Watch Holmes On Homes
- 2003
- 7 Seasons
-
8.7 (696)
From 2001 to 2009, HGTV aired a show called Holmes on Homes that became an instant classic with audiences around the world. Hosted by renowned Canadian contractor and television personality Mike Holmes, the show followed the journey of homeowners who had previously been ripped off by shoddy contractors, and the process of rectifying the situation.
In each episode, Mike arrived at a different home to assess the damage caused by construction crews that failed to do their job properly. Through a combination of expert analysis, technical skills, and top quality workmanship, Mike and his team set about rectifying the building disasters and helping clients rebuild their homes on solid foundations.
The show began with dramatic and shocking images of the disasters. This typically included flooded basements, leaking roofs, and faulty electrical wiring that was installed incorrectly. Mike would then explain the damage and what his team's job was going to be, which often involved a combination of basic carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and more complicated technical jobs such as replacing entire structural elements of a building.
The show's practical approach made it a favourite among homeowners who were looking for expert advice. Mike's technical proficiency and his frank analysis of the issues on each project endeared him to his audience. The show's purpose wasn't just to entertain homeowners; it served as a credible resource that offered sound advice and demonstrated what needed to be done to fix botched home construction projects.
One of the notable aspects of the show was Mike's ability to explain complex technical problems simply, and in a language that anyone could understand. This meant that the show had an educational aspect to it for the everyday viewer that was interested in home repair.
Another characteristic of the show that set it apart from other home improvement shows was the sheer size of the projects that Mike took on. The show was not limited to small scale jobs like repainting or fixing a leaky faucet; often, the projects were major renovations that involved replacing walls or roofs. Seeing these large-scale projects being completed was inspiring, and gave homeowners hope they could tackle similar projects themselves.
Mike Holmes' high level of accountability toward his clients was a defining aspect of the show. His team's meticulous attention to detail included the identification of the root causes of previous contractors' mistakes, the replacement of shoddy materials, and the installation of sound plumbing, wiring and foundational structures. Bringing integrity to the construction industry was an underlying narrative of the show, epitomising everything homeowners wish for when looking for a trustworthy contractor.
Despite the serious nature of the work, the show was not without moments of humor. Mike's ingenuity and passion came through in every episode, making the show itself engaging and entertaining while still highlighting the serious problems homeowners were facing.
As the series grew in popularity and more people tuned in, it enabled HGTV to become a go-to destination for anyone interested in home improvement projects, large or small. Holmes on Homes became a staple on the network, and viewers knew they could turn to the channel for excellent advice and real life experiences.
Throughout its run, Holmes on Homes enjoyed considerable success, and the show helped Mike Holmes become one of Canada's most recognisable and charismatic home experts. He has since gone on to star in a number of other HGTV shows, such as Holmes Makes It Right and Holmes + Holmes.
Overall, Holmes on Homes was a groundbreaking show that offered a fresh take on home improvement projects. By combining expert analysis of construction problems with clear, practical advice for homeowners, it was able to both educate and entertain viewers. The show is a classic, and it is no surprise that people continue to watch it today.