Episode 7: The Winner Is Crowned!

O.K.  This is what happened on our last day of taping.  Mike T., the electrician who almost electrocuted Mike Holmes last year showed up.   Kevin Howe, the winner of Handyman Superstar Challenge Season II showed up.  And Austin Powers showed up.  Just so everyone realizes … I didn’t notice I was dressed like Austin Powers until I was already on the set and shooting so I couldn’t go home and change.  I just want to reiterate that I do realize I looked like Austin Powers and if you want to laugh at me, that’s fine.  I agree.  I looked like Austin Powers.  O.K. now let’s move on.  I should make note that shooting this final challenge is always boring for anyone who isn’t working a camera or building something.  There’s a lot of sitting around and just thinking about stuff. 

For instance, I spent a great portion of the day wandering around wondering how Mike Holmes found girls who look like that to expertly use power tools.  They were like freaks of nature.  I mean that in the kindest way of course.  Like … imagine finding a guy who could expertly use power tools but also discuss Dostoyevsky at length while grating carrots for a gourmet meal on his washboard stomach.  Kind of the same thing.  Turns out he actually bred one of the girls. She’s his daughter.

Another thing I did to pass the time was talk to Mike and Jim.  Who were also kind of sitting around bored for a portion of the day.  Turns out … our little chats were very informative.  Got some practical information out of the boys.  And here it is in random order:

1. 
   (from Mike)  If you’re ever doing your own home renovation on a largish scale, ask for a contractor’s discount.  The hardware/lumber store should give you 20% off.  Last summer I redid my whole backyard and this little trick saved me more than $1,000. 
2. 
   (from Jim)  Clean your gutters not once, but TWICE a year.  Once before the leaves fall, and once after.  Also, put three foot extensions off your downspouts so they drain away from the house.

I asked both Mike and Jim what four tools they think someone moving into their first house should have are. 

Mike:  Cordless Drill, Multi Screwdriver, Level, Hammer

Jim:    Drill, Multi Screwdriver, Needle Nose Pliers, Hammer

I asked both Mike and Jim what is the best wood for crown moulding.

Mike: Poplar.  No question about it.
Jim: MDF Medium Density Fiberboard). No question about it.

So that clears that up.  Mike also had two words of advice on doing any renovation.  Number one: Never pay cash.  Now, I know that goes against everything we as consumers believe in with regards to avoiding paying taxes, but if there’s no record of payment … there’s no way to get that payment back if something goes wrong with the renovation.  Secondly, obtain a permit!  You may think you got away with something if you have work done without bothering to get a permit, but if you ever try to sell your house you might be in trouble.  Especially when the potential buyer asks to see the permit for the slightly slanty, kind of leaky addition you and your friends put on.

And finally … my little piece of advice to all of you … if Mike Holmes ever offers you hot sauce, politely decline.  And be firm about it.
Congratulations to all of this years’ contestants and especially to our season four winner: Jason Best.

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