Mike Holmes, host of HGTV's number one show Holmes on Homes, was in Dundas last week for a renovation project. Here, he autographs a saw for Listowel District Secondary School students Mitch Hunt and Jeremy Allan, who along with Kevin Boisvert, came third in a skills competition.

After helping more than 90 families Make It Right, Mike Holmes has one more renovation project in Ottawa before he hangs up his TV tool belt and heads to New Orleans.

Mr. Holmes, host of HGTV's number one show, says the time has come to "move to the next level."

His highly popular Holmes on Homes has been a hit with viewers since it was first televised in March 2003.

However, the opportunity to help a larger number of people has lured Mr. Holmes south of the 49th parallel.

Make it Right New Orleans is a new community of 150 low-priced, sustainable homes being built in the Lower Ninth Ward. The project is funded by actor Brad Pitt and philanthropist Steve Bing.

"I'm excited...a little depressed...but it will allow me to help people on a larger scale," Mr. Holmes said Monday during a renovation project in Dundas. "We're going to build Holmes Homes that won't fall down even if the levees move again."

Seven years ago, Mike Holmes was an HGTV contractor assigned to build sets for other shows. During a lull in activity, he vented to production executive Michael Quast about the quality of HGTV programming. Instead of complaining, Mr. Quast encouraged the outspoken Holmes to do his own show.

The rest is Canadian television history.

Just wrapping up its seventh season, Holmes on Homes has been the number one show on HGTV Canada since the summer of 2004. It also airs in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Mike Holmes' book Make It Right -- Inside Home Renovation with Canada's most Trusted Contractor has been highly successful, and Holmes Workwear, a line of construction boots and clothing, is available at retail stores across the country.

"I knew people would watch the show because it relates to everyone who owns a home," said Mr. Holmes. "And unfortunately, it has become regular and the norm to be in the world of hell with contractors."

The Dundas renovation job was typical of the stories that have become too familiar to Mr. Holmes and his viewers. The personally designed dream home turns into a nightmare, complete with delays, poor workmanship and legal fees.

Liza Drozdov, director of communications, said "literally thousands" of e-mails are received each week from distraught homeowners. A story producer sorts through the material and selection is based on several factors.

Ms. Drozdov said simple logistics make it impossible for the Holmes on Homes crew to travel too far outside the Greater Toronto area.

"Dundas is about the outskirts simply because the crew must travel from Toronto, and there are usually three shows being filmed at the same time."

If one job is slow or boring from a television point of view, the crew will go to another site. Close proximity maximizes the usage of time.

The story producer also looks for variety in renovation projects, or a new twist on an old problem.

Ms. Drozdov said dire financial straits will also make you a candidate for Holmes on Homes.

"It's important people be in need and they don't have the dollars to do the renovations themselves, and people have to be cheated, disappointed or ripped off by a contractor, not do-it-yourselfers."

And while the concept and success of his show has come from the misfortunes of homeowners, Mr. Holmes is a strong advocate for change.

He launched the Holmes Foundation in 2006 to support training youth in the skilled trades through apprenticeships, scholarships and bursaries.

"The only way to actually change the industry is through the next generation," said Mr. Holmes, adding he wants to do a cartoon and plans to launch Mighty Mikes children's apparel. "It's a way to teach young kids early, because they're recorders, and entice them to get into the field."

In fact, one of the unexpected benefits of Mr. Holmes' success has been the reward of teaching others.

"I love my job, I love to create and I love to teach -- I didn't look at it that way when I started -- I love to let homeowners know how to do things," said Mr. Holmes.

And the success of his book -- a second one is planned called Holmes Inspections -- means people are learning something.

Mr. Holmes, himself, credits his father with teaching his young son everything he knew.

"When I was growing up I though my dad was Superman...he could do anything," he said. "In my 20s, I realized he was a jack of all trades and master of none, but I realized he truly cared about doing things right."

However, after seven seasons, the grind of a weekly television show is beginning to show. One season tends to roll into another with no breaks in the construction schedule.

Mr. Holmes personally supervises and does the renovation work between other commitments like speaking engagements and business.

"There are enough stories to film in the Toronto area to last a lifetime...65,000 e-mail to help 13 families each season," said Mike.

"It's tiresome, we work way too much. I thought I was busy as a contractor, but you marry the world of production, and wow! It's time for the next level ."

The Holmes on Homes crew spent eight days in Dundas last week renovating a home in the Mill Street area. It will air this summer.