Holmes on Homes Exposed
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Holmes on Holmes-Mikes Mistakes
Holmes on Homes Exposed- Mike Holmes Claims He is the Most Trusted Contractorin North America
Mike Holmes of HGTV's Holmes on Homes claims he is the most trusted contractor in North America. Has anyone ever questioned him on his credentials? Does he hold any type of cerification as a Professional Tradesman? Is he Qualified to work in the United States? Does it matter to anyone that we only hear one side of the show's story?
I recently picked up the April 2009 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. An article in the Canadian Workshop reveals some questionable feelings some of his closest colleagues have about him. Jim Caruck- host of HGTV Real Renos, 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 Mike Holmes. Jim 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 Holmes' show early on. Eakes remembers filming in an attic space with Mike. "He was going on about how the duct work wasn't up to code and I thought, 'OK, this is his show, don't contradict him on camera.' But I knew he was wrong. The code didn't say anything about the detail he was pointing at, so, in a way, it was code: just not his code.
It is very important that Tradesmen (women) Contractors and all Professionals know the proper terminology involved with their specific field. That is very important because it gives professionals the ability to understand one another. A Doctor wouldn't say to his Nurse, "Pass me that knife" and really want a scalpel. If a Plumber asked you for that round thing and really wanted a section of pipe, his experience would come into question. On a recent episode of Holmes on Homes, Mike is instructing one of his apprentices on how to "Level" a framing stud. He insists that the young man levels all the studs properly. Let's get something straight. A framing stud in a wall stands "Plumb."(In Contractor terms, plumb means perfectly vertical). Level, as in sea level, means horizontal. This hasn’t changed in the history of Construction and is terminology learned in year one of Carpentry.
I personally have viewed episodes with building errors that could end up unnecessarily costing a homeowner hundreds if not thousands of dollars. One episode in particular shows the Finish Carpenter installing a door with improper technique. Shimming a door directly under the header changes it from a passageway to a structural support member. As the home starts to settle (and it will) stress is placed on the side jambs causing the door to bind, not close properly or have to be cut down to avoid rubbing on carpet or other flooring. The proper remedy for this blunder is to rehang the door, and believe me, it's not pretty, especially after the unit has been caulked and painted. The general contractor is responsible for ALL that goes on during the job including the work performed by the tradesmen. There is no grey area when it comes to the role of the general Contractor.
Everyone makes mistakes but when you have thousands of people watching and learning improper terminology and building techniques, something has to be said. I'm reminded that if financial experts would have spoken louder and longer about the red flags in our economy, millions of hardworking people may have been spared the loss of their savings or homes.
Along with the status of celebrity comes the responsibility of being held accountable and telling the truth. Shouldn't someone have a proven track record and some form of client base before beating their chest and claiming to be the Most Trusted in another man's country? Can you really just brush aside a nation of hard-working Professionals who have spent years building their businesses, their customer base and their reputations? The Contractors of the United States are some the best I have ever worked with and to sling mud at them angers me.They are the ones that deserve to be called the Most Trusted in their country.
There is a major difference in how Canada and the USA regulate their contractors. A legal contractor in the U.S. must take a course and pass an exam in order to qualify for his Contractors License. They then must obtain insurance and a bond which financially protects them and the homeowner in case of a dispute. Homeowners in the U.S. are able to view a contractors bio and past history including any outstanding disputes or liens, online, instantly. Since 911, fees for insurance and bonding have doubled and in some cases tripled placing unwarranted strain on American Contractors. Just recently in Canada only a General Contractor must have some form of Insurance to conduct business. That is where the problem begins. The only way a homeowner can check the integrity of a Canadian Contractor is through referrals and viewing his certification or credentials. It's unclear if Mike Holmes has any building trade certification in Canada, and for sure has absolutely none in the USA. In this day and age Professionals must be able to reassure a customer that they have gone the extra mile in obtaining proper education, apprenticeship and certification.
The writer does understand and has encountered dedicated and knowledgeable Tradesmen that have learned their trade solely through experience. Any Professional will tell you that the most important thing we hold dear is to be respected and trusted by our peers. The stamp of approval from another Tradesman, Contractor or Professional is the ability to receive a referral and perform duties with an excellent outcome. I’ve actually hung my head and muttered “that’s unacceptable” after viewing some of the episodes. If it wasn’t for some of the excellent sub contractors the show hires..I’d think it was a comedy.
People need to understand that Television can skillfully paint any kind of picture it wants. Emotional hooks are immediately driven deep in order to secure positive ratings. Good ratings bring more money. Poor ratings and you're sent packing. The viewer must understand that TV is entertainment and some information given by the host of a reality TV show could be taken out of context or be downright wrong. Make sure you consult a Professional with credentials before commencing a remodel project.
John Kowal has held an Interprovincial (Red Seal) Journeyman Certificate in Canada for 26 years. He has previously been licensed, bonded and insured for two categories in the United States as a General Contractor and Finish Contractor. Mr. Kowal also achieved the rank of Scenic Carpenter in 1987 for the TV and Film Industry and has traveled overseas and worked on various projects in 4 different countries.
He continues to expand his knowledge in the construction trade while owning and operating his companies in Canada and The United States.
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Tell Me Your Thoughts
I'd wish Mike Holmes would quit pretending he is the only trustworthy cotractor in the world.
I to am a contractor and believe in getting the "job done right".Most every contract I go to do these days....the customer already thinks you showed up to rip them off.
NO THANKS TO MIKE HOLMES!! YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY HONEST CERTIFIED CARP IN THE WORLD.IF YOU TAKE YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS LONG ENOUGH TO LOOK AROUND,YOU MIGHT SEE THE LIGHT.
Thanks Mikey
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".
I'm known as someone who will tell you exactly how I feel Homeowner. That way you know where you stand with me and don't have to look over your shoulders to see me coming.
You are not a Contractor and have not encountered or worked with as many as I have in the last 32 years,or completed work in as many countries as I have. I love my career and trade and have done everything possible to get all my certification and knowledge available. There are 10 times as many "Good' Contractors out there as bad. I know because I am in the industry. I am so disgusted at the show Holmes on Homes because he says the most ridiculous things about contracting. If you are going to sling mud,you better be squeaky clean...and he is far from it. Over the next few weeks I am going to dissect all of his shows and from just 3 episodes I already have an """"Unacceptable""" amount of errors, Bad building practice and ridiculous claims that would cost homeowners money if they followed his advice. Go ahead and love him but beware what you believe on TV cause it will bite you. Follow my hubs and I will take you deep into understanding why every contractor I know has said. " That guy really isn't a Professional Contractor"
I have had the same clients as long as 25 years. That is enough proof that I stand by my work, ethics and Professionalism. If you stick with me I will correct all the damage that has been done and help homeowners get the ammo they need to protect themselves. I will give you so many resources your head will spin and I will give you my best from all 32 years as a trusted Contractor amongst all my peers.
Yours Sincerely
Johnny
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.
Thank You Wise Man. I know Mike is popular and is certainly being marketed properly. My only goal starting up 30-40 mnew sites over the next few weeks is to protect people from nonsense. Give them the truth about the trade that has provided for my family. It takes time to gain the trust of a community. You must earn it by showing you will go the extra mile. I have always done something special for my clients to show my appreciation for their gift of work for me. They either received something I built for them or a free callback..Usually those last the day cause I'm already there and enjoy every minute. I am not at all convinced that some of the shoddy work was done by contractors . It was way out there but I have worked TV long enough to know that they will pump things up to gain market share. It's common practice to BS us and hook us emotionally. Thankyou for your honesty Wise Man.
Contracting In Honesty
Johnny Kowal
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.
Hi Down Pillow. I love your comments folks. But I have to give you some real experience with someone who asked for help. When I told them what had to be done they repeated "But Mike Holmes Said" This is what I'm talking about. People are taking him far to seriously. Marketing is an incredible science geared to making us do a certain thing. Mike wants you to buy his books and "stuff". I have read the books and there is stuff out there for FREE with better information. Now he's claiming to be an expert in Home Inspections. Folks...you are being sold.. Home inspection professionals are highly trained just like Carpenters with certification. Holmes won't even tell us if he has any certification as a carpenter. And from what I have seen...He absolutely does not. People do take him seriously because the emotional hook I talk about has been set..This is all I'm trying to get across..Over the next few weeks my sites will be up in every major city in North America and I will try and correct the inconsistencies on the show because someone will get hurt by them if not already. I totally agree that there is garbage out there in EVERY field, but TV reaches a lot of people and can do a lot of damage. A stock show host(whom said he was an expert) admitted to being wrong many times and many lost money. I've been telling my friends about him for years and some listened. They didn't lose as much.(Cramer). We do need more honesty out there. Enough damage has already been done in the name of the "Dollar"
Contractor Portland Oregon
http://ContractorPortlandOregon.com
Johnny
As a real estate agent a lot of my clients need a contractor. I suggest finding someone from word of mouth or certified and always find a busy contractor, its funny there are hundred's of good contractors for one bad one just like any field.
This Mike Holmes fraud really should be held accountable for his show he goes in and spends 10 times what was first spent on the original job and while doing so cutting independent contractors down. I bet there are thousands of independent contractors that would love to challenge him one on one! Further more what is this guys background is he just some Hollywood actor reading a script? Is he licensed or certified ? Finally i was he could be held accountable for the damage his show is causing i know i cant be the only one to see through this actor!!!
Wow Johnny thanks for showing us the truth. Sometimes you really gotta question the big dogs. They don't always know what they are talking about.
You always seem to have such a compassion for humanity. Maybe that's why you are sponsoring children in third world countries and changing their lives for the better everyday.
there's a saying in Australia-Tall Poppy Syndrome.It's where people who have made it get taken down by people who are jealous of their success.Happens all the time.Good on Mike for what he does,I do not believe he is phoney,fake,an actor or above himself.He is an honest guy doing his job,it just happen to be in front of cameras.He educates people and helps people.There are many contractors just like him and there are many who are not.Get off your high horses and applaude someone who is trying to make a difference for the better.Too many people are quick to try and find the bad in someone who is doing good,is it so hard to believe he is for real??Are you that jaded by life??I believe in Mike and his crew and what they do,I hope they continue their good work and others follow his example to "Do it right",not enough people do.
Hi kate.. You must not be reading the articles very closely. I just wrote another in Ezine Articles http://ezinearticles.com/?Holmes-on-Homes---Expert praising him for what he's done and how the production has done it.
I also address non-professionls that have been sucked into the marketing.. like you have. So when one of the "wrong" techniques get performed on your home and you have problems..Remember you are in love with Mike and not his experience level.
I'll repeat myself again...I will not let an actor on TV show bad technique and use improper terminology...and get away with it. There is to much of it on TV..And because I have the credentials and know what I'm talking about..there is no way I can help people like yourself that have no idea what they are watching when it come to "Professional Contracting". I knew that I would be open to criticism from folks like you but it doesn't matter.
I'm only here to help people that are open to listening to guys that have doing this all their lives, like me.
He has brought attention to flaws to my industry. I've seen it for years and continue to see it , because"I Do It Everyday And Make A Living At It".
So I suggest that you go ahead and love him but don't try to enter an arena you have no idea about and absolutely no practical experience in. There are to many folks like you that have blinders on until they get hurt....then the river of tears and cries of unfairness are heard all over the universe.
Keep up the good work,there are too many phonies on the tv.
I have to tell all of you that I have deleted some of the comments because they are so stupid from peop;le whom have no idea what they are talking about. Quite possibly someone from the show. You see..if you want to comment on Holmes on Homes websites you have to play nice and kiss his butt. Please read the article and then go to my sites and get an education. If you'll take another look,there are 2 colleagues of Mike's that also agree he is sometimes full of crap and the show is in the same category. Mike will not come to save you. You must do your due diligence. If you're continuing to get hurt...Then You Are Doing The Same Wrong Things Over Again. For these reasons I've stopped trying to help and at least expose that TV is for ratings and money and they will tell you anything YOU want to hear. So you morons from the show and some of you uneducated people don't have to embarrass yourselves anymore by posting stupid comments. Just go and watch the show and keep hoping that Mike will come and save you by charging so much that it will bankrupt you.
I guess when you carry a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail. The fact is Mike Holmes has done a great job of educating homeowners so they know what to look for when contractors are working in their homes. He has shown us countless examples of how minor surface problems can be suggestive of much large issues hiding behind the walls.
When I see someone go out of his way to chastise someone for educating the public about the bad practices of some contractors, it tells me that person is either jealous of Mike's success or he is probably one of those contractors who is having his or her work questioned by homeowners who are now knowledgable and won't accept "just to code" standards.
It is pretty clear you will delete any positive comment about Mike Holmes, but your censorship of the truth is far more telling than anything you have written here.
Here we go again. More misinformed, ridiculous comments from people who have either not read the article thoroughly,have never done any contracting and probably have never owned their own business. I have deleted only one comment because it was 10 time more stupid than the last. If you went to my website and read what I've accomplished with a clean record for the past 30 years and now work in the film industry as a scenic Carpenter you wouldn't say such ignorant things. You obviously have not read my Ezine praising Mike and saying he deserves all that has come his way. I am sick of narrow minded ...yes ...stupid people commenting on misinterpreted material I've written. So I've stopped because you will deserve everything you get. I get people writing me saying that they still have problems but if they followed a foolproof method I give for FREE(Craig please don't read it cause you don't deserve the great info) They would not have these problems. It all must look like a nail to you because you have no idea what you're talking about.. Mike "MUST" follow the code ..and he does...He just does his TV magic and makes all of you think he made it up . You believe him because you don't know any better. But most of you would not know that because you're not Contractors and you have no certification,or knowledge about the Carpenter trade. Read the comments again...Read the article again. His colleagues Jim Caruck and Jon Eakes agree with me and so do thousands of Competent and skilled tradesmen(women) all over America. So go and comment on someones baking tips or knitting procedures.
PS( Most of what he says is a bad building practice.. You just don't know any better..but have to go out of your way to show me you know nothing about the trade or contracting Craig.
Mischelle Watkins says:
4 months ago
It's about time somebody was paying attention to this phony. Good job Johnny Kowal!