inspection, Mike Holmes starred in a one-season series, Holmes in New Orleans, on the construction of a new home in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, to replace one destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.[9]

Holmes Inspection

[edit]
Main article: Holmes Inspection

Holmes began a new series in 2009 called Holmes Inspection that profiles home inspections gone wrong. The series started airing in the fall of 2009 on HGTV Canada.[10] In the United States, the series debuted on HGTV on Sunday, December 19, 2010. Holmes inspected the houses while checking up on the construction, leaving long-time crew member Damon Bennett as the lead site manager and backup host.

Best of Holmes on Homes

[edit]

Best of Holmes on Homes is a 2012 remix TV series featuring clips from Holmes on Homes, brought together on a common theme, to illustrate home problems. Holmes narrates the show.[11]

Holmes Makes It Right

[edit]

Holmes started a new series for 2012 called Holmes Makes It Right, where he profiles and renovates disaster-stricken. The series focuses on natural disasters and bad home inspections or bad contractor work. The name of the series revolves around Holmes's personal motto, "Make It Right".[12][13][14] While Holmes visited the construction sites, he had long-time crew member Damon Bennett in charge and mostly hosting.

Mike's Ultimate Garage

[edit]

For the fall 2014 TV season, Mike's Ultimate Garage, a mini-series about building a man-cave garage for Holmes Sr. (Big Mike) by son Mike Holmes Jr. and daughter Sherry Holmes aired on HGTV Canada. Holmes Sr. guest stars in the series, while it starred Mike Jr. as the construction lead and Sherry.

Holmes and Holmes

[edit]
Main article: Holmes and Holmes

For the fall 2016 TV season, Holmes and Holmes premiered. In this series, Holmes stars with his son Mike Jr. The show premiered on HGTV Canada, produced by Make It Right Productions.[15][16] Now in its third season, Holmes and Holmes aired on the DIY Network (USA) in October 2019.[17]

Holmes: Buy It Right

[edit]

For the fall 2016 TV season, Holmes: Buy It Right premiered. In this series Holmes stars as an advisor to new home buyers, showing them how to choose a house. The series premiered on DIY Network (USA).[18]

Holmes: Next Generation

[edit]

Holmes: Next Generation premiered in April 2018 on DIY Network (USA). Mike Holmes assists two of his children, Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes, as they take on remodelling projects.[19]

Holmes Makes It Right: Retooled

[edit]

Retooled premiered during the spring 2019 TV season on DIY Network (USA), where Holmes revisits Holmes Makes It Right (2012) episodes that have been "retooled", and examines construction issues.[20]

Holmes 911

[edit]

HOLMES 911 premiered on September 17, 2019 on CTV Life, in which Holmes returns and examines the results of unscrupulous contractors, unhealthy homes, and DIY projects gone wrong and is joined by his son Mike Jr. and daughter Sherry. Over 12 one-hour episodes, the Holmes family takes on five different houses, and repairs them.[21]

Holmes Family Effect

[edit]

Holmes Family Effect premiered in Canada on February 7, 2021, right after Super Bowl LV. The series debuted a month later in the United States on March 16 on FOX. It features Mike Holmes, his daughter Sherry and his son Mike Jr. helping homeowners, schools and businesses in need of improvement. They work to overhaul not only houses, but commercial and public buildings.

Holmes Family Rescue

[edit]

Holmes Family Rescue premiered in Canada and the US on December 4, 2021 on HGTV and later on CTV Life. It features Mike Holmes, his daughter Sherry and his son Mike Jr. helping homeowners who have had improperly done construction work on their homes.

TV judging and hosting

[edit]

Handyman Challenge franchise

[edit]

Holmes was a judge on all seasons of Handyman Superstar Challenge.[22] He was also a judge on All American Handyman.[23] He was a judge on season 1 of Canada's Handyman Challenge.[24][25]

Home Free

[edit]
Main article: Home Free (2015 TV series)

In late April 2015, Fox announced a new eight-episode Holmes-hosted show entitled Home Free, which premiered on July 22. The show featured nine couples who spend each week renovating a different dilapidated home. At the end of the week, the couple with the worst handiwork is eliminated, until the final two teams compete for a prize home. Unknown to the contestants as they were competing, each eliminated couple was awarded the home that they were working on in the episode they were eliminated in.[26]

Eight-episode unscripted competition series Home Free premiered July 22, 2015 on Fox. "A home is way more than brick and mortar," says Home Free host Mike Holmes. "So being part of this new series and partnering with Fox is truly exciting for me. I'm ready to break ground with these couples." (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition).[27]

Guest appearances

[edit]

Holmes was a guest builder on Home to Win. Guest builders designed and built a room of a renovated home that would be won by a Canadian family selected by the show's producers from submitted entries.[28]

Holmes has been a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show twice during a season 4 episode in December 2006. The first instance led to a two-part episode on Holmes on Homes. He helped the Tiu family who bought a new house, a bungalow, in the Los Angeles area which he had to fix a shoddy renovation left by a clueless contractor. The second guest spot was to show Ellen the completed construction of the Tiu's newly renovation house, which Holmes, his crew and local contractors worked together to finish the project.[29][30]

Holmes also made a guest appearance on an episode of the Canadian series Corner Gas as Wanda's ex-boyfriend (S4E06 2006/10/23).[31]

In October 2019, Holmes made an appearance on HGTV's renovation competition series Rock the Block when he was a guest judge for one of the projects. For the series' second season in March 2021, Holmes was one of the contestants. He teamed up with designer Alison Victoria of Windy City Rehab whom he judged in season one. She says, "I'm a designer and [Mike's] a genius in the build. It's a partnership like no other."[32]

In July 2021, Holmes was a guest judge alongside Mina Starsiak of Good Bones on the HGTV renovation competition series Battle on the Beach, where contestants team up with a star designer to battle it out renovating their outdated beach houses in Gulf Shores, Alabama.[33]

Business activities

[edit]

The Holmes Group

[edit]

The Holmes Group is the conglomerate and holding company for Mike Holmes' companies.[34]

Mike Holmes Protection

[edit]

In 2021 Holmes launched Mike Holmes Protection. This company offers home services contracts.[35]

Holmes Approved Homes

[edit]

Holmes has partnered with several home builders and renovators in Canada and the United States to develop the Holmes Approved Homes program. The goal of the program is to raise the bar for home building above minimum industry standards. A lawsuit was filed in December 2021 by Tarion, a consumer protection organization established by the Ontario government to help ensure new homes' defects under warranty are repaired, due to several homes built with partner companies having had numerous defects in Meaford, Ontario.[36] Subsequently, three of the homes were demolished due to the nature of the defects discovered.[37]

Other activities

[edit]

Several magazines with Mike Holmes' brand and image have appeared on newsstands. Holmes: The Magazine to Make It Right ran for two years, and ended after a dispute between the publisher Dauphin Media Group and the Holmes Group. It had run from 2009 to 2011. Make it Right magazine, a collaboration between publisher TC Media and the Holmes Group was published in 2013.[38] Holmes is an advisor for Ottawa Land Bank, a land banking service for speculators, managed by Oakwood and John Liptack.[39][40]

In 2025, Holmes removed all webpages, ads, and videos in which he endorsed AGM Renovations after AGM came under investigation by the Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario.[41]

Awards and accolades

[edit]

Publications

[edit]
  • Holmes, Mike (2014). The Holmes Manual. HarperCollins Canada. ISBN 9781443422376.
  • Holmes, Mike (2010). Make It Right: Kitchens and Bathrooms. HarperCollins Canada. ISBN 978-1-55468-033-7.
  • Holmes, Mike (2009). Make It Right: Attics and Basements. HarperCollins Canada. ISBN 978-1-55468-031-3.
  • Holmes, Mike (2008). The Holmes Inspection: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy Or Sell Your Home. HarperCollins Canada. ISBN 978-1-55468-043-6.
  • Holmes, Mike (2006). Make it Right: Inside Home Renovation with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor. HarperCollins Canada. ISBN 0-00-200813-0.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mike Holmes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael James Holmes (born August 3, 1963) is a Canadian contractor, television host, and advocate recognized for his series Holmes on Homes (2003–2009), in which he inspected and repaired substandard residential work performed by unqualified builders. Holmes began his career in at age 19, amassing over 35 years of experience that includes more than 220 televised renovations and 52 inspections, while promoting principles of integrity, skilled labor, and sustainable building practices through his "Make It Right" philosophy. His achievements encompass for his television work, recognition as one of Canada's most trusted figures, and initiatives like youth training programs via his charitable foundation and ambassadorship for . Holmes has expanded into business ventures, including eco-friendly housing developments in and product endorsements, though developments under his "Holmes Approved Homes" branding have faced scrutiny, with some structures demolished amid claims of defects and ongoing litigation.

Personal Background

Early Life and Entry into Trades

Michael Holmes was born on August 3, 1963, in , , and grew up in a modest three-bedroom home in Toronto's east end alongside his mother and siblings. His father, a by trade, began teaching him basic construction skills at the age of six, emphasizing the importance of building structures correctly from the outset. By age 12, while most peers engaged in typical childhood activities, Holmes was already assisting on construction sites, gaining practical experience under his father's guidance rather than pursuing formal schooling in the trades. This hands-on honed his skills in various aspects of building and , fostering a self-reliant approach to the industry without reliance on structured vocational programs. At 19, in 1982, Holmes launched his first contracting business in , assembling a small crew to undertake residential renovations and repairs, marking his formal entry as an independent operator in the construction sector. This venture built directly on the foundational knowledge from his father, allowing him to lead projects and establish a reputation for thorough, quality-focused work amid the competitive local market.

Family and Relationships

Mike Holmes married his high school sweetheart in 1982, with whom he had three children before their divorce in the late . The couple's eldest daughter, Amanda Holmes, has largely stayed out of the public eye but has occasionally collaborated with her father on construction projects. His son, Michael Holmes Jr. (born circa 1985), works closely with his father in the family business and on television shows such as Holmes Family Rescue. Mike Jr. rekindled a teenage romance with Lisa Marie Grant, marrying her in August 2017 in Ontario's Blue Mountains after a period of separation. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Azura Vie Holmes, on June 17, 2023, and announced a second in early 2025, with indications of the child's birth by mid-year. Daughter Sherry Holmes (born 1990) has followed her father into contracting and television, appearing on multiple Holmes family series. She married Blake Steed in December 2018, and they have two daughters: Cali Kay Steed and Oaklyn Summer Steed. Holmes maintains close ties with his children and grandchildren, often integrating them into his professional endeavors, though he has not publicly remarried or disclosed other significant relationships since his divorce.

Pre-Television Construction Career

Apprenticeship and Early Contracting

Holmes entered the construction industry during his teenage years, gaining hands-on experience that formed the basis of his early career, rather than pursuing a formal program. By the age of 19 in 1982, he had launched his first contracting business in , where he led crews on various projects. This early venture quickly grew, employing a crew of 13 workers and focusing on residential renovations and repairs in the Toronto area. Holmes attributed his rapid entry into contracting to continuous self-directed learning and practical involvement in the trades from a young age, emphasizing on-the-job skill development over structured certification. At 21, he founded a dedicated renovation company, further solidifying his reputation for addressing substandard workmanship through direct project management and crew oversight. Throughout the and , Holmes expanded his operations, completing numerous home renovations while building expertise in identifying and rectifying defects—a focus that later informed his services. His approach prioritized materials and code-compliant practices, often at personal financial risk during economic downturns, such as the , when he reportedly lost significant assets but persisted in small-scale contracting. This period established Holmes as a self-made contractor reliant on empirical problem-solving rather than institutional , though critics have noted the absence of recognized trade certifications for certain compulsory skills in regulated jurisdictions.

Founding Holmes Inspection Services

Mike Holmes founded Mike Holmes Inspections in 2012 to address shortcomings in the industry, which he had repeatedly encountered through his projects and television series exposing faulty and overlooked defects. The initiative stemmed from his frustration with inspectors who lacked proper or , often failing to identify critical issues like structural weaknesses or hidden that led to costly repairs for homeowners. The company was established as a division under The Holmes Group, Holmes's broader business umbrella encompassing contracting, products, and advocacy efforts, with a focus on delivering inspections adhering to elevated standards beyond typical regulatory minimums. Inspections involve detailed visual assessments by certified professionals, emphasizing prevention of future problems through comprehensive reporting on building envelopes, systems, and features. This founding aligned with the simultaneous launch of the Holmes Approved Homes program, which certifies new constructions meeting Holmes's criteria for quality and durability, further integrating inspection services into a holistic homeownership protection framework. By prioritizing inspector certification and rigorous protocols, Mike Holmes Inspections aimed to restore consumer confidence in pre-purchase evaluations, operating initially from and expanding to multiple Canadian locations including and Halifax. The venture reflected Holmes's long-standing contracting experience, dating back to his first company at age 19, but marked a specialized shift toward preventive services amid rising homeownership risks.

Television Career

Holmes on Homes and Initial Success (2001–2009)

Holmes on Homes premiered on HGTV Canada in 2001, featuring contractor Mike Holmes and his team as they investigated and remedied botched home renovations reported by dissatisfied homeowners. The show's format centered on Holmes conducting thorough inspections to uncover structural defects, code violations, and poor craftsmanship, followed by directing comprehensive repairs to ensure homes met safety standards and building regulations. Episodes typically highlighted real cases of contractor negligence, such as faulty foundations, leaking roofs, and hazardous electrical work, emphasizing Holmes' commitment to "making it right" through skilled labor and attention to detail. The series rapidly achieved strong viewership on HGTV Canada, consistently ranking among the network's top programs from its inception. By 2003, Holmes earned the Gemini Award for Viewers' Choice for Favourite Television Personality, reflecting the show's growing popularity and his appeal as a straightforward advocate for quality construction. Over its initial seasons, Holmes on Homes produced more than 100 episodes across seven seasons, amassing a dedicated audience by exposing common pitfalls in the home improvement industry and promoting ethical practices among tradespeople. This success solidified Holmes' reputation in , leading to expanded opportunities including the U.S. premiere on in April 2009, which reached nearly 100 million households and further amplified the series' influence on renovation standards. The program's impact extended beyond , as it prompted regulatory discussions on contractor and inspired homeowners to higher standards, with Holmes frequently confronting evasive or unqualified builders on camera.

Expansion to International and Specialized Series (2006–2019)

In 2009, Holmes launched , a series co-hosted with construction supervisor Damon Bennett that emphasized thorough inspections to identify defects before purchases or renovations, shifting focus from post-failure fixes to preventive assessments. The program aired its premiere on October 1, 2009, in and ran for multiple seasons, highlighting common oversights like structural weaknesses and moisture issues in existing properties. That same year, Holmes extended his work internationally with Holmes in New Orleans, a six-part documentary-style series documenting recovery efforts in the U.S. city's following Hurricane Katrina's devastation in 2005. The series followed Holmes and his team as they rebuilt a home for resident Gloria Guy, addressing shoddy reconstruction practices and advocating for durable, code-compliant builds in disaster zones. This marked Holmes' first major on-location project outside , partnering with organizations like to repair flood-damaged structures. Building on this momentum, Holmes Makes It Right premiered in 2012, expanding the renovation format to prioritize exceeding minimum building standards for longevity and safety, often tackling contractor errors in new or recent builds. The series gained U.S. distribution via DIY Network in August 2013, broadening Holmes' audience beyond Canadian borders with episodes featuring high-profile fixes like foundation reinforcements and energy-efficient upgrades. Further specialization came in 2014 with Mike's Ultimate Garage, where Holmes designed and constructed custom automotive spaces, integrating smart storage, ventilation, and structural enhancements for functionality. By 2016, Holmes and Holmes paired him with son Michael Jr. to inspect and renovate properties, blending family collaboration with detailed critiques of workmanship flaws. These productions aired on networks like and DIY, facilitating Holmes' growing U.S. presence while maintaining a core emphasis on verifiable integrity over aesthetic trends.

Family-Centric and Recent Productions (2019–present)

In 2019, Holmes launched Holmes 911, a series that marked an increased emphasis on collaboration in addressing homeowner crises from faulty renovations, DIY failures, and substandard contracting. Premiering on September 17, 2019, on CTV, the show featured Holmes working with his son Michael Holmes Jr. and daughter Holmes to inspect and rectify severe structural issues, such as and safety hazards, in multiple properties over 12 episodes focused on five primary rescues. This production highlighted the Holmes children's hands-on roles in demolition, rebuilding, and client consultations, building on Holmes' expertise while training the next generation in rigorous inspection standards. The family dynamic expanded in Holmes: Next Generation, which aired episodes into 2019 and 2020, where Holmes mentored emerging contractors, including his son Michael, on salvaging dysfunctional renovations plagued by poor workmanship. By 2021, Holmes Family Effect premiered, shifting focus to community-oriented projects by surprising individuals and organizations making positive local impacts with essential home repairs, again starring Holmes alongside and Michael in a 10-episode format emphasizing emotional narratives and collaborative fixes for issues like mold and barriers. That same year, Holmes Family Rescue debuted on December 4, 2021, with Holmes, Michael, and tackling 12 episodes of rescuing families from contractor abandonments and code violations, such as incomplete foundations and electrical hazards; the series continued with Season 2 premiering June 21, 2023, and Season 3 on June 4, 2025, maintaining a core team of family members for over 30 episodes total by late 2025. More recently, , which premiered on November 12, 2024, on Cottage Life, returned to the original format of exposing shoddy work while explicitly preparing Michael and Sherry to inherit the family business through joint investigations and repairs on failed projects, including backyard overhauls and aging-in-place adaptations for seniors. Across these productions, the Holmes family has collectively addressed hundreds of defects, prioritizing durable materials and compliance with building codes, with Holmes Sr. often underscoring the importance of verifiable warranties and professional licensing to prevent recurrence.

Judging Roles and Guest Appearances

Holmes served as a on the Canada reality competition series Canada's Handyman Challenge, which aired from 2012 to 2014 and tested contestants' skills in timed building tasks such as framing, , and finishing work. He evaluated participants alongside fellow judges including and Jim Caruk, focusing on precision, code compliance, and practical expertise to select top performers advancing toward a grand prize. The program, hosted initially by and later by Jenn Robertson, aimed to identify Canada's premier handyman talent through progressive eliminations across multiple episodes. In 2019, Holmes made a guest judging appearance on season 2 of HGTV's , where he assessed teams' kitchen challenges during an October episode, providing feedback on quality and functionality. This role leveraged his expertise in spotting structural flaws and ensuring durable builds amid the competition's high-stakes transformations of dated properties. Holmes expanded into U.S. television judging in 2021 by joining Battle on the Beach on HGTV as a recurring , critiquing coastal projects by competing teams on aspects like waterfront adaptations, material durability, and overall habitability. His involvement continued across seasons, emphasizing real-world resilience against environmental factors such as and , distinct from his prior hosting roles by focusing solely on without on-camera repairs. These appearances positioned him as an authoritative voice in competitive formats, drawing on his background to influence outcomes based on verifiable craftsmanship standards.

Business Ventures

The Holmes Group and Core Operations

The Holmes Group, entirely owned by Mike Holmes, serves as the parent entity overseeing the development and management of all Holmes-branded businesses and initiatives. Established to expand beyond initial inspection services, it coordinates operations across multiple sectors tied to Holmes's expertise in construction and media. Core operations encompass independent media production, where the group produces television series and content featuring Holmes, such as renovations and educational programming on home building standards. In new home building, it manages Holmes Homes and the Holmes Approved Homes program, which certifies builders and renovators committed to exceeding minimum building codes through partnerships with select contractors demonstrating high craftsmanship. Home inspections form another pillar via Mike Holmes Inspections, providing professional assessments to identify defects and ensure quality in residential properties. These operations emphasize integrity, quality materials, and skilled labor, with the group positioning itself as an advocate for in the construction industry across . Expansion efforts have included international branding, though primary activities remain focused on and the .

Endorsements, Protection Plans, and Products

Mike Holmes offers the Mike Holmes home warranty plans, which provide coverage for repairs or replacements of select home systems and appliances. The plans include DIY Essentials, covering systems, appliances, and appliances with virtual technician support for self-repairs; Premium, adding heating and cooling systems plus electrical systems with coverage limits of $5,000 per system, $3,000 per appliance, and $3,000 per system; and Extended, incorporating all prior coverage plus limited roof leak up to $1,500 annually and Mike Holmes Rewards offering a 20% premium refund for claim-free years, with increased limits of $6,000 per system and $4,000 per appliance. Exclusions apply, such as septic tanks and window air conditioning units, and pricing requires an individual quote. Holmes maintains a curated list of Holmes Approved Products, selected for their emphasis on durability, safety, efficiency, and innovation in and . These endorsements stem from Holmes' evaluation of products that exceed standard performance, often featured in his media and aligned with his "Make It Right" philosophy.
CategoryApproved Products/Brands
Air QualityDistinctAir Antibacterial Air Filters
Kitchen Cabinets
Building MaterialsEZblocks, Schluter Systems, Sika Canada
Water TreatmentKinetico Water Systems
Heating/CoolingBosch Heat Pumps, Canada
Roofing Protector for Roofing
Locks
Antimicrobial SurfacesHealthy Surfaces Collective
Vent SystemsSCALESWEEPER
Through the Holmes Approved Homes program, Holmes endorses builders and renovators who integrate these approved products and adhere to enhanced construction practices beyond minimum codes, with third-party inspections at key stages. He has partnered with specific companies, such as LeafFilter for gutter protection systems, announced on October 23, 2025, to promote proactive home maintenance. Additional endorsements include official contractors like Better Contracting for roofing and siding, and past referrals such as OakWood Renovation Experts in 2013. Some endorsed entities, including AGM Renovations, have discontinued operations amid investigations into work quality as of February 2025, leading to removal of Holmes' endorsement from his platforms.

Real Estate Developments and Certifications

Holmes Approved Homes is a certification program established by Mike Holmes through The Holmes Group, partnering with select builders and renovators committed to construction standards exceeding local building codes. Participating builders undergo multi-stage inspections by certified Holmes Group professionals to verify quality in materials, workmanship, and adherence to best practices, with evaluations covering structural integrity, energy efficiency, and durability. The program aims to identify developments built to Holmes' specifications, distinguishing them from standard market offerings, and lists approved entities across and the . Specific developments under the Holmes Approved Homes banner include projects by partners such as Colpitts Developments and Timber Block, where homes incorporate enhanced features like superior insulation and sustainable materials, certified post-construction. Builders must demonstrate consistent performance, with ongoing monitoring to maintain approval status, though the program does not involve Holmes Group directly constructing properties. Certifications within the initiative require to possess , complete a minimum of 1,000 prior inspections, and undergo Holmes-specific training focused on identifying defects beyond compliance. The supports this by offering comprehensive courses on building systems, from foundations and electrical to HVAC and plumbing, enabling for professionals aligned with Holmes' standards. These measures underscore an emphasis on verifiable expertise rather than self-reported claims, with approved projects marketed as pre-vetted for long-term reliability.

Advocacy and Industry Influence

Promotion of Skilled Trades and Education

Holmes has advocated for the skilled trades as essential careers amid chronic labor shortages in , describing the lack of qualified workers as a crisis requiring greater youth involvement and investment in training programs. He counters the stigma portraying trades as suitable only for academic underachievers by highlighting their demands and , citing his own entry into contracting at age three and licensure by nineteen, which enabled homeownership at that age. Through the Holmes Approved Homes program, Holmes partners with builders who prioritize hiring apprentices and providing ongoing to expand the workforce. He endorses early exposure to trades for students via school collaborations and co-op placements, recommending mastery of core competencies such as , problem-solving, and before pursuing apprenticeships, where success depends on punctuality, proactive learning from mentors, and portfolio-building of hands-on experience. In response to these gaps, Holmes established The Holmes Academy, which delivers a 225-hour online certification course in —a specialized aligned with National Occupational Standards—priced at $999 for most Canadian enrollees (excluding British Columbia's $2,500 in-person option), equipping graduates for incomes potentially exceeding $70,000 annually with business mentorship included. He further promotes over 140 recognized Canadian through support for Skills/Compétences initiatives, including youth workshops and competitions that demonstrate practical skills in sectors like .

Positions on Building Codes, Standards, and Sustainability

Mike Holmes has consistently advocated for constructing homes and renovations that exceed the minimum requirements of building codes, arguing that codes represent baseline safety thresholds rather than optimal quality benchmarks. In promoting his Holmes Approved Homes certification program, launched in , Holmes partners exclusively with builders who commit to surpassing local codes through enhanced materials, workmanship, and third-party inspections to ensure longevity and homeowner protection. He has criticized contractors who merely comply with codes as insufficient, stating in industry discussions that such practices lead to premature failures and higher long-term costs, as evidenced by frequent code violations uncovered in his television series (2001–2009), where over 80% of episodes addressed substandard work breaching Ontario Building Code provisions like structural integrity and electrical . Holmes emphasizes the necessity of obtaining building permits to verify compliance with evolving codes, such as the 2012 Ontario Building Code updates incorporating energy efficiency mandates, warning that unpermitted work often results in hidden defects like improper insulation or ventilation that compromise occupant health. His stance extends to specialized standards, including electrical codes enforced by bodies like the Electrical Safety Authority in , where he highlights distinctions between general building codes and trade-specific regulations to prevent hazards like overloaded circuits. Through his Holmes Group operations, Holmes integrates proprietary standards, such as rigorous pre-drywall inspections, to enforce accountability beyond regulatory minima, influencing industry practices by certifying over 100 builders across and the U.S. by 2023. On sustainability, Holmes has evolved his advocacy to prioritize net-zero and energy-efficient , promoting homes that generate as much as they consume via solar integration and high-performance envelopes since at least 2018. He collaborates with initiatives like Effect Home Builders in , established in 2019, to deliver Holmes Approved green homes using insulated concrete forms and renewable materials that reduce carbon footprints by up to 50% compared to code-minimum builds. Holmes pushes for curriculum reforms in trade schools to include sustainable technologies, such as advanced insulation and waste-recycling methods like 3D-printed components from recycled plastics, arguing these yield durable, low-maintenance structures resilient to climate challenges. In a 2011 interview, he linked quality directly to , asserting that robust standards minimize waste and repair needs, aligning with his broader campaign for "building it right" to foster environmentally responsible practices without compromising affordability or .

Controversies and Criticisms

In the TerraceWood subdivision in , a development promoted under the "Holmes Approved Homes" banner, 14 residences constructed between 2015 and 2019 by Third Line Homes exhibited significant construction deficiencies, including water leakage leading to mould, HVAC system failures, improper roofing, and major structural flaws. Tarion Corporation, Ontario's statutory administrator for new home warranties, condemned three of these homes as unsafe, determining that was more feasible than remediation due to the extent of the damage. Two homes were demolished, one in May 2023, while the third awaited teardown as of January 2024, forcing affected homeowners such as Fayard Johnson and Andrea Hart to relocate temporarily during repairs or face ongoing habitability issues. Tarion initiated an $8 million in against The Holmes Group, Third Line Homes, the of Meaford, and additional parties, asserting that the defects resulted in warranty claims exceeding $3 million and unremedied safety hazards. The suit specifically accused The Holmes Group of misrepresenting its role in quality oversight by endorsing the project for marketing purposes—such as billboards proclaiming "Holmes Approved Homes"—without conducting substantive inspections, despite promotional claims implying rigorous third-party verification. Homeowners reported commissioning post-purchase inspections through The Holmes Group, which Tarion alleged were not performed as promised, exacerbating the fallout; one resident, Myles Johnson, described the situation as "a nightmare" due to persistent structural and moisture problems. The Holmes Group, in its defense filed in response to the litigation, maintained that it neither constructed the homes nor had contractual access to the sites during building, limiting its oversight to promotional endorsements rather than hands-on verification. Mike Holmes publicly addressed the matter in February 2024, stating that no "Holmes Approved Homes" inspection packages were purchased by TerraceWood buyers, thus precluding any formal inspections by his firm, and expressing confidence that the courts would vindicate their position against Tarion's claims of misrepresentation. The company also disclosed a $390,000 loan from an affiliated entity, M. Holmes Holdings Ltd., to Third Line Homes for land acquisition, though it denied direct construction involvement. As of late 2024, the case remained unresolved without a trial, with Third Line Homes having entered insolvency, leaving Tarion to fund certain repairs under warranty obligations.

Issues with Endorsed Companies and Products

In early 2025, renovation company AGM Renovations, endorsed by Mike Holmes through promotional advertisements, faced investigations and customer lawsuits over defective work, including damaged flooring, improperly installed fixtures, and hazardous electrical installations performed by unlicensed electricians in violation of Ontario regulations. The Electrical Safety Authority launched a probe into AGM's electrical practices after complaints from homeowners such as Peter Mikhail and Eric Cartier, who sued for compensation over unfinished projects. Following CBC News coverage, advertisements featuring Holmes were removed from circulation, and AGM announced its closure on February 15, 2025, attributing the shutdown to reputational and financial harm from the reporting while denying liability. Holmes responded via a Facebook statement emphasizing electrical safety and indicating suspended ties with the company, though his firm received payment from the Electrical Safety Authority for unrelated safety videos during the endorsement period. Mike Holmes Protection, a home warranty program bearing his name and marketed as reliable coverage for repairs, has accumulated numerous customer complaints regarding claim denials, often classified as pre-existing conditions, prolonged delays in service, and unresponsiveness to cancellation requests. Reviews on platforms like reflect dissatisfaction, with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on over 170 submissions, including accounts of denied appliance fixes despite premiums paid and ironic contrasts to Holmes' on-screen advocacy against contractor scams. Better Business Bureau filings detail similar issues, such as technicians failing to repair items like doorbells or dishwashers, leading to unresolved disputes and refund demands from policyholders. The program, operated in partnership with third-party providers, has not faced formal regulatory actions reported in major outlets but continues to draw criticism for perceived deceptive practices in claim handling.

Professional Critiques from Inspectors and Contractors

Home inspectors have expressed frustration with Holmes' television portrayals, particularly in shows like Holmes Inspection, where he frequently highlights defects allegedly overlooked by prior inspections, leading to perceptions that the profession is broadly incompetent. Members of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) have argued that Holmes lacks formal certification as a home inspector, yet positions himself as an authority while criticizing the industry without equivalent qualifications. Professional home inspection firms have similarly critiqued the realism of Holmes' on-screen fixes, noting that repairs depicted are often excessively comprehensive and costly—such as full structural overhauls—beyond what standard inspections or typical remediation would entail, potentially misleading viewers about practical expectations. Contractors have voiced concerns that Holmes' programs, including , foster unrealistic client demands by showcasing premium renovations sponsored by networks and suppliers, which do not align with average project budgets or scopes available to most professionals. Discussions among builders indicate that while Holmes emphasizes quality craftsmanship, his dramatic emphasis on "shoddy" work can generalize negatively across the trade, overlooking contextual factors like client cost constraints. Some contractors acknowledge his promotion of best practices but criticize the shows for prioritizing entertainment over balanced representation of industry challenges.

Awards, Recognition, and Philanthropy

Industry Awards and Public Honors

Holmes received the Gemini Award for Best Lifestyle/Practical/Information Series for Holmes in New Orleans in recognition of his expertise in post-disaster and . His television work, which emphasized proper building practices and in home s, earned additional acclaim within the media landscape tied to the sector. In the public honors domain, Holmes was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Medal on June 2012 by the for his contributions to raising awareness of construction standards and protecting homeowners from substandard work. This medal, presented to Canadians exemplifying significant achievement or service, highlighted his role in advocating for quality craftsmanship over more than two decades. On February 21, 2008, the British Columbia Institute of Technology conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Technology upon Holmes, its highest accolade, acknowledging his practical innovations in sustainable building and education of trades professionals through media and direct industry involvement. These honors underscore government and institutional validation of his efforts to elevate industry standards, though they primarily stem from his public-facing advocacy rather than peer-reviewed technical contributions.

Holmes Foundation and Charitable Efforts

The Holmes Foundation, established by Mike Holmes in 2006, aims to promote careers in the skilled trades by providing financial support to Canadian students pursuing relevant academic training. The foundation administers the Make It Right® Charity Awards program, which includes scholarships and bursaries to encourage completion of college or university programs in , , and related fields. Annually, the foundation awards up to 20 scholarships and bursaries valued at $1,500 each to eligible students enrolled or enrolling in qualifying programs. Since its inception, it has distributed over 155 such awards, including specialized recognitions like the 24 Renovation Technician Awards of Excellence presented to students at . These efforts target reducing barriers to entry in the trades, such as tool costs and tuition, amid ongoing labor shortages in the sector. Holmes' charitable work extends to broader advocacy, including partnerships with organizations like Home Depot for additional grants supporting trade certifications. In 2006, following a project highlighting youth disinterest in trades, Holmes formalized these initiatives to combat industry stigmas and foster apprenticeships. Donations to the foundation directly fund these awards, emphasizing practical over theoretical .

Publications and Legacy

Authored Books and Writings

Mike Holmes has authored multiple books providing practical guidance on home renovation, , and , based on his as a contractor. These works focus on identifying defects, selecting qualified tradespeople, and ensuring durable, code-compliant to protect homeowners from common pitfalls. His publications include:
TitlePublication YearPublisher
The Holmes Inspection: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Your 2008 (first edition)
Make It Right: Inside Home Renovation with Canada's Most Trusted Contractor2006
Make It Right: Kitchens and Bathrooms2010
The Holmes Manual: Expert Answers to Your Most Common Home Questions2014
The Holmes Inspection offers checklists and red flags for buyers and sellers, stressing pre-purchase inspections to avoid costly repairs from substandard work. Make It Right details step-by-step processes, from planning to execution, advocating for licensed professionals and quality materials. Later titles like The Holmes Manual address ongoing maintenance issues, such as seasonal upkeep and energy efficiency, to extend home longevity. These books have collectively sold widely in and internationally, aligning with Holmes's advocacy for elevated building standards.

Impact on Home Improvement and Trades

Holmes' flagship series , which aired from 2001 to 2009 and featured over 80 episodes addressing botched renovations, exposed widespread issues with substandard contractor work, educating viewers on common pitfalls such as improper installations and failures while demonstrating corrective techniques using licensed tradespeople. This visibility prompted greater scrutiny in hiring, with the show receiving thousands of viewer-submitted complaints annually and influencing contractors to adopt more rigorous documentation and warranties to mitigate liability risks. By consistently advocating the "Make It Right" approach—prioritizing code-compliant, durable builds over expediency—Holmes contributed to a cultural shift in the sector toward valuing skilled labor, as evidenced by his repeated calls for tradespeople to document work thoroughly and use certified professionals for specialized tasks like electrical and . His emphasis on programs and hands-on has aimed to bolster the workforce, urging high school students and career changers to pursue trades amid a documented shortage, where faced a deficit of over 500,000 skilled workers by 2025 projections from industry analyses. The Holmes Approved Homes initiative, established to certify builders through mandatory third-party inspections at foundation, framing, and completion stages, sought to institutionalize higher benchmarks by requiring adherence to enhanced durability standards beyond minimum codes, thereby fostering trust in new home developments and incentivizing builders to invest in quality trades training. Complementing this, Holmes Inspections, operational since the early , has conducted independent audits emphasizing trade-specific expertise, indirectly elevating expectations for workmanship across renovations and new builds in . Through ongoing platforms like the , launched in 2021, he continues to disseminate practical guidance on trade best practices, such as proper ventilation and structural integrity, reinforcing long-term industry accountability.

References

  1. https://makeitright.ca/mike-holmes-story/
  2. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/mike-holmes/
  3. https://www.hgtv.com/profiles/talent/mike-holmes/mike-holmes-bio
  4. https://www.cbc.ca/news/investigates/mike-holmes-lawsuit-demolition-1.7091774
  5. http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/p/mike-holmes-bio.html
  6. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/mike-holmes-net-worth/
  7. http://www.westofthecity.com/people-and-events/at-home-with-mike-holmes/
  8. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/holmes-on-homes-podcast-blog/what-to-expect-in-holmes-on-homes-podcast-season-5/
  9. https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/tv-personality-says-he-is-a-contractor-first-225962
  10. https://www.thelist.com/329785/heres-what-really-happened-to-mike-holmes/
  11. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/mike-holmes.html
  12. https://www.thelist.com/409016/the-truth-about-mike-holmes-children/
  13. https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/is-mike-holmes-married-hgtv-host-relationship-details-kids/
  14. https://www.primetimer.com/features/lisa-grant-mike-holmes-jr-wedding-holmes-family-rescue
  15. https://people.com/who-is-lisa-marie-holmes-mike-holmes-jr-wife-8735328
  16. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/mike-holmes-jr-wife-lisa-002232118.html
  17. https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1486218-sherry-holmes-biography-age-husband-children-net-worth/
  18. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-renovation-secrets-i-learned-from-mike-holmes-journey-greg-neil-ok1pc
  19. https://mabumbe.com/people/mike-holmes-age-net-worth-biography-career-highlights/
  20. https://www.canadiancontractor.ca/voices/does-mike-holmes-have-trade-training/
  21. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-safety-maintenance/home-inspection-fails/
  22. https://www.facebook.com/make.it.right.mike/posts/i-started-mike-holmes-inspections-10-years-ago-because-i-wanted-homeowners-to-se/505432300941989/
  23. https://mikeholmesinspections.com/
  24. https://mikeholmesinspections.com/home-3/
  25. https://mikeholmesprotection.com/mike-holmes-story/
  26. https://www.workingre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Interview-with-mike-holmes-NE.html
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765621/
  28. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-safety-maintenance/mike-holmes-tv-shows-behind-the-scenes/
  29. https://cjc.utppublishing.com/doi/10.22230/cjc.2009v34n1a2181
  30. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/the-making-of-mike-holmes/article4301350/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1785938/
  32. https://makeitright.ca/tv-shows/holmes-in-new-orleans/
  33. https://tv.apple.com/us/show/holmes-in-new-orleans/umc.cmc.e7gftudj6mcccd7u5kcerlq3
  34. https://makeitrightnola.com/mir_SUB-section-mir-page-construction-mySub-holmes/
  35. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/07/15/diy-network-launches-us-premiere-of-mike-holmes-new-series-holmes-makes-it-right-on-tuesday-august-6-737215/20130715diy01/
  36. https://watch.plex.tv/person/mike-holmes-2
  37. https://makeitright.ca/tv-shows/holmes-and-holmes/
  38. https://www.hgtv.com/shows/holmes-makes-it-right
  39. https://makeitright.ca/tv-shows/holmes-911/
  40. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/101904-holmes-911?language=en-US
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13836352/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10902108/
  43. https://makeitright.ca/tv-shows/holmes-family-rescue/
  44. https://makeitright.ca/tv-shows/holmes-on-homes-building-a-legacy/
  45. https://blueantmedia.com/2024/10/mike-holmes-joins-cottage-life-with-new-original-series-holmes-on-homes-building-a-legacy-preparing-his-kids-to-take-over-the-family-business/
  46. https://makeitright.ca/tv-shows/canadas-handyman-challenge/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3393920/
  48. https://www.facebook.com/HGTV/videos/rock-the-block-guest-judge-mike-holmes/2503934573062608/
  49. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/mike-holmes/credits/3030231695/
  50. https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holmes-group
  51. https://holmesapprovedhomes.com/
  52. https://rocketreach.co/the-holmes-group-profile_b5dfbdbff42e48f1
  53. https://mikeholmesprotection.com/plans/
  54. https://makeitright.ca/approved-products/
  55. https://fox2now.com/business/press-releases/cision/20251023CG04965/leaffilter-and-mike-holmes-team-up-to-make-home-maintenance-easier
  56. https://makeitright.ca/mikesofficialcontractors/
  57. https://ottawacitizen.com/homes/renovating/oakwood-becomes-first-area-business-to-get-hgtv-stars-stamp-of-approval
  58. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/agm-reno-company-closing-mike-holmes-1.7460334
  59. https://holmesapprovedhomes.com/approved-united-states-builders/
  60. https://www.facebook.com/make.it.right.mike/
  61. https://www.timberblock.com/mikeholmestimberblock
  62. https://www.workingre.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Interview-with-mike-holmes-page_1.html
  63. https://theholmesacademy.com/course-overview/
  64. https://makeitright.ca/
  65. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/mike-skilled-trades/stigma-in-the-skilled-trades/
  66. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/mike-skilled-trades/want-to-get-into-the-skilled-trades-heres-some-advice/
  67. https://theholmesacademy.com/
  68. https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2011/09/511-building-codes-constructing-over-minimum-standards/
  69. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-renovation/why-you-need-a-building-permit/
  70. https://makeitright.ca/podcast-season-3-episode-6-electrical-code-and-hiring-a-lec/
  71. https://effecthomes.ca/sparking-a-revolution-how-mike-holmes-effect-home-builders-are-influencing-home-building-in-alberta/
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65Q7wF6KmTI
  73. https://makeitright.ca/podcast/how-3d-printing-is-transforming-construction/
  74. https://www.builderonline.com/products/hgtvs-mike-holmes-talks-construction-quality-sustainability-with-builder-magazine_o
  75. https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/8m-lawsuit-alleges-defects-mike-080000877.html
  76. https://www.cbc.ca/news/investigates/holmes-response-lawsuit-1.7109625
  77. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/agm-holmes-electrical-1.7453552
  78. https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/boca-raton/profile/home-warranty-plans/mike-holmes-protection-0633-92023764/complaints
  79. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mikeholmesprotection.com
  80. https://www.nickiswift.com/1725264/why-some-hgtv-fans-cant-stand-mike-holmes/
  81. https://www.sterlinghomeinspections.com/sterling-home-inspection-blog/2013/09/14/holmes-inspections-dont-believe-everything-you-see-on-tv/
  82. https://forum.nachi.org/t/mike-holmes-is-an-idiot/45485
  83. https://structuretech.com/holmes-inspections/
  84. https://trustedpros.ca/forum/home-improvements/mike-holmesgood-or-bad
  85. https://www.contractortalk.com/threads/mike-holmes-on-homes.69751/
  86. https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holmes-inspection-tv-program/917627
  87. https://www.reddit.com/r/Construction/comments/1bhfw4z/what_do_yall_think_about_mike_holmes_from_holmes/
  88. https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/126-215616
  89. https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/others/2008/02/mike-holmes-awarded-honorary-doctorate-by-british-columbia-institute-of-technology-joc026652w
  90. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-foundation/
  91. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/mike-skilled-trades/holmes-foundation-bursaries/
  92. https://www.abebooks.com/9781554680436/Holmes-Inspection-Everything-Need-Know-1554680433/plp
  93. https://www.cbc.ca/books/make-it-right-1.4199638
  94. https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/mike--holmes/1718056/
  95. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-holmes-manual-mike-holmes/1115475734
  96. https://www.amazon.com/Holmes-Inspection-Essential-Homeowner-Seller/dp/1603209298
  97. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-it-right-two-book-bundle-mike-holmes/1119221249
  98. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-holmes-manual/9177621/
  99. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/holmes-on-homes-podcast-blog/the-skilled-trades-shortage/
  100. https://rdcfinehomes.com/mike-holmes-guest-post-skilled-trades/
  101. https://holmesapprovedhomes.com/our-program/
  102. https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/buying-selling-your-home/holmes-on-homes-home-buying-nightmare-story/
  103. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holmes-on-homes-podcast-with-mike-holmes/id1555774795
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.