Mike's Home Inspector BlogMichael Burfitt |
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April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, and this is a topic I feel passionate about almost as much as I do about home inspections. Why? Because your favourite inspector has been diagnosed with Autism, otherwise known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While Autism is classified as a permanent disability, I prefer to think of it as a different-ability, mostly because less than 2% of the population falls under the criteria for ASD. There are a lot of harmful myths around people on the spectrum, the worst being that they are incapable of being good employees or even being successful in life. Let's shatter that myth right now!  One of the motivations for starting my own company from the ground up was a desire to be a trailblazer: studies have shown that up to 65% of Autistic adults are unable to find employment and this is not because of any lack of talent or job skills: the entire job search process is often stacked against those in the autistic community, something I know and have experienced firsthand many times in my working career.
Here are a few reasons why, if all goes well in the coming years, it will be an easy decision to hire neurodivergent people if the opportunity arose. Being on the spectrum, I know what an untapped market this is! Attention to Detail One of the hallmark traits of autism is an acute attention to detail. For a home inspector, this can be a tremendous asset. Those on the spectrum often excel at noticing small discrepancies or irregularities that others might overlook. From identifying cracks in the foundation to pinpointing subtle signs of water damage, individuals with autism can offer a meticulous eye during the inspection process. I recently spotted an issue that turned out to be major, saving my clients about $8000 in repair costs! Pattern Recognition Individuals with autism frequently demonstrate a talent for pattern recognition. This ability allows them to discern underlying structures or trends that may not be immediately apparent to others. In the context of home inspection, this skill can be invaluable when analyzing complex systems such as electrical wiring or plumbing (I like to think of this as my greatest strength). By recognizing patterns in these systems, inspectors can more effectively identify potential issues and provide thorough assessments to their clients. Sensory Sensitivities Many individuals on the autism spectrum experience sensory sensitivities, meaning they may be more attuned to environmental stimuli such as light, sound, or texture. While this is often seen only as a negative trait, it can also offer unique insights during a home inspection. Sensory-aware inspectors may notice subtle cues – like the hum of an appliance or the feel of a draft – that could indicate underlying problems within the home's infrastructure. I have caught many issues because of my hypersensitivity. Communication and Client Interaction There is a common belief that those on the spectrum are poor communicators and therefore can't make good home inspectors. While some individuals with autism may face challenges in social communication, many develop effective strategies for navigating interactions with others. Home inspectors on the spectrum can leverage their skills to provide clear explanations and address client concerns. Our direct communication style and ability to convey complex information in a straightforward manner can foster trust and confidence in clients. In the world of home inspection, diversity of thought and perspective is essential. By embracing neurodiversity and recognizing the strengths that individuals with autism bring to the table, we can enrich the field and better serve our clients. From their acute attention to detail and pattern recognition skills to their unique insights into sensory experiences, home inspectors on the autism spectrum offer a valuable perspective that enhances the quality and thoroughness of the inspection process. We at Inside Edge are a company that strongly values diversity and inclusion: it is not just a meaningless platitude, it is the backbone of the entire company based on direct, personal experience. Neurodivergent people can always feel comfortable around our company and if I am ever in a position to hire, there is no need to worry about being treated unfairly or having to pretend to be someone else. In the meantime, just remember if you have met one person with Autism, you have met one person with Autism, likely someone with incredible untapped potential! Like many in the home inspection industry, I constantly have my ear to the ground looking at new construction techniques, best practices and using my advanced data science skills to keep my knowledge up to date. One way I do this is by regularly looking over our website statistics, particularly how many hits the website gets (we are up 20% from last year!) and what are the most commonly searched terms on our website. They are, in order: #1 Termites This is by far the most popular page on my website and it’s easy to see why: it is the top search result for “Are there termites in Nova Scotia?” and termites are very destructive to wooden homes, which are pretty much all homes in Nova Scotia. While there is still no verifiable evidence of termites in our area, the blog post still stands: termites ARE coming and it’s a matter of when, not if. I do want to point out that a couple of websites have plagiarized sections of my work on this topic. I am honestly flattered and consider it a compliment that my writing on the subject is worth copying. The only thing I will point out is that there are a lot of AI written blogs on this topic that provide false information. Again, contrary to what other sources say, there are NO termites in Nova Scotia as of 2024 but plenty of other WDO (Wood destroying organisms). #2 Oil Tanks: Fiberglass vs Steel Oil furnaces are becoming less common, but they still make up a sizeable portion of my inspections: 30% of the homes I have inspected have an Oil tank, with a 50/50 split on Furnaces and Boilers. All furnaces were at minimum primarily oil powered, but boilers were divided between oil, propane and electricity as their fuel source. While I have learned a lot since I first wrote that blog post, the only thing I would change is to further clarify that every insurance company is different, and I am not privy to their individual policies. My, or any other professional’s opinion is irrelevant to when the insurance company says a tank needs to be replaced: their decision trumps all.
Fun Fact: as of March 2024, the tanks I have inspected have been 71% Steel construction, 29% Fiberglass.
#3 Aluminum Wire Any Doctor will tell you to “never google your symptoms” and this advice can apply to home maintenance related items. A quick search on aluminum electrical wire will scare any new homeowner to put it mildly: it is up to 55 times more likely to burn a house down, insurers frown upon aluminum, it can come loose in the panel, it costs five figures to remove, etc. Here’s the simple truth: aluminum wire is very common, safe when professionally sized (it is usually one size bigger than copper since aluminum has higher electrical resistance) and a great choice for sending electricity a long distance with minimal losses since it is so light. Even the term aluminum is a misnomer: modern aluminum wire is an alloy, which means it has other metals mixed in. What you DO need to be concerned about is a wire known as AA-1350. Essentially, this type of wire was designed for transmission and was a poor choice to use in electrical distribution panels. What the internet doesn’t tell you is that this wire was discontinued in 1972 and rarely used past the mid-70s. It is rare for an electrical system that old to have never been inspected, repaired, or replaced by a professional electrician. Let me summarize it with some hard data from homes that I have personally inspected: % of homes that have aluminum wiring of some form: 100% % of homes that use single strand AA-1350 branch circuit wire (the bad kind): 0% There is a lot of misinformation online when it comes to home maintenance, much of it from those who have a financial incentive to push it. Part of my role as a home inspector is to both point out issues that should be further addressed by a specialist and, more importantly, point out the issues that, while on the surface appear scary, are really not a big deal and all part of routine maintenance all homeowners face. If you read part one of this blog post, you would know that there are a lot of very scary scams going on now. These scammers are ruthless, highly organized, and will drain your bank account dry without a hint of remorse. In the past scammers were laughably bad with poor grammar, awful spelling, and ridiculous subject lines in their emails (the Prince of Nigeria doesn’t need your help to move $4.6 million to your bank account for a $500 fee!) however times have changed. Today they can be virtually indistinguishable from legitimate businesses, which harms all of us who rely on doing business online to people we have usually never met in person. All is not hopeless however and here are some tools you can use to defend against cyberscams. Scammer Tells While it can be difficult to tell scammers apart from honest people, in my experience every scammer has some tells. By themselves they don't always mean a scam however if you encounter these, especially more than one proceed with extreme caution. Unsolicited Requests for Personal Information Be wary of individuals or websites asking for sensitive, personal information such as passwords, SIN (or SSN) numbers, or bank account details without a valid reason. Even though I have completed PCI training (required to handle bank transactions) our business does NOT collect ANY financial information as all transactions are conducted through a trusted and established financial partner. I do not know anything besides the type of card used (i.e. Visa, Mastercard, Debit) nor do I want this information. We also have not, do not and will not accept or request payment in untraceable means such as Cryptocurrency or Gift Cards! Too Good to Be True Offers Scammers often lure victims with offers that seem too good to pass up, such as guaranteed large sums of money for little to no effort. In our case, we have great rates but will NEVER offer free or almost free inspections. Browsing this website will easily demonstrate to you how passionate I am about home inspections, but we do have bills to pay! Poor Grammar and Spelling While scammers are getting very good at their English, there are always some things you can look out for: scammers frequently use the word “kindly” as it is used far more commonly in their countries (almost all cyber scammers targeting North Americans are in either India, Nigeria, or Ghana). They also tend to list phone numbers as “+1 (555) 555-5555” when most North Americans do not use the country code and if they do, I have never seen anyone raised in this continent use the “+1”.  Scams Are Usually a Little Harder to Spot Than This! Fake Profiles or Websites
Check for inconsistencies in profiles or websites, such as missing contact information, suspicious URLs, or copied content from legitimate sources. With the explosion in real estate prices, especially in Halifax, there were several fake websites created. Luckily, they seem to now be offline but new fake websites and advertisements are popping up every day. Requests for Money or Financial Assistance Always be cautious if someone you've met online asks you for money, especially if it's for reasons like emergency medical bills, travel expenses, bail to be released from custody, or investment opportunities and even more so if the request is in the form of Gift Cards or Bitcoin. We, like most legitimate home inspectors NEVER charge more than quoted and will never ask for any money outside of a formal and traceable invoice. Pressure Tactics Scammers may use pressure tactics to rush you into deciding before you have time to think it through. They might claim the offer is limited or time sensitive. While we are offering a 15% off winter sale, this is about the extent of our “limited time” offers. We will still honour it for a few days past the expiry and since I personally detest them, we will never use high pressure tactics. (Don’t) Fight Back Against Cyberscammers! While there are plenty of videos online of people who take on scammers (known as scam baiters), and it feels good to see justice served it is important to note that like any television show there's a lot more to it than just humiliating scammers. Much like how home renovation TV programs never show the extensive mess, many permits required, frustration of dealing with contractors who ghost, and too-many-to-count unexpected delays involved in any major project, taking on scammers is a risky and often dangerous game to play. These scammers are not just a few young adults overseas in a call centre: they are part of large organizations who get better at scamming every day. Much like yelling at a fast-food cashier is not going to bring any type of positive change, trying to guilt someone who sees you as a number is a waste of time and energy. As well, these organizations, like anyone else do not like being attacked and baiters run the risk of harmful retaliation. If you run across someone who is a scammer don’t engage them, don't reply, don't try to reason with them and most importantly resist the urge to fight back! Ignore, block, and delete any messages from known or suspected scammers and if it is phone call, resist the Canadian urge to be polite and hang up immediately without comment. If they call back? Just hang up again. Just as your favourite home inspector does after every inspection, scammers use feedback to improve their skills. Baiting a scammer or pointing out their weaknesses is a great way to unknowingly provide them with knowledge of how to refine their grifting skills. I am intentionally withholding a major "tell" so no overseas scammer realizes it and corrects it. A Final Note While I have mentioned that most of these scammers are in the nations of Nigeria and India these two countries have a combined population of over 1.6 BILLION (1600 million) compared to about 38 million in Canada. Contrary to popular belief, these countries are NOT havens for criminals and the reason these 2 countries are where most cyber scammers targeting North Americans reside is because English is widely spoken, and authorities are inconsistent at best. These scams are also very much illegal in those countries, which is where the term “419 scam” comes from (it's the section number in the Nigerian Criminal Code that covers scams). Remember our communities are full of people who proudly come from all over the world and are honest hard-working people who help shape Canada into such a great, diverse country. When I worked in retail it was emphasized over and over that there is no such thing as a “typical” shoplifter and the same applies for criminals in general. They look like anyone, can be anywhere and appear at any time and blending in is why so many are successful. Please use caution online so you don’t become the next victim of these scammers. The home inspection industry is unique in that a) almost all our clients don’t physically meet us until the day of an inspection and b) a successful job usually means that I will never hear from clients again, so often many new clients are rightfully leery of trusting possibly the biggest life decision to someone they have never met in person. This isn’t helped by the fact our industry is completely unregulated and as a new homeowner, it is difficult to tell a skilled inspector from a pretender. One of the ways I overcome this limitation is from this very blog, where I can share my extensive knowledge and experience with inspecting building systems. Doing most of my business online means I come across many scam attempts. Luckily, I can quickly identify and avoid them, but the sad fact is these cybercriminals are organized, highly skilled and have no problem with draining every penny from your bank account. There is a misconception that most scams are like the Nigerian Prince or Lottery scam, where an unsolicited email promises a ludicrously large amount of money in exchange for a small fee. Of course, the promised money never appears, and most people can easily see the absurdity of paying money to get money. Unfortunately, scammers are usually far more subtle than this. Here are a few examples of common scams. Company Imposter Scams This can take many forms: email, text or even a phone call. The scammer pretends to be associated with a legitimate and well-known organization, such as Amazon, Apple or the local Police. Here is an example of a scam message we received. Looks very legitimate until you take a closer look.  There are a number of ways to tell that this email is a scam: 1) There is no personal or company information listed. In this example, the email doesn't say "dear Inside Edge..." 2) Have you ever known a large, multinational company to highlight how to quickly get a refund and have a "cancellation department"? 3)Legitimate companies in North America do not put "+1" as a phone prefix and this is a sure sign this scammer is based outside of Canada and the United States. That phone number is not listed anywhere online: strange for such a large organization, isn't it? 4) Speaking of the US, this email is in United States dollars while we are a Canada based business and clearly use a Canadian website. 5)If you check the actual site for this company, they will show you how to check that it's a genuine email from them. Spoiler: this one doesn't meet their criteria. I can confidently say that if that phone number still works, I would be instructed either provide a credit card or to give remote access to our bank account to "refund" the money. The scammers would then proceed to attempt to drain the account or rack up a credit card bill. Scams usually use a fear-based approach to get you to act immediately before thinking rationally: usually by threatening deletion of accounts, arrest or hacking and sharing your personal details. They will usually insist on you paying them with Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency: the reason for this is twofold: 1)They are not traceable and can easily be sold on the black market. 2)Gift Cards and Cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) are easy to transfer internationally without providing any ID or being questioned by a bank or other financial institution. Here is another scam message. Let's pretend for a moment I do have an account with this particular bank. I pull out my wallet and *gasp* that is my card number!  The important thing to note is that (almost) ALL cards from that bank start with those four numbers! I can also tell you that if you bank with CIBC your card starts with 4506, TD it starts with 4724 and Scotiabank its 4536 not because I am psychic or because I have a post-secondary degree concentrated in banking theory (this is actually true!) but because this is easily obtained information. If there is any doubt, be sure to reach out to your bank using their published contact information (never click on that link in the text).
Recovery Scams If you are the unfortunate victim of a scam, it is a near guarantee that you will get a flood of "helpful" people who are looking to get "justice" for you and get at least some of your money back. Unfortunately, these are also scammers. They usually use bot accounts triggered to respond to keywords: I did a recent social media post and almost instantly got 25 responses of people looking to "help". Of course, they all had sketchy links. The only thing you will get from these "helpful" messages is a further drop in your bank account balance. Romance Scams I remember back in my single days doing online dating and the many frustrations that went with it. In addition to the usual problems, I was always on alert for romance scammers. I did run into one who claimed to be a travel nurse currently in Africa with the UN and returning home soon. The pictures were not of a supermodel nor was the message I was sent an obvious scam: it was well written and did not ask for money. I thought there was a chance this could be a real person, but I made sure to proceed with caution. I carefully checked the profile, and I did notice some words and phrases that people raised in North America rarely use. My suspicions proved correct when the scammer made an excuse that they would prefer to switch to an encrypted message service. Once I refused that was the end of it. If I had to continue, the scammer likely would have provided a sob story about how they needed a small amount of money (perhaps $50). This would have escalated to hundreds and perhaps thousands at a time until I had no money left to give. Sadly, these scammers are not only frequently successful, in some cases they have convinced victims to not trust family and friends. They are getting more skilled at creating fake identities to the point that...... Deepfake Scams This is probably the scariest scam that is developing. It is now possible to create a fake video that is almost indistinguishable from a real video. They usually use famous celebrities but it's only a matter of time before fake videos of ordinary people like yours truly are created. Be aware of things that seem out of character: if you ever see a video of me claiming I only take gift cards as payment that's a clear sign it's not me! Tune in next week where we look at some tools you can use to fight back against scammers. In Nova Scotia, our unique climate demands careful consideration when it comes to keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient. Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort, and understanding the various types available can help you make informed decisions for your property. Here’s a quick look at a few types of insulation I have seen during home inspections. Fibreglass Insulation This is the most common type of insulation I encounter. The two most common types of this type of insulation are loose fill and batts. Advantages Cost-effective: Fibreglass insulation is generally more budget-friendly than some other options. Easy installation: It is available in batts or rolls, making it easy to install between wall studs and in attics. Effective thermal performance: Fibreglass insulation resists heat transfer, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Disadvantages Prone to settling: Over time, fiberglass insulation may settle, reducing its effectiveness. This can be further accelerated by being walked on. Can be irritating: Handling fiberglass can cause skin irritation, requiring proper protective measures during installation.  Spray Foam Insulation There are two basic types of foam insulation: open cell and closed cell. Advantages Excellent air sealing: Spray foam forms a tight seal, reducing air leakage and enhancing energy efficiency. Versatile applications: It can be used in attics, crawl spaces, and walls for comprehensive insulation. Long lifespan: Spray foam is resistant to settling, providing long-lasting insulation. Disadvantages Higher cost: Generally, it is more expensive than traditional insulation materials. Professional installation required: Proper application of spray foam demands expertise, necessitating the involvement of skilled professionals.  Rockwool (Mineral Wool) Insulation
This type of material is commonly used in commercial properties. Advantages Fire-resistant: Rockwool provides an added layer of fire protection due to its composition. Acoustic insulation: It offers soundproofing properties, enhancing overall comfort.This is one reason why many commerical properties use Rockwool between tenant spaces. Good thermal performance: It is effective in maintaining indoor temperatures in variable climates. Disadvantages Higher cost: Rock wool insulation can be more expensive compared to other options. Heavier than some alternatives: Its weight may be a consideration, especially in certain construction scenarios. Choosing the right insulation for a Nova Scotian home involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Consultation with a local insulation professional is key to making an informed decision based on your specific needs, ensuring your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the seasons. Before I became the home inspector you know and love (and a parent!), I had a lot more time on my hands. One of the ways of filling that time was to work as a volunteer Medical First Responder with St. John Ambulance, to which I got to attend many public events such as the Pride Festival, sporting events such as the Halifax Mooseheads (fan since 1995!), and concerts such as Bob Segar and George Thorogood. Most of the people I volunteered with had a medical background, with many looking to become Doctors. It was there I learned many of the skills that have served me well in the field of home inspection. When it comes to maintaining the health of our homes and our bodies, the importance of regular check-ups cannot be overstated. In the realm of homeownership, the role of a home inspector can be likened to that of a family doctor or general practitioner (GP) in the world of healthcare. Both professionals play a crucial role in identifying potential issues, providing preventative measures, and ensuring overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the parallels between a home inspector and a GP, shedding light on the similarities that may not be immediately apparent. Thorough Examination Just as a general practitioner conducts a comprehensive physical examination, a quality home inspector meticulously assesses the various components of a house. From the foundation to the roof, and everything in between, home inspectors leave no stone unturned. Similarly, GPs evaluate all aspects of a patient's health, conducting thorough examinations to identify potential issues and create a baseline for future comparisons.  This isn't far off my setup, minus the coat and stethoscope! Diagnostic Skills Good home inspectors and GPs both possess keen diagnostic skills. A home inspector can identify potential structural issues, electrical problems, or plumbing concerns. On the other hand, a GP uses diagnostic tools and medical expertise to identify health conditions and recommend appropriate treatments. Both professionals must interpret symptoms, identify root causes, and provide recommendations for remediation or further examination. Preventative Measures Both home inspectors and GPs emphasize the importance of preventative measures. A home inspector may suggest routine maintenance or repairs to prevent larger issues from arising. Similarly, GPs focus on preventive healthcare, advocating for healthy lifestyles, vaccinations, and regular screenings to catch potential health problems early.  Love this picture of my son taken in 2021 just after we launched. Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for both professions. Home inspectors need to convey their findings clearly to homeowners, outlining potential issues and suggesting solutions. GPs must communicate health conditions, treatment plans, and lifestyle changes in a way that patients can understand. Clear communication builds trust and ensures that clients or patients can make informed decisions regarding their homes or health. Holistic (or Systematic) Approach Both home inspectors and general practitioners take a holistic approach to their work. Home inspectors consider the entire home system, understanding that issues in one area may have repercussions elsewhere. Similarly, GPs consider the interconnectedness of the human body, recognizing that symptoms in one area may be indicative of underlying issues in another. In the grand tapestry of homeownership and healthcare, home inspectors and GPs weave a common thread of diligence, diagnostic expertise, preventative focus, effective communication, and a holistic approach. As we strive to maintain the health of our homes and our bodies, recognizing the similarities between these two professions highlights the importance of regular check-ups, thorough examinations, and a proactive mindset to ensure lasting well-being. Just as we trust our GPs to safeguard our health, we can rely on home inspectors (such as yours truly!) to be the guardians of our homes, ensuring they stand strong for years to come.  As someone who was born and raised in the suburbs and now lives in a typical suburban home in Halifax with my family, I imagined most of my clients would be in the Halifax and Dartmouth areas when I launched my business, so I had no plans to do water testing. These areas are serviced by Halifax Water via the Pockwock and Lake Major water treatment plants respectively. In short, our water is clean, safe and if for some reason conditions change, we will be instantly alerted. It eventually became apparent that I was serving many clients in rural areas: I would estimate that over half the inspections I have done so far in 2023 are in what would commonly be considered rural areas. Upon adding water testing services earlier this year, it quickly became my most requested add-on service. Why Water Testing Matters I remember at the age of 9 moving to Dartmouth close to the water treatment plant on Lake Major and instantly noticing how the water tasted like swimming pool water! There was no question that chlorine was added to the water supply and as unpleasant as it was at least it wasn’t going to make one sick in that quantity. Unfortunately, many contaminants aren’t easily identifiable by the senses like that. We all know that water is commonly known by its chemical composition (H2O) as a molecule of water is made up of 2 Hydrogen atoms and 1 Oxygen atom. In theory that’s correct but water is almost never seen in its purest form. Here are a few chemicals frequently tested for in a water test and why. Arsenic (As) Arsenic is a naturally occurring element and prolonged exposure to As can lead to skin problems, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Lead (Pb) While found in bedrock, Pb is rarely found in groundwater. The main concern is with Pb supply lines, which are concentrated mainly in Peninsular Halifax and the older section of Dartmouth. Lead can cause significant neurological issues, especially in children as well as many health problems in adults. Nitrates (NO3) and Nitrites (NO2) Both compounds are similar, with the difference being the number of oxygen atoms. Both commonly come from fertilizers and animal waste and can lead to health issues, most noticeably methemoglobinemia (commonly referred to as blue baby syndrome), caused by low oxygen in the blood.  Fluoride (F–)
Commonly known as that stuff in toothpaste, fluoride is related to, but not the same as the highly reactive element fluorine (F). F– is an ion (meaning it is electrically charged: in this case negative). While beneficial in very small amounts, excessive F– can lead to dental and bone problems known as fluorosis and large F- levels can lead to brain damage and even death. Luckily this is not really an issue with Nova Scotia groundwater but this fancy graph above highlights some of the many effects of F- Contact us at Inside Edge for more information on the variety of water testing options we can provide for you. We’ll properly take samples and provide a report while interpreting the laboratory results in an easy-to-understand format. |
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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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