About

It’s amazing how many people I’ve met along the way that have an interest in how I arrived in a career inspecting homes and writing all about them in the media, as it sounds like an interesting vocation. Well, it is! I’ve seen thousands of homes and they all have a unique story. I can tell you my career didn’t happen overnight. Here’s what my journey was like…. 

It seems that the notion of pouring concrete, framing homes and how their mechanical systems work has always been regarded as rewarding and interesting to me. I’ve been on the working end of pretty much every tool and machine that you can think of that are involved in home building. I’ve sat in all kinds of seminars and training sessions about them. I’ve built them up and torn them down. The seasoned generation of home inspectors like me, have been experienced in the field, classroom and trained in defect recognition. It’s in the blood as they say.

I’ve always been in a position to share my knowledge and experience during home inspections. It seemed only natural to write about them. I began with writing technical papers and freelance magazine and newspaper articles about them. At the same time, I was fortunate enough to have our local media powerhouse pick up my work as a regular columnist and more recently, a regional newspaper. Nowadays, you can see me at home show and local events when I’m not on the front lines in an attic or crawlspace somewhere. You can also find me in the courtroom testifying in construction litigation.

What’s the secret formula? Well immediate, helpful feedback is valued when somebody needs advise. Anything home requires work or thinking, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and correct what needs to be corrected. Never take shortcuts, and stay on your path with solid focus, and just be yourself.

If you are from the Kelowna area then you most certainly have heard of Castanet.net—the Okanagan’s news source. Hugh writes his column—About the House, which appears weekly. Hugh answers his readerships questions with informative and seasoned advice.

He  shares his  thoughts on the home construction industry, construction methods, materials techniques, plumbing and electrical systems, roofs, framing and foundations, grow ops,  design, building codes, contractors and pretty much everything else construction.