Building a Barrier-Free Home that is Safe, Accessible, and Functional for Noah On this Holmes Family Rescue reno we got to help a great couple, Iwan and Ivona, and their...
Holmes and Holmes: Jake’s Episode
By Guest Post
Mike’s Advice / Design & Renovation Inspiration
Friday, February 14th, 2025 @ 2:55pm
One Of Mike Holmes’ Favorite Jobs
Patricia and Rod had big dreams for their home and their children, Kiana and Jake. They planned to renovate over time, tackling a new roof, kitchen, and bathroom. However, life took an unexpected turn when they discovered their son, Jake, had a brain tumour. With ongoing treatments and mounting expenses, their renovation plans were put on hold as Patricia left her job to care for Jake. Enter Mike Holmes.
Mike Holmes and his children, Sherry and Michael, with Patricia and Rod, their son Jake and daughter Kiana, on Holmes and Holmes City Barn project
Although Jake’s health stabilized, he faced mobility challenges, and their home was not suited for his needs. The main floor was cramped, making it difficult for Jake to move around with his walker. Mike Holmes and the team stepped in to help by making their home accessible, safe, and comfortable.
Mike Holmes’ Reno Plan: Mobility and Accessibility
When we have the opportunity to renovate, we like to think ahead. Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as they can, so it’s essential to consider making improvements that will allow them to stay.
- Wider 42” Front Door: Provides easier access for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. (Note: A permit is required for this upgrade.)
- Smart Lock with Touchpad Entry: Enhances security and ease of use.
- Curbless Accessible Shower with Seat: Ensures a safe and functional bathing space.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Durable and long-lasting for safety.
- Lever Handles Instead of Knobs: Easier to operate, especially for individuals with limited hand mobility.
Rod is a Fire Chief. His entire station came out to help us during the demolition. It was an incredible day, and we were truly grateful for their assistance in making everything right for this family.
Members of Rod’s station lent a hand on demolition day.
Life took an unexpected turn when they discovered their son, Jake, had a brain tumor.
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Behind The Walls
It’s always tough explaining the findings to the homeowners. No one wants to hear bad things about their house.
It’s always tough explaining the findings to the homeowners, especially to Patricia and Rod
Once the Holmes crew began demolition, we discovered major structural issues. The main floor needed to be open-concept, but the existing walls were load-bearing, meaning they supported the second floor. To safely remove them, we consulted a structural engineer and installed pocket beams, which are flush with the floor joists, eliminating bulky ceiling obstructions.
- Pocket Beams: Integrated seamlessly to maintain an open-concept design.
- Point Loads and Footings: Ensured proper weight distribution to the basement foundation.
- Sistering Joists: Strengthened existing joists by attaching new ones for added durability and leveling.
Signs of Structural Issues in Older Homes
Older homes often have structural issues, and this house is no exception. How do you know if the older home you purchased has structural issues?
- Sticking Windows and Doors – could indicate foundation has shifted
- Uneven Floors – sagging or bouncing may mean weak or damaged joists
- Water Damage – joists weakened by moisture need to be repaired before renovations
In Rod and Patricia’s home, previous trades had made improper modifications in the joists, compromising the structure. We corrected these mistakes to ensure long-term stability.
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New Windows and Doors
Dom from Trimbo Windows and Doors, with his team, replaced all the old windows and doors with energy-efficient triple-pane windows. This helped improve insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs.
To install a bigger sliding door we needed to make the opening bigger and ensure the lintel doesn’t require replacing.
A lintel is a beam that is placed above windows and doors and it supports the load from the structure above. The main goal is the load doesn’t get transferred onto the door itself. In both cases, we had to install a new lintel to ensure the doors were safe for Rod and his family.
In some areas, like the back sliding door and the front door, we wanted to make them bigger. This made it easier for people with mobility issues. It also allowed for easier access to things, like walkers, strollers etc.
Fire-engine red door for Rod, with smart lock capability
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New Flooring – Engineered Hardwood
Rod and Patricia’s house was old and so was the floor. It was damaged and had been previously sanded down so not ideal. Plus, the layout was changing and we were moving walls so it just made sense to install a new floor.
We installed a brand new engineered hardwood floor in a darker colour as it won’t show the dirt and it will hold up to the activities of this busy family, including pets. Thanks to Twelve Oaks for supplying the flooring!
Michael installed new engineered hardwood throughout the main living area
Here is a little guide on flooring:
- Solid Hardwood Floors: can be sanded 3 to 5 times depending on the thickness
- Engineered Hardwood: top veneer layer is much thinner, so sanding it down may not always be an option.
- When to Replace Your Floor: If the floor is old and damaged, has too many nails and gaps
- Never Layer: avoid putting new flooring over old floor and always ensure the subfloor is stable before adding your new floor
Engineered hardwood is durable and moisture resistant.
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A New Asphalt Roof
Rod’s biggest concern was the roof. It was in rough shape and squirrels were moving in. Once we removed all the old asphalt shingles we found water damage caused by an improper drip edge, leading to ice damming and leaks. We also replaced the hole made by the squirrel.
Rod’s biggest concern was the roof. It was in rough shape and squirrels were moving in.
- Replaced Damaged Plywood: Fixed areas weakened by water damage.
- Installed a Full Underlayment System: Provided extra protection against moisture.
- New Asphalt Shingles: Ensured long-term durability.
- New Soffits, Fascia & Gutters: Improved drainage and prevented further squirrels and other critter invasions.
New roof and siding to improve drainage and prevent further squirrels moving in!
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A New Kitchen with Hidden Storage
Patricia dreamed of a new kitchen, and she and Jake loved spending time baking – it was their “thing”. Patricia was frustrated with the lack of space, functionality and flow, so we wanted to give her an updated kitchen that addressed these issues.
Opening up the walls brighter the space and made it easy for Patricia and Rod to watch the kids whether in the dining area or family room.
We opened up the walls so there are better sightlines to the dining area and family room. We added lots of hidden storage space, perfect for Jake’s baking supplies.
- Open-Concept Layout: Better sightlines and movement to the dining area and family room
- Hidden Storage Solutions: storage for Jake’s baking supplies
- Updated Appliances: increased energy efficiency
- Fixtures and Finishes: ease of use and durability
Quartz countertops are durable and more resistant to scratches, chips and cracks than other surfaces.
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An Accessible Bathroom
The original main-floor bathroom was outdated and not suited for Jake’s mobility needs. We transformed it into a barrier-free, accessible space.
Fully accessible bathroom with curbless shower for Jake and pocket door for easy maneuverability
Here are some features we incorporated:
- Curbless Shower with Seating: Allows easy wheelchair and walker access if needed.
- Shower Shelves: Added additional space to hold their everyday essentials inside your shower or tub area.
- Grab Bars & Non-Slip Flooring: Provides safety and stability.
- Modern, Spacious Design: Functionality for Jake and looks good
- Pocket Door: Maximizing the space
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Maximizing Space and Storage with Clever Design Choices
We created a space that could act as a quiet area for Jake. Our interior designer Kimmberly Capone provided a cool looking wide comfy chair that pulls out to a single-day bed. Perfect for Jake if he’s feeling tired and needs a rest.
Quiet area with day bed for Jake to rest
The custom closet system helped keep the space organized while maximizing storage.
A Special Surprise for Jake from Mike Holmes Jr
Mike Holmes Jr always creates a special wood feature for each of our homeowners. For Jake he built a custom one-of-a-kind wooden command centre incorporating Jake’s signature heart-and-smiley-face design using Purpleheart wood. He loved it, and made the space truly special.
Michael made a wooden gaming box for Jake, with Jake’s signature heart-and-smiley face
A Surprise FOR Mike Holmes
During the renovation, BONES were discovered in the basement. Shocking! That stopped all the work until the police were contacted to conduct an investigation. The bones turned out to be animal bones.
What seemed like a straightforward renovation turned into a 3.5-month project due to extensive structural repairs and delays. We gave Patrica, Rod, Kiana and Jake a home that is not only beautiful but also safe, accessible and functional. Our mission is always to build it right and this project truly touched our hearts.
Go Team Jake!
About Holmes And Holmes:
Join the journey on HGTV with Mike Holmes and his passionate family as they champion homeowners against devious contractors and disastrous D.I.Y projects. Over a journey of 12 episodes, watch as they breathe new life into five houses, transforming them back into homes again.
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