Holmes on Homes

Mike Holmes Jr. celebrated his 19th birthday during this job. His father tricked him into believing that his birthday gift would be a hammer as his actual birthday gift, a brand new Ford F-150, rolled up behind him.

CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" commentator Don Cherry makes a brief cameo in this episode. The home being repaired belongs to his brother-in-law and his wife.

Despite the fact that the home was brand new and still (supposedly) covered by the new home warranty program, everyone from the builder to the site superintendant and the government inspector refused to act to correct the deficiencies in the house.

As the credits were rolling, a total of 10 people climbed into Mike's truck. As Pinky climbed in, we can see a glimpse of someone climbing back out the passenger side since there is no way that many people can stuff themselves into that pickup truck. As a final coup on that joke, Mike Holmes Jr. is seen chasing after the truck as it pulls away.

Although Robert Graves was mentioned as having worked on this home, he did not appear on camera.

When Damon opened up a wall in the basement, he found a cardboard insulation liner made from a shipping carton of "Sweet Caporal Cigarettes". Price per pack: 25 cents.

Although Robert Graves was mentioned in this episode, he did not appear on camera.

The church charity organization tried to help the homeowners settle the issues with the contractor, but to no avail.

This episode was principally shot during the "Paradise Island" job.

When the clutter in the home was being sorted and removed, the camera did a close-up of a "Time-Life Complete Home Improvement and Renovation Manual"...with Bob Vila on the cover!

When all of the clutter in the house was organized and sorted as to which charity group it would go to, it took 5 fully loaded dumpsters to haul it away.

Although their home had one of the most modern and energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems available, the improper installation and improper venting rendered it virtually useless.

Despite documenting every room's temperature throughout several winters and being able to demonstrate that the heating system installed by the builder was inadequate, Christine and Richard were still denied any compensation by all levels of government and all warranty programs.

The island cottage that Mike helped out on is located in Sparrow Lake in Northern Ontario.

In keeping with the fact that they were working near Calgary AB, the closing credits showed the cast and crew coming through a set of swinging salloon doors dressed in western style costumes. Mike Holmes, of course, was the sheriff.

On his 44th birthday, Mike Holmes was allowed to activate the detonator which blasted loose 41 000 tons of stone from the quarry he visited.

The neighborhood where Mike did this job was filled with older, wooden houses. Many of them had been painted by the same painter who did a miserable job. One of the homeowners put up a sign that read "This home was painted by a 'professional'. Know Your Contractor! Ask For References!"

As a result of the 17 foot fall when her deck collapsed, Marlene suffered two collapsed lungs, several broken ribs and 17 other broken bones throughout her body. Her friend, Sue, wound up in intensive care with a shattered shoulder (it had to be replaced with an artificial one), a back that was broken in two places and a shattered pelvis. Her injuries were nearly fatal.

Due to the somber conclusion of this story (baby Emma being stillborn), the closing theme song was not played at the end of the episode.

As part of her ongoing education, Mike tested Pinky's observational skills by asking her to point out the problems he noted in an area of the basement.