What can we learn from Holmes on Homes?

Keith SawlorandKeith Sawlor, January 10, 2012 | Posted in Research; Tagged Builders

During my many discussions with clients some of them mention something they saw on the Mike Holmes TV show, Holmes on Homes. Quite often they say something like; “I suppose you don’t really like that show” or “you’re probably not a fan of Mike Holmes”.

I find these statements quite amazing.

Mike Holmes is a very knowledgeable person who has a firm belief in doing a job once and doing it right. He is obviously very skilled and not willing to compromise on quality. The work he shows on TV is horrendous and an embarrassment to the construction industry. The “Contractors” he rips apart deserve everything they get and more.

I find myself wondering how these Builders were even considered for the job. Based on my own knowledge of the industry and experience there is certainly no shortage of unscrupulous Builders. But there is certainly a reasonable selection of good ones as well.

Let’s not forget this: The Home Owner selected the Builder.

• Did they ask for testimonials and speak with past clients?
• Did they check with the BBB, Home Warranty, Home Builders Associations?
• Did they visit any current projects of their potential Builder?
• Did they interview several Builders?
• Did they make sure that a detailed contract and set of specifications was provided?
• Did they select the Builder that offered the Best Value as opposed to Lowest Price?

Builders are not any different than all other professionals we interact with every day. Some are good, some are great and some should not be in their chosen profession. Some are even dishonest.

If a Home Owner thinks that all Builders are created equal and that nothing can go wrong and that the lowest price is the most important thing when selecting a Builder, well, Mike Holmes will always have a solid client base to choose from.

Keith Sawlor

Keith Sawlor is the second generation Owner of Sawlor Built Homes. With more than 35 years experience building custom homes in Nova Scotia, Keith has built a team that mirrors his professional knowledge and values.

Keith is a Certified Residential Builder who is also certified with many leading industry organizations. He is a Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Certified Builder, a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Certified Builder, a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) R-2000 Certified Builder, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

Keith is a Past Board Member of the Atlantic Home Warranty Program as well as the Canadian Home Builders' Association Nova Scotia. He is involved in many other industry programs and associations, such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National and Better Business Bureau.