Acorn Communities teams up with Mike Holmes

Acorn Communities is teaming up with the construction expert Mike Holmes on their latest project, Granite at McKinley Beach.

Featuring both condominiums and townhomes, Granite at McKinley offers breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake with a panoramic 180-degree view of the water.

We spoke to Mike Holmes, in anticipation of his visit to Kelowna on April 30.

Most people know you from your shows but what else don’t they know about Mike Holmes?

Mike Holmes: One thing I really love about what I do now, is that my three kids all come to work with me every day. When they were growing up, I was always on the job site - and didn’t always get to spend a lot of time with them. I’m really proud to see how much they’ve learned about the industry over the last few years. Have you ever visited the Okanagan before? MH: I have been to the Okanagan several times as I’ve crossed the country. I love the natural beauty of the area. Tell us about Holmes Approved Homes. MH: Holmes Approved Homes is my way to show the industry how to build better homes at reasonable prices. There are things that we can do as an industry that I’ve seen over the course of my career, to make houses better without charging an arm and a leg. So what I did is travel the country to find all the best builders, who really care about what they do, and gather them together to change this industry. People always ask me how to build the best home and now I can tell them to call one of my partners and they’ll do it for them. Can any builder get this certification? MH: The best builders stand out from the crowd. They don’t come to us—we search them out. We want to find the builders who take the time to do it right. We only allow a few builders per town to take part but they have to build different types of homes. I want a Holmes Approved Home to be available to anybody—whether they’re looking for multifamily homes, single-family homes or condos. We want builders who build for any budget or need. How rigorous is the approval process? MH: My team interviews the owners and management team, and we look at homes they’ve built, as well as those that are under construction. Before any builder gets the Holmes Approved Homes seal of approval, they need to prove that they build to the right standards—my standards.

What most impressed you about Acorn Communities?

MH: Acorn is a great builder because they build a good house. But I love how they design their homes. Living in a beautiful place like Kelowna, you want a home that is designed to look as good as it’s built.

How special is it for Acorn Communities to receive this kind of recognition?

MH: We only allow the best builders to use my name. I’m very careful about who I work with, but I have to have a huge amount of trust in those that make the cut. Not every builder would welcome the kind of scrutiny that comes from having my inspectors come in multiple times while building—but if they are willing, that shows that they’ve committed to building it right.

What peace of mind can buyers have by purchasing a home at Granite at McKinley Beach?

MH: Buyers will know that they’ve built it right. Acorn constructed the right foundation, waterproofed, and installed the right insulation and exterior cladding. During the construction process, I send my guys from Mike Holmes Inspections in to make nothing is overlooked. In fact, my inspectors go in three times during construction, which is a standard that no other certification in North America requires. Holmes Approved Homes builders stand behind what they build. I know that Greg and his team at Acorn will make it right.

The public can meet Mike Holmes from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. this Sunday. To access the site, head north on Glenmore Road, turn at McKinley Road and follow the signs.

Learn more online at acornhomes.com or graniteatmckinley.com.