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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.
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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! Welcome to Nova Scotia! There has been a recent spike in people who have chosen to make our city home from both across Canada and around the world and it is wonderful to see the vast and growing cultural diversity when walking around town. My son will get to grow up in a community that is much more welcoming of diversity and valuing of inclusion and I am happy to see our city change for the better. However, as a professional home inspector based in Halifax and having grown up on the Dartmouth side of Halifax Harbour, I see a lot of misconceptions about homes in our community. The overwhelming majority of professional home inspectors in the world are in either Canada or the United States and this is not a coincidence. North America is certainly an economically strong region but there is a common misconception that homes are virtually maintenance free. This is FAR from the truth, and I have never inspected a home that did not have at least one issue (yes, even brand-new homes). Homes in North America are NOT Built Like Tanks There is a commonly held belief that houses in Canada are well built using strict building codes. This is only partial correct: while major structural issues (such as catastrophic collapse due to high winds) are extremely rare, modern homes are often built as cheaply as legally possible. This means that engineered components that while affordable, need to be properly installed to be effective and have limited lifespan that can be greatly reduced under certain conditions (like moisture penetration), such as roof and wall components. Unfortunately, on many building sites these can be installed by subcontractors not as familiar with proper installation techniques. We Have Mild Winters (and That’s a Bad Thing) While compared to the world at large we have brutally cold winters, looking at just Nova Scotia we typically have warmer winters than the rest of Canada. This means we usually get 8-10 mini winters with rain and warmer temperatures in the middle. As a homeowner I appreciate the snow being cleared but as a home inspector this is a challenge to work around. One consequence of our weather is that the frequent freeze/thaw cycles can cause significant destruction to homes through the expansion of water as it cools. Once water gets into building cracks, it can quickly cause further damage. This is one reason with Stucco-cladded homes are so rare in our province. Homes are Usually Built as Single-Family (3-4 people) Homes Until recently, it was considered unusual in North America to share a home with another generation or family. Once children reached their 20s, it was commonly expected that they would move out on their own. Today, it is very common to see 6 or more adults living under a single roof. While this is a great way of sharing resources, this is a concern to home inspectors. Put simply, modern homes need to be carefully balanced: HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems that work great in a 2-person household can experience significant issues in an 8+ person household and can experience major problems that never existed before. Beware the Flipped House I have seen many newcomers buying flipped (homes bought, renovated, and quickly resold) houses that I can see have major structural issues. While not all flipped houses are bad, I have seen far too many recent new arrivals pay a premium for homes that still have major and very expensive issues, such as electrical and plumbing problems. Home inspectors as a rule have an overall negative view of flipped homes as many are renovated as cheaply and quickly as possible. Remember, a home inspector is trained and experienced in telling the difference between a cheap cosmetic flip and a high-quality renovation. There is no question that houses are not nearly as plentiful as they should be, but you should still get all the information about your new home before making that financial commitment as it could cost you a lot more in the long run.  Pictured - Not a House! At this time of this writing in the fall of 2022, housing prices are beginning to fall in Halifax. That is of course good news but the simple fact is that, when factoring in higher interest rates, housing remains unaffordable for far too many people in Nova Scotia. Rightfully, some people are looking for alternatives to the sky-high cost of housing and one such up-and-coming trend is that of shipping container homes. Sounds like a great way to build a home at a great price, right? Not so fast! It certainly sounds appealing: a disused shipping container can be purchased for only a few thousand dollars and is constructed mainly of solid steel. They have literally been around the world multiple times in all weather conditions and are built to last. This however does not mean they necessarily translate to a solution to the housing crisis.  Your next home? What’s Wrong with Shipping Container Homes?
The biggest issue is that they are small. They are a decent height for those not over 6’6” (like almost everyone but me) at 8.5 feet and are plenty long (usually 40 feet) but are a mere 8 feet in length. That doesn’t sound terrible until you consider that…. Homes Need Utilities! A home is a complex system of interdependent components: electrical, plumbing (both supply & waste) and heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) pipes that run behind the walls in all homes (and are required by all building codes)! This means that a significant portion of the interior space needs to be dedicated to these items, further reducing the living space. Speaking of HVAC…... Metal is a Conductor of Heat AND Cold When I was a teenager, I occasionally helped load shipping containers that were bound for various projects in Northern Africa. On one hot day, we measured 52 degrees Celsius inside the container! It was like being in an oven and while I wasn’t loading anything that day, I tried to see how long I could last. It was less than a minute before I started sweating uncontrollably and I had to leave. Metal is a conductor both of heat and cold and we certainly get both extremes in Nova Scotia. Neither air conditioning nor high R insulation are required in our province, but I don’t see how one can survive without them in a shipping container. That’s not even getting into…. Shipping Containers are (Not) Really Strong Shipping containers are strong and heavy, right? Think about it: they are stacked 9 high on ships and face countless treacherous weather conditions in the open sea. However, unlike goods, people need air! (windows & doors). You might think that it’s as simple as cutting a few holes in the steel, but the fact is that these containers are designed to transfer all the weight to the ends, so cutting a hole for a window requires structural reinforcement. Furthermore, many Engineers, Architects and Contractors refuse to work with shipping containers as they are not familiar with them (and that goes for home inspectors too!) and consider them too high a liability to work on. An Important Disclaimer I am NOT in any way an expert on construction of shipping container homes and there are some advantages that I did not touch on. As well, you may be reading this in the future and this type of construction might go mainstream with improvements in construction techniques. I am just pointing out that in 2022, the cost savings can be quickly wiped out with all the expensive modifications required to make containers habitable. I am in favor of anything that can make housing affordable to everyone on the planet but while on the surface this seems like the ideal solution there are too many disadvantages to this type of construction to consider it a viable option at this time. |
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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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