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!

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.

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 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!

Did you know that some queen termites can give birth every 15 seconds?*  You learn something new every day!

*  Source:  Animal Planet's Top 10 Most Extreme show

WE CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF BOTH YOUR HOME INSPECTION & TERMITE REPORT WITH JUST ONE APPOINTMENT**

Termite Inspections & Wood Infestation Reports (WIRs)** - $65
Offered in conjunction with a Home Inspection ONLY

• Inspections 7 Days a Week, Valleywide
• Lockbox Access
• Online Scheduling
• 5-Day Scheduling Guarantee*
• Promise of Quality*
• All Inspectors are ASHI® Members or Candidates
• VISA & MasterCard Gladly Accepted
• Walk Through with Inspector and Ask Questions
• Get Your Termite Report** & Home Inspection with one appointment, and just one payment!
• Courteous, Knowledgeable Staff
• Highest Ethical Standards
• Latest Technology
• Full Service Inspection Company
• Family-owned and operated since 1999

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

You can even SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION ONLINE!

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

* 5-day Scheduling Guarantee means 5 business days.  All above special offers, promotions and guarantees apply in the Phoenix-metro area only, and other restrictions apply.  Call for complete details.

** Termite Inspections are scheduled by Homewerx, Inc. at the same time as your home inspection, but Termite Inspections are performed by Canyon State Termite & Pest Control LLC.  Only one appointment and one payment required!

Say hello to termite breeding season.  That's right, with the beginning of the new year we also begin the time of year where termite activity increases.  According to the US Department of Agriculture, over $750 million in damage is caused by termites each year.  That's a lot of bugs. The good news is there are some easy things homeowners can do to help avoid these costly pests.

According to the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission, the most common termite in Arizona is the subterranean termite.  Therefore, a good barrier between the ground and the wood in our homes is extremely important.  Here is a list of things that homeowners should look for (source: Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission).  Although this list is not all inclusive, it will give you a good place to start.

1. Cracks in foundation walls.  It only takes a crack 1/32 of an inch wide to give termites and other wood destroying insects hidden access to a house.
2. Leaking pipes and faucets.  Termites as well as other insects, seek out moisture for survival. Leaking pipes can keep wood and soil continually damp and create a perfect home for termites.
3. Wood debris around and under a house.  Pieces of scrap lumber or firewood kept next to a structure can support a colony of termites.
4. Sprinkler systems or bubblers placed near the outside wall of a structure.  Excessive watering can dilute pesticide treatments around foundation walls.
5. Flower planters. Planters allow hidden and direct access to unprotected siding and cracked stucco when built in direct contact with a house.
6. Trellises and wooden fences.  If a trellis or wood fence touches soil and is in contact with a structure, it provides a direct link between the subterranean termites in the soil and wood in the structure.

All of these conditions are things that termites and termite inspectors look for, and so should the homeowner.  By eliminating these conditions, you can reduce the risk of infestation.  However, it is important to remember that all homes are at risk to termite infestation, even masonry structures.  See MPEG movie of termites (Source: Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission)

If you have any concerns, be sure to call a professional to check it out before that termite takes a bite out of your house and your wallet.

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!

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!

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!

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

WE CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF BOTH YOUR HOME INSPECTION & TERMITE REPORT!**

• Inspections 7 Days a Week, Valleywide
• State Certified, ASHI® Standards
• Fully Insured Including E&O, General Liability & Workmans Comp
• Reports Can Be E-mailed
• Lockbox Access
• Online Scheduling
• 5-Day Scheduling Guarantee*
• Low Price Guarantee* 
• Promise of Quality*
• All Inspectors are ASHI® Members or Candidates
• VISA & MasterCard Gladly Accepted
• Comprehensive, Easy-to-Read Reports with Color Photos
• Walk Through with Inspector and Ask Questions
• Get Your Termite Report** & Home Inspection with one appointment, and just one payment!
• Courteous, Knowledgeable Staff
• Highest Ethical Standards
• Latest Technology
• Full Service Inspection Company
• Family-owned and operated since 1999

We offer the following services VALLEYWIDE, 7 days a week:

• Pre-Purchase Inspection
• Pre-Sale Inspection
• Arizona Disclosure Reports
• Neighborhood Environmental Reports
• Construction Inspection
• Warranty Inspection
• Home Maintenance Inspection
• Special Inspection
• Home Energy Tune-uP®
• Commercial Inspection
• Termite Inspection
• Roof Inspection
• Pool & Spa Inspection
• Sewer Inspection
• Air Duct Inspection
• Radon Testing
• Mold Testing & Indoor Air Quality
• Water Testing
• Lead-Based Paint Testing
• Expert Witness Service

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

You can even SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION ONLINE!

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

* 5-day Scheduling Guarantee means 5 business days.  All offers, promotions and guarantees available in Phoenix-metro area only, and other restrictions apply.  Call for complete details.

** Termite Inspections are scheduled by Homewerx, Inc. at the same time as your home inspection, but Termite Inspections are performed by Canyon State Termite & Pest Control LLC.  Only one appointment and one payment required!