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

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.

Even when you are not buying or selling a home, you can still benefit from a home inspection in a variety of ways:

• Warranty Inspections - for new homes, before the 1 or 2 year warranty expires
• Annual Home Maintenance Inspections - to find problems early, minimizing repair costs
• Home Energy Tune-uPs - for homeowners who want to save energy
• Termite Inspections - should be performed regularly in Arizona
• Roof Inspections - annually or if you suspect a problem
• Pool & Spa Inspections - annually or if you suspect a problem
• Sewer Inspections - using a video camera, usually to diagnose a problem
• Air Duct Inspections - using a video camera, usually to diagnose a problem
• Radon Testing - when buying or if you suspect a problem
• Lead-based Paint Testing - usually for homes built prior to 1978
• Mold Testing & Indoor Air Quality - when buying or if you suspect a problem
• Water Quality Testing - when buying or if you suspect a problem
• Special Inspections - if you just have a specific problem or concern
• Expert Witness Services - for legal issues with builders, contractors, insurance companies, warranty companies and other parties

We also inspect rental properties:

• Landlord and Investor Inspections - performed regularly while tenants are living in your property
• Renter Inspections - to help renters document existing damage and defects before moving into a rental property

We even do Commercial Inspections!

• Offices
• Retail space
• Apartment complexes
• Other commercial properties

So remember, home inspections are not just for buyers!  The longer you have owned your home or plan to own your home, the more important it is to have regular inspections in order to properly maintain your home and avoid costly repairs.

Call for an inspection today!

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

Or Schedule Online!

This picture shows a mess of unprotected wire connections.  Electrical connections should only be made inside a junction box so as to protect the connections from damage.  Also, be sure that a cover plate is installed on the box. 

You should not attempt to troubleshoot or repair electrical connections unless you know what you are doing.  Electricity is dangerous and can cause serious harm or even death to an amateur.  If you have any questions about your home's electrical system, please consult a professional.

Call for an inspection today!

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

Or Schedule Online!

This picture shows an overheated wire at the circuit breaker.  Overheated electrical wiring and components should promptly be evaluated by a professional.  Overheating is an indication of a serious electrical problem and may lead to a fire.

Call for an inspection today!

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

Or Schedule Online!

Water heaters are often installed by an amateur plumber, without a permit or inspection.  Improper plumbing to an electric water heater can be a safety concern and should only be installed or repaired by a professional, licensed plumber.

Any ideas why this brand new home's air conditioner does not work? 

The correct answer will be posted in the 'Comments' next Tuesday, February 28th!

Be sure to check back...you can make a 'Comment' below if you think you know the answer!

We inspect in accordance with the Arizona BTR Standards and ASHI® Standards.  A standard home inspection includes the following:

Termite Reports & Environmental Inspections are not included in a standard home inspection, but can be done for an additional fee.

During a standard home inspection, the following electrical items are inspected:

• service entrance conductors
• service equipment, grounding equipment, main overcurrent device, main and distribution panels
• amperage and voltage ratings of the service
• branch circuit conductors, their overcurrent devices, and the compatibility of their ampacities and voltages
• the operation of a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on its exterior walls
• the polarity and grounding of all receptacles within six feet of interior plumbing fixtures and all receptacles in the garage or carport, and on the exterior of inspected structures
• the operation of ground fault circuit interrupters

There are many reasons one might need a home inspection:

• Before you buy a home
• Before you sell a home
• While you're building a new home
• Before your new home warranty expires
• When you have a specific problem that needs investigating such as your roof, sewer or plumbing system, air ducts and ventilation, pool or spa, etc.
• To improve energy efficiency and save money on utility bills
• When your builder won't seem to honor their warranty
• Periodically to catch problems early and maintain your home's value
• To look for termite activity
• For environmental testing, such as lead-based paint, water quality, radon, mold & indoor air quality

Call today!

(480) 503-2611
or 1-888-THE-WERX

or Schedule Online!

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

Unless you are familiar with electricity and how it works, your home’s electrical system can be very confusing and sometimes frightening.  In fact, some conditions can be extremely dangerous.  So let’s take a look at some things that anyone can do to keep an electrical system safe and in good working order.

First, if you did not buy your house new, you should consider having a home inspector or an electrician inspect your electrical system for any defects or unsafe conditions. It is NOT unusual to find that a previous homeowner (amateur electrician) has wired in an appliance with a lamp cord or some other inappropriate material.  These conditions need to be identified and corrected for your family's safety, as they can be possible fire and shock hazards.  Once the defects have been corrected, it's just a matter of maintaining your electrical system.

There are several ways to keep your electrical system in good repair.  To begin with, it is important to avoid overloading the circuits. Overloading usually occurs when more than one appliance is operated on the same circuit at the same time.  Many appliances, even small ones, draw a significant amount of amperage (i.e. vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, power tools).  Copper wiring is standard in most homes, but due to a copper shortage during the 1970's and 1980's, many homes built during this period were wired with aluminum instead.  If you have an aluminum electrical system, overloading can be extremely dangerous due to its low melting point.

However, your home has built in safety devices to prevent overloading the circuits.   These devices are called fuses and circuit breakers.  Without getting into too much detail, these devices will shut off the power in the event of an overloaded circuit.   But they will only do so if they are in good working order.  If you have fuses (mostly in older homes) never replace a fuse with a larger one to keep it from blowing out.  If the fuse routinely blows out, there may be several reasons and you should call an electrician to evaluate the circuit.  And NEVER hot wire the fuse with a piece of metal, such as a coin.  If you do, you are asking for a shock, or even a fire.  If circuit breakers are installed in your home, it is recommended that  you exercise your breakers once a year.  No, we are not talking about doing push-ups or sit-ups!  All that is needed is to move your breakers from the ON position to the OFF position and then back ON a few times. This will keep them lubricated and able to move freely.  But first, be sure to turn off and/or unplug all appliances.  Don't forget to shut down and unplug your computer!

In addition to the circuit breakers, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's), if installed, should be tested on a monthly basis to insure proper operation.   GFCI’s are usually installed in kitchens and bathrooms for increased safety near water.  Just push the test button and it should pop, cutting power to all outlets on that circuit.  If it fails to operate correctly, it should be replaced immediately.  GFCI's cost about $10 each and should take an electrician less than a half-hour to install.  It is definitely worth the small price to ensure these safety features work properly around water.

Cords should always be removed by the plug to avoid damage to both the cord and the outlet.  Also, never use an appliance if the cord is damaged.  The cost to repair an electrical cord is usually less than the cost of a trip to the emergency room.  Remember, an electrical circuit is only as good as its weakest point.   That weakest point is often an appliance that is in poor condition.  Take a few seconds and look before plugging in an appliance to be sure it's not damaged.   Broken or loose switches and cover plates should be tightened or repaired.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) publishes a list of all recalled items in the United Stated.  Many of these products are electrical.  Unfortunately, most recalls don’t occur until someone is hurt, or even worse, killed.  With the holidays approaching, it might be a good idea to visit their web site at www.cpsc.gov for ideas on what NOT to buy.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact a professional.

We are still working on this blog so we're sorry in advance for anything that may seem confusing or features that are not yet working!  Many feature are working, however, so take a look around...you will find useful, interesting information about your home. 

Thanks for visiting and be sure to come back soon!

DON'T PAY FOR YOUR BUILDER'S MISTAKES!!

All homes have flaws and hidden defects, even brand new homes. The cracks in the walls and sticking doors may just be the tip of the iceberg. Some defects can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars to repair, as well as put your family’s health and safety at risk.  That's why it’s important to have someone on your side like Homewerx Home Inspections.

A warranty inspection by Homewerx Home Inspections will help you find the hidden problems that exist in your new home BEFORE your warranty expires. From roofs that are improperly installed and in some cases, not even finished, to broken trusses and missing insulation, we regularly find major builder errors that slipped by the busy city inspectors. Our inspection can easily pay for itself by saving you future out-of-pocket repairs.

In addition to revealing problems caused by sub-standard materials and workmanship, we will also document the problems you already know about, making the ‘builder warranty process’ less of a headache.  Our easy-to-read, yet comprehensive typewritten report has color digital photos, a summary of necessary repairs you can give to your builder, and home maintenance tips to help keep your home in top shape.  Let us catch the problems now to save you time, frustration and money in the future.

HURRY...CALL BEFORE YOUR WARRANTY EXPIRES!

(480) 503-2611 or 1-888-THE-WERX

...or you can schedule online!

REMEMBER...if our Inspector finds one flaw covered under your warranty that you were unaware of, this inspection can easily pay for itself!!

Protect Your Investment...call for an appointment TODAY!

Conserving energy has become an ever increasing concern as prices keep climbing.  One of the easiest places we can conserve energy (and save money) is by changing our light bulbs.  No, this will not end our dependency on foreign oil or make us rich, but every watt conserved really adds up if we all pitch in. 

Consider this, a 60 watt incandescent light bulb costs about $1.50 and will last about a year.  A mini fluorescent light bulb uses 14 watts, costs $5 and will last about 7 years.  Even though the initial cost may seem higher for the fluorescent bulb, the savings over the 7 year life is $5.50.  The fluorescent bulb also uses 1/4 of the energy for the same amount of light reducing the cost to operate that bulb. 

While the fluorescent light is on the temperature is about 120 degrees.  Compare that the the incandescent bulb at 320 degrees.  By switching to the fluorescent light, we reduce the amount of heat being released inside our home.  In the summer, we are trying to remove heat from inside the home.  We do this by running the AC which also costs money.

So if we switch our light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs we will save money on the bulb itself, save money in the operation of the bulb over its life time and release less heat into the home that we have to pay to remove by running our AC.

Hmmm, No brainer energy tip.

P.S.  That's also more time watching football instead of changing light bulbs.

Why would you need a Special Inspection?

• Are those cracks in your walls just settlement cracks or are they structural?
• Should you pay to fix them or wait...will they just crack again? 
• Have you received estimates from contractors and aren't sure they're being honest with you?
• Are they telling you that something needs to be replaced when it only needs to be adjusted?
• Do you have moisture getting in somehow but you're not sure how?
• Have you ever wondered why it is warmer in one room than another?
• Do you hear running water even when no faucets are on?
• What about the door that sticks and those cracks in your tile.

The leaky shower head that caused this damage LOOKED like it was only leaking outside the wall. An inspection revealed that the leak had actually caused the wall to rot, requiring that it be completely rebuilt. (Picture above was taken during wall repairs.  No dismantling or destructive testing is performed during a home inspection.)

Special Inspections are for homeowners that need help with a specific problem instead of an 'entire house inspection'.

CALL for an inspection TODAY!

(480) 503-2611
Toll Free 1-888-THE-WERX

Or Schedule Online

...because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

Need an Expert on your side?

• Are you fighting with your builder or contractor?   
• Are you a Real Estate Agent, or otherwise involved in a real estate transaction gone bad? 
• Feel that a lawsuit may be the only way to resolve your differences?

Let one of our experienced Home Inspectors be your Expert Witness and:

• Thoroughly inspect the property or item in question
• Take pictures, video clips, verbal & written notes
• Perform various research (public records, codes, etc.)
• Prepare a comprehensive written report with color digital photos
• Communicate findings supporting your position to other parties
• If necessary, appear for depositions and/or testify on your behalf.

We're on your side!   Call for a free price quote today.

(480) 503-2611 or 1-888-THE-WERX

Think you don’t need your new home inspected during and after construction because the city inspector will catch any flaws?

Think again…New homes need to be inspected too!

Many defects can affect your family’s health and safety, not to mention your pocketbook and the long term condition of your home.  By hiring Homewerx to inspect your new home during its construction, you are sending a message to your builder that you expect quality workmanship and intend to hold them to the highest standards possible.  Having an inspection during the construction of your new home also allows us to inspect inside the walls and other areas that can’t be seen in a finished house.  Therefore, the Inspector can make sure important items, like the stem wall, are constructed properly.

City inspectors look mainly for code violations.  And most people would be AMAZED at some of the defects our inspectors have found that apparently slipped by the city inspector!

Depending on how far along construction is when you call us, we will perform 3 separate inspections while your house is being built.  Of course, Clients are always welcome to call their Inspector at any phase of the construction to discuss whatever concerns they may have.

Stem Wall Inspection - takes place upon completion of the stem wall, preferably before the underground plumbing is buried

Frame Inspection - takes place just before the drywall and insulation are installed

Final Inspection - takes place when construction is complete and utilities are turned on (just prior to the final walk-through)

CALL TODAY!!!

(480) 503-2611 or 1-888-THE-WERX

or you can schedule online!

...because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

Check Construction Inspection Prices

WHAT'S HIDING IN YOUR ATTIC?

We all perform regular maintenance on our cars by having a tune-up every so many miles, but what about your house?  Often times, our biggest investment is also the most neglected. 

Homes in Mesa have increased in value approximately 50% over the last year.  To maintain that value, you need to have periodic inspections and repairs performed on your home.  Catching problems early can help prevent more severe and costly damage later.

The average home inspection reveals more than 43 defects.  Even new homes have many hidden problems never seen by the occupants.  Some defects even pose a significant HEALTH and SAFETY RISK to you and your family.  Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind!

A Home Maintenance Inspection from Homewerx will make you aware of what repairs are needed now to avoid further costly damage, and which ones can wait.  In addition to identifying and prioritizing those conditions that need attention, a home inspection can also detect immediate safety issues.  From broken trusses and roof problems to plumbing and electrical issues...we’ll check it all out for you.  We even do a carbon monoxide test.  By identifying and correcting problems early, you can save a great deal of time, money and frustration.

A Home Maintenance Inspection is also a great learning opportunity.  You can walk through the house with the Inspector and ask any questions you may have about your home or its components.  Our Inspectors will take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.  In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, our Inspectors are also very personable and are able to answer questions and discuss their findings in a manner that is easy to understand.  Many Clients are amazed at how much information they obtain during a 2-3 hour home inspection.

Selling your home soon and don’t want to do repairs?  Not only do most buyers have a home inspection, but the average buyer negotiates TWICE the cost of necessary repairs during the sale.  Knowledge is power!  Properly maintaining your home now will ensure maximum sales price and minimum time on the market when you sell.

If your home has not been inspected recently, CALL TODAY!!!

(480) 503-2611 or 1-888-THE-WERX

or you can schedule online!

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

If you have a question relating to home inspections, you may ask it by using the 'Comments' below.  Keep in mind that anything you post in the 'Comments' will become a permanent part of this blog.  If you have a more personal question that you do not want published, you may email me your question instead.

Your question will be answered within 48 hours.  If you email your question, the answer will be emailed to you.  If you post your question in the Comments, the answer will be posted in the Comments.  Please understand that I cannot always answer your question definitively without actually seeing and inspecting the condition you are asking about, but I will do my best!

You are always welcome to call my office with any questions or concerns.  My contact information is below.  Have a great day, and remember...an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

Scott Hubbard Certified Home Inspector, ASHI Member Homewerx Home Inspections Office: (480) 503-2611 Toll Free: 1-888-THE-WERX Email me