Homewerx Home Inspection in Mesa, AZ

Author: AZ Home Inspector

  • Should I attend the inspection?

    You are not required to attend your home inspection.  However, if at all possible, you should be present!  If you are not able to attend the entire inspection, you should at least try to show up at the end of the inspection.  This will allow you to meet with your Inspector and discuss his findings.  Although you will receive a detailed report, it is always easier to understand a problem if you can look at it while it is being explained.

    The inspection is also a great opportunity to become familiar with the home’s various systems, locations of shut off valves, electrical boxes, etc.

  • When Do I Request a Home Inspection?

    Home inspections are usually scheduled 3-5 days in advance, although we’re usually able to accomodate last minute emergencies.

    In Arizona, you usually have 10 days from date of contract sigining to get your inspection done and give the sellers a list of any disapproved items.  However, each contract is unique so you should always discuss the timing of your home inspection with your Real Estate Agent or attorney.

  • How long does a home inspection take?

    A home inspection usually takes 2-3 hours.  However, it all depends on the age and size of the house, as well as the home’s condition and features.  Vacant homes usually take less time to inspect than occupied homes.

  • What is ASHI®?

    ASHI® stands for American Society of Home Inspectors.  It is the most widely recognized national organization for Home Inspectors.  Prior to licensing in Arizona,  ASHI® set the standards for home inspections.  In fact, the Arizona Board of Technical Registration adopted ASHI® Standards as the state guidelines for Arizona Home Inspectors.

    An ASHI® Member must meet certain experience requirements, in addition to passing a written test.  ASHI® Members are also required to observe the ASHI® Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.  ASHI® is still the standard in most places, with or without licensing requirements.  Most Real Estate Agents won’t even use a home inspector that is not an ASHI® Member or Candidate.

  • Maintaining Your Heating System

    Now that colder weather is upon us, it is time to make sure your heating system is ready.  There are several types of heating systems available.  In the Valley, however, we mainly see gas furnaces, electric (resistance) furnaces and heat pumps.  Since it is most likely that you have one of these three types in your home, we will give you a few tips to help you maintain safe and reliable heat all winter long. 

    Gas Furnaces
    Many people prefer gas appliances to electric ones.  Gas has been proven to be an economical and reliable source of energy.  However, if these appliances are not properly maintained, gas can be deadly.  Regular maintenance is important to insure the safety of the occupants in homes with gas appliances.  Annual inspections are the best way to identify problems before they pose a safety risk.  Some gas companies will perform an annual check for gas leaks free of charge, while others will refer you to a professional who will charge a fee.  Even with regular servicing, unsafe conditions can develop at any time.  Since natural gas is colorless and odorless, the gas company has added an ingredient that smells like rotten eggs.  If you smell this odor, open the windows to prevent accumulation of gas, leave the property and call the gas company immediately.

    Unfortunately, gas leaks are not the only danger with gas appliances.  Improperly adjusted and damaged burner assemblies will produce carbon monoxide.  Regular inspections should also identify these conditions.  CO is also a colorless and odorless gas which, in large enough quantities, can cause death.  Some of the symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and drowsiness.  If your home is equipped with gas appliances, a carbon monoxide detector may help prevent a tragedy.  It is also important to change or clean the filters monthly.  This will help with indoor air quality and reduce stress on the system.

    Electric Furnaces
    Electric furnaces are more efficient than gas, however, electricity is more expensive.  This is probably the main drawback to electric heat.  Although electricity may cost more than gas, these systems are often much more efficient and economical to operate because heat is not lost up the flue.  Electric heat can also be safer.  Because no combustion is taking place, the electric furnace does not pose a risk of CO poisoning.  Regular inspections should be performed to identify possible problems.  Changing or cleaning the filters monthly will help with indoor air quality and reduce stress on the system.

    The real danger to electric heat is the space heater.  These appliances are nice because they can direct instant heat on your favorite lounge chair.  But if placed too close to furnishings like draperies, they can cause a fire.  Many units can reach temperatures as high as 400 degrees.  Most newer space heaters are equipped with a device that will turn them off if tipped over.  This feature needs to be tested regularly to insure safe operation.  If it fails, the heater should be replaced.  Many of these space heaters also pose a burn risk.  Be especially careful when using these heaters around children!  When selecting a space heater, you should choose a name brand.  Check with the Consumer Products Safety Commission for bulletins on unsafe and recalled items at www.cpsc.org. 

    Heat Pumps
    A heat pump is a system that transfers heat from one place to another.  In the summer, heat is collect from inside and deposited outside.  In the winter, heat is gathered from outside and transferred indoors.  This type of system works well in mild climates.  However, a back up system for both heating and cooling are often needed for extremely hot or cold spells.  When operating a heat pump, never change from the heating mode to the cooling mode or vice versa without shutting the system off for at least 20 to 30 minutes first.  Changing modes without letting the system equalize can cause damage to the system.  Like gas and electric furnaces, heat pump maintenance involves regular inspections and frequent changing or cleaning of the filters.

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

    Is your warranty about to expire?

    Click here for information on Warranty Inspections

  • Can I Inspect the House Myself?

    The short answer to this question is "it depends".  If you are the purchaser of the home, yes you can inspect the house yourself.  But why would you want to?  I compare it to the do-it-yourself root canal.  It is possible, but not recommended.  On the other hand, if you have a friend or relative who is "handy" and you want them to "look" at the house, it may be illegal.  Home inspections are regulated in the State of Arizona and anyone who performs one is required to be licensed. 

    A qualified licensed home inspector has been properly trained and has shown proficiency in the practice of home inspections.  They have the tools and experience to spot problems that the casual handyman will most likely miss.  Besides, the fee for an inspection is minimal when compared to the cost of a home, and one minor repair will usually cost more than a home inspection.  It is better to have an unbiased professional help you evaluate your potential purchase.  You will then be better able to make an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

  • Are Home Inspectors Licensed?

    As of 1 January 2003, Home Inspectors must be “certified” by the Arizona Board of Technical Registration in order to perform home inspections in Arizona.  Additionally, Certified Home Inspectors are required to maintain either Errors & Omissions insurance, a bond or other adequate financial assurance.  (ARS 32-122.02)

    Please be assured that all Home Inspectors employed by Homewerx Home Inspection are in compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes regarding registration and certification of Home Inspectors.  Additionally, the insurance coverage our company maintains exceeds the new minimum requirements.  You may verify Home Inspector compliance or obtain more information by contacting the Arizona Board of Technical Registration at (602) 364-4930 or by visiting their website at http://www.btr.state.az.us.

  • Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?

    There are many reasons one might need a home inspection:

    Call today!

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

    or Schedule Online!

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

  • What is a Home Inspection?

    A home inspection is a visual assessment of the readily accessible components of the house.  The items that are inspected will vary from state to state and inspector to inspector.  In states with licensing requirements, such as Arizona, the regulating authority will set the minimum standards (what must be inspected and reported on).  In non-regulated states, most good inspectors will join an industry organization and follow their standards. 

    The most well known industry organizations are the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).  However, there are several other smaller ones like the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF).  The Standards of Practice, whether created by an industry organization, the State or both, are the minimum guidelines for home inspectors.  The AZ Standards of Practice covers most of the major components of the house, and it describes what the inspector must inspect and what the inspector is not required to inspect.  If you have a specific concern about a system or component in the home you are having inspected, ask the inspector before the inspection if it is covered and to what extent.  Do not assume that something will be covered in the inspection, especially if you have concerns about it.

    Termite inspections and wood destroying insect inspections are not usually included in a home inspection.  While many home inspectors are also qualified to inspect for termites, it is usually a separate inspection and additional fee.  Some home inspection companies claim to include a termite inspection for "FREE" with each home inspection, but rest assured that nothing in life is "FREE".  Those companies usually charge about $50-$75 more for a home inspection, so the termite inspection is not really "FREE", it’s just already included in their higher than average home inspection price.

    Environmental issues such as mold, radon, lead-based paint and water quality are all outside the scope of a standard home inspection.  Sometimes these items can be evaluated by the home inspector, but they are not part of the home inspection.  Separate tests are required and additional fees will usually apply.

    As I said earlier, a home inspection is a visual assessment.  Systems will not be dismantled and no destructive testing will be performed.  Items that are concealed behind finishes, furnishings and below the ground are not considered readily accessible.  If significant deficiencies are present, further investigation by a specialist or contractor may be necessary.  A home inspection is NOT a warranty or guarantee of any type.

    If you have any questions about what is and is not covered per the state requirements, please visit the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.  Since Homewerx Home Inspections exceeds the state’s minimum standards, please give us a call or comment on this post if you have any questions about what is included in your inspection.  We’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have!

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

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

  • Mitigating High Radon Levels

    Picture of a radon mitigation system including the fan and vent pipesPicture of the venting pipes used in a radon mitigation system There are many methods that can be employed to reduce radon levels should your home test above the EPA’s action level of 4 piccocurries per liter of air (pCi/L).  Those methods can include crawl space ventilation, vapor barriers and sub-slab depressurization systems to name a few.  The method used (and the costs involved) will be determined by the radon level and the type of construction of the house.  Please remember that all houses are different and the approach used to reduce radon levels should be determined by the specific conditions of the house.

    The most common type of construction we see in the Phoenix area is slab on grade foundations.  However, some of the older homes and manufactured homes in the valley have crawl spaces.  Some slab on grade houses have the return air ducts for the HVAC system located beneath the slab floor and can be an entry point for radon.  A house with below slab return ducts will most likely require a different approach to radon mitigation then a house without these ducts.  High vacuum pressures can be generated in below slab ducts that can result in radon laden soil gasses being drawn in and circulated throughout the home by the heating and cooling system.  For more information on mitigating radon in houses with below slab ducts visit the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency.

    However, for most slab on grade homes, a soil depressurization system will be used.  This type of system consists of 4 inch piping and a ventilation fan (see pictures above).  The pipe penetrates the concrete floor and is exposed to the soil beneath the house.  A depressurization fan installed in the vent pipe creates a vacuum and draws the radon into the venting system.  This pipe is then routed above the roof line where radon gasses can be safely vented.  This type of system can be contained inside the wall structures of the house or installed on the exterior of the house.

    As with any mitigation system, it is recommended that a qualified contractor be consulted and radon testing be conducted before and after the installation of any product to insure that radon levels have been reduced.

    If you are in need of a radon test, give us a call at:

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

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