News

Meet Michael Burfitt, a working dad who proves that career development can unlock unexpected doors. A recipient of our Home Inspection certificate, Michael is now the Founder/President of Inside Edge Inspections Ltd., a testament to his dedication to personal and professional growth. In this interview, we delve into Michael's inspiring journey. Discover how his pursuit of knowledge, while juggling work and family responsibilities, led to a whole new career opportunity and empowered him to become his own boss.                                                                               Read on to learn how Michael transformed his passion for building systems into a successful business and gained valuable insights that have enriched both his personal and professional life.

1. What was your job or career before enrolling in the certificate?

Before enrolling in the Certificate in Home Inspection, I worked at NSCC Ivany Campus in Facilities Management, a position I held since the campus opened in 2007.

2. Did the program fit your existing career path?

The work was tangentially related to my goals. I was looking to upgrade my skills, and the certificate courses would help me in Facilities Management. I also wanted to explore a different career, and my brother suggested I'd be a good home inspector. I figured there's no such thing as too much knowledge, so I decided to give it a try.

3. What were you hoping to gain from enrolling? Did you gain something different?

I had two main goals. First, I wanted to increase my general building systems knowledge to potentially earn a promotion. Second, I wanted to explore starting my own company if it was feasible. My manager was aware of my studies and very supportive.

4. How did you find the courses? Did the flexibility accommodate your work and personal commitments?

The courses were good, very in-depth, yet relatively easy to complete, even with a full-time job and a new baby at home (born 2019). The self-paced learning allowed me to balance my work and family. I probably wouldn’t have made the leap to complete the certificate without that flexibility.

5. What were the instructors like?

Like any program some were good, others were excellent, but overall I learned a great deal and it motivated me to consider teaching courses like this once I had a few years under my belt.  One instructor was a tough marker and demanded the best from me, to which I am grateful for.

6. What was the overall learning experience like?

Overall, the experience was very good, especially compared to a similar online course I recently completed through a college in Ontario. I found the instructors at OLCD to be far better, and the administrative staff much more responsive. I appreciated that the Home Inspection courses had a clear week-by-week syllabus, similar to a typical university class.

7. What specific skills or knowledge did you gain from the program? Did any courses stand out to you?

Before starting the program, I felt overwhelmed, but by the time I completed the 10th and final course, I had already launched my own company. I also joined InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) and completed their certification program in under two weeks, thanks to the knowledge I gained from Dalhousie and Carson Dunlop. Along the way, I acquired many valuable skills, but the most important was learning to trust my knowledge and abilities. I now understand that my clients rely on me to provide them with accurate, high-quality information—something I can do with confidence.

8. How has the certificate progressed, or changed your career? Did it lead to a promotion, new job, or more responsibilities?

This certificate enabled me to start my own company, Inside Edge Home Inspections. I also recently began working for the Nova Scotia Department of Health & Wellness as a Facilities Coordinator and have already been promoted to include Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities. While I haven't yet reached my growth targets for Inside Edge, I've made steady progress each year and am gradually transitioning to working on it full-time. For now, home inspection provides the flexibility to run my own business while maintaining my Facilities Coordinator role.

9. How have you applied these new skills or knowledge to your work?

In both my Facilities Coordinator role and with my home inspection company, I speak confidently about building systems and inspections, while also being transparent about the limits of my knowledge. I've earned the respect of both my co-workers and clients, and I’ve been praised for being not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable.

10. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

I wish I had discovered this program when I was younger. It’s more than just a job to me—it’s a calling. Thanks to the education I received from Dalhousie, I was able to start a company from scratch and hit the ground running, offering quality inspections and reports that rival the best in Nova Scotia. My ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the value home inspectors bring and make sure the public understands the importance of what we do, which is why I also write a monthly blog about the home inspection industry.

This industry is notoriously difficult to break into and a solid educational background through a program like this and general business/marketing skills are essential for success.

11. Do you have any advice for those looking to develop their career?

Summing up a lifetime of experiences in a single paragraph is no easy task, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s the importance of pursuing your passions—while also having a realistic roadmap for success. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t let others define what career success should mean for me.

Being a home inspector is incredibly rewarding; few things compare to the satisfaction of delivering a thorough, high-quality inspection and report. However, success in this field isn’t as simple as earning a certificate and expecting easy money. Without dedication, skill, and a commitment to excellence, one is bound to stumble before they even leave the starting line.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate Michael’s accomplishments! His journey serves as a powerful reminder that pursuing your passions and investing in your education can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. Whether you're seeking a career change, looking to advance in your current role, or simply striving for personal growth, remember that lifelong learning is an invaluable asset.

Draw inspiration from Michael's journey and explore the possibilities that await you. What skills are you eager to develop? What new paths are you curious to explore? Take the first step towards your own career development today – discover your path here.