holmes magazine

15 years ago

Yesterday I picked up a copy of the above magazine, marked as v.2 issue 2. But I think it is only the second issue that has been sold in the U.S., based on what I read inside.

And I read the whole thing. Cover to cover. A sample of the features:

* Build Small Save Big

* 25 Ways To Renovate Responsibly

* Grow Your Garden With Bath Water

* Renovation Checklist

* Avoid Eco Sales Scams

* Our Favorite Green Homes

* Get Rid of Asbestos

* Plant Your Roof

And among the advertisers is one of my favorites, Lee Valley Tools. Also There is a product called SOY*GEL, and I think if it performs as shown, it will help with LEAD PAINT REMOVAL FROM OLD HOUSES. Advertised as a professional paint and urethane remover, it works on lead-based paint, varnishes and urethanes found on trim, molding, brick, furniture, metal, wood floors, and on horizontal or vertical surfaces, even ceilings. I'm very excited to try that product made by Franmar.com and available in qt, gallon, 2.5 gallon, and 5 gallon containers. Made from 100% American grown soybeans. The marvelous soy bean strikes again!!!

I also enjoyed the products featured in ECO-FABULOUS GOODS. Like the insulation by Ecohaus made of denim scraps, lights made from traffic signal recycled glass, floor tiles for the garage that soaks up the water/snow off your car tires, and something that might interest any wine-oriented person, flooring made of recycled wine barrels! Put THAT one in your wine cellar, folks.

And for my personal interest, THE IRON SHOP is advertising full page their spiral stair kits, photos big enough to actually SEE. Nice.

I'm going to subscribe. They say that Mike Holmes is the top contractor in Canada, hope he continuues to be one of the good guys in a white hat. If you are interested in subscribing, I give the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: HolmesMagazine

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Comments (4)

User
15 years ago
Wow, neat magazine. Thanks for posting about it!
columbiasc
15 years ago
One bullet point that caught my eye is the one about Growing Your Garden With Bath Water. I've had two thoughts in that direction I'll share here even if sharing one of them probably means I'm giving away a million dollar idea!

First, growing the garden with bath water. Really interesting idea but one that I've been told would never be allowed by the local health authority. But it's an idea I highly favor. I hate wasting water but enjoy long hot showers. I also had an aging septic system and often wished I could twist a valve after I finished with the soap and shampoo and divert the very clean rinse water to my yard or garden and bypass the septic tank.

Along those same thoughts, because of space requirements and maintanence, I'm probably not a candidate for a hot tub. But I could stand under a hot shower for an hour. So what if I could twist that hypothetical valve after I finished rinsing and re-circulate the clean water through a tankless water heater and just enjoyed the hot water effect without wasting gallons upon gallons of water? Maybe 5 gallons total being re-circulated then dumped when finished? Dumb idea or million dollar baby?

I like Mike's attention to detail and his do it the right way the first time approach. However, I think he's a bit cocky and probably an authoritarian tyrant off camera. And does anyone really want to see a 50-year old Mr. "T" wannabe? Come on Mike, put on a shirt with some sleeves.

I've wandered across some other sites and blogs that might be interesting to some of you. Does GW get touchy about sharing competing sites here? I know they have rules about mentioning businesses.

Scott
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Shades_of_idaho
15 years ago
Interesting thoughts on the recycled clean water.More than once I have saved the bath water for those special plants when we did not have well enough to water the yard.

I think Holmes is a great contractor but agree with you Scott about the shirt and attitude.

Do not know how GW reacts to HGTV links. I doubt they are as touchy as they used to be.
desertsteph
15 years ago
will have to check it out. and I also agree on Holmes. love the show and his 'do it right' attitude but some humility would be good and top guy work clothes.

I would also like to repurpose water. I've had to do that some when plumbing not working here (often). I dip out my dish water into a bucket and save to use to backflush the toilet. BUT, I will be so glad to have real working plumbing (gee, I sure hope so!) and not have to carry a bucket of water from the kit to the bathroom anymore. having the option to divert it out the drain to a holding tank would be good tho.
work on that, ok? lol!