Holmes in New Orleanssda

Mike's Blog

The crew is loading the crates with all of their tools so we can send them down to New Orleans for next week. I’m excited about this job — sustainable building is what I love most and the house plans are an interesting challenge.

I’m worried about some of the crew. It’ll be completely different from what they are used to — from the design and technologies of the build to the sub-tropical temperatures. In the summer the temperatures in New Orleans average about 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit but can get up to 120 on some days, with very high humidity. And it’s hurricane season so we have to keep watch on that as well. I have a feeling it will be hardest on Pinky. She’s very close to her family and I’m not sure she’ll be able to make it through the entire summer. I can see a change in her already and hope she can stick it out.

I’ve arranged for the crew to bring a guest down for a visit while we are there. I want to try to keep everyone happy and I think having family and friends visit will go a long way. This will be a grueling summer. But it’ll be a little easier for me since I have my kids Amanda, Sherry and Mike Jr. working with me.

I’m looking forward to a change of scenery too. I love helping people in Canada, but it’s time to help those in need in Louisiana. They were let down by a lot of people after Katrina. I hope this project will get the ball rolling on some positive change down there. It’s overdue.

It’s been a crazy process putting all of this together. We have to ship all of our tools down, rent equipment while we are there but also plan for 18 people to fly down and stay for almost three months. That’s a long time for some people to be away from home — like my construction crew, while others — those in television production, have done this many times before.

Our hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the building site in the Lower Ninth, so we’ll have to map out our route through the city and find the building supply stores too.

That leaves me wondering whether or not I’ll be able to wear my overalls down there the whole time…

- Mike

 

Andrew says, Tuesday, 24 March 2009 22:11 PM EST

Hey, taken a gawk at the "Australian Cyclone [hurricane] Code"?

Initially developed in the aftermath of "Tracy" (The cyclone that devastated Darwin in '74), the basic idea revolves around bolting the roof to the floor - much of the damage from that cyclone was caused by roofs breaking loose and then smashing into neighboring houses, and not from walls blowing over. Consequently, as part of the code, the tin (galvo) roof is screwed to the roof framing, which in turn is bolted to steel members that are in turn bolted to the concrete block floor. The obsession is comparable to the floor-to-ceiling "vapor barrier" obsession I've noticed in modern Canadian building construction. Although, sometimes I think Canadian Code has a thing or two to learn - little wonder a roof held down by a few nails blows a way in the first storm.

It will be interesting to see how the Australian Code compares to the construction Mike uses in New Orleans. When I was there in '05, which was pre Katrina, the construction, very like Darwin pre-Tracy, was looking decidedly flimsy.

Cindy says, Wednesday, 25 March 2009 12:37 PM EST

I love Mike. Can't wait for the show!

Mitch says, Wednesday, 25 March 2009 12:45 PM EST

Wow, good to hear that Mike is helping the city New Orleans.

Scott from Vancouver says, Friday, 27 March 2009 00:55 AM EST

I spent 7 weeks in the Big Easy&Lake Charles areas working for the State Administration after Katrina hit for a company out of Boston Mas. We were doing preliminary disaster assessments of these devistated areas.

It was something I will never forget. It has been over two years since I have been back.

Those memories will always be as if it was yesterday.

You and your team are an inspiration.
Make it right Mike!
Bullet proof LEED Platinum housing... what a concept.


As an FYI you should be okay to wear the overalls for a while but when June rolls aroung you might find them slightly sweaty go with the Carhart shorts and a bottle of Gold Bond. Really... I am serious.

Good luck,

Scott

Gaetane says, Saturday, 28 March 2009 11:41 AM EST

If Mike needs a new challenge there's one right in his own backyard - Kashachewan!

j. lucero of Oakville On. says, Sunday, 29 March 2009 16:27 PM EST

You're great Mike! I've been follwing and watching on TV how YOU made it right.. ect..I love construction work too and admire your unwavering concern to help others and though I can't help you in your reconstruction mission in US, I am with you in prayers for your safety and your crew. God bless!

Cheryl says, Sunday, 29 March 2009 16:53 PM EST

I love your show,You are the best Mike because i am learning from you on every show. My husband gets upset with me when i say Holmes on Holmes doesn't do it that way.I have been waiting 2 years for my house to be done,i have brand new windows still not in yet.He starts something and doesn't have time to finish it.I have been doing some sanding and dry walling ,so i can get things done.
I also want to say good luck in New Orleans, i will be watching you and your crew.My prayers are with you and your crew.God Bless!

Steve in Carleton Place says, Monday, 30 March 2009 00:21 AM EST

I wanted to add my name to the chorus that will inevitably rise over the broadcast of this event. Mike and his crew demonstrate the very essence of what makes this such a different enterprise. Your HGTV production crew landed the "Right Man For The Job" You do not do it alone mike and I will make sure I continue to partiC***te in the process from my place here in Canada. Your home celebrates you and your production team and the construction crew.

john says, Tuesday, 31 March 2009 20:43 PM EST

As a former contractor its nice to see someone who truly gives a damb. Good on you and your crew Mike best of luck in New Orleans.

Kevin from Sarnia says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 09:25 AM EST

I know Ellen Degeneres is a buddy of Mike's and she is from New Orleans. Does she have any involvement in the show?

Leona by the ocean in Nova Scotia says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 10:49 AM EST

What a great thing you are doing,good luck with it and I'm looking forward to seeing it on t.v.

Shawn from Dalhousie, NB says, says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 11:04 AM EST

Good luck in the big easy! If there where more people like you around the world would be a lot better place!! Can't wait to watch the show on TV. :)

Fay from Newfoundland and Labrador says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 11:50 AM EST

You're my hero!!! Continually giving of yourself and helping others. I pray for the safety of you and your crew members in all that you do. Never miss your show Mike...even the reruns, Ha!
You're always bound to pick up more the second time around.
Best of luck in all your endeavours. God Bless!

Jackie & Rob from Brampton On says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 13:46 PM EST

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!! Good luck in the Big Easy and we're glad you're back this season.

Karen K., Pickering ON says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 14:38 PM EST

I hope these episodes serve as an inspiration for other companies - not just tv production companies - to pitch in and help those who were affected by Katrina. I can't believe some people are still homeless after 2 years! Can't wait for the first broadcast! I'm sure it'll leave me in tears.

Deb & Ken P. says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 19:39 PM EST

I have wondered why it has taken the US Government so long to help these people. I love your show Mike and wish you all the best in this new venture - New Orleans! I will be watching every episode! This is so a heartfelt by me and I am sure, by those in New Orleans. Bless you Mike!

Ish, Richmond BC says, Wednesday, 01 April 2009 23:37 PM EST

Has anyone thought about Recycling perfectly good furniture for those in need in New Orleans. All those homes we see in the news that are being cleared out by companies because the owners have had to walk away from their homes. Can they not take that perfectly good furniture and household items that are being tossed and sent to the dump and can someone not arrange for the salvagable items to be redirected in containers to those needing new furniture in New Orleans once their homes have been re-built. I think it is about time someone helped those poor people out in New Orleans. Good on those who are finally helping. Kudos!

Dave, Calgary AB says, Thursday, 02 April 2009 19:08 PM EST

I don’t know if I should be disappointed or excited. Excited about the new program but disappointed over the ending of Holmes on Homes.

I built my own addition a number of years ago and learned very early on in the project, that using trades people who know what they are doing was paramount to the outcome of the job ... “doing it right” to quote someone I know!

I’ll be watching everyone of the new episodes!

Oh ... you could cut the legs off your coveralls; that helps the cooling!

Thomas from Montreal QC says, Thursday, 02 April 2009 22:08 PM EST

It will be great seeing Mike, Damon, Pinky and the rest of the Holmes crew doing their thing again for a person who deserves the help. Mike is a great man and a greater humanitarian. I wish more people would follow his example. The world is a better place for his being in it.

Jim and Claudette says, Friday, 03 April 2009 16:17 PM EST

My wife and I LOVE your show and was sad to see it go - as a matter of fact, we still have the one where you installed cabinets saved on our Vivo.

We're VERY HAPPY to see your back!

Louise Saulnier says, Friday, 03 April 2009 19:00 PM EST

Hi Mike,

Glad to see you back. I love your show. The people in Louisiana are getting the best. Good luck in New Orleans. Looking forward to seeing you back in our neck of the woods.

Louise Saulnier
Moncton, NB

Sonia-Ingrid Marshal says, Saturday, 04 April 2009 01:47 AM EST

I'm a Canadian living in New Zealand. My husband and I fervently watch your show carried here by The Living Channel. Not only are you an inspiration for regular everyday folk, but it's nice to see someone with influence doing something to coach and encourage the next generation and raise the bar for everyone. If you ever come to NZ Mike, don't look too closely at the houses... no central heating!!
Your farthest away fans, Steve and Sonia-Ingrid Marshall - Christchurch, NZ

Doug says, Saturday, 04 April 2009 10:05 AM EST

Hey Mike just have a cold one or two on Bourbon Street for me! Love the show!

George says, Sunday, 05 April 2009 00:19 AM EST

I just visited New Orleans and was amazed at the fact that the French Quarter is just as I remember it from 1978 and the Business District in the American side is in fine shape as is Canal Street, City Park and the Warehouse District (Emeril's Restaruant etc.) but the Ninth Ward and other parts of the city are still in FEMA trailers. Now I know that Ellen and Mike and Brad have done wonderful things but what about the Casino, all the major hotels and other big business in NO. Why is there still so much concern about the city when all the big money is still going strong and the little guy is suffering? Love the show Mike but how about doing this in Canada's north where it is really needed.

Jeannette Helmer April 05 12:45 Moncton NB says, Sunday, 05 April 2009 12:01 PM EST

Mike I watch your show and just love it.You are awsome.If I ever get the money to build a home your the only one I will trust to build it.The way you help people out is awsome.I even like watching the reruns,there is always something to learn,I even have your books and t shirts and cap.Please dont ever stop your show. I would love to meet you,it would a pleasure.You came to Moncton and we found out the next morning in the paper.Was so dissappointed that it was just for contractors,I mean a lot of people would like to hear your ideas.Will watch every episode of Orleans,you are the top of my list for programs to watch. My prayers are with you as you try to help Orleans,but then thats the kind of guy you are.

Louise says from Johnstown Ontario Tuesday 07 April 12:10pm says, Tuesday, 07 April 2009 12:14 PM EST

Way to go Mike. If anyone can help the people that lost so much, we know you and your crew will get the job done. God bless and make it right.

Joy Green, Toronto, Ontario says, Tuesday, 07 April 2009 18:39 PM EST

Mike and Crew: I am an avid follower of your show. I am always impressed by how much I learn and how compassionate you are. You always seem to go the extra mile, as is evidenced by this trip to New Orleans. I will be watching with interest, this evening, the first of the New Orleans broadcasts. You and your crew are in my prayers. Tell Pinky we all love her and keep her chin up, being away from family is a burden but she is making a difference in the world and she should be proud of herself. She is a credit to her sex, a strong, capable, professional young woman. Again, Mike, you and your crew are hero's, keep up the great work. I look forward to more of your excellent shows. "Make It Right Mike"......

Anthony D., Montreal, QC says, Tuesday, 07 April 2009 19:42 PM EST

I'm a multiple-traveller to south Louisiana, which inspired me launch some independent promotional strategies. It remains a challenge to introduce my community to LA culture, which seems to have a low profile outside LA. I really wish we could help each other out. Like Pavlov's dog, I salivate whenever I see and hear those special sights and sounds! My heart goes out to all hurricane victims and for all humanitarians who give of themselves (you know who you are)!

lloyd underwood from chateauguay,que says, Tuesday, 07 April 2009 21:38 PM EST

hey mike your a great man and a great humanitarian you will touch a lot of hearts!! mike they will love you in new orleans we need more people like you in this world and in quebec all the best mike you shine every where

Julie R. Ottawa, Ont. says, Wednesday, 08 April 2009 10:12 AM EST

What a wonderful crew you have. Your concept "Make it Right" is absolutely so true.
I am a huge fan of your show, I am impressed on how much I have learned, and see how compassionate you are towards the families you work with.
It takes a Real Compassionate Man to be such a Humanitarian and offer help to those families in New Orleans. Bless you and your Crew.

..They must make overall shorts somewhere in the World Mike !:)

Michelle says, Wednesday, 08 April 2009 10:29 AM EST

I've always been proud to be Canadian but even more so after watching the first hour of Holmes in New Orleans last night - the American government should be ashamed to have allowed these people to live in these awful conditions for more than three years!!!

Sheila says, Wednesday, 08 April 2009 11:48 AM EST

The women on your team are beautiful! Does graduating from WIST make you good looking? or is that a prerequisite to entering the program?

aret sonmez says, Wednesday, 08 April 2009 12:26 PM EST

I wish I could be there help them out.Mike, I'm not a contractor,acctualy I'm a jeweller.But I like building or renovate things...Every show you have on TV,I watched...
I learned a lot,read your books and again, I learned...
I know you're going to make a big diffrence those peoples life and their evironment.
And the part that we Canadians should be praud of,you are doing this not for money,but just being good humanbeing...Being a person that understand the difficulties of a real life......
Make It Right,and don't worry,Him and your father looking after you.....

Kerry says, Wednesday, 08 April 2009 12:40 PM EST

I have to agree with Michelle. 3 YEARS... That is why I am very proud to be a Canadian. Watching the show last night, proved that there is some good in people out there!!! Mike you are an amazing man!!! Keep up the good work. All the best yo you and your team. Safe trip back!!!

Claudio says, Wednesday, 08 April 2009 21:59 PM EST

Just wondering why the regular crew weren`t there...such as the painters, plumbers and electricians. I enjoy watching Frank get mad!!

Paul B. Timmins Ont. says, Thursday, 09 April 2009 09:52 AM EST

Watched the 2 shows on Global TV. Amazing job even under such extreme conditions. 2 questions...

Why such an elaborate home design? Requires so much more time to construct.

And please tell us that Kate's dad is doing well, seeing her after the call she recieved from home was heart wrenching.

P.S. Pinky, your an inspiration, you did more and lasted longer then most people would have, keep smiling girl.

Ed in Alberta says, Thursday, 09 April 2009 12:24 PM EST

As a professional engineer and "self-taught" handyman I enjoy the shows and have to admit to having learned a lot (and found and fixed a few "oopsies" done by others in my own home). After seeing the condensed version of the NOLA show and now discovering this forum I've a couple of questions/comments.

First, to Andrew in Oz, although Mike and his crew are from Canada they build in conformance to local building codes wherever they are. They rebuilt a house in Los Angeles area a year or two back (with Ellen Degeneres' involvement) and worked according to California's earthquake code (which is quite different from Canada's!)

My question concerns the crew in the NOLA project: did Pinkie quit the team entirely and permanently?... or just the New Orleans project? It would be a shame if she did end her career with Mike but obviously anyone who does work with him learns a lot to take on to other jobsites.

Finally, as a result of this program I took another look on Google Earth to see if I could locate the worksite: I was immediately struck by how many "blue roofs" there are in the region! (plastic tarps covering wind-damaged buildings). It's really a "wake-up" to observe.

Great program, great team. "Make it Right".

Ed in Alberta says, Thursday, 09 April 2009 13:19 PM EST

I should have added that as a result of my discovery of residentical construction shortfalls and downright errors in my home I know of a certain building inspection company that will never get any business nor recommendations from me again! Wish I'd seen some of Mike's shows about 12 years earlier!

Heather in Alberta says, Thursday, 09 April 2009 14:36 PM EST

Mike, I love your show! You and the crew are absolutley fabulous. I am eagerly awaiting the show on New Orleans; just don't take too big a liking to it down there....please!!! I am just very proud of you and your whole team.

p.s. I think the suggestion about Gold Bond was a good one by the way

Kristine says, Sunday, 12 April 2009 02:05 AM EST

I've just now watched the 1st show and I have to say that I greatly admire what Mike Holmes is doing...but was it a requirement for all of the workers to be "good looking??" I'm sorry, but Pinky was a huge disappointment to me. She can't handle 16 days working there??? Does she have any real idea of what it is like for the former residents of the 9th Ward? I don't have an ounce of compassion for her, sorry.
Hopefully the rest of the crew are up for the task that they signed up for. Best of luck, and please, no more Pinky's.

sandra says, Sunday, 12 April 2009 13:49 PM EST

i agree with sandra... pinkie lasted 16 days..
people down there 3 years and no homes or roofs over their heads. what they have been thru...

amazing show... i will be glued to the tv...

good luck everyone!

sandra says, Sunday, 12 April 2009 13:50 PM EST

oops sorry agree with Kristine.

Ken says, Sunday, 12 April 2009 18:17 PM EST

I'm dissapointed with HGTV. Myself and another family member tuned in to watch this show today, and afterwards it says tune in later at 6pm to see the second half of the show. When we tune in, HGTV is replaying the first part of the show again.Wtf?

I would like to know when HGTV is going to air the second portion of the show, as it is shown in no other time slot but today..

lou blue says, Sunday, 12 April 2009 19:49 PM EST

I think mike holmes is great,like the show but not in reality for average people.try to get a plumber or electrician for a job ,very difficult thats why there is so much trash work.i love hgtv shows.many people try to get a 50,000 job done for 20,000 thats what brings the dummys out.thanks.waiting for more on new orleans.

Mark says, Sunday, 12 April 2009 20:47 PM EST

I was just reading Kristine's comment and I can tell right now that she has no idea what it is like working away from your friends and family for any length of time. I have worked away from my family many times and the hardest thing isn't the work, it is the time away. All I ever wanted to do at the end of the day was go home and relax with my family, but when you aren't home you can't do that and you never truely relax because it isn't home. I think that Pinky was very strong to even volunteer to do this for complete strangers. I think everyone on the crew are some of the strongest and most generous people I have ever seen. Don't you ever think you are weak or a disappointment to anyone Pinky, you are truely a hero and even heroes have limits.

Sandra says, Monday, 13 April 2009 00:15 AM EST

I just returned from New Orleans last Monday, I visited Tennessee Street and I too was shocked at how little has been done since Katrina. These people need lots of help and I admire Mike and his crew for all they have done. I am now inspired to do what I can to help!

diane says, Monday, 13 April 2009 08:36 AM EST

i need the show to be back on in new york
we miss and love the show

Tony says, Monday, 13 April 2009 11:41 AM EST

Why did Pinky leave?

The commercial preview showed tension with the whole team why?

Paul B. Timmins Ontario says, Tuesday, 14 April 2009 15:22 PM EST

Ken...Global aired two 1 hour (condensed) shows....HGTV will be airing six 1 hour shows. Tune in every Thursday night for the next show, HGTV re-airs the same show several times during the week until the next show airs on Thursdays.

Kristine and Sandra....keep watching the series. Even Mike at one point says that he was having a very hard time staying for that long in the difficult working conditions and heat, but he managed to battle through it because he had his son and daughter with him for support. Mike Jr. even had to be sent back to the motel room for 2 days break because he was drained. Give pinky a break...

Phil Nelson, Montreal, Qc, Canada says, Tuesday, 14 April 2009 22:02 PM EST

I have always been a hard worker, taking on jobs that looked like they should never have been done. I have built houses, garages, installed electrical systems and too many jobs to mention here (Includes de-icing aircraft, building rail cars etc.

I was invited down to North Carolina to visit my brother, who installs house siding and also does many other construction tasks (You call that a vacation?)

We had a contract in South Carolina (Columbia) and I can tell you one thing... When the sun started to rise high at around 11:00 am, the weather was so stifling that I couldn't do anything except to lie under a tree on the grass. No matter how much I wanted to get up and work, it was impossible to do. The temperature was a mere 95 degrees with 80% humidity and no wind whatsoever. My brother had the chance to live there for 10 years and is accustomed to this weather so he can move around like I do when it's -15c... I am surprised that the entire crew didnt' collapse from heat prostration. If Pinky lasted 16 days.... WOW!!!

pdooherblog_mod says, Wednesday, 15 April 2009 11:49 AM EST

I have enjoyed the show season after season. A few years back Mike was doing an episode in Whitby Ont. One of my contractors son's was coming from school and saw the filming. I intern was called by my guy about the filming. I live in Oshawa so I made a stop at the filming. The assistant on site let me watch and later introduced me to Mike. Great GUY!. I just need to know is Pinky gone from the show? How is the other young ladies father doing? Hope all is well. Thanks Paul.

L.French Barrie,Ontario says, Thursday, 16 April 2009 21:15 PM EST

OMG
It's shameful to see that after all this time
these people are still living with this devastation,not in a third world country but in the United States of America. Whatever happened to the millions of dollars that were raised to make it right long before now????

Jundee says, Friday, 17 April 2009 01:36 AM EST

It's not fair to dump on Pinky. Different people have different levels of stress they can tolerate. That trip to N.O. was brutal.Working really hard 6 & 7 days for 3 month is quite different from visiting for a week or two.
To answer the questions, Pinky is gone for good & Kate's father recovered.

Mike and his crew & staff are exceptional people. They are a credit to their profession & a credit to their country & I'm proud to have known Mike & many of his crew & staff since he started Holmes on Homes.

Jundee, Moderator, Mike Holmes Fan Forum

Mark says, Friday, 17 April 2009 11:24 AM EST

I have to say I am really saddened to see Pinky go, but everyone has to move on at some point. Shawn was another person I was sad to see go but he went on to bigger and hopefully better things.

You will be missed Pinky and I hope you find something that makes you happy in your future endevors. Good luck.

Julie says, says, Monday, 20 April 2009 11:07 AM EST

Re: Pinky ..We all come from different backgrounds, some of us are rather independent..and can leave our families to go and work elsewhere for a time frame. I have done it myself, with young children, not easy easy, yes for three months without seeing them;long distance calls are not the same.

Mike mentioned at the beginning that he was afraid that Pinky was going to miss her loved ones at home, guess what, were all human, she gave it a shot..16 days, she worked like everyone else.
Mike has a strong dedicated Canadian crew of heroes.
He had his 3 wonderful children, his uncle Billy well.
His son Mike jr. suffered from a heat stroke, and was sent back to the hotel for 2 days.
Wow I think we should all be proud of this team.

Would you work in these conditions...then volunteer, I'm sure these wonderful families would love to have you raise a house in 3 months !!! :)

Judy says, Thursday, 23 April 2009 23:29 PM EST

I would like to know what happened to all the money donated to help these families since it doesn't seem they recieved any of it.. 3 years later!!!!

Judy says, Thursday, 23 April 2009 23:32 PM EST

I love Mike and I watch his shows all the time,looking forward to the new show..... Keep up the excellent work Mike and Crew

Doug says, Friday, 24 April 2009 22:52 PM EST

Mike: Two years ago, my wife and I spent a several weeks in the areas that were devestated by Katrina and Rita and 18 months after the huricanes, it was disheartening to see how little had been done to get folks back in theri houses. My hat's off to you and your crew for your efforts in New Orleans to help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward.

Jim says, Sunday, 26 April 2009 18:26 PM EST

Mike you make me proud to say I'm Canadian. Not that I wasn't before. It's great to see you doing the New Orleans Episodes.

jackie roelofs says, Monday, 04 May 2009 06:31 AM EST

Mike i love your show and i'm very happy to see that HGTV picked up your show. had lost you for a year here in Michigan, ever since i seen the first show about how you help people that have been done wrong by some shady contractors. i love that you never say who they are but local people know and i only hope they get the message of, if it is worth doing it is worth doing right the FIRST time,

thank you and may your show have a long life

Tim in Japan says, Thursday, 07 May 2009 12:55 PM EST

Mike, I love the show. I just tried to watch on the Internet, and it is blocked because I'm in Japan. If I were in Canada and could watch you on TV, I wouldn't need to be watching on the Internet. It seems obvious that people like me are the exact people that Internet availability should be serving! I'll never see it on TV here. Someone's doing a good job short-circuiting the usefulness of the Internet. It seems like a little "do it right" common sense is necessary for whoever made this ridiculous policy. Keep up the good work!

Kirinne Beyore says, Saturday, 09 May 2009 21:16 PM EST

Pinky leaving is no ones concern. They have a job to do n thats all that matters. Who cares who rebuilds these homes as long as they get them done. I dont think anyone should be judging Pinky for leaving or anyone else who leaves because they miss their family.

Family first, go see those you miss Pinky.

Cover up if you come back tho n use one hand to swing a hammer not 2

Karyn says, Sunday, 10 May 2009 13:11 PM EST

Thank You Mike to you and your hard working crew. Your all good people and one of the many reason I am proud to be Canadian folks like you!

Dana from KW says, Thursday, 14 May 2009 23:33 PM EST

I just saw the last episode of the New Orleans series tonight, and I couldn't be more heartbroken that it's finished. It has been an incredibly educational and uplifting journey. Please say you'll all be back in another show very soon!!! :)

Gregg Aiello from Belvidere, IL says, Thursday, 28 May 2009 18:21 PM EST

I am a huge HGTV junkie and my favorite thing to do when I have to travel to Toronto is make sure I watch Holmes on Holmes. MIke Holmes is the 'god' of construction and integrity. HGTV has great shows and HGTV.ca has even better shows.
I have learned a lot by watching his shows and HGTV.
Ditto to Karyn's Blog above!


THANKS!!!

D. Wilkinson says, Friday, 19 June 2009 08:24 AM EST

Find that sometimes it just takes one person to "do it right" to get the other nay sayers to do the same. I am proud to say that you are a Canadian! Keep up with the awesoem job you do! And as far as the overalls go..... would love to see those legs ! hee hee hee.

K says, Sunday, 05 July 2009 11:54 AM EST

I am not sure if this is the correct forum for this, but does anyone know if this new series of shows will be om the in US? When? I miss my Mike! Thanks all =)

Kim the Canuck, living in Florida says, Friday, 10 July 2009 21:31 PM EST

I saw the first episode this week while visiting in Winnipeg. I only wish they would air this series on HGTV in the US.

Tania Kolody says, Monday, 20 July 2009 00:13 AM EST

I think that what you guys are doing down there to help out everyone is incredible. It makes me proud. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to see the next episode.

Ken Hardee,from Pensacola,Fla.~Living and working in New Orleans,La.Vanessa says, Sunday, 30 August 2009 20:11 PM EST

I wish I could get on the project and help you guys out ~24 years of exrerience doing it the right way also...from 3 million dollar homes on St.George Island, Fla. to supervising commercial jobs all over the U.S...... love to hear from ya'!....keep up the great supportive work!

Quentin says, Friday, 25 December 2009 20:36 PM EST

Proud to see the hard work in Louisiana. Working in heat and humidity is very hard to work, both physically and more mentally... Give Pinky a bit of slack, anyone can break down under those cirC***stances.

Just curious about why no credit was given to the Mike and the crew on the "Make it Right" website. They credit the corporate sponsors. They should credit the people that volunteered their time. My two cents is that the reference to Mike might cause more contractors to donate their time as well...

Good work to Mike and the Crew!

craxydog@gmail.com says, Monday, 18 January 2010 17:10 PM EST

Hi Mike are you hiring anyone sent January 20 2010

tinman says, Friday, 12 February 2010 19:33 PM EST

Just saw Episode 1 - HGTV Programming should have run all eps' 1-6 back2back I LOVE MIKE! and love the show. Keep up the GREAT work.

Sandy (Aiken, SC) Savakritter@aol.com says, Monday, 15 February 2010 06:49 AM EST

You and your crew are doing an awesome thing. I'd love to come help. I used to do interior painting and wallpaper but am open to anything you need help with. Also used to live in NOL. How can our local, state and federal agencies just stand by and let this beautiful city die? Thank you and yours for your caring. I am serious about helping; I would like to be a part of your team. Thanks for caring when others don't.

Eileen says, Monday, 15 February 2010 12:03 PM EST

Apart from Divine Design HOH is THE BEST on HGTV. If Katrina had happend in Boston or New York or anwhere else, the place would be back to normal. No-one cares enough about New Orleans. And sadly there are'nt enough people like Mike and his team. He truly cares about his craft and he instills that in his team. Shame there arent more like him. Thanks Mike for just being!!

Martha says, Monday, 15 February 2010 19:05 PM EST

They don't make them like Mike Holmes anymore.... God Bless you Mike...

YVONNE IN INDIANA says, Tuesday, 16 February 2010 11:46 AM EST

DO IT RIGHT MIKE,
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE SHOW!
WAS SO EXCITED WHEN I WAS FLIPPING THE CHANNELS AND FOUND THIS NEW ONE ON NEW ORLEANS.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR CREW.
TAKE CARE

John Banyan says, Sunday, 21 February 2010 17:41 PM EST

I watched this whole series plus other similar series about volunteers helping rebuild New Orleans and always leads to the same question...

My question throughout is: Where are the black volunteers?
Gloria had 15 grandchildren, were there not ONE able bodied man or woman who could have helped?

Even if all of them had full time jobs, some presence on their part would be expected.

Laziness?

Norma says, Tuesday, 23 February 2010 18:25 PM EST

What type of hammer did you give out during the shooting of your show in Louisiana? You gave out brand new hammers - I'd like to get one for the hubby.

Let me know.

edison says, Sunday, 28 February 2010 22:11 PM EST

I love what your crew did for NOLA ... but I'm distressed at the gargantuan size of the house you built. It may be 'green,' but the enormity of it sort of contradicts that notion. Part of being green is keeping the footprint as small as possible. i know the woman you built it for has a large family. Seems there would have been some way to address that without putting a HUGE house in a neighborhood where most other houses (except the other HUGE ones) have been small bungalow style. Reminds me of the folks over at the other "let's build you a house in three days" show who have now agreed to build smaller. It's just ridiculous.