Ep 9. Taking a Bath

In Holmes On Homes season 5 episode 9, titled "Taking a Bath," expert contractor Mike Holmes tackles yet another home renovation nightmare. This time, the focus is on a bathroom remodel gone wrong, leaving the homeowners dealing with a major mess and growing safety concerns. The episode opens with Mike introducing the homeowners and their bathroom renovation project, revealing that a previous contractor had left them with shoddy workmanship and an unfinished bathroom that could potentially cause harm to their family.

The first step in tackling the bathroom remodel is to address the underlying safety issues. Mike and his team begin by assessing the electrical wiring and plumbing, both of which were improperly installed by the previous contractor. They discover numerous code violations and potential hazards that need to be corrected before any further work can be done on the bathroom. This means completely redoing the electrical and plumbing systems, which adds significant time and cost to the project.

Next, Mike turns his attention to the actual bathroom design. The homeowners had originally wanted a luxurious spa-like bathroom with a large soaking tub and separate walk-in shower, but the previous contractor had failed to properly plan and install the plumbing for these features. Instead, they were left with a cramped and poorly designed bathroom that was unusable and unsafe.

Mike works closely with his team and the homeowners to come up with a new bathroom design that will meet their needs and fit within their budget. They choose a modern and streamlined look, featuring a spacious walk-in shower and a more modest bathtub. Mike carefully plans the plumbing and electrical systems to ensure they are up to code and safe for the family to use.

Once the design is finalized, Mike and his team begin the construction phase of the remodel. They tear out all of the old fixtures and flooring, replacing them with modern and high-quality materials. They install new tile, drywall, and fixtures, carefully measuring and testing everything to ensure it is installed correctly.

Throughout the construction process, Mike encounters numerous setbacks and challenges, including unexpected plumbing issues and delays in materials deliveries. However, he remains dedicated to ensuring that the homeowners are completely satisfied with the final product and are able to safely use their new bathroom.

In the final scene of the episode, Mike unveils the finished bathroom to the homeowners, who are overjoyed with the results. They express their gratitude to Mike and his team for their professionalism, expertise, and perseverance throughout the entire renovation process. The episode ends with Mike reminding viewers about the importance of hiring a professional contractor who adheres to building codes and best practices, in order to avoid dangerous and costly mistakes in home renovations.