Mike's Home Inspector Blog

Rust: The Silent Saboteur of homes

4/27/2025

As home inspectors, we’re trained to notice the big issues—foundation cracks, roof damage, electrical problems. But one of the most insidious threats to a home’s integrity often hides in plain sight: rust. This reddish-brown menace might seem minor at first glance, but left unchecked, it can cause serious structural and safety problems. I could talk for hours about rust, but this blog is all about getting to the point in a way all homeowners can quickly understand.

What Is Rust (in 10 Seconds)
Rust is the result of a chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and moisture. When metal components are exposed to water or high humidity, oxidation sets in. This corrosion process weakens the material over time, compromising its strength and durability.

Common Places Rust Shows Up
In home inspections, rust can appear in several key areas:

Structural steel: Support beams in basements or crawlspaces can rust, especially if there’s chronic moisture.
Water heaters and plumbing: Look for rust stains or flaking on tanks, pipes, and valves—this could signal leaks or old age.
HVAC systems: Corroded components in furnaces or A/C units can reduce efficiency and indicate neglect.
Exterior elements: Railings, fasteners, and metal flashing around roofs or decks are all vulnerable to rust in humid or coastal environments.

Rust isn’t just cosmetic. Over time, it can compromise load-bearing structures, create leak points, and even present electrical hazards when it invades panels or conduit. In some cases, it’s a symptom of bigger issues like poor ventilation, drainage problems, or past water intrusion.

What Inspectors Should Do
When you spot rust, document it clearly with photos and descriptions. Note the location, severity, and whether it appears to affect structural integrity. Recommending further evaluation or replacement by a specialist (such as a plumber or structural engineer) is often the best course.

Rust may seem like a small thing, but it’s often a sign of deeper problems. As inspectors, identifying it early—and knowing when to flag it for further evaluation—can save homeowners from costly repairs and help maintain a safe, durable property.

This is not unusual to see except this is from a brand new home I inspected.

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Why is Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?

3/30/2025

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As a home inspector, one of my top priorities is ensuring the safety of home occupants. One of the most dangerous and often overlooked threats in a home is carbon monoxide (CO). Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be lethal if not properly detected and addressed. I remember learning about it from an old TV show called Rescue 911 and have done extensive research into why an otherwise harmless carbon and oxygen atom combine to become deadly to humans.

Testing out my new gas analyzer, which detects a number of dangerous gases.

What Exactly is Carbon Monoxide?
CO is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. It is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal, or wood do not burn completely. Common household appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and even cars running in an attached garage, can generate carbon monoxide.

Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is so hazardous because it binds to hemoglobin (basically the body's air highway) more effectively than oxygen. When CO is inhaled, it prevents oxygen from being delivered to vital organs like the brain and heart. Even low-level exposure can cause symptoms, and prolonged exposure can be fatal. CO poisoning can frequently be mistaken for the flu.

Common Myths About Carbon Monoxide
There are many misconceptions about CO that can lead to dangerous assumptions. Here are some of the most common myths:

Carbon monoxide has a smell. – CO is completely odorless, which is why detectors are essential. I have seen some claim that CO has a distinct smell like propane but this is FALSE. Propane only has a "rotten egg" smell because of an artificial additive known as methyl mercaptan and Carbon Monoxide has NO smell whatsoever.
If I feel fine, there’s no CO in my home. – CO poisoning can happen gradually, and low levels of exposure may not cause immediate symptoms. Even with symptoms, they are frequently mistaken for colds, flus and food poisoning: while bedrest is great for these conditions, with CO poisoning going to sleep can be fatal!
CO poisoning only happens in the winter. – While heating appliances are a common source, CO can be produced year-round from BBQS, vehicles, furnaces, and boilers.
Leaving a window open prevents CO poisoning. – While ventilation (such as from an HRV or ERV) certainly helps, it does not guarantee safety, as CO can still accumulate to dangerous levels.

How to Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors! – Not only should you place CO detectors on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas, they should be replaced after 5 years due to the breakdown of the electrochemical sensors. Doing pre-purchase inspections has shown be it is rare to find CO sensors under 5 years old.
Regular Maintenance of Appliances – Have your heating system, water heater, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a professional. It's an upfront expense but you will save in the long run with reduced maintenance and breakdown costs.
Ensure Proper Ventilation – Make sure all vents, chimneys, and flues are clear and properly ventilated. I always recommend a level 2 WETT inspection for all homebuyers even if for insurance purposes.
Never Run Engines Indoors! – Do not leave cars, generators, or other fuel-burning equipment running in enclosed spaces, even with doors open. If it is too rainy to BBQ outside, it is too rainy to BBQ outside!
Know the Signs of a CO Leak – If you or your family experience symptoms, evacuate immediately and seek fresh air. Like I mentioned previously, they can mimic common illnesses like the flu or food poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly hazard that homeowners cannot afford to ignore. By taking the proper precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from this invisible threat. Homeowners need to stay vigilant about maintenance and ventilation. One preventable tragedy is too many for this home inspector!

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Spotlight on Electric Heat

2/23/2025

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There are three basic types of heat for homes here in Nova Scotia: hydronic (hot water) baseboards, forced air furnaces, and electric baseboards. They are generally of equal popularity, and according to my latest inspection stats a total of 27% of homes I have personally inspected use electric baseboards as a primary heat source.

I am pointing to two separate baseboard breakers.

There are benefits and drawbacks to all systems but one thing I can say about electric heating is that it is simple and easy to understand. Beginning from the electric panel: the heaters typically use double pole 240-volt breakers, which means that they take advantage of both 120-volt bus bars (120+120 =240) on the main panel.

The heaters are controlled by thermostats, which, unlike a furnace, can be adjusted room by room. I take full advantage of this at home: right now (winter) the utility room is about 15-16°C versus around 21°C in the main living room and 19° in the bathroom. There are also two basic types of thermostats: programmable and manual. As you probably expect, programmable can be used to set heat to turn on and off and various times: for example, our kitchen heat turns down at 6:30pm as mealtime is usually completed and cleanup is generally done. The bathroom is set to turn up an hour before we are likely to shower and shut down to overnight mode 90 minutes later.

Not all baseboards should use programmable thermostats. One example is our half bathroom. Given its location in the home it rarely gets cold and there is no need to have the heater operating. There is no point in spending the extra money for a programmable thermostat when it is rarely turned on.

Electrically powered heaters are almost always baseboard heaters, which use convection to take cold air from the floor to heat it using electrical resistance, which causes it to naturally rise without fans or blowers. While very simple, there is still a fair bit of building science in properly placing them. For example, you might notice that they are almost always under windows: this is not a coincidence and helps to create positive pressure (or if you prefer a thermal break) that keeps cold air outside where it belongs in winter.

Here is an example of a thermal break in action.

Electric heat needs no fuel tanks, is (almost) always available, is cheap to install and is long lasting. Unlike a furnace or boiler, electric heater either works or doesn't and is very easy to inspect. The downside is that while it is 100% efficient, this is very misleading as it is by far the most expensive way to heat a home unless Nova Scotia Power decides to drastically drop power rates!

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What It Means to Be a Professional

1/12/2025

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As an inspector who prioritizes quality and personalized service over sheer volume, I don’t accumulate reviews at the same pace as high-traffic businesses like restaurants. Unlike eateries that serve hundreds of customers daily, I rarely perform more than one inspection-related job in a single day. That said, I deeply value all forms of feedback, using it as a tool to continuously refine my processes and deliver unmatched value.

I personally read and respond to every comment or review about Inside Edge Home Inspections online. If there’s one word that consistently appears in these reviews, it’s "professional." Seeing this term repeatedly fills me with pride, as professionalism is one of the cornerstones of my business model. It’s also a quality I believe many small businesses could focus on improving.

What Does it Mean to be Professional?
The dictionary defines professionalism as "a person engaged or qualified in a profession" and "a person competent or skilled in a particular activity." For me, however, the concept goes far beyond these definitions. To truly embody the title of Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), I focus on the following key areas:

Education
In Nova Scotia, as in most of Canada, there are no mandatory regulations for home inspections. Despite this, I operate my business as if such regulations were in place. I have completed thousands of hours of education and consistently exceed the requirement of 24 hours of annual continuing education needed to maintain my CPI certification. My academic background is extensive. I’m a graduate of SMU, Dalhousie, and NSCC, and I was fortunate to work at NSCC for 16 years, where I got to work alongside electricians, carpenters and other home building experts. This diverse educational foundation underscores my commitment to staying ahead of industry standards.

Attention to Detail
Inspecting a home isn’t merely a matter of ticking boxes on a checklist. A professional inspector—such as myself—has a sharp eye for detail. I examine every aspect of a property, from the roof to the foundation. This includes assessing the condition of structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems, and more. It’s a role that demands a systematic, generalist mindset—a strength I’ve honed over the years.

Effective Communication
A great home inspector doesn’t just identify issues; they communicate their findings clearly and effectively. My inspection reports are comprehensive yet straightforward, featuring detailed descriptions, photographs, and actionable recommendations. Clients from all walks of life find them easy to understand, which is a point of pride for me.

Personal Presentation
For many clients, hiring a home inspector coincides with one of the most significant decisions of their lives. I always keep this in mind, ensuring I present myself in a manner that reflects the gravity of the situation. From punctuality and professional attire to respectful communication and a high-energy attitude, I aim to instill confidence and trust in every interaction.

The Hallmark of Success
Being a professional home inspector involves much more than technical expertise. It’s about embodying excellence, integrity, and unwavering client service. For me, it’s not enough to be above average or “mostly ethical”—I demand the very best of myself.

Whether you’re seeking to hire an inspector or considering a career in the field, remember: professionalism is the hallmark of success. It’s the driving force behind Inside Edge Home Inspections, and it’s what sets exceptional service apart from the rest.

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Home Inspections Aren’t Just for Real Estate Transactions!

12/1/2024

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When most people hear "home inspection," they immediately think of buying or selling a house. It’s a fair association, given that inspections are often a standard part of real estate transactions. But here's the truth: home inspections are much more versatile and valuable than that. Whether you're a homeowner, a landlord, or even just a curious property investor, a home inspection can be a proactive tool to maintain or enhance your property.

Let’s dive into why home inspections aren’t just tied to real estate deals and explore the benefits for homeowners outside the buying and selling process.

The Myth: Home Inspections Are Only for Buyers and Sellers
This myth likely stems from the fact that most home inspections occur during the buying process. Buyers want to know what they’re getting into, and sellers sometimes conduct pre-listing inspections to address potential issues in advance. It also doesn’t help that other home inspectors use cliches such as “helping you make an informed buying decision” or “we work for buyers and sellers” and marketing buyers and sellers inspections as if they are any different from each other (they aren't). While these scenarios are common, they don’t define the full scope of what home inspectors do.

That's a sign I could get used to seeing!

Why This Myth Persists
The real estate industry heavily markets home inspections as part of the buying process. Unfortunately, this narrow focus leads many homeowners to think inspections are irrelevant unless a transaction is involved.

The reality? Home inspections are a vital service for anyone who owns or cares for property. They’re an investment in your home’s longevity and your peace of mind. I have shared with more than one client that I provide valuable information that is relevant long after a deed has changed hands and use a long term, systematic approach.

When Should You Schedule a Home Inspection?
If you’re wondering when to schedule a home inspection, here are some guidelines:

Every 3 Years: A regular inspection keeps you informed about your home’s condition, especially components such as a water heater and air exchanger. We can also alert you of issues down the road to help avoid expensive and inconvenient emergency repairs.
After Severe Weather Events: Storms, heavy rains, or high winds can cause damage you might not immediately notice, especially to roofs and attics.
Before Major Upgrades: Understand your home’s current state before investing in large renovations. The bonus is that if walls are opened up, we can better inspect components behind the drywall.
After Purchasing a Home Without an Inspection: If you skipped an inspection during the buying process, it’s never too late to learn about your property.

I founded Inside Edge because I believe every homeowner deserves to know their property inside and out and desire to empower home occupants to maintain a safe and comfortable home for their family.

Remember, whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put, our thorough and unbiased home inspections will be the exact same, and will provide the insights you need to make informed decisions. Contact us today to learn more!

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(Micro)drone Myths

11/4/2024

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While it has never been directed at me personally, I have seen countless posts online claiming that using a drone in most of Halifax/Dartmouth is illegal. If you look at the following map one can understand why: all the red/orange is a no-fly zone without special permission and that pretty much covers all of Dartmouth and Peninsular Halifax. Further, it is claimed that to operate a drone like I use, you require a license since it is for commercial purposes. Seems to contradict our policy of always operating within the law, which is why I point out both claims are 100% FALSE.

So, is this official map just a lie? Not at all! Drones ARE prohibited in these zones, with the important distinction that I (and some other home inspectors) use a Microdrone, which is categorized as a drone under 250 grams. The regulations requiring a license, flight plan, permission to fly in Halifax, etc. do not apply to Microdrones!

Don't take my word for it: this link is directly from Transport Canada and summarizes Microdrone regulations. If you wish to fall asleep quickly you can even look here for the full Aviation Regulations. Since you aren't going to read all that, let me summarize it for you:

Microdrones are only prohibited in Class F airspace (near Cow Bay & Magazine Hill) and emergency scenes (such as the recent wildfires in Hammonds Plains & Upper Tantallon).
You CAN fly near an airport, hospital, bridge, Halifax Harbour, etc. unless special conditions exist.
While you can technically do things legally (such as fly near backyards, over crowds, or without any training) that doesn't mean it's a smart or safe idea.
While there are basically no prohibitions, that doesn't mean other laws don't apply, such as provincial and municipal regulations (no takeoffs/landings in parks for example).
While in the United States you are required to obtain an FAA license (which is the USA's version of Transport Canada) to operate a microdrone for any commercial purposes, this regulation does not apply in Canada.

The use of a (micro)drone has provided me with some breathtaking shots of the beauty in our province. More than once I have had to stop myself from just wanting to take in the surrounding area during a property inspection. The regulations can basically be summarized in three words: don't be stupid. Fly safe and enjoy these pictures I took over the summer and fall of 2024.

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