In praise of Mike Holmes

One of my favorite shows is HGTV's "Holmes On Homes." It's not a new show, so I realize I'm late to the party, but if you're interested in home improvement or DIY, you have to check it out.

Pardon me while I gush about it for a few paragraphs.

The basic premise is that Mike Holmes visits homeowners whose homes are in dire need of repair, but who, for the most part, don't have the skills to do it themselves. Usually, what Mike does is clean up messes created by contractors and/or builders who've done shoddy work.

It seems that most other HGTV shows place an emphasis on showing the before and after results, but not "Holmes on Homes." The show focuses on the hard (often grueling and frustrating) work it takes to get from before to after. No, he jumps right in and does a lot of the back-breaking work himself.

While the process makes for great TV, it's not the best reason to tune in. That would be Mike himself. He's just a regular guy who can't stand shoddy work - and he seems to feel compelled to "make it right" (which is his personal slogan, as well as his Twitter handle - follow him).

My favorite episode to date was one in which Mike completed a handicapped-accessible (left unfinished by not one, but two contractors) for a former teacher who's now confined to a wheelchair. During their pre-construction conversation and tour of the apartment, he learned that she also struggled with the design (Mike noticed burn marks on her arms from reaching across the stovetop for the controls) of her kitchen and that she loves to read.

So Mike, showing that his heart is at least as big as his biceps, not only finished the bathroom, but he also made it easier for her to reach her upper cabinets, installed a stove with controls on the front (and which opened to the side, rather than down), and created a beautiful reading area in her living room. If you get a chance to see it, I challenge you to keep your eyes dry.

His skills, attention to detail and compassion have made Mike one of my heroes. I'd pay good money to sit down and have a beer (or twelve) with him. Watch the show and you'll feel the same way.

I want this job

One of my favorite blogs is Home Fixated. They do a great job blogging about home improvement, tools, how-to tips and a lot more - with a sense of humor. Which is why I wasn't surprised to see this great tool review posted this morning. OK, so the Bosch 360 Jobsite AM/FM Stereo isn't technically a tool, but it's close enough.

As its name implies, the 360 is designed to be used on job sites, and the company claims it's "designed to withstand the toughest jobsites (sic)." And the company is apparently willing to back up that claim. Along with their regular product review, Home Fixated posted a video they shot during a drop test demo, which is fun to watch. I particularly seeing it in slow motion.

How did the 360 withstand an approximately 10-foot drop (twice)? Read the review and watch the video to see for yourself.

And while you're at it, bookmark Home Fixated.

Don't be a Lego man

When it comes to tools, especially of the power variety, safety isn't always top of mind. This is not news to anyone. A lot of times, you're in a hurry to get a project done, so you sacrifice safety for speed. Don't get me wrong. I'm not judging. I do the same thing myself - too often, I'm afraid.

For a lighthearted look at some of the disasters we flirt with when we rush, I'll let the Lego men in this video do the talking. Then I challenge you to not think about what it might look like in real life.

On that happy note, enjoy.

My four must-have power tools

Because the article on essential tools for homeowners lacked any mention of them, I thought I'd come up with my own list of essential power tools. So here they are (in no particular order):

1. Cordless drill. I can't tell you how often I use my Craftsman cordless around my home. I used to have an electric screwdriver, but when the battery went DOA, I just started using my drill. My trusty drill has helped me frame walls, hang drywall, bolt bookshelves to the wall (I do have a climbing toddler, you know) and much, much more.

2. Circular saw. Even though, sadly, this is one power tool I don't have, I often run into situations where I could really use one. In fact, power saws have been a major hole in my tool collection. The only one I had (until last Christmas, when my dad gave me a jigsaw) was the (cheap) chop saw I bought to cut baseboard. When I finally have the time to jump back into home improvement, a circular saw will be joining the family. And based on past experience, it will be cordless because I'd definitely find a way to cut through a cord.

3. Palm sander. My Corner Cat is another of my loyal and reliable friends. If you do any painting or refinishing, this is a great tool to have. Not only that, but if you're no wiz with a power saw, you can use it to sand off those splintered ends that a less-than-perfect cut will leave.

4. Dremel rotary tool. The WD-40 of the power tool world, this tool does it all - and has since 1945. With dozens (if not hundreds) of bits and attachments available, you can use this handy palm-sized wonder for everything - carving, engraving, sanding, cutting, cleaning, polishing and so much more. I'm ashamed to say that this is also conspicuously absent from my arsenal. And I'm not quite sure how I've overlooked it for so many years.

That's my short, very sweet, list. In my experience, with these four power tools, you can fix, build or improve just about anything around the house. Sure, I'm missing two of them, but remember this old parental saying: Do as I say, not as I do.

I'd love to hear what you have to say.