Homewerx Home Inspection Blog

Ooops... Wrong House Torn Down

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.

AZ Structural Pest Control Commission Being Eliminated?

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!

City of Mesa Offers Landscape Rebate To Conserve Water

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.

Don't Just Have a Home Inspection, Get a HomeXray!!

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:

ONLY $149.00* (for homes up to 3000 square feet)
This is an introductory offer only and won't last long... so HURRY!

   

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.

Can Masonry Homes Get Termites?

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!

Swimming Pool Maintenance Takes Time & Money

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!

Inspect Your Home After Arizona Monsoons

If you have a leaky roof, you probably know about it after the last few weeks of rainstorms!  But rainy weather is a good opportunity to check more than just your roof.  For example, rainy/windy monsoon storms make it easy to tell how well your windows and doors seal up!  Rainy weather is also good time to check your lot for drainage problems.  You can easily see whether or not water is draining away from your house, and any place you notice significant water puddling may be an area where the grading needs attention.

You should also walk around the exterior of your property and look for any damage from the wind after a monsoon storm.  Pay special attention to areas where your landscaping might have been blown against your home. It would be a good idea to make sure all trees and shrubbery are trimmed away from your house before the monsoon season to prevent them from damaging the exterior of your home during windy weather.  You may notice pieces of shingles that have been torn from the rooftop and blown to the ground.  If you are extra motivated, you may want to get a ladder and look at your roof from the eave.  Be careful not to fall and don't walk on a tile roof unless you are a professional!

Your swimming pool also needs extra attention during the monsoon season.  Most pools and spas need more chemicals during the summer heat, and the windy monsoon season makes it almost impossible to keep the leaves and other debris out of the water!  Clean your pool, skimmers and filters more often, and pay closer attention to your water's chemical levels during the Arizona summer months.

These are just a few of the areas you should regularly inspect on your home.  Water damage is expensive and not much fun.  If ignored, it can even lead to mold and other problems.  Taking steps to keep your home properly maintained will be well worth the effort.

If you have any questions, or are interested in having an Annual Home Maintenance Inspection, call us today!

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

Or Schedule Online!

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

Homeowners Need Inspections Too!

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!

Broken Roof Tiles Eventually Lead to Leaks

Broken roof tiles can cause water infiltration and damage to the felt underlayment, and will eventually lead to leaks.  Therefore, homeowners should have a roof inspection annually, and any broken tiles detected should be replaced right away.  Broken roof tiles are commonly found on homes of all ages, even brand new homes.

Broken roof tiles are relatively inexpensive to replace if there are only a few.  However, you should always hire a professional both for the inspection and the repairs.  Walking on a tile roof can easily cause cracked tiles and is not recommended unless you are experienced.

Call for an inspection today!

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

Or Schedule Online!

Roof Flashings on Tile Roof are Vulnerable

This is a picture of a license plate that is being used to extend the valley flashing off the roof.  Homeowners that perform improper and amateur repairs such as this one are just asking for trouble.  Roof flashings on a tile roof are the most vulnerable areas and are usually where leaks will develop.  Problems with roof flashings are commonly found in all types of houses, even in brand new homes.

Call for an inspection today!

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

Or Schedule Online!