Mike Holmes Talks Season 2 & Remembers Beloved Electrician

Mike Holmes and his children Michael Jr. and Sherry are once again here to help homeowners make it right. Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy returns July 19 on HGTV with the first of six new episodes of Season 2. The family of renovation experts turned their efforts to Steve and Angela. They’ve owned their property for 50 years. The couple view the house as leaving a legacy for the next generation including for daughter Melissa. She moved back in to care for them  However, a bathroom reno left dangerous electrical issues that could cause a fire. The Holmes trio not only want to address the safety concerns, but transform an underutilized basement. 

These projects have been a trademark for Mike, Michael Jr. and Sherry for numerous shows over more than 25 years. The handy Canadians remain motivated to fix shoddy work done by crooked or incompetent contractors. That is always easier said than done, especially when they run into unexpected challenges while pulling up floors or tearing down the walls. 

Here the Holmes team talk about what’s to come in these upcoming installments of the hit series. Plus, Mike remembers Frank Cozzolino, a longtime electrician and fixture on the show, who died in December due to complications from a liver transplant and subsequent health issues. 

Mike Holmes (left) and Sherry Holmes (middle) and Michael Holmes (right) smile in the demo gear, they’re ready to start tearing apart Jonathan and Helga’s living room. (HGTV)

What are some of the biggest challenges you face with these upcoming projects?

Mike Holmes: This season, we’re continuing to show homeowners what it really means to build and renovate the right way. From creating homes that work for multi-generational families to building barrier-free spaces that provide greater independence, every project is about solving real challenges. We also help families adapt their homes for aging parents and tackle a wide range of renovations—all with one goal: making homes safer, healthier, and built to last.

What can you say about the individuals you help and stories we’ll hear during this next set of episodes?

Mike: In “Lifted Up” [air date August 9] the renovation wasn’t just about improving a home—it was about giving back independence to a young man, and peace of mind to his parents. We were lucky that the existing closet location made the perfect place to install a custom-built elevator. Sometimes the right layout makes all the difference.

Michael Holmes: “Generations of Care” [air date July 26] was a meaningful renovation about helping a family support two independent, active seniors while keeping everyone together under one roof. To get there, we had to solve a few problems hiding behind the walls and under the floors: heating and plumbing issues, leaky windows, and even a few squirrels that had made themselves at home. Once those repairs were done right, we transformed the space into a safe, comfortable seniors’ wing that gives their loved ones the independence they value and the support of family – just steps away.

Sherry Holmes: Something a little different happened during “Kitchen Comeback” [air date August 16]  – my dad stepped back and let my brother and me take the reins. It was our chance to bring our own experience, creativity and passion to the renovation while maintaining his high standards. There were a few bumps along the way but that’s not uncommon when you’re renovating, or when you’re working with your sibling. In the end I think the homeowners were pleased and excited about the renovated space and seeing that we helped restore their confidence in contractors was the best part of the entire experience.

What’s one thing about filming that may surprise audiences?

Mike: Well, it shouldn’t be a surprise but the final episode only shows a very small portion of the work we do. There is a ton that audiences just don’t see as we need to condense the story into approximately 44 minutes for TV.

Michael: Most people see my dad, Sherry and myself, but there are many trade professionals, products and specialists that help us make it right for a family. There simply is not enough air time to highlight them all. You need to check out www.makeitright.ca to find out more about the episodes.

What was it like having to continue on after Frank’s death? Any memories on the job or set you’ll remember working with him?

Mike: Frank was one of my best friends. I met him on the very first day of filming Holmes on Homes, about 25 years ago. Frank had the biggest heart and wanted to help me help homeowners even when we didn’t have a budget to pay him. He helped us help hundreds of homeowners until the very end. Frank would often get as fired up as I do when he uncovered bad electrical work. Then he’d crack a joke and the room felt suddenly lighter. Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy is the last series Frank helped us with and his presence will be missed as we continue on without him. He was one of a kind.

How do you feel AI and the world of social media has impacted the home contracting industry? Has it made your job easier or harder?

Mike: Technology has changed the home contracting industry in a big way, and I’ve always been fascinated by how we can use it to build better, work smarter, and help homeowners make informed decisions. From AI, advanced tools to drones, technology is giving us more information and helping the industry be more efficient. Social media has also been a game changer. It gives good contractors a chance to showcase quality work, educate homeowners, and build trust. Unfortunately, not everything you see online is real, or done right. 

A renovation video might look impressive, but it doesn’t always show what’s happening behind the walls, or whether the work is done on property or meets code. At the end of the day, technology is just another tool in our belt. It can make our jobs easier, but it can’t replace experience, craftsmanship, critical thinking, attention to detail, and good judgment. That’s what it takes to truly Make It Right®.

Michael, Sherry, and Mike Holmes stand work ready in demo gear and roofing harnesses, looking tough.

What’s the best and worst part working with family?

Mike: The best part of working with Michael and Sherry is the trust. I know they care as much about the outcome as I do. Plus, I get to see my kids on most days, and even my grandkids when they come to the jobsite.

Michael: Working with my dad and sister is great. Though we might often butt heads and have a difference of opinion, we’re pretty good at communicating and listening to each other. At the end of the day, we’re all working towards the same goal, helping homeowners.

Sherry: The best part of working with family is that we probably see a lot more of each other now than if we didn’t work together. Of course, too much togetherness can cause a bit of friction and sometimes we need a break, but in the end it’s all good. We are very lucky to have each other for support on and off the jobsite.

How has it been managing the work alongside the young kids, spouses, and life at home?

Michael: Family is incredibly important to me and supporting my wife, Lisa Marie and our kids is a priority. Building our custom home has also been all consuming for the past year and half, adding filming a TV show and all the other commitments. It’s a busy time but we make it work.

Sherry: It’s funny because Blake, my husband, is one of our site supervisors, and we worked together a lot before we had the girls, but now we have to coordinate our schedules a bit differently. It sometimes feels like shift work, but it’s just part of life.

Do you always see yourself working together?

Mike: One of the greatest gifts is to work with Sherry and Michael, and I always wanted them to work alongside me, but at some point, I’d like to retire.

Michael:  My family has always been at the heart of my journey. Working alongside them has opened so many doors and given me the opportunity to build my own career. But no matter where that path takes me, family will always come first. I’ll always make time to get back on the job and work alongside them—because that’s where it all started.

Sherry: I’ve been working with my family for such a long time, and it’s something I’ll always value. We each have our own paths, but being able to come together, share our experience, and work as a team is pretty special. I’d like it to continue.

Mike, now in your 60s, do you think more about things like retirement and really passing on your knowledge to the kids on these jobs? Maybe more than you have in the past of truly leaving a lasting legacy.

Mike: I’ve always hoped that Sherry and Michael would continue helping homeowners and educating them on homeownership. They’ve grown up around construction and TV, and I think it’s been a natural progression for them. I would be a very proud dad if they chose to continue building the family legacy.

Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy Season 2 premiere, July 19, 8/7c, HGTV