Make It Right: Expert Advice on Home Renovations by Mike Holmes

                    If I was able to choose any person in the world to come and remodel my home, I think I would choose Mike Holmes.  I have seen his show, which terrifies me, and I feel Mr. Holmes really knows what he is doing.  He also wants to make sure everything gets done right.  That is why I am absolutely crazy about his book, Making It Right: Expert Advice on Home Renovations.  Mr. Holmes covers a lot of important information and I refer to this book all the time, even when I am not doing anything to the house.

                One of the biggest and most important parts of the book is hiring a contractor.  The type of person you work with definitely determines how successful a project is or is not.  Mr. Holmes gives advice on what to look for in a contractor and the steps to take in order to make the right decision.  He also guides the reader through the relationship and situations that might arise between the contractor and the home owner.  If you only read one chapter in this book, I recommend reading this one.

                Another chapter discusses what to expect with different types of projects and how to prepare for them.  Mr. Holmes’ biggest thing in this section is to slow down.  Take the time to research and know what you really want.  Renovations and remodeling should not be rushed into.  There are far too many things to consider, such as permits.  Make sure to get your permits!  I know my city loves them.  See what your city requires as well or it could cause big problems later.

                Most of the rest of the book is broken up into sections such as Bathrooms, Kitchens, the internals aspects of the house, and the external aspects.  Mr. Holmes goes through different things to remember and consider, such as how to fight mold while renovating a bathroom.  He gives little charts to compare materials, telling the pros and cons of each.  These charts are probably what I have used most throughout the entire book.  I am surprised I have not created a crease in the book’s spine at the kitchen countertop chart.  That chart I have looked at I do not know how many times.  I love how Mr. Holmes even talks about environmental considerations with that chart.

                Of course the book cannot cover everything.  With new materials coming out every day it would be really hard to do so.  There are also those little surprises that come up during a renovation that one does not think of until they happen.  But I believe Mr. Holmes comes pretty close to covering every possibility.

                Since I highly doubt I will be able to have Mike Holmes around for my next home renovation, I will be sure to keep his book on hand as a reference.  Following his guidance and advice I feel will make a big difference.  And maybe I will also hang a picture of Mr. Holmes on the wall to watch the contractors, just for good measure.