Category: Air Conditioning

  • Home Heating Prices Increase Significantly

    Home heating costs are expected to be significantly higher this winter due to recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, as well as other factors.  The prices of natural gas, heating oil and propane are all expected to rise, with natural gas increasing approximately 41% over last winter’s prices.  Heating oil is expected to be about 27% more expensive this winter, and propane is expected to cost in excess of 20% more than last winter.  In dollars and cents, this means the average U.S. family can expect heating bills to cost over $300 more this winter than last.  Once we get through the cold weather, those of us that live in Arizona will be rewarded with yet more high utility bills this summer!

    But help is on the way!  Homewerx Home Inspections is now offering a new service that can help homeowners keep those electric and gas bills affordable.  It’s called a Home Energy Tune-uP and it’s easy and inexpensive to have done.  Our Certified Home Inspector will collect certain data throughout your home such as information about your windows, doors, insulation, heating and cooling units, etc.  The Inspector examines and measures all energy related parts of the house, and then uses the data to prepare a report describing what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home.  For each energy-saving recommendation, your report will estimate the cost and potential savings.

    Anyone who plans to live in their home for more than a few years should consider having a Home Energy Tune-uP.  It can easily pay for itself by reducing your utility bills, and we should all do our part to conserve energy!

    For more information or to schedule a Home Energy Tune-uP, call Homewerx Home Inspections today.  The sooner you call, the sooner you can start saving energy and money!

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

  • Warranty Inspection Makes Good Sense

    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!

  • No Brainer Energy Tips – Light Bulbs

    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.

  • Special Inspections – for Homeowners

    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.

    Picture of a rotted wall caused by a simple leak that was ignored when it could have been fixed for a few dollars.

    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!

  • Expert Witness Services

    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

  • Construction Inspections – for New Home Buyers

    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

  • Home Maintenance Inspections are Important

    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!

  • Ask the Home Inspector

    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!

    Click here to visit Scott Hubbard's Home Page Scott Hubbard
    Certified Home Inspector, ASHI Member
    Homewerx Home Inspections
    Office: (480) 503-2611
    Toll Free: 1-888-THE-WERX
    Email me
  • Homewerx At a Glance – Home Inspections, Termite Reports**, Environmental Testing & More!

    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
    • 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:

    (480) 503-2611

    You can even SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION ONLINE!

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

              

    * All offers, promotions and guarantees available in Phoenix-metro area only, and other restrictions apply.  Call for complete details.

    ** Termite Inspections are performed by Homewerx, Inc., by the same inspector and at the same time as your home inspection. OPM Firm# 8800  Only one appointment and one payment required!