Most of us living in Arizona don't run our heat very often.  However, it's still important to do regular maintenance on your heat pump... especially since your heat pump also cools your home in the summer months!  Although heat pumps and air conditioners function differently, they both produce condensation as they cool.  This condensation collects in a drain pan, and is then drained out through the condensate lines.  These condensate lines can become clogged, leading to a significant risk of water leakage, water damage and mold.  Having your home's heat pump or air conditioner serviced regularly can help to avoid much more expensive repairs in the future.

The picture below shows a heat pump's primary drain pan, which is full of rust and other crud indicating improper drainage.  And yes, "crud" is a technical term!

This is an electric tankless water heater.  It looks a little different than the gas tankless water heater picture I posted earlier.

This is a tankless gas water heater in a 2 year old house. With this type of water heater, water is heated on demand rather than storing hot water in a tank. This type of water heater typically costs less to operate and lasts longer than a traditional storage water heater.  Some Arizona builders are now installing tankless water heaters in the new homes they build.

Even a small water leak can result in a significant mold problem if left unrepaired.

GET IT INSPECTED!!

This is a Donald Duck orange juice container modified to catch the drip from a leaking water pipe and drain it into a container.  Plumbing leaks that are not properly fixed in a timely manner can lead to other problems such as mold.  Always call a licensed contractor to make your home repairs!

There are some things 'I'm sorry' just can't fix.  This happened a few months back... imagine coming home to an empty lot like this poor Russian woman.  They demolished her home 'by mistake' instead of a nearby building that was supposed to be torn down.  How do you make a 'mistake' like that?  Before you start demolishing a building, don't you check, double check and even triple check that you have the right place first?  Just a thought.

Home Inspectors being licensed by the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is almost as scary as having Home Inspectors continue to be licensed by the Board of Technical Registration (BTR).

Read more at AZ Home Inspectors are People too!

Rumor has it that Arizona termite inspectors (like myself) will soon fall under the authority of the AZ Department of Agriculture.  AZ termite inspectors and other pest control professionals are currently licensed and regulated by the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission. 

You can read all the details on my favorite Arizona real estate blog!

If you are a resident of Mesa and are looking for ways to reduce your household expenses (I think we'd all like to do that) you should check out the "Grass-To-Xeriscape" Landscape Rebate Program. 

We all know that we live in a desert and that water is one of our most important resources.  In an effort to promote water conservation, Mesa is offering a $500 rebate to qualifying single family residences if you replace 500 square feet or more of existing lawn with Sonoran Desert appropriate plants. 

If you would like more information or to see if you qualify, visit the City of Mesa's website.

What is a HomeXray^SM?
A HomeXray^SM is a scan of your home using a special infrared thermal imaging camera.  This infrared (IR) camera detects very small temperature variations in your home’s components, even in hidden areas such as behind the walls, above the ceiling and beneath the floors.  These very minor temperature differences often reveal ‘invisible’ problems which cannot be seen with the naked eye, and would not be found with just a traditional home inspection.  Some people refer to this technology as "seeing through walls" or "X-ray Vision".  While neither of these analogies are technically correct, in many cases a HomeXray^SM can help the Inspector "see" problems that would otherwise not be visible.

Why do I need a HomeXray^SM?
A HomeXray^SM takes your home inspection to the next level!  While a good home inspector can detect a wide variety of problems without "seeing inside the walls", a standard home inspection has limitations because it's a visual inspection.  A HomeXray^SM is an inexpensive, non-invasive and non-destructive method of finding hidden problems that would otherwise go undetected.  Often times, a HomeXray^SM can find a problem in its early stages before there are visible symptoms, making it easier and less expensive to repair.  Much like a medical x-ray can help a doctor to diagnose a problem inside your body without doing exploratory surgery, a HomeXray^SM is a quick and painless way to find certain types of problems that can be hidden within your home’s walls, floors and ceilings.  But even a HomeXray^SM has limitations, and it takes much more than a special IR camera to "see through walls".  Just like it takes a trained Radiologist to properly interpret your medical x-ray, it takes a trained Thermographer to properly interpret your HomeXray^SM.  Rest assured that when you order a HomeXray^SM from Homewerx, your Inspector is also a trained, experienced and Certified Thermographer.

The U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends having an infrared scan done before purchasing a home because even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.

This HomeXray^SM of a ceiling reveals an area with no insulation.         
 

What types of problems can a HomeXray^SM reveal?
A HomeXray^SM can find several different types of hidden problems, including:

• Plumbing leaks, moisture intrusion and water damage
• Missing insulation and energy loss
• Heating, cooling and ventilation problems (HVAC), including ductwork leaks
• Roof leaks, structural issues and foundation cracks
• Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses 
• Pests such as termites, rats and mice

Is a HomeXray^SM part of a Home Inspection?
A HomeXray^SM is not included with your home inspection - it's an additional service.  You can order a HomeXray^SM by itself, or with a home inspection.  You may also choose to have a HomeXray^SM of your entire house, or we can do a HomeXray^SM of one specific area where you suspect a problem.  It's up to you!  Of course, you can save money when you order both a home inspection and a HomeXray^SM at the same time!

Do I get a report with my HomeXray^SM?
Yes!  The Inspector also prepares a comprehensive, typewritten report which explains the results of your HomeXray^SM and includes several color photos.  The report is EASY-TO-READ and understand and contains maintenance advice plus other helpful homeowner information.  Reports are usually emailed the next day, but can also be delivered by fax or regular mail.

How much does a HomeXray^SM cost?
The price of a HomeXray^SM depends on several factors:  the size of your home, whether you want a HomeXray^SM of the entire house or just a certain area, and whether you order your HomeXray^SM with a home inspection or by itself.  But for a limited time, when you order a home inspection from Homewerx, you can get a HomeXray^SM for an additional fee of:

Order your HomeXray^SM today!
 

(480) 503-2611
TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

*IMPORTANT NOTE:  $149 HomeXray^SM offer is good only on homes that are 3000 square feet or smaller, and requires the purchase of a Home Inspection at regular price.  The HomeXray^SM must be performed at the same time as the Home Inspection or additional trip charges may apply.  No other discounts or offers may be used in conjunction with this offer.  This price is offered for a limited time only and may end without notice.

Last Thursday we had the pleasure of attending the West USA Real Estate Expo held at the new University of Phoenix Stadium.  That was the first time I had been to the stadium and I have to say that I was impressed and I look forward to attending other events there.

We had a great turn out and really enjoyed chating with all of the people that visited our booth.  We even had a surprise visit by Congressmen JD Hayworth and really enjoyed talking with him.

One gentleman stopped by and had a question about safety glass in shower and bath tub windows.  Well here is your answer.  Safety glass is required in a shower or bath tub window if the bottom of the window or window sill is within 60 inches from the shower or tub floor.

If anyone has any other questions, feel free to comment to this post or shoot me an email. 

All types of homes can get termites!  See the termite tube hanging from the ceiling in the picture above?  This picture was taken inside a masonry home, but the little critters still found the wood!  Even if you have a brick or block home instead of a wood-frame structure, your home should be regularly inspected for termites and other wood-destroying insects.  Termites are commonly found throughout Arizona, and early detection is the key to preventing/minimizing costly damage to your structure.  Brand new homes can have termites too.  While the lot is usually pre-treated for termites prior to construction, that 'barrier' is often damaged when the landscaping is installed.

You should have your home inspected for termites annually.  Homewerx Home Inspections can take care of both your home inspection and your termite inspection.

Call for an inspection today!

(480) 503-2611
TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

Or Schedule Online!

Even in Arizona, you may not use a swimming pool very much in the winter time.  But if you're considering adding a pool to your home, winter is the slow season for Arizona swimming pool companies and therefore, you may be able to negotiate a better price on a new pool.  Whether you add a pool to your existing home or buy a house that already has a pool, below is some information to consider about swimming pool maintenance.

Maintaining a swimming pool takes time and money.  Pools consist of many systems; the structure itself, as well as electrical, plumbing & mechanical systems.  So there's alot to maintain including pumps, filters, lights, valves, sometimes a heater and other features.  Each pool is different, therefore the exact cost of maintaining your pool will depend on many factors such as the pool's age, surface area, type of finish, water capacity, type of pump & cleaning system, etc.

STRUCTURE & FINISH
The pool's structure will usually last many years provided that it's built right and the finish is properly maintained.  The pool's finish may be plaster, pebble-tec or fiberglass.  All three types will require regular brushing, cleaning and chemicals.  Algae is a bigger concern with a plaster finish.  This is because algae can actually etch the plaster finish, or pit the surface and make it rough.  Also, the type of pool matters...a diving pool usually holds a lot more water than a play pool, and therefore it will probably cost more to maintain.

COST OF CHEMICALS, ETC.
Properly maintaining the chemical balance of the water is important.  If you aren't sure what to add, you can take a sample of your pool water to the local swimming pool supply store for help.  They will test it and tell you what chemicals you need and how much to add.  Pool water generally requires more chemical maintenance when the weather gets hotter and the pool is used more frequently.

For a pool that does NOT have a chlorinating or soft water system, you'll have to buy chlorine, acid and other chemicals.  The chlorine is by far the most expensive of these chemicals, which will probably cost $200 or more per year (depending on the size of the pool, the amount of water it holds, etc.).

If the pool does have a chlorinating or soft water system, you won't need to buy the chlorine but you'll need to buy salt and other chemicals.  Also, this type of system is more complex and requires more maintenance.

COST OF FILTERS
There are several different types of filters:
1.  Sand filter -  probably the cheapest to maintain, as you'll need to replace the sand from time to time.
2.  DE - the 'DE powder' (diatemaceous earth) has to be replaced each time the pool is backwashed.
3.  Cartridges - these are the most convenient but are also the most expensive to replace.

Note: 'Backwashing' is basically cleaning the filter.  It's usually done by connecting a hose to the pool equipment, and then operating a valve that reverses the water flow so that the water pushes the dirt out and drains through the hose (into the street or wherever you put the other end of the hose).

INCREASED COST OF UTILITIES
The water bill will generally be higher for a house with a pool.  This is because water has to be added to the pool regularly to make up for evaporation.  The water level is usually maintained automatically so you won't know how much evaporation is actually taking place, but the increase in water usage will be much more noticeable in the hotter months.

You'll also have an increase in your electric use due to the pump running.  An average pump might need to run 4-8 hours per day, depending on conditions.  It will need to run more in the hotter months and during the Arizona monsoon season.  You may also see an increase in your gas or electric cost if you heat your pool.  Although Arizona doesn't get that cold in the winter, even a small pool will usually costs quite a bit to heat.

Before you buy a house in Arizona, you can contact the local electric company, water company, etc. and they will usually give you information about the utility bill on that house for the past 12 months.

BARRIERS
If you have kids, you definitely need to consider a fence.  In fact, a fence should be seriously considered even if you don't have children yourself because your friends, neighbors or relatives might have kids.  Many localities have barrier laws requiring not only a fence around the pool, but also self-latching gates and auto-closers on all doors leading to the pool.  So be sure to check out and comply with pool barrier laws in your area.

MAINTENANCE & OTHER COSTS
Pumps and heaters may require repair/replacement from time to time, but they usually last many years if properly cared for.  Some pools have a vacuum system that crawls the pool, while others have in-floor pop-up cleaning systems.  Both will need to be repaired/replaced from time to time - the vacuums wear out and the pop-up heads sometimes get broken.  They both have their advantages and disadvantages.  The in-floor pop-up systems usually cost more when the pool is being built, but can reduce the amount of your time required to keep the pool clean.  Vacuums need to be serviced regularly, and they still don't last forever.  When they can't be repaired, vacuums cost several hundred dollars to replace.  But the in-floor pop-ups can be even more expensive to repair if you need more than just a head replacement.

TIME INVESTMENT
You should also consider the cost of your time.  Think about how much time you're willing to spend cleaning and maintaining your pool vs. how much time you will spend using your pool.

BUYING A HOME WITH A POOL vs. ADDING A POOL
If you're buying a home that already has a pool, you may have to be less picky about the type of pump, cleaning system and other features the pool has.  But financially, it's usually best to buy a house that already has a pool since the cost of adding a pool is much higher than what it will add to your property value.  For example, adding a $25,000 pool might increase the home's value by $10,000-$15,000.  If you do buy a home with a pool, be sure to GET BOTH THE HOME AND THE POOL INSPECTED by a Certified Home Inspector!

Adding a pool yourself will cost more, but you can choose whatever options you want.  In this case, you should carefully consider which type of pool/cleaning system best fits your budget and your lifestyle.

In short, a swimming pool can be a fun way to escape the Arizona heat and get some exercise.  However, pools also take time and money to properly maintain, and they must be properly secured to avoid drowning accidents.  So if you're considering a pool, just be sure you know what you're getting into!

ATTENTION: REALTORS, SELLERS & BUYERS!

Beginning September 25^th, Homewerx Home Inspections will be offering Arizona Disclosure Reports.  Under a new Arizona law (H.B. 2779) effective September 21^st, sellers and listing agents can greatly reduce their liability for disclosures by obtaining a "disclosure report" prepared by a third-party provider.  To qualify, the disclosure report must must be based on officially adopted governmental maps, and must include disclosures on the following 9 conditions:

1. Special Flood Hazard Areas
2. Military Airports or Ancillary Military Facilities
3. Military Training Routes
4. Public or Private Airports
5. Expansive Soils
6. Soils Subject to Fissures
7. Special Tax Assessment Areas
8. Radon Gas Potential Zones
9. Environmental Hazard Superfund Sites

While it is not mandatory, it is recommended that all sellers provide these reports to their buyers.  However, disclosure reports are also available to buyers if the seller or builder does not provide one.

It's important to understand that the Arizona Disclosure Report does NOT replace the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) or other disclosures the seller is required to make!  However, the new Arizona Disclosure Report contains information in 9 areas that sellers don't usually know much about.  The new law basically says that if they obtain one of the new third-party disclosure reports, sellers & their agents will not be held liable for errors or ommissions in the disclosure report, unless they know the report to be incorrect and fail to disclose the correct information.  In other words, the liability for the disclosure of those items is shifted from the seller/agent to the third-party provider of the disclosure report.

EDR-Certified!!!   Arizona Disclosure Reports are available for as little as $89.00, so there's no reason to assume unnecessary liability when selling or listing a home!

Arizona Disclosure Report - $89.00 (Available in Maricopa & Pima County only)
(Sample AZ Disclosure Report)
This report discloses whether any of the 9 conditions listed above are known to be present within 300 feet of the property.  This report meets the minimum requirements of Arizona's new disclosure law.

Neighborhood Environmental Report - $129.00  (Available in all AZ counties!)
(Sample Neighborhood Environmental Report)
If you order the Neighborhood Environmental Report, you will receive BOTH the Arizona Disclosure Report and the Neighborhood Environmental Report.  In addition to disclosing whether any of the 9 conditions listed above are known to be present within 300 feet of the property, this report covers a much broader geographical area and also discloses known/potential contamination sites beyond 300 feet. Certain hazards are disclosed in this report if they're within a mile of the property (see distances below). This report also contains additional information that the Arizona Disclosure Report does NOT contain, such as whether there are any known meth labs in the area.  Below is a list of the types of known/potential contamination sites disclosed in the Neighborhood Environmental Report:
1.  Leaking underground tanks (within 1/2 mile)
2.  Landfills (within 1/2 mile)
3.  EPA Final Superfund sites (within 1 mile)
4.  Water Quality Assurance Revolving Priority Fund Sites (within 1 mile)
5.  EPA Proposed Superfund Sites (CERCLIS) (within 1/2 mile)
6.  Arizona Superfund Program Sites (within 1 mile)
7.  State Hazardous Waste Sites (within 1 mile)
8.  Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage & Disposal Sites (within 1/2 mile)
9.  Clandestine Drug Lab Sites (within 1/8 mile)
10. CDC Environmental Health Assessments (within 1/4 mile)
11.  Active Department of Defense Sites (within 1/4 mile)
12.  Former Department of Defense Sites (within 1/4 mile)
13.  Manufactured Gas Plants (within 1/4 mile)
14.  Radioactive Material Activity Sites (within 1/4 mile)

Commercial Disclosure Reports also available - Please call for pricing and other details.

For more information on the new law, read this article, "New Arizona Disclosure Reports Reduce Seller & Agent Liability".

Call today!

(480) 503-2611
TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

Or Order Online!

NOTE:  Homewerx Home Inspections offers Arizona Disclosure Reports and Neighborhood Environmental Reports in cooperation with third-party provider, Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR), a national provider of environmental information.

God Bless the victims, their families and the heroes of 9/11.

God bless our troops.

And God Bless America.  We Will Never Forget.