Ep 11. Looks Are Deceiving: Part 1 of 2
- October 30, 2011
When buying a new home, many people understandably focus on appearances. They might love the layout of the living room or the spacious master suite, but how much thought do they give to the less visible aspects of the home, such as the plumbing, electrical wiring, or foundation? In season 3 episode 11 of Holmes Inspection, titled "Looks Are Deceiving: Part 1 of 2," host Mike Holmes encounters a young couple whose dream home turned out to be a nightmare once they delved beneath the surface.
The episode begins with a brief introduction to the homeowners, who have recently bought a large, beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood. They explain that they were drawn to the property by its stunning appearance, but soon after moving in, they began to notice problems. The electrical system seemed outdated and prone to malfunctioning, and the water pressure was weak.
Enter Mike Holmes, renowned contractor and star of Holmes on Homes. The couple turns to him for help with the issues plaguing their new home. What they don't realize is that the problems they've spotted are just the tip of the iceberg. Mike immediately notices red flags such as leaky windows, uneven floors, and a puzzling lack of insulation in the exterior walls.
In order to get a better sense of the extent of the damage, Mike goes through the home with his team, using a combination of high-tech equipment and old-fashioned detective work to uncover hidden issues. They cut holes in the walls to find out what's behind them, use thermal imaging to detect heat leaks, and crawl beneath the house to inspect the foundation. What they discover is a shocking mess of poorly executed renovations, shoddy workmanship, and dangerous shortcuts taken by previous contractors.
One of the most alarming discoveries the team makes is the presence of an improperly vented exhaust system for the home's furnace. Carbon monoxide and other toxic gases were being pumped into the house, posing a serious health risk to the occupants. This discovery underscores the importance of getting a thorough home inspection before purchasing a property, and highlights the danger of putting too much trust in a home's appearance alone.
Throughout the episode, Mike works closely with the homeowners, explaining the problems he's found and outlining a plan to fix them. He stresses the importance of doing the job right the first time, even if that means spending more time and money upfront. His expertise and attention to detail are evident as he uncovers one issue after another, always with a view to creating a safe and sustainable home for the couple and their young child.
At the end of the episode, Mike sets to work on repairing the home's many issues. From rewiring the electrical system to shoring up the foundation, he tackles each problem head-on, always with an eye towards creating a sound, safe living space for the family. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Mike teasing some of the unexpected twists and turns that will be revealed in the next installment.
As usual, Holmes Inspection offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of home renovation and repair, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of fixing up a property. In this episode, Mike Holmes shows once again why he's a master of his craft, demonstrating his talent for identifying and remedying even the most hidden and complex issues.
