Mike's Home Inspector BlogMichael Burfitt |
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One of the primary channels through which I've connected with potential clients (and most likely how you came across my services) is via our company website. While I'm not a professional web developer, I took it upon myself to design and continually enhance our website over time. My aim was to create something more than just your typical bland and generic corporate website; I wanted it to reflect my genuine passion for homes and living in our region, a passion I also share through this very blog. Having visited numerous websites, I must say that home inspectors and professionals in similar industries could greatly benefit from dedicating more time to their online presence. This isn't just about addressing issues related to spelling and grammar; it's also about steering clear of tired and overused cliches that you won't find on my website or social media platforms. Here are a few of these cliches that I frequently come across, along with my personal perspective on them. "I Inspect Each Home as if it Were My Own" While I consider myself a responsible driver, I can't claim to be flawless behind the wheel. I once worked at an auto repair shop, and part of my responsibilities involved driving customer vehicles. I made sure to handle those cars with utmost care for two key reasons: first, I took their trust very seriously, and second, I wasn't as intimately familiar with those cars as I was with my own. Similarly, when it comes to home inspections, I understand that I possess the skills to identify and address most home issues. However, I don't inspect my own home as rigorously because I know it inside out. A home inspection is a one-time event and in a home I don't know the history or layout of ahead of time. As such, I approach it with even greater care and attention than I would my own home. "Your Home is Your Most Important Asset" While this statement holds true for many individuals (including myself), as a home inspector my duty is to deliver the best inspection possible, regardless of my client's circumstances. I've conducted inspections for new homeowners, investors, sellers, and even on behalf of tenants, and if not explicitly informed, I would have no way of knowing the property's intended use. My role is centered on assessing safety and functionality, not making judgments about a home's future purpose. Generic Pictures of Homes Many home inspector websites feature stock photos of immaculate houses in perfectly manicured neighborhoods. However, you won't find such images on my site. All the photos on my website are original, often captured using our drone, and none of them depict specific houses in Nova Scotia. This approach is simple and ethical: I never share any personal information, client or otherwise without written consent, including what the exterior of a home looks like. Additionally, considering the ongoing housing shortage, many homes aren't picture-perfect (I have never come across a home without issues, my own included), and I believe it's important to reflect this reality.  The only stock home photo you will see on our website! Cliche and Keyword Loaded Blogs
I've come across countless blogs that are clearly written solely for the purpose of maximizing search engine visibility, a practice commonly referred to as SEO in the industry. I once encountered a home inspector who used the phrase "your (city) home inspector" a staggering 14 times in a single blog post! My primary goal with this blog, on the other hand, is to share valuable knowledge and insights. If it happens to help someone discover our company, all the better. One of the key objectives I had in mind when I founded my own company was not only to provide top-notch, affordable inspection services characterized by professionalism but also to convey that home inspections and learning about how houses function can be engaging and enjoyable, rather than dull and monotonous. Steering clear of cliches is just one of the ways in which I aim to stand out from the crowd, offering a unique and refreshing approach to this industry. As a professional home inspector, my journey has been shaped not only by my keen eye for detail but also by my proficiency in collecting and analyzing data. This skill, honed through many years of experience, has allowed me to derive valuable information from the reports I generate. In this blog post, I'll delve into how my data-driven approach has transformed my inspections, enabling me to make informed decisions, identify trends, and avoid baseless speculation. Harnessing the Data Advantage In a previous role, I experienced a dramatic reduction in my workload by applying my data analysis knowledge, which also granted me the time to pursue my dream of becoming a home inspector. Armed with the insights I've gained over the years; I now use data to support my instincts and bolster my assessments with hard evidence and facts. This approach allows me to provide more comprehensive and accurate home inspections. Identifying Trends: Examples from the Field Let's take a look at some real-world examples of how data has enhanced my ability to conduct inspections:
By consistently collecting and analyzing data on these aspects, I've gained the ability to quickly assess whether a home's features fall within typical parameters or if there's something unique to investigate further. This approach not only streamlines the inspection process but also motivates me to delve deeper into rarer building materials, expanding my knowledge base. I can use this information to better inform clients on the site during the inspection process. The Limitations of Data While data is a powerful tool in the home inspection arsenal, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations. Data should not be used as a shortcut to draw conclusions without thorough examination. To illustrate this point, let's consider a non-related example:  Lots of data, all of it useless! Imagine a casino game of roulette where a screen displays data on past spins, such as the percentage of spins landing on red versus black. This data may seem helpful but is entirely irrelevant because, in reality, the odds of the ball landing on a specific number in each spin never change. It's a constant probability as each spin of the wheel is independent of the last. Bringing it Back to Home Inspections In the world of home inspections, data can reveal statistical trends. For instance, I can share that 3-tab shingles are statistically more likely to have problems than architectural shingles (almost solely based on the fact 3-tab are generally much older), which, in turn, are more likely than metal roofs to present issues. However, the real world is filled with surprises. I've seen homes with old shingle roofs that exhibited no leaks and, conversely, brand-new roofs with leaks. Ultimately, while my knowledge of statistics and data helps me identify trends and streamline my work, it is no substitute for the hands-on inspection process. Home inspections demand a thorough, physical examination of each property, leaving no room for shortcuts or assumptions. In the realm of home inspections, the fusion of expert observation and data analysis is a powerful combination. It empowers inspectors like yours truly to make informed assessments, identify trends, and offer valuable insights to clients. Yet, it's essential to remember that data alone cannot replace the meticulous, on-site examination required to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of a property. The art of home inspection lies in striking the right balance between data-driven analysis and the hands-on inspection experience.
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Inside Edge Home Inspections Ltd.
Halifax, NS 902-209-9921 [email protected] Proudly Serving the HRM & Central Nova Scotia |
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