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.

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 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!

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!

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.

As we get into the 100+ degree temperatures, the efficiency of your home's cooling system becomes of the utmost importance.  Your air conditioner or heat pump is usually the most expensive appliance in your home, not only in terms of initial cost, but also when it comes to maintenance cost and energy use.

To maintain comfort in your home and to keep your cooling unit working at peak efficiency, you should:

• have your air conditioner or heat pump serviced annually by a qualified professional
• change your air filters at least once per month (yes - every month!)
• keep at least 90% of all your home's air vents open to avoid creating a pressure imbalance
• clean any debris or obstructions near the outdoor components of your cooling system to improve cooling efficiency

In many cases, it makes alot of sense financially to replace an older cooling system even if it still works just fine.  This is because newer cooling units are much more energy efficient than older ones.  Therefore, the money you save in electric bills will pay for the cost of the new unit in a fairly short time.  It obviously depends on how long you plan to keep your home.  If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old and you plan to keep your home for several years, you should definitely consider a newer, more efficient cooling system.

One or more of the warning signs below could indicate that your cooling system may soon be due for repair or replacement:

• Your cooling system makes excessive noise
• Your air conditioner or heat pump turns on and off frequently
• You notice some rooms are colder than desired, or hotter than desired
• Your electricity usage increases
• You notice excessive dust in your home
• Your cooling system requires frequent repair
• Your cooling system is more than 10 years old

Hope this information helps you and your family stay cool this summer.  Remember, if you have any type of problem in your home, Homewerx Home Inspections can help!  We do homeowner maintenance inspections and special inspections, in addition to many other services.

Call today for more information
or to schedule your inspection!

Valleywide (480) 503-2611
Toll free: 1-888-THE-WERX

One of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items in the home, and a very common safety defect, is the garage door and opener.  The garage door assembly is the largest and heaviest moving object in the home.  If it is not in good working order and properly adjusted, it can pose a serious safety risk.  There are three basic safety features on your garage door that should periodically be tested, ideally once a month.

The first safety feature that should be checked is the safety reverse beam.  This light beam should be installed at about 6 inches from the floor, and should reverse the direction of the door when the beam is broken.  Be sure to refer to the installation instructions for proper mounting of this important safety feature.

The second safety feature that should be checked is the auto reverse.  This feature will reverse the direction of the door should it encounter resistance while in motion (both up and down).  This can be tested by placing an object in the path of the door or holding the door while in motion.  I prefer the holding method because a faulty auto reverse can do serious damage to the door (usually the top panel will bend or crack where it attaches to the opener).  If the opener fails this test, minor adjustments to the sensitivity setting on the opener will often resolve this issue.

The final safety feature on your garage door is the safety or counter balance spring.  This spring takes up the weight of the door and should not allow the door to fall when disconnected from the opener.  If this spring is damaged or incorrectly adjusted, the door can close with considerable force.  Serious injury or death can result if you, a child or a pet is struck by the door.  To test the spring, disconnect the door from the opener (while the door is in the closed position), open the door manually and see if it will remain balanced at the half open point.  Should your door fail this test, consult a professional to make repairs.  Counter balance springs are under tension and can cause serious injury if adjustments are attempted by an amateur.

If you have any questions regarding the operation of your garage door, feel free to call our office at  (480) 503-2611.

According to SRP, up to 20% of their average customer’s annual energy usage goes towards producing hot water for every day tasks such as laundry, bathing, cooking and dishwashing.  Employing a few simple tips can help you save money while also saving water and energy.

• Identify and repair all leaky water faucets.  A slow drip can leak hundreds of gallons of water per year.  If it’s a hot water leak, both the water and heating it will cost you money.  Be sure to turn off faucets completely and teach your kids to properly turn off faucets.
• Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.  Lowering the temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save you up to $7 per month.  Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can also reduce the risk of scalding accidents, which are especially a concern with young children and the elderly.
• If you participate in a peak-hour type program with your electric company, you should consider installing a timer on your water heater.  Set the timer in a manner that will prevent the water heater from cycling on during the expensive, on-peak hours.
• Instead of taking baths, take short showers.  A bath can use 15-25 gallons of water, while an average 5-minute shower uses less than 10 gallons.
• Consider installing low-flow faucets or aerators in your kitchen and/or bathroom.  This can reduce consumption of hot water by up to 35%.

The above figures are based on a typical SRP customer with an electric water heater.  However, saving hot water can also save you money if you have a gas water heater!

Source:  SRP’s Contact, February 2006

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!

Bricks are probably NOT the manufacturer’s recommended material for evaporative cooler stand legs!

As with all household appliances, water heaters need regular maintenance.  You should consult your owner’s manual for warnings and guidance before attempting service or repair.  If you do not have a manual, you should be able to obtain one by calling or writing to the manufacturer.  You may even be able to request one on the internet.  Since our directions are very general, if any of the instructions in your Owner’s Manual or on the unit itself are different in any way than what you read here, follow your manufacturer’s guidance!

The frequency of servicing needed is dependent upon a number of things, such as: the age and type of the unit, the hardness of the water (the amount of minerals dissolved in the water) and whether or not you have a water softening system.  At a minimum, check out your water heater at least once a year.  Listed below are some things you can probably do yourself.  However, if you feel uncertain about performing any of these steps yourself, we highly recommend that you contact a professional.

Pressure Relief Valve - Manually operate the valve to make sure it is not seized (see pictures below for location).  Just move it up and down a few times and be sure it returns to its original position.  Also, listen for the sound of running water and check to see that it is draining either to a floor drain, or ultimately to the outside of the building (by way of the Pressure Relief Drain Pipe).

Electric Water Heaters - (1. Electrical connection, 2. Pressure Relief Valve, 3. Drain Cock, 4. Water Inlet Valve, 5. Pressure Relief Drain Pipe)  Prior to draining, the electricity needs to be shut off so the heating element does not burn out.  Determine which circuit breaker controls the unit’s power and move it to the off position.  Look at the electrical connection at the top of the water heater for loose or frayed wires. Remember, if the wires don’t look right, have an electrician check it out!  Follow the steps below for draining and refilling tank. 

Gas Water Heaters - (1. Pressure Relief Valve, 2. Pressure Relief Drain Pipe, 3. Pilot Light & Combustion Area, 4. Water Inlet Valve, 5. Flue, 6. Gas Control Valve,
7. Drain Cock)  Prior to draining, clean the air passages to the burner.  To do this, you must first shut off the gas by following the instructions on the unit.  Then remove the access cover to the pilot light and burner area.  Any dirt or debris should be removed.  Also, observe the top of the water heater to be sure that the exhaust flue is secure and nothing is blocking airflow.  Gas water heaters should be installed at least 18 inches above the ground.  BE SURE NO FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES ARE STORED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE UNIT.  Follow the steps below for draining and refilling tank.

Draining and Refilling the Water Heater Tank - It is important to drain the tank to remove any sediment and/or sludge from the bottom of the tank. After completing the steps above, turn off the water inlet valve (usually on the pipes at the top of the tank...REMEMBER - Lefty Loosy, Righty Tighty!)  Then connect a garden hose to the drain cock at the bottom of the tank.  Turn the drain cock to the left and let the tank drain. Next, close the drain cock, disconnect the hose and turn the water inlet valve back on.  When you no longer hear the water running, the tank is full.  Now, turn the circuit breaker back on or for gas water heaters, light the pilot light by following the directions on the unit.  The flame should be blue in color.  If not, call the gas company.  They should check it for free.

Be sure the temperature is set to avoid scalding, especially if there are children or elderly in the house!!  Check your Owner’s Manual or look on the water heater for guidance.

These simple steps should help keep your water heater in good working order.   However, if you are unsure of anything, it’s always best to have your unit inspected and/or serviced by a professional.

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, only built-in appliances are examined.  The appliances are operated and a visual inspection is performed.

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!

Why should you get a home inspection even if your house is brand new?   I recently performed an inspection on a new home in South Phoenix.  When it was time to inspect and test the two gas furnaces, I made my way into the scudle hatch, traversed gingerly across the attic floor and positioned myself strategically in front of the two air handlers.  (Don't try this yourself - call a professional home inspector!)  Visually checking the furnaces' components, drain lines and ductwork, everything appeared to be in good order.  However, one small detail was overlooked.  The gas line was never hooked up to the bottom floor furnace, leaving the unit inoperable.

But this is a brand new home!  Didn’t someone test the units after installing them?  The tenants were heating their 2200 square foot, two story home with the smaller, second floor heater.  The thermostat was set to 78 degrees upstairs.  It was pleasant on the first floor but the second floor felt like July.  Needless to say that the tenants gas bill will likely decrease once both furnaces are operating properly.

Moral of the story;  just because it's new doesn’t mean it's perfect…call your friendly Homewerx Home Inspector today!

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!

One day as I arrived at my inspection, I was greeted by an excited home owner.  He immediately started to talk about the "clean up" and how they were lucky.  A little confused, he led me into the kitchen where I saw the charred remains of the microwave oven, black soot on the ceilings and walls, and crispy cabinets. 

It turns out that the night before the inspection, they went to clean the oven (they said that it was on my behalf, so I would have a nice clean oven to look at).  A candle was left on the oven (not intentionally) and they left the house.  When they returned, they found the fire department and the entire neighborhood in their driveway to greet them.

Luckily for the homeowner, a passer by spotted flames through the kitchen window and called for help.  This quick action from a total stranger saved their house from burning to the ground.  I guess there are still some good Samaritans in the world.

I guess what I am trying to say is watch your oven in the cleaning cycle.  Remove all objects from inside and on top of the unit, and it is even wise to pull it out away from the wall and cabinetry. 

Although this was an accident, it could have been avoided by taking a few precautions.  I'm just glad they still have a house to sell.

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