In Holmes on Homes Podcast, Season 5, Episode 9 — titled “Holmes Unfiltered – Behind the Biggest Home Disasters on Mike Holmes TV Shows” — My daughter, Sherry and son, Mike Holmes Jr., and I reflect on some of the most dramatic and memorable renovation disasters featured on the Holmes on Homes series.

But, I’m warning you Sherry and Michael do try to take-over the podcast!

It’s a trip down memory lane, with some insights into the early days of Holmes on Homes. Lots of laughter too.

Here’s some highlights:

 

The Most Extreme and Impactful Rescue – LEED Platinum Home

 

“Lien on Me” – This episode is hands-down one of the most extreme and impactful rescues – it was even worse than the Whole House Disaster story!. A contractor—who was a trusted family friend—was hired for a $200,000 addition, but quickly botched the work, demanded more money, then abandoned the job and placed a $543,000 lien on the homeowners’ property.

Upon inspection, the inspector and I found catastrophic structural issues! No proper footings, missing insulation and vapour barriers, plumbing and electrical systems installed incorrectly, steel lintels resting improperly (or missing), I-beams supported only by 2×4s, stonework improperly embedded, and mortar so weak it crumbled at the touch.  

The only viable solution was to tear the house down brick by brick, stud by stud, then rebuild it—this time as a model LEED Platinum, healthy, and energy-efficient home.

Over two and a half years (30 months) and with involvement from 100+ companies and over 200 skilled tradespeople, me and my crew transformed the disaster into a gold standard restoration.

 

Holmes on Homes | “Lien on Me”- A Complete Tear Down

 

 

The Most Memorable Rescue

 

“Soggy Sorority” – This Season 1 episode 2, originally aired around late March 2003, features a sorority house, known as Alpha Omicron Pi, that was plagued by a persistent leaky flat roof that did internal damage in several rooms, including a closet that hadn’t been used in years. Multiple contractors had already tried—and failed—to fix it – incredible.

So, my crew and I, and with some help from the pros stepped in to “make it right”.  Not only did we install a new, properly constructed flat roof, but also added a safe rooftop deck— and repaired a badly degraded chimney. All while navigating the challenges (and fun?) of sorority life.

I also became an honorary member of Alpha Omicron Pi!

 

 

Most Botched Addition, Left in Rubble

 

“Whole House Disaster” – the notorious episode from Season 1, Episode 13 tells how Dave and Ana paid over $100,000 to a contractor for a kitchen addition and renovations. After a year and a half, the work was in such disrepair, the contractor had disappeared leaving the home practically uninhabitable. No plumbing, no electrical, no HVAC – insane! We had to do an almost full rebuild.

We brought in many skilled tradespeople, renovated the entire property, and worked tirelessly. I was also reminded when I rewatched the episode that the city inspectors were about to go on strike adding more pressure to get Dave and Ana safely back into their home.

 

 

 

Check out Behind the Biggest Home Disasters on Mike Holmes TV Shows from the iconic TV series Holmes on Homes!

 

Listen to the Holmes on Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠- 🎙️

 

About Holmes on Homes Podcast

 

Mike Holmes, a seasoned professional contractor and television host, is renowned for his commitment to quality and safety in home construction and renovation. He extends his expertise through the “Holmes on Homes Podcast,” where he engages in in-depth discussions with trade experts to provide listeners with valuable insights on building safer, healthier homes.

 

In each podcast episode, Mike addresses a wide range of topics, including electrical safety, healthy pet living, and pondscaping, offering practical advice to homeowners. The show features interviews with industry professionals and answers to common questions, aiming to educate and empower listeners in their home improvement endeavours.

 

Through the “Holmes on Homes Podcast,” Mike Holmes continues his mission to promote quality craftsmanship and safety in the home improvement industry, providing listeners with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their homes.

 

Listen to the Holmes on Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠⁠- 🎙️

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