Improvement trips

TV host will share knowledge at NARI Home Improvement Show

The all-too-familiar tales of nightmare home-renovation projects always begin and end the same way: What starts out with a natively optimistic “I’ve got a guy” invariably is followed months later by complaints of shoddy work and an outof-control budget.

Someone who has made a career out of rescuing homeowners in need is Canadian builder/contractor and HGTV “Holmes on Homes” host Mike Holmes, who returns to Northeast Ohio to appear Jan. 19 at the 2019 NARI Home Improvement Show, taking place inside of the I-X Center in Cleveland.

“I’m a contractor deep down in my bones,” said Holmes, calling from Toronto. “It’s what I am. I love to build, I love to design, I love to think. And I love to learn. Did I ever think it would turn into this? No. I gave the network literally crap.

“I told them how wrong they were doing things — and that’s how this television show started. Who would have thought it would have turned into what it did? I saw an opportunity to educate.”

These days, there are plenty of home-improvement shows on cable where contractors in a tight 30-minute program give viewers what amounts to the dream scenario of renovation. What makes “Holmes on Homes” stand out among its competition is, well, Holmes not only tells it like it is, but also he’s genuinely upset about someone giving contractors a bad name.

“It’s the biggest thing, and that’s why this show is around the world,” Holmes said. “It’s relatable. Everyone knows someone who has been screwed. Everyone runs into the daily problem of leaks and mold. So this relationship to everyone is so standard, so normal, that I think that’s why this works so well.

“And it’s too easy to become a contractor. There should be a lot more rules. You steal a pack of a gum, you can get arrested and go to jail. But you can screw a family of hundreds and thousands of dollars and there’s no repercussion. That’s unacceptable to me.”

Holmes, who also appeared on “Holmes Inspection” and “All American Handyman,” said while he enjoys meeting fans at events such as the NARI

Home Improvement Show, what stands out is seeing people in the crowd not only listening to his talk but also taking notes.

Speaking of which, Holmes breaks down his basic tips for homeowners thinking about renovating their houses.

The contractor said a person really should take ownership of the project and view it as part of the job that will lead to a positive and rewarding construction experience.

“This is simple: First of all, slow down and don’t be in a hurry,” Holmes said. “This is not like going through the drive-thru to pick up a coffee. It doesn’t work that way in this world of your home. Think about what you want to do. Then — and only then — are you prepared to start talking to contractors.

“And if they don’t walk in your door with a list of references, don’t even speak to them. If you want someone that’s good, then they should give you 20 to 100 references.

Now, your job isn’t done,” he continued. “You need to pick up the phone and ask a million questions. The more you do, the better for you. That’s why I call it a job.”

SUBMITTED Contractor and homeimprovement TV host Mike Holmes has advice for how to select a contractor for your project.