Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes: Season 5 – Episode 5
Could 3D Printing Solve Big Problems in Construction—Faster & Cheaper
Episode Airs May 15
Imagine turning construction waste into functional products like stepping stones and garbage cans. What about printing a custom home retrofit piece in hours instead of weeks? Shockingly, according to the OECD, only 9% of plastic is actually recycled, with a staggering 49% ending up in landfills. That’s not right!
The construction industry is full of challenges—high costs, supply chain delays, and excessive waste. Could 3D printing be the solution? How can 3D printing reduce construction waste?
On this Holmes on Homes Podcast episode, Mike Holmes sits 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 disrupting traditional construction, reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and making job sites more sustainable. They also talk about the benefits of using 3D printing in construction and how 3D printing is considered a green building technology.
3D printing offers a sustainable solution to not only recycle but also regenerate this plastic waste into durable, functional products for the construction industry and beyond. So could this be the future of building? Listen to find out.
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WHERE TO LISTEN
SPECIAL GUESTS
Wave of the Future 3D specializes in small and large-scale 3D printing, manufacturing, and design services. They create trade show displays, educational exhibits, prototypes, and custom products using cutting-edge CAD/CAM software. Their expertise spans engineering animations, renderings, and machine programming, bringing ideas to life with precision. With a focus on innovation and quality, they help businesses and individuals turn concepts into reality.
Generations Master Builder is a Sarnia-Lambton-based homebuilder renowned for crafting high-quality, energy-efficient homes that seamlessly blend creativity and style. With over 20 years of experience in upscale markets, they prioritize sustainability, durability, and occupant health. As a Holmes Approved Homes builder and a member of Built Green Canada, Generations ensures each project meets stringent standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Their commitment to excellence has earned them numerous industry awards for design, innovation, and customer service.
Behind The Scenes Photos
Click below to view Behind The Scenes photos
Ask Mike Holmes
Mike and his expert industry guests answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
1. How is 3D printing changing the construction industry?
3D printing is shaking up the way we build by reducing waste, cutting costs, and speeding up production. Instead of waiting weeks for custom parts, you can print them in hours. Plus, it’s a game-changer for sustainable building—turning plastic waste into functional products.
2. Can 3D printing help reduce construction waste?
Absolutely! Traditional construction creates a ton of waste, but 3D printing can turn that waste into new building materials—like stepping stones, panels, or even furniture. That’s smart, sustainable building right there.
3. Is 3D printing a cost-effective solution for home building?
It can be! 3D printing cuts down on material waste and speeds up production, which helps lower costs. But the total cost depends on the type of printer, materials used, and the size of the project. For custom pieces or projects with supply chain delays, 3D printing can be a more efficient and affordable option.
4. What materials can be used in 3D-printed construction?
There’s a lot of innovation happening here. Right now, we’re seeing concrete, recycled plastics, and even biocomposites being used in 3D-printed homes and structures. And the best part? Many of these materials are eco-friendly.
5. How strong are 3D-printed buildings compared to traditional homes?
Believe it or not, 3D-printed structures can be just as strong—sometimes even stronger—than traditional builds. It all comes down to the materials and design, but with the right process, these buildings can handle the elements just fine.
6. Is 3D printing considered a green building technology?
Yes, and it should be! It helps reduce waste, lowers emissions, and promotes recycling. Turning plastic waste into usable materials? That’s making it right for the planet.
Looking for More Expert Tips and Advice?
Check out Mike’s Advice and Holmes on Homes Podcast Blog.
A Complete Guide To Building A Custom Home
About the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes
The Holmes on Homes Podcast, hosted by Mike Holmes, seasoned professional contractor and TV host, is your go-to source for expert insights on home improvement, safety, maintenance, skilled trades, and industry innovation. Each episode features expert guests and valuable takeaways, covering everything from choosing the right materials, aging in place, and electrical safety to the future of construction with 3D printing, pondscaping, and even raising healthy pets in a healthy home.
Whether it’s renovating for accessibility, improving indoor air quality, or tackling the skilled trades stigma, Mike and his guests break it all down with real talk, hard truths, and the no-nonsense advice that’s made him a trusted name in home improvement. Because when it comes to building better, it pays to Make It Right.
With over 40 years of experience, Mike provides practical advice and industry best practices, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, professional contractor, or planning a major renovation, this podcast is your go-to source for everything home-related.
WATCH MORE EPISODES
S5 | EPISODE #1
“Why is There a Shortage of Skilled Trade Workers? How VR Training and Early Education Can Help Solve the Problem” 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 youth (ages 15-24) in the trades dropped by over 12%. So, what’s really going on?
S5 | EPISODE #2
“How Do You Make a Home Wheelchair Accessible? Must-Have Modifications & How to Find the Right Contractor” What are the best wheelchair accessible home modifications? How do you make a home wheelchair accessible on a budget? The best wheelchair accessible home modifications include ramps or vertical lifts for entry, as well as wider door frames and durable flooring, for both comfort and safety.
S5 | EPISODE #3
“What Are the Most Popular Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects? Top Home Modifications for a Safe, Comfortable Forever Home” 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?
S5 | EPISODE #6
“Could 3D Printing Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis? Tiny Homes, Faster Builds, and Less Waste” What if we could build affordable homes in days, not months—with minimal waste and maximum sustainability? Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues in cities worldwide, and 3D printed homes may be the innovative solution we’ve been waiting for.
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