Mike's Home Inspector Blog
Helpful articles from an experienced Home Inspector based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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In case there’s any doubt, let me say this clearly: I love Christmas. I have countless happy memories from over the years, especially the ones centered around my grandparents’ house in Newfoundland. Even after we moved to Halifax, we flew back every Christmas break for 12 days. Those trips were sacred. The whole extended family gathered, and Christmas morning felt larger than life. Gifts were stacked almost to the ceiling, and all 17 of us (10 adults and 7 kids) crammed into the basement to open presents, laugh, and celebrate. It even felt like an unspoken competition each year to see how big the gift pile could get. My grandparents lived in an early-1980s duplex, built at a time when basements were just starting to be used as living space. Back then, no one thought much about it. The basement was where the fun happened.  This is a silly exaggeration but not far from what it looked like! The Year Everything Moved Upstairs Around 1994, a decision was made to move Christmas celebrations upstairs to the living room. To adolescent me, this made absolutely no sense. The living room was noticeably smaller so why would we abandon a perfectly good basement? Now, as a home inspector, the answer is painfully obvious. Like many homes I inspect today that are more than 40 years old, that basement was never truly designed for people to live in. It was almost entirely underground, had no ventilation, and most importantly no windows or exterior doors. The only way out was the stairway leading up… directly past the kitchen. That same kitchen was home to a massive Christmas dinner in progress, with the stove running only a few feet from the basement door. From a fire safety perspective, it was a nightmare scenario. If a kitchen fire had started, the results could have been catastrophic.  This is the actual house and yes, it has a full basement with 8ft ceilings. A Close Call We Didn’t See at the Time
My grandparents are no longer with us, but I can safely assume that a house fire just a few doors down on December 22nd of that year caused them to stop and think "what if that happened here?" In the event of a kitchen fire, all the smoke detectors in the world would not have mattered. Deadly smoke would have reached the basement stairwell long before alarms sounded, leaving little to no chance for escape. At the time, we didn’t see it. We were kids, surrounded by gifts and excitement. But looking back now, it’s clear how much danger we simply weren’t aware of. We often view the past through rose-colored glasses. While my grandparents didn’t smoke, many relatives did, as was common in the 1980s and early 1990s (and that's another blog post!). In addition to the obvious second hand smoke, unattended cigarettes have long been one of the most common causes of house fires, another risk that barely registered with us back then. Lessons That Stick With Me I want to be clear: I’m not a municipal code inspector, and I would never tell someone to never use their basement. But I do always point out that older homes often lack adequate basement escape routes, and building codes have evolved dramatically over the last 40 to 50 years for very good reasons. Those Christmas mornings remain some of my happiest memories. They weren’t diminished by what we didn’t know, but revisiting them now through the lens of experience, reminds me how much safer our homes have become, and how important it is to understand the risks we live with every day. The magic of Christmas was real. So were the hazards and sometimes, growing up means learning how both can exist at the same time.
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December marks the onset of yet another festive season! As we immerse ourselves in buying gifts, planning holiday gatherings, and cherishing time with loved ones, we also find ourselves in a quieter phase for home inspections – giving us ample opportunity to get into the holiday spirit! In the essence of a beloved Christmas carol, here's the first part of my '12 Days of Christmas' list, tailored for home inspectors: A Partridge in a Safe Tree Ah, the delightful aroma of a Christmas tree: one of my favourite smells of the Holidays! While the scent evokes fond memories, it's essential to ensure safety. Dry trees pose major fire risks, as tragically witnessed in recent incidents in Nova Scotia. Regularly watering the tree is crucial, alongside using indoor-rated lights (modern LEDs are generally versatile for indoor and outdoor use due to their efficiency). Extra caution is needed when young children or pets are around.  This image speaks for itself! Two Turtle Doves Nesting The warmth of a fireplace on Christmas morning is unmatched, reminiscent of childhood joy. However, proper control is vital. Scheduling an annual inspection by a qualified technician for both chimney and fireplace is imperative. A cracked firebox, as seen in a recent inspection, can be a significant hazard leading to potential fires. Creosote buildup remains a serious concern and a leading cause of house fires. Compliance with insurance guidelines regarding fireplace use is also essential. Three French Hens’ HVAC Checks Modern HVAC systems offer reliability and comfort but aren't maintenance-free. Regularly changing furnace filters, cleaning HRV/ERV units and bath fans biannually, and ensuring thorough yearly cleaning of dryer vents is crucial. Lint accumulation from clothes is highly flammable, posing fire risks. Beyond functionality checks, inspections identify potential issues that could escalate in the future.  I see this far too often! Four Calling Birds' Roof Inspection
Roof integrity often determines whether leaks are present or imminent. Late winter/early spring brings a surge in calls about roof leaks. Residential roofs, contrary to common belief, aren't waterproof; they're designed to efficiently shed water. Melting snow, however, poses challenges. Small leaks can persist undetected for months, so regularly peeking into the attic and promptly calling for repairs or replacement when roof shingles blow off is crucial. Stay tuned for part two next week, featuring additional essential home inspection tips! |
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