Celebrity contractor Mike Holmes loves teaching people about all issues related to home renovations. But star HGTV'S Holmes inspection and Holmes on homes says he never set out to conduct handyman.
"I got into this by accident," said the 48-year-old Torontonian in Vancouver recently to promote his two new books — making it right: kitchens and bathrooms and do it right: attics and basements. "I met the Executive Director of HGTV Canada and he asked me to build a custom home page for him ... I got a big mouth, so I told him I had an idea for a show because I was tired of people getting screwed by crooked contractors. "
After a couple of hours of chatting, the Executive Director offered him a pilot. "I told him I was not a tv guy, but he sold me on the education factor ... I told him he could have two years; There were 11 years ago, ' he says. "I think both shows work for all can relate to one of renovation nightmares."
Affable Holmes may have fallen in his pop-idol status by happenstance, but it does not take a long time for him to get a legion of fans, including thousands of women who tune in each week to see him uncover the nasty messes left by unscrupulous contractors.
"It is also one of the hardest and merciless, infinite heart breaks, that really get them," he said.
When asked what renovation job really affected him, muses Holmes for a few minutes.
"If you read stories about renovations gone horribly wrong that I receive, you would be shocked. But I will never forget the family of trillingernes in Ontario, who had their house renovated to make it wheelchair-accessible for Annie, one of the trillingernes born with cerebral palsy, where the contractor walked out, not finishing the job. Annie died in 2005 during the initial renovations. "
Holmes and his crew restored house in her honour. Holmes says the hardest part was keeping the family together during recording.
"It was heartbreaking to see the pain etched on their parent's faces … as parents, we can all relate to," said Holmes, whose three children 22-26, working for him.
Holmes is also committed to elevating the status of the profession, and he is doing his part to the structure with its charitable organization, the Holmes Foundation, a Canadian non-profit that supports the training of young people in the crafts through apprenticeships, scholarships and fellowships.In addition to his shows, books, newspaper column, and the latter is called Holmes magazine — magazine make it right — Holmes is to venture into for cartoons. Holmes ' comic strip Show, Mighty Mike, as will his character as a child practical "male" at the age of four to eight, will broadcast across Canada even during Christmas 2011.
"Keep in tune because there is much more to come in 2012 … I just can't tell you right now, "says Holmes.
-From Mike Holmes ' kitchens and bathrooms, make it right
1. Cabinet upgrades that are worth a splurge is quiet-Close or soft-Close drawers and cabinet doors.
2. marketing refrigerators near heat sources, forcing them to work harder.
3. stainless steel counters is hard and non-porous, and is probably the most sanitary counter material, you can choose.
4. the Bathtub and showers should be equipped with grab bars, no matter how young or old users could be.
5. tempered glass is safer than regular glass shower doors and walls.
6. you can think steam bath, sauna, or even a hot tub in your bathroom. Do not put these in your House — go to spa instead. This very moisture in one room or your House will be a problem.
-From making it right: attics and basements
1. the first step in any renovation should have your drains checked for possible problems. You will not backup to destroy your newly renovated basement.
2. If you are planning a bathroom in the basement or attic, you ventilation.
3. A basement is a good candidate for the renovation, if it has at least one window, there are large enough for a fire escape and a door to external.
4. the only way to know safe if a wall bearing or non-bearing is to hire a structural engineer.
5. A dormer can add light, height, and provides a space for your attic.
6. Stairs to your attic must be secure and up to code, which may require more space than you might expect.
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