Mike's Home Inspector Blog
Helpful articles from an experienced Home Inspector based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
|
As a home inspector, I’ve started to notice a growing trend during recent inspections: an excessive number of air fresheners throughout homes. A recent inspection had me note a total of 14 air fresheners in the small basement area alone. While everyone wants their home to smell pleasant, it’s important to understand that air fresheners are not a solution: they’re a temporary cover-up at best. What Air Fresheners Really Do Air fresheners don’t eliminate odours; they mask them. Whether it’s a damp basement, mould growth, pet odours, or poor ventilation, the real problem remains hidden behind a cloud of artificial fragrance. This can make it harder for potential buyers or even inspectors to identify serious issues that require attention. Why This Matters in a Home Inspection When I walk into a home and find multiple air fresheners in nearly every room, it raises a red flag. It makes me wonder:
Potential Health Concerns Beyond masking problems, heavy use of air fresheners can also affect air quality. Many contain chemicals like phthalates, benzene, or formaldehyde, all of which can irritate the lungs, trigger allergies, or cause headaches, especially for children or anyone with asthma or sensitivities.  This is an AI generated exaggeration, but not far off what I have observed in some homes. Address the Source, Not the Scent
Instead of reaching for another plug-in or spray to eliminate the bad smell, consider solving the root cause of the odour: Improve ventilation: Use bathroom fans, kitchen range hoods, or consider installing mechanical ventilation like HRV/ERV systems. Even a stand alone air purifier is an improvement, even if not ideal. Control moisture: Use dehumidifiers (especially in the summer!), seal foundation cracks, or improve drainage around the home. Clean regularly and naturally: Baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal can neutralize odours without chemicals. Have professional inspections: If you’re unsure of the cause, a home inspector can help identify where the problem is coming from or in some cases can direct you to who to contact or next steps to take. A fresh-smelling home is great, but a healthy, well-maintained home is far better. Air fresheners might create a pleasant first impression, but they are not a substitute for proper maintenance, ventilation, or repairs and do not resolve the underlying issues that cause unpleasant odours in the first place.
0 Comments
Being a home inspector often means developing some detective skills. I’ve always liked how Mike Holmes would say, “I see XYZ and am going to store that in the back of my mind.” I do this on almost every inspection. Something I can’t immediately identify or explain will often become clearer as the inspection progresses. That said, there are some things that—even with modern tools and AI searches—remain surprisingly difficult. One of the biggest? Determining the age of an appliance. You’d think such a simple question would have a straightforward answer. But ask any home inspector, and they’ll tell you: many manufacturers seem to go out of their way to make it as difficult as possible, using cryptic codes that feel like they were designed by a professional codebreaker. Here are a few examples from well-known brands: Lifebreath (Heat Recovery Ventilators) Since 1995: The manufacturing date is encoded in the first six digits of the serial number.
GSW (Water Heaters) The first two digits indicate the year, and the next two indicate the week of the year.
Venmar (Heat Recovery Ventilators) Residential: The 5th and 6th characters are the year, and the 7th and 8th are the month.
These are some of the easier examples. Others are so cryptic I could spend literal hours researching them. In those cases, I rely on other clues—like the type of refrigerant used, the presence of a QR code, or how faded the label is—to make an educated guess. Sometimes, home inspections are less about having all the answers right away and more about knowing how to find them… even if it means a bit of detective work. Why it Matters Knowing the true age of appliances and systems isn’t just trivia: it can influence repair decisions, replacement planning, and even negotiation power when buying or selling a home. If an appliance is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s better to know now than be surprised later with an unexpected breakdown. A good home inspector isn’t just looking at what’s there today: they’re helping you anticipate what might be coming tomorrow.  Look! A Unicorn! It actually has the manufacturing year listed! 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:
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. There has been a lot of construction in the Halifax area over the past few years, with many new homes and apartment buildings opening for occupancy this year. With that hopefully comes long overdue opportunities for first time homebuyers in the market. Like any first-time buyer, when we bought our first home it become apparent that the wish list was just that, and many tough decisions had to be made to secure the home we were looking for. Unicorns Don’t Exist Despite the fact it is the national animal of Scotland, Unicorns are not real. So is the idea that you will find the perfect home. Let me dispel that myth right now: I have inspected homes of all types, and every single one is them has one thing in common: they aren’t perfect! I recently had a client who was buying an older home which could best be described as a fixer upper: as a home inspector I rightfully pointed out that while the home may not be aesthetically pleasing, the four major systems (roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) were all in great condition and have been well maintained. These homes are often passed over when with a little TLC they can make a great new home!  You can see stock photos like this all over the internet but in reality this doesn't depict the average home! Remember to Use Facts, Not Emotion I tend to be a bit animated when doing inspections, mainly because I love what I do. There is a surprising amount of subjectivity in a good inspection, which is why I am not worried about an AI takeover anytime soon. Ultimately, however, I am interested in hard facts as much as possible. I always look for Electrical: Is it grounded? Is the panel properly installed and labelled? Plumbing: Is the area known for lead pipe? Does the home use modern materials? Roof: What type of material? Are there any missing shingles or pieces? Any signs of leaks? HVAC: What type of heating or cooling system? How old is the unit? Is there evidence of proper maintenance? One of the biggest challenges as a home inspector is to balance between using past experiences and knowledge to draw from, and understanding that every home is unique. One of the best-looking roofs I ever inspected had an active leak and the worst…. did not. Same with sewer inspections: the best looking sewer line I checked was 50 years old while a 1 year old line had a partial blockage! While it can be a challenge, it is important to evaluate facts and know what your bottom line is.  To Repeat, This Roof Was NOT Leaking! Don’t Underestimate Maintenance Costs
One important quality of a good home inspector is to maintain impartiality and avoid real and perceived conflicts of interest. In addition to insurance, property taxes and other fixed costs, one of the "joys" of home ownership is having to deal with system breakdowns. Plumbing leaks? HVAC not heating? Lights flickering? That’s now your responsibility and usually nobody teaches you how to do those things. My passion is helping home occupants from all walks of life live in a safe and healthy home but I especially like helping new homeowners. It motivated me in my first job as a fresh faced 16 year old and it motivates me to provide the best inspection services possible. Congratulations on taking the step to becoming a homeowner! I know both as a home inspector and a homeowner (well, technically the bank still owns it, but you get the idea), owning a home is a wonderful milestone, especially in this crazy market! It also comes with its fair share of responsibilities and potential headaches that all the shiny real estate brochures tend to gloss over. As a seasoned home inspector, I've seen it all – from minor issues that could have been easily prevented to major problems that could have been costly to fix (think six figures!). To help you navigate your new role as a homeowner, here are four essential insights that I wish every new homeowner knew: Regular Maintenance Saves Money in the Long Run Many homeowners underestimate the importance of regular maintenance. Simple tasks like cleaning gutters, changing HVAC filters (furnace filters need to be replaced every 3 months), and inspecting caulking around windows and doors may seem insignificant, but they can prevent costly repairs down the line. While easier said than done, try to create a maintenance schedule and stick to it to keep your home in top condition. With the snow gone and warm weather on the way, now is the perfect time to plan out a summer maintenance schedule like I just did, and hopefully the rain will stop so I can continue to get more done. Know Your Home's Systems Understanding how your home's systems work can save you from headaches in the future. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the location of:
Know when and how to perform basic troubleshooting, and always have emergency contact information for professionals in case of major issues (trust me: emergencies never wait for your schedule to clear!).  This stock photo looks nice but a flooded home is a nightmare! (Over) Budget for Repairs and Upgrades
Owning a home inevitably comes with repair and maintenance costs. Create a budget for both expected and unexpected expenses, including repairs and upgrades. Prioritize projects based on urgency and budget constraints and remember to set aside funds for emergencies. Being financially prepared can alleviate stress when unexpected issues arise. Spoiler from a homeowner and home inspector: repairs and renovations almost always cost a lot more than you budget for and the cheap option usually ends up being the costliest. Stay Proactive Don't wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem. Stay proactive by addressing maintenance tasks promptly and addressing any issues as soon as they arise. Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger headaches and expenses down the line. Whether it's a leaky faucet or a cracked foundation, tackle issues head-on to preserve the integrity of your home. I learned this one at an early age working at a home improvement retailer and saw the many faces of distressed homeowners who did not act proactively or tried to cut corners with cheap DIY "fixes". Being a homeowner comes with its challenges, but with proper knowledge and preparation, you can navigate the responsibilities with confidence. By staying proactive, investing in inspections (*ahem* particularly from a Certified Professional Inspector like me!), understanding your home's systems, and budgeting for maintenance and repairs, you can ensure that your home remains a safe and comfortable haven for years to come with minimal surprises. Happy homeownership! 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! |
Archives
December 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed 
