Make It Right: Straight Talk on Home Renovation from the Most Trusted Contractor in the Business

by Mike Holmes

A host of the Holmes on Homes series presents straightforward coverage of a range of house renovation projects, counseling readers on such topics as finding a worthy contractor, avoiding costly mistakes, and understanding building codes. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Home Improvement, Construction, How To

Hardcover

First published November 20, 2006

About the author

Reality TV contractor/home renovator.

Reviews

[Timothy Riley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written with mostly new construction in mind, this book overemphasized ripping everything out to the studs in order to do a room makeover. I get that many previous renovations were not done right and you can see more behind the walls but very few diyers have the capacity, time, money or skill to do that. Spotting problems on the surface and having an awareness of what they mean is a pretty important. For instance the tile floor in my master bath is in great shape, no cracks, sags, etc. If I redo the bath I am not going to pull that up unless I see a problem. That tile would take a couple days to tear up or paying someone a couple grand just to do the demo. No thanks.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful with chapters organized by location, Mike Holmes provides detailed lists and tips for home renovations. Includes many color photos.

[John Weiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, easy to understand, descriptions on the how (and usually the why) of doing renovations the way the book title says we should.

A very welcome addition to my home library.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

or "Your home's construction for dummies." Excellent for knowing what to look for when buying, renovating and also how to upkeep your own home for the important things.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, some of it doesn't apply where I live in NZ (no basements or snow), but still very interesting.

[Deni · Rating 2 out of 5]

UGH. I love this guy's shows but this book was too depressing. Basically, I'm an idiot to try building or fixing anything myself and I'd better have plenty of money and some damn good luck too because chances are that any contractor I hire will probably screw me over. The info on finishing a basement with rigid insulation was interesting but otherwise he mostly discusses codes and permits and that's about it. OK, and he makes a couple of good product recs, too.

THANKS FOR CRUSHING MY DREAMS MR. HOLMES. Oh, and you could have had better luck with an editor, the writing was cut/paste repetitive.

[Carolee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a formidable force on the HGTV network - I've admired Mr. Mike Holmes for many years ~ both aesthetically (ah, it's all about the shoulders and haircut for me!) and conceptually ~ here's a champion for the unexperienced homeowner and renovator. He educates and relates just like the best neighbour you could ask for ... AND his sincerity shines through. His book reads just like a conversation or the dialogue from his programs and appearances - he's telling you all this stuff because he genuinely cares and wants you to know. Of course it's an insightful reference book - he's a respected expert.

[Deodand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the longer version of The Holmes Inspection, with more instruction. As always, I learned something new about my home from reading it. The advice I appreciated seeing was that you should leave electrical renovations to electricians. I know quite a few people who have purchased houses renovated by people who fancy themselves electrical experts, to the new homeowner's regret.

As Mike Holmes says, you can embarass yourself by screwing up other renovations, but you can kill someone with an incorrect electrical renovation.

[Steve Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST HAVE book for ANYONE hiring a contractor to do ANY KIND of work on your home. From the simplest task to building an entire house, this is your guide through finding a contractor, taking care of all the paperwork (get it in writing!), permits, and how to manage the contractor relationship and his work, including how to sever the relationship when realize you've made the wrong choice.

An excellent companion to "Home Remodeling for Dummies" by Morris Carey

[Wonderwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very helpful if you're new to the home reno process. I took off a star because it doesn't provide pictures of things done incorrectly v. correctly and presumes every person doing a renovation lives in a house. This book will only take you so far if you own a shared dwelling (like a condo or townhouse). Another thing to keep in mind: Mike's writing about renovating in Canada, not the U.S., so make sure you check building codes in your area.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I'm a big fan of Mike's two shows, and you can hear his voice throughout this book. While I'm a "fairly handy" DIY-er (which Mike is against), I still learned a lot through reading this book.

I'll definitely be using the checklists when hiring a contractor in the future.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mike Holmes! Lots of good info, solid advice, handy tips. Gotta read this one before (and during) any home renovations.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and easy to understand. Makes you realize what you need to do from start to finish on a renovation of this type

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good guide for a homeowner.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational. I particularly liked the breakdown of his recommended products - from things like what type of heating is best to what flooring he recommends for various rooms.