Holmes Family Rescue: Mike Sr. offers advice to people doing electrical work themselves

Mike Holmes Sr., the face of Holmes Family Rescue, urged homeowners not to take electrical repairs into their own hands. In a June 4, 2025, interview with Collider, the veteran builder made it clear: electrical work is not a safe DIY project.

Now in its third season, the HGTV show Holmes Family Rescue follows Holmes and his children, Mike Jr. and Sherry, as they step in to correct unsafe renovations. Many of the homes they visit reveal hidden dangers, often linked to unlicensed electrical work.

Holmes cautioned that one faulty wire might start a fire, invalidate an insurance claim, or endanger life. Drawing on decades of expertise, he demonstrated that permits, inspections, and qualified experts are more than simply paperwork; they provide protection. While the Holmes family supports hands-on home maintenance, they made it plain that some jobs are just inappropriate. Painting and tiling? Sure, that’s something you could do yourself. But rewiring your fuse box? Maybe leave that to the professionals.

Holmes believes Holmes Family Rescue serves as a cautionary story for viewers, emphasizing when to roll up your sleeves and when to seek help.

What advice did Holmes Family Rescue’s Mike Sr. have to offer to DIY enthusiasts?

Mike Sr. explained that electrical systems involve complexities beyond what most homeowners understand. Hidden junction boxes contain multiple wires that require specific knowledge to handle safely. Mistakes in these areas can trigger house fires or electrocution risks.

"There are a lot of things that you're not educated about, and especially if it's something that comes down to flooding your house, burning your house, potentially harming you and your family. Don't touch it," Sherry Holmes added during the interview.

Insurance companies often refuse coverage for electrical work performed by unlicensed individuals. This means homeowners could face total financial responsibility for fire damage caused by faulty wiring.

Mike Jr. noted that many contractors falsely claim electrical expertise without proper licensing. He urged homeowners to verify credentials before hiring anyone for electrical projects.

The Holmes Family Rescue star outlined a methodical approach for homeowners considering any renovation project. His first rule: avoid rushing into work without adequate preparation.

Second, he emphasized the importance of education. Homeowners should thoroughly research techniques, safety requirements, and local building codes before starting any project. His third recommendation focuses on contractor verification.

"If you're gonna hire a contractor, check out your contractor," Mike Sr. stated.

He contrasted electrical work with safer DIY options like painting. While a poor paint job might look bad, electrical mistakes can destroy homes and endanger lives.

Mike Sr. acknowledged that some homeowners might still want to attempt electrical work themselves. For these individuals, he recommended obtaining proper permits before beginning any project. The permit process requires inspections that can catch dangerous mistakes before they cause problems. Officials review the work and identify code violations or safety hazards. This approach allows homeowners to maintain some DIY involvement while ensuring professional oversight. The inspection process serves as a crucial safety check that could prevent disasters.

What are the implications of the Holmes family’s recommendations for home renovation safety?

The Holmes family's warnings extend beyond electrical work to plumbing and other technical systems. Their message emphasizes the importance of understanding project complexity before beginning work. Mike Jr. suggested that homeowners test their skills on simpler projects first. He recommended trying to paint trim work as a way to appreciate why professionals charge for detailed work.

The family's decades of experience fixing botched renovations provide unique insight into common homeowner mistakes, as seen on Holmes Family Rescue. Their advice aims to prevent the expensive and dangerous situations that create their television content. Their guidance reflects a balanced approach that supports DIY enthusiasm while prioritizing family safety and financial protection.

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You can watch Holmes Family Rescue on HGTV and stream it on Max.

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