Home Renovation Shows Evolve

I wrote before that I am not a fan of the show "Flip This House". It was too much about the "money". It could be argued this glorification of money over substance contributed to the American subprime crisis.

I was happy to read in the Globe and Mail,

"... reality-TV executives have been forced to wise up to the sensitivities of the market. Flipping is out and nesting is in".

I welcome this news and look forward to watching programs like HGTV's "Family Renovation" and "Income Property". It is interesting to note, HGTV's most balanced Home Renovation programmes come out of Canada.

Read the rest at the Globe and Mail

Holmes Inspection

Oct 1st at 8pm Eastern Standard Time, the first episode of Holmes Inspection will air. I'm a big fan of Holmes on Homes and look forward to Mike's new show.

If you feel your are a victim of a home inspection gone wrong contact Mike and maybe - he'll Make It Right.

Handbook on Indoor Radon

The United Nation's World Health Organization has concluded that radon is a worldwide health risk in homes. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Recommendations are contained in the "Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective". Scroll down for the free download.

Quotes from Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes, Make It Right,
Canwest News Service Published: Friday, August 21, 2009

"I'd hate to guess how many homeowners, when planning a renovation, only ever consider the "lipstick and mascara" and never think about what's inside..."

"If your house "sucks" - that means it has uncontrolled airflow or leakage - then your envelope is poor ..."

"When you are planning your renovations and upgrades, you've got to make sure the choices you make are the best ones. Remember, these are choices you'll be living with a long time - for the life of your house..."

I am a big fan of Mike Holmes. You can read the rest of the article at the National Post.

Flip this House

I'm not sure why, but I am not a big fan of the American T.V show,"Flip this House". I think it is because - it is all about the money.

I prefer shows like "Mike Holmes on Homes", "Love it or List it", "This Old House" or even "The New Yankee Workshop".

These shows are about HOMES not houses.

There is a big difference between a home and a house. A home is something you want to make better for you and your family. A home is where you should feel comfortable and safe. Your home is an extension of yourself.

I am not knocking people who buy and sell homes for an investment, even a quick gain. I just have a queasy feeling about a show that glorifies it. It is kind of like sitting at a bar and listening to a guy tell you about all the money he is making. I find these kind of people to be a bore and normally distance myself from them. This is probably why I am not a big fan of "Flip This House".

Love it or List it

Readers of my blog know I am a fan of the Canadian home renovation program, Mike Holmes on Homes. Mike and his crew help home owners who have been mislead (read screwed) by unscrupulous and/or incompetent contractors.

I am also a fan of another Canadian home renovation show, Love It or List It.

The lives of home owners change and sometimes their homes no longer fulfill their needs. They are faced with a tough decision. Do they move or do they renovate?

Hilary the designer renovates their home while David the Realtor, tries to find a preferable home. At the end of the show, the home owners make a decision whether to - Love their house or List it.

I'm not sure of the stats but it seem most owners choose to keep their house. Hilary is kicking David's butt. (Hear the Designers/Renovators cheering and Agents booing)

Check out their website here .

Our Yank Friends

I mentioned before, Canadian Mike Holmes is the rock star of the Home Renovation Industry. However, in TV programing, he is the new kid on the block.

Old School TV home renovation host, Bob Vila of "This Old House", is of course the grand daddy.

Yes, he is a Yank, but we love him. The show was never the same after he left.

Speaking of Yanks, "This Old House" also gave Master Carpenter, Norm Abrams his start on the PBS television programs "The New Yankee Workshop".

Today this day, I don't know if "Yank" is a derogatory address. If it is, to those I have offended - I apologize. (Kind of)

Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor

Wow, it has been 10 years since the hit TV series Home Improvement went off the air. I loved that show. Time does fly by.

Make it Right

Mike Holmes is the rock star of the home renovation industry. I have heard other contractors bash him but I really like the guy and his T.V. show.

Mike goes on about "Making it Right" which reminds me of my deceased father. Whenever I helped him build or make something he would tell me, "What ever you do, do with your might. Things done by halves are never done right". I hope I am able to teach my son, what this really means.

You can read more about Mike at wikipedia.

New House Smell ?

"Do you love the "new" smell? That interior of a new car, a freshly painted room or a newly installed carpet? Experts are discovering that the new smell carries chemicals you breathe that can be harmful to your health..."

Mike Holmes (the rock star of the home renovation industry) has written a great article for the National Post about Off-Gassing. As a father of a young baby, I found it very informative. You can read the rest here.