REVIEW: “The Holmes Inspection” by Mike Holmes
I’ve been really enjoying watching “Holmes Inspection” on television, lately, as well as Mike’s other shows (“Making It Right”, and “Holmes on Holmes”). I’ve been learning a lot (and watching Mike’s 2nd in command, Damon Bennett, doesn’t hurt, either! LOL). 
So, when I found out that the library had copies of Mike’s books, of course I had to take them out and have a look. And, then I decided that this one — The Holmes Inspection — would be a good one to read straight through, as it gives you information on what to look for when you’re buying a house, and what to be prepared to offer up, information-wise, when you’re selling.
Given that hubby and I are looking to soon renovate and then sell our home (and, of course, buy another), I figured that this would be good information to have.
And, sure enough, I learned a lot from this book! In fact, it even helped me to understand more of what I hear Mike talking about on his t.v. shows ~ a lot of it involves terms that I wouldn’t have just “known” (like R-value for insulation, and ICF or “Insulated Concrete Forms”).
Mike even gives 4 “case studies” in this book, and shows you what the people’s home inspector saw or missed, and why it’s important.
I liked that there were pictures throughout, though I was disappointed that there weren’t more — or, that there weren’t more “before & after” shots. A lot of times you had to read the accompanying paragraphs on the page in order to know what you were looking for in the pictures, as the short descriptions beneath them didn’t help much. (Mike’s other book, “Make It Right”, was better, as far as pictures go).
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to buy/sell a home. It will enable you to go into it prepared, and not just basing your choices on “lipstick & mascara” (fancy finishes), as Mike would say.
Rated: B+
