MIKE HOLMES BEHIND THE OVERALLS
For the past 10 years viewers from around the world have been getting to know Mike Holmes the construction guru. He is the man who ‘makes it right’ for homeowners who have been burned by bad renovations, inadequate inspections, and dubious contractors. Now after 10 years it’s time to get to know more about Mike the person.
This Special combines humour and heartfelt moments to take a look back at the man from humble beginnings who went on to become an international celebrity with a highly successful brand.
Media
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EPISODES
Below is the full list of seasons and episodes related to “Mike Holmes Behind the Overalls”
Holmes 10th Anniversary Special (Behind The Overalls) – 1 x 44:50
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Industry leaders: It’s time to invest in the next generation of skilled trades. We need more apprenticeships, better training, and real career paths. The future of construction depends on the workforce we build today. Let’s Make It Right.
People often ask me if my kids always wanted to be in construction. The truth is, even with a contractor as a dad AND growing up around job sites, none of my kids initially wanted to pursue a career in the trades.
Mike Jr. didn’t want to follow in my footsteps at all — at least not at first. He was obsessed with video games. I always say he had a black belt in video games.
Now don’t get me wrong — I didn’t mind the gaming. He was a smart kid, strategic, and loved solving problems. But I couldn’t help thinking, “When is he going to pick up a hammer?”
He wanted to be a firefighter. He was determined that's what he wanted to do. I didn't mind that, but I was always hoping he would join me on the tools. Wanting to help people in that way takes courage. He even said 9/11 had inspired him — seeing those first responders run toward danger lit something inside him. I remember him saying, “I want to do something that matters.” I respected that. Honestly, I was proud.
I’ll never forget the summer he was 14. I asked him if he wanted to come work on-site with me. Just to make a little money, learn a few things.
He wasn’t thrilled about the early mornings, but he wanted to make money so he came.
And something clicked.
By the end of that summer, he was framing walls, hauling materials, helping the crew — and actually enjoying it. He saw what it meant to build something real with your hands. He saw the difference we made in people’s lives when we fixed what others got wrong. He was still helping people, even if he wasn't fighting fires.
That’s when I saw the spark.
My point is, we need to expose our kids to the trades at a very young age. They need to see what the trades are about - whether it's construction or something else.
I never pressured my kids to be contractors. I wanted them to find their own paths. But I always told them: Whatever you do, do it with integrity, and do it right the first time.
Mike Jr. found that he could do just that in the trades. He didn’t need to wear a helmet or carry a hose to change lives. He could do it with a tool belt and a level — by building homes that were safe, solid, and made to last.
Parents, if you’ve got a trade, invite them to see it in action. You might be surprised what sticks.
Mike Jr. didn’t want to follow in my footsteps at all — at least not at first. He was obsessed with video games. I always say he had a black belt in video games.
Now don’t get me wrong — I didn’t mind the gaming. He was a smart kid, strategic, and loved solving problems. But I couldn’t help thinking, “When is he going to pick up a hammer?”
He wanted to be a firefighter. He was determined that's what he wanted to do. I didn't mind that, but I was always hoping he would join me on the tools. Wanting to help people in that way takes courage. He even said 9/11 had inspired him — seeing those first responders run toward danger lit something inside him. I remember him saying, “I want to do something that matters.” I respected that. Honestly, I was proud.
I’ll never forget the summer he was 14. I asked him if he wanted to come work on-site with me. Just to make a little money, learn a few things.
He wasn’t thrilled about the early mornings, but he wanted to make money so he came.
And something clicked.
By the end of that summer, he was framing walls, hauling materials, helping the crew — and actually enjoying it. He saw what it meant to build something real with your hands. He saw the difference we made in people’s lives when we fixed what others got wrong. He was still helping people, even if he wasn't fighting fires.
That’s when I saw the spark.
My point is, we need to expose our kids to the trades at a very young age. They need to see what the trades are about - whether it's construction or something else.
I never pressured my kids to be contractors. I wanted them to find their own paths. But I always told them: Whatever you do, do it with integrity, and do it right the first time.
Mike Jr. found that he could do just that in the trades. He didn’t need to wear a helmet or carry a hose to change lives. He could do it with a tool belt and a level — by building homes that were safe, solid, and made to last.
Parents, if you’ve got a trade, invite them to see it in action. You might be surprised what sticks.
As their careers go, both Michael and Sherry originally had other plans - that's until they stepped on to the job site to help out on some jobs, and fell in love with it.
Now I see them working to encourage the next generation of youth to join us in the trades. It’s a valid effort, but we’re still not seeing the same level of passion and support for the industry among young people that we want.
Collectively, we support and encourage the next generation to have a career in the skilled trades, at every opportunity.
Now I see them working to encourage the next generation of youth to join us in the trades. It’s a valid effort, but we’re still not seeing the same level of passion and support for the industry among young people that we want.
Collectively, we support and encourage the next generation to have a career in the skilled trades, at every opportunity.
Skilled Trades Stigma - Make It Right®
makeitright.ca
Holmes Family Effect the new TV show from Mike Holmes is all about helping those in need and changing the stigma in the skilled trades.
There are so many types of gutter guards on the market—it can get overwhelming. Some are perforated, some are solid metal, and others use a micro-mesh design.
For a recent Holmes on Homes project, I installed LeafFilter Gutter Protection, and I’m impressed. Gutter guards are a smart investment that help prevent clogs, water damage, and costly foundation issues by keeping debris out and letting water flow freely.
When you compare that to the potential cost of water damage, it’s a small investment that’s absolutely worth it. To learn more, check out my recent blog: How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost Today?
For a recent Holmes on Homes project, I installed LeafFilter Gutter Protection, and I’m impressed. Gutter guards are a smart investment that help prevent clogs, water damage, and costly foundation issues by keeping debris out and letting water flow freely.
When you compare that to the potential cost of water damage, it’s a small investment that’s absolutely worth it. To learn more, check out my recent blog: How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost Today?
How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost Today? - Make It Right®
makeitright.ca
How much should you pay for gutter guards installation? And do you really need them?