Real Stories, Smart Solutions, and Building for the Future If you’ve ever dealt with a renovation gone wrong, felt overwhelmed by home maintenance, or just wanted to understand how to...
What To Expect in Holmes on Homes Podcast Season 5
By Mike Holmes
Mike’s Advice / Holmes on Homes Podcast Expert Advice
Monday, April 14th, 2025 @ 2:51pm
Real Stories, Smart Solutions, and Building for the Future
If you’ve ever dealt with a renovation gone wrong, felt overwhelmed by home maintenance, or just wanted to understand how to make smarter decisions about your property, I’ve been there. I started in construction when I was just 19, inspired by my dad who taught me to build things right the first time. Over the years, I’ve seen just about everything, from small DIY mishaps to major disasters, and I’ve made it my mission to help educate homeowners one home at a time. That’s why I started the Holmes on Homes Podcast, now on Season 5.
This podcast is a way for me to dig deeper into the issues I’ve spent my career tackling—shortage of the skilled trades, building healthy homes, electrical safety and how to Make It Right. But it’s not just about pointing out problems. This podcast is about giving you real solutions, practical advice, and stories that help you feel confident about the choices you make with your home.
What to Expect in Season 5
If you’ve listened before, you know we don’t sugarcoat things. In Season 5 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I’m tackling some of the biggest issues facing homeowners today—like the skilled trades shortage, accessibility at home, legal basement suites, and the future of building. We also dive into indoor air quality and share ways to make your home safer, healthier, and more efficient.
You’ll hear insights from industry experts, personal stories from my early days on Holmes on Homes, and even a few guest appearances from my kids, Sherry and Mike Jr. which is always a good time. We’ve also got a great lineup of industry pros who really know their stuff.
This season is all about giving you the knowledge to make smart, informed decisions about your home. Whether you’re a homeowner planning your next project or someone who just wants to learn more about building it right, this season has something for you. So let’s get into it—and as always, Make It Right.
Episode 1: Why is There a Shortage of Skilled Trade Workers and How Do We Solve It?
The skilled trades industry is facing a critical shortage, but it’s not because of a saturated market. In fact, according to Stats Canada, between 2016 and 2021, the number of tradespeople over 65 grew by nearly 12%, while the number of youth (ages 15-24) in the trades dropped by over 12%. So, what’s really going on?
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I’m joined by my daughter Sherry Holmes, Frank Melecca, home renovation teacher at Judith Nyman Secondary School, and Shawn Smith from Logicaldox, a company revolutionizing skilled trades training with Virtual Reality. We talk about some of the reasons behind the skilled trades shortage and how it’s impacting the future of the industry.
We also talk about VR (Virtual Reality) training, which blows my mind that you can be standing in one place but it looks like you’re in another. My daughter got to try out a demo to see how it can be used for skilled trades training, but can this help solve the skilled trades shortage by transforming how we teach the next generation of tradespeople?
We talk about solutions for skilled trades shortage, most in-demand skilled trades careers, and more.
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Episode 1 Airs April 17
Episode 2: How Do You Renovate a Home to Be Wheelchair Accessible?
What are the best wheelchair accessible home modifications? How do you make a home wheelchair accessible on a budget? Renovating your home to make it accessible doesn’t have to be complicated. The best wheelchair-accessible home modifications include ramps or vertical lifts for entry, wider door frames, and durable flooring for both comfort and safety.
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with my daughter Sherry Holmes and Ronny Wiskin, Accessibility Specialist at MED+ Health, to talk about the best options for building a wheelchair-friendly home. We get into what every accessible home should include, what to avoid when hiring a contractor, and how to make smart choices when renovating or buying a home.
We also cover key code requirements, how insurance can help, and why working with the right experts makes all the difference.
Want to make your home more accessible without costly mistakes? Tune in to find out how to do it right.
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Episode 1 Airs April 24
Episode 3: What Are the Most Popular Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects?
As we age, our homes need to evolve with us, and making the right modifications can help ensure your forever home is functional, accessible, and safe for the long term. So what are the best modifications for aging in place? The best modifications include grab bars, curbless showers, and a main-floor laundry, which make your home more accessible and comfortable as you age.
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I’m joined by my daughter Sherry Holmes and Ronny Wiskin, an Accessibility Specialist at MED+ Health, to talk about the top aging-in-place modifications. We cover everything from bathroom renovations to making it easier to move between floors in a multi-story home.
We also discuss practical solutions like chair lifts, ramps, and main-floor laundry—simple changes that make a big difference. Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a loved one, this episode has expert advice on transforming your home to meet your needs as you age.
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Episode 3 Airs May 1
Episode 4: Guide to Building Legal Basement Suites in Canada
Thinking of turning your basement into an income suite? Basement suites can be a great way to add extra income, but there are a lot of things you need to know before you start —like what is the difference between legal and illegal suites, especially when it comes to building codes and safety.
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with Ben Wiley, Founder & Construction Manager at Basement Builder Group, to talk about what it takes to build a legal basement suite in Canada. We cover the key features required, the importance of permits, and common mistakes to avoid.
Ben and I also discuss how to design a space that attracts quality tenants, maximize small spaces, meets egress window requirements, and choose the right flooring. Plus, we dive into the challenges of building basement suites in Calgary and what to consider when buying a home with a basement you want to convert.
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Episode 4 Airs May 8
Episode 5: Could 3D Printing Solve Big Problems in Construction Faster & Cheaper?
Imagine turning construction waste into useful products like stepping stones or even garbage cans. Or printing a custom home retrofit piece in hours instead of weeks. The problem is, according to the OECD, only 9% of plastic actually gets recycled, with 49% ending up in landfills. That’s a huge waste!
The construction industry faces its fair share of challenges—high costs, supply chain delays, and tons of waste. Could 3D printing be the answer? How can 3D printing help reduce construction waste?
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with Randy Janes, Owner and Lead Operator at Wave of the Future 3D, and Murray Pound, Owner and President of Generations Master Builder, to explore how 3D printing is changing the game in construction. We talk about how it’s cutting costs, boosting efficiency, and making job sites more sustainable. We also dive into why 3D printing is considered a green building technology.
3D printing isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about recycling and regenerating plastic into durable, functional products for construction and beyond. Could this be the future of building? Tune in to find out.
Episode 5 Airs May 15
Episode 6: Could 3D Printing Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis?
What if we could build affordable homes in just days instead of months—without wasting materials and while being as sustainable as possible? Affordable housing is a major issue in cities around the world, and 3D printed homes might just be the innovative solution we’ve been waiting for.
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with Randy Janes, Owner and Lead Operator at Wave of the Future 3D, and Murray Pound, Owner and President of Generations Master Builder, to talk about how 3D printing is being used to build tiny homes faster and more efficiently. We’ll also explore the benefits of 3D printing in tackling the affordable housing crisis, especially here in Canada. Not only is it more efficient, but it also reduces waste and lowers carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.
But there are challenges ahead. We discuss how zoning laws, public perception, and building codes could affect the widespread use of this technology. Plus, we dive into the reliability of 3D-printed materials and how builders can start using this game-changing tech in their own projects.
Episode 6 Airs May 22
Episode 7: Easy Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Most people don’t realize it, but the air inside your home can actually be worse than the air outside. Actually, your indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air? Hidden pollutants, poor ventilation, and moisture buildup can all contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. So, how do you improve the air you breathe inside your home?
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with Ken Nelson and Darryl Rebeschini, indoor air quality experts from Panasonic North America, to talk about easy, effective solutions for improving your home’s air quality and building a healthier living space. We cover the most common indoor pollutants, why every home needs a vent fan, and the role air purifiers play in keeping your air clean.
You’ll also learn how to manage moisture to cut down on contaminants and how new tech, like the Panasonic WhisperAir Repair and Whisper Series vent fans with LED light panels, can make a big difference in your home’s air quality. Plus, we dive into source management—why controlling pollutants at the source is key to maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to improve your indoor air or someone dealing with allergies, this episode’s packed with practical tips to help you breathe easier and create a cleaner, healthier home
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Episode 7 Airs May 29
Episode 8: How Do ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) Work?
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) might sound complicated, but they’re actually a great way to improve your home’s air quality, while cutting on energy costs. But how do they work, and how are they different from HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators)?
On this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with Indoor Air Quality Experts Ken Nelson and Darryl Rebeschini from Panasonic North America to talk about ERVs, how they differ from HRVs, and why every home can benefit from one. We also dive into why ERVs are essential for maintaining both a healthy and energy-efficient home.
Here’s a surprising fact: ERVs aren’t just about ventilation—they also help control humidity, preventing mold and dust buildup. They balance moisture in your home, making it more comfortable, especially in high-humidity areas. We’ll also talk about Panasonic’s WhisperComfort 60, a top-notch ERV unit that offers excellent ventilation while saving energy.
Could improving your home’s air quality also lower your energy costs? Tune in to find out
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Episode 8 Airs June 5
Episode 9: Holmes Unfiltered – Behind the Biggest Home Disasters on Mike Holmes TV Shows
Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since Holmes on Homes first hit the airwaves? It all began on March 22, 2003, with an episode called “Additional Grief.” I was just trying to help one homeowner who had been taken advantage of by a bad contractor—never imagined it would kick off a movement in home renovation and change the way people look at building.
In this special episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I sit down with my kids, Sherry and Mike Jr., to take a look back at where it all began. We talk about the early days of filming, the unforgettable projects—like “Lien on Me” and “The Contractor From Hell“—and all the lessons we learned fixing disaster after disaster.
We also share some behind-the-scenes stories, a little Holmes family trivia (like who’s the biggest perfectionist in the crew), and how our journey led to the creation of the Holmes Foundation and a renewed push to support the skilled trades.
If you’ve ever watched the show and wondered what went on when the cameras stopped rolling—or where to catch classic Holmes on Homes episodes for free—you won’t want to miss this one.
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Episode 9 Airs June 12
Episode 10: The Future of Skilled Trades: Mike Holmes & Rob Almond, CEO of NEST, Discuss Legacy and Industry Challenges
The skilled trades are facing a serious crisis. With an aging workforce and not enough young people stepping in, we’re heading toward a major shortage that could impact everything—from housing to public infrastructure. So, what needs to change?
In this episode of the Holmes on Homes Podcast, I talk with Rob Almond, CEO of NEST Facilities Management, about the state of the trades and what it’ll take to secure their future. We cover everything from my own journey in the trades to what’s being done right now to attract and support the next generation.
I also talk with Rob about the power of mentorship, the importance of hands-on training, and how groups like the Holmes Foundation and STAC are working to close the skills gap. We also talk about what it really takes to build a trades industry that prioritizes safety, quality, and trust.
If you care about the future of building, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.
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Episode 10 Airs June 19
Tune In To Holmes on Homes Podcast Season 5 Every Thursday
This season of the Holmes on Homes Podcast is packed with topics that matter to homeowners, contractors, and anyone interested in making their home a better place. Tune in every Thursday starting April 17, 2025, and listen to the Holmes on Homes podcast wherever you get your podcasts— including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Make sure you’re following me on social media to stay updated on new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.
Get ready. This season’s going to be a good one.
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