Mike Holmes, a renowned figure on HGTV, is one of the most reliable names in the realm of home renovation. The Canadian contractor gained prominence in reality TV with the launch of “Holmes on Homes” in 2001, which led to numerous spinoffs and established him as a trusted building expert. His insights and strategies for executing flawless home renovations are invaluable, aiding countless homeowners in making informed decisions.
Currently, Mike’s children, Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes, have joined the renovation industry, offering expert advice and providing a glimpse into the operations of their family business. A common inquiry they receive is about who finances the renovations on shows like “Holmes Makes It Right” and “Holmes and Homes.” Although Holmes is adept at managing tight budgets, many of his televised renovations are comprehensive makeovers featuring luxurious materials and high-quality finishes.
In 2024, Mike Holmes Jr. addressed this question on Facebook, explaining that the answer varies with each project and depends on the show, project, and specific job circumstances. “Sometimes the network helps cover some of the costs through their sponsorships,” he noted. “Sometimes our wonderful trades and suppliers and product partners step up to donate materials, products, and even their own time.” In certain instances, the Holmes family and even the homeowners contribute as well.
Who pays for the renovations Mike Holmes carries out on TV?
Sherry Holmes also addressed one of the most frequent questions from fans in a video on Mike Holmes’ YouTube channel. She explained that three parties collaborate to finance the renovations seen on Holmes’ shows: the TV network, the tradespeople and suppliers, and the Holmes family.
As Sherry detailed, “We get a budget from the network that goes towards filming our shows.” However, this budget often doesn’t suffice. She admitted, “A lot of the time, we blow through that budget.” In such cases, suppliers contribute by donating materials and furniture, while some tradespeople offer their services pro bono.
If there’s still a shortfall, Holmes’ production company, The Holmes Group, frequently covers the remaining expenses. Sherry mentioned that Mike Holmes himself is willing to shoulder some of the additional costs. “We just want to make sure we do the best work we can possibly do and give them everything they deserve,” she expressed.
Sometimes, homeowners have to pitch in
Although the Holmes family assures that most on-air renovations are free, there are situations where homeowners must contribute financially. “For some projects, the homeowner is also responsible for contributing to the job financially,” Mike Holmes Jr. confirmed in a blog post on the Make It Right website.
For instance, in 2011, a family member who appeared on “Holmes on Homes” shared on Reddit that they had to pay some expenses. Holmes spent two weeks renovating the family’s flooring after a significant renovation error for a Season 2 episode titled “Floor Fiasco,” and although the work was excellent, it came with a cost. “The deal was labor was free, but we had to pay for the materials,” the Redditor recalled. Nonetheless, it was worthwhile because, as he explained, “Free labor made the granite flooring way more affordable than it would have been otherwise.”
Furthermore, Mike Holmes Jr. mentioned in his blog post that some of the furniture used on TV comes from a staging company, which means it’s removed after filming. However, he emphasized that this is the exception, not the rule. “Most of the times, especially if the family is in dire need, we end up covering the cost to help give everything the homeowner has in the house,” he concluded.
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