Ep 2. Starting Again

Holmes Makes it Right is a television series hosted by renowned construction expert Mike Holmes. In Season 2, which ran from October 2014 to February 2015, Holmes and his team of skilled contractors and designers undertook challenging home renovation projects across Canada.

Episode 2 of the season is titled "Starting Again," and follows Holmes as he helps a family rebuild their home after a devastating fire. Holmes and his team travel to Fort McMurray, where they meet the Young family, whose home was destroyed in the wildfire that swept through the area in 2013.

As the episode begins, we see the extent of the damage done to the Youngs' house. It's clear that the fire was intense, as the entire structure has been reduced to charred ruins. Holmes and his team vow to do their best to help the family.

The first step is to assess the damage and come up with a plan. The team brings in an engineer to help determine the structural integrity of the foundation and the remaining walls. They also consult with the local building authority to make sure they are following all necessary regulations and codes.

Once the assessments are complete, Holmes gets to work on designing a new home for the Youngs. He takes into account their needs and wishes, as well as the surrounding landscape and climate. The new home will be more energy-efficient and safer than the old one.

As the team begins construction, they encounter numerous challenges. The first hurdle is getting the heavy machinery in place to clear the debris. The road leading to the property is narrow and winding, and the crew has to be careful not to damage any surrounding trees or structures.

Once the debris is cleared, the crew begins digging the foundation. However, they encounter a layer of permafrost about four feet down. This means that the foundation has to be built differently than originally planned in order to withstand the shifting permafrost during the freeze-thaw cycle.

The crew also faces challenges with the framing of the new home. They have to contend with strong winds and unpredictable weather, which makes it difficult to work at times. However, Holmes and his team are determined to see the project through to the end.

Throughout the episode, we see the emotional toll that the fire has taken on the Young family. They lost almost everything in the blaze, including mementos, photographs, and other irreplaceable items. However, they are grateful for the support of their community and for the help that Holmes and his team are providing.

As the project nears completion, Holmes takes the time to add personal touches to the new home. He installs a custom fireplace and mantle, as well as a mural in the children's room. The final result is a beautiful, modern home that is both functional and stylish.

Overall, "Starting Again" is a moving episode that showcases the resilience of a family and the determination of Holmes and his team to help make their dream home a reality. The episode is a testament to the power of community and the importance of skilled professionals in the construction industry.