Homewerx Home Inspection in Mesa, AZ

Category: Environmental Testing

  • Even a Small Plumbing Leak Can Lead to Mold

    Even a small water leak can result in a significant mold problem if left unrepaired.

    Mold caused by unrepaired water leak
    Mold on wall
    Mold on wall

    GET IT INSPECTED!!

  • Don’t Just Have a Home Inspection, Get a HomeXray!!

    Don't just have a Home Inspection, get a HomeXray!! A HomeXray is an Infrared (IR) Thermal Imaging Inspection

    What is a HomeXraySM?
    A HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM can help the Inspector "see" problems that would otherwise not be visible.Infrared (IR) thermal imaging camera used to take HomeXrays

    Why do I need a HomeXraySM?
    A HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM is an inexpensive, non-invasive and non-destructive method of finding hidden problems that would otherwise go undetected.  Often times, a HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM.  Rest assured that when you order a HomeXraySM 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 is a HomeXray of a Ceiling - Taken During a Home Inspection, Using an Infrared (IR) Thermal Imaging Camera
    This HomeXraySM of a ceiling reveals an area with no insulation.         
     

    What types of problems can a HomeXraySM reveal?
    A HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM part of a Home Inspection?
    A HomeXraySM is not included with your home inspection – it’s an additional service.  You can order a HomeXraySM by itself, or with a home inspection.  You may also choose to have a HomeXraySM of your entire house, or we can do a HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM at the same time!

    Do I get a report with my HomeXraySM?
    Yes!  The Inspector also prepares a comprehensive, typewritten report which explains the results of your HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM cost?
    The price of a HomeXraySM depends on several factors:  the size of your home, whether you want a HomeXraySM of the entire house or just a certain area, and whether you order your HomeXraySM with a home inspection or by itself.  But for a limited time, when you order a home inspection from Homewerx, you can get a HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM today!
     

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

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

    *IMPORTANT NOTE:  $149 HomeXraySM 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 HomeXraySM 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.

  • 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:

    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!

  • Air Duct Inspection (using video camera)

    An Air Duct Inspection is a visual inspection of the inside of your air ducts.  For this type of inspection, the inspector uses a specially designed video camera which can be extended up to 100 feet inside the air ducts.  The inspector and client can then view the inside of the air ducts on a small TV monitor.  This type of Air Duct Inspection is helpful in identifying conditions that affect both your cooling system’s efficiency and your family’s health.  Some conditions that can be diagnosed by an Air Duct Inspection are:

    • Dirt or mold in the air ducts
    • Dead animals, trash or other obstructions in the air ducts
    • Cracks or other openings/penetrations in the air ducts

    Cracks in the air ducts are of particular concern in homes with a sub slab return system because these types of cracks can increase the potential for high levels of radon gas.

    The cost for this type of Air Duct Inspection is:

    • $300 by itself, or
    • $200 if you get an Air Duct Inspection in conjunction with a home inspection or other service

    For an additional fee, the client may purchase a copy of the Air Duct Inspection on a VHS video tape, or on a DVD.

    …Because an Ounce of Inspection is Worth a Pound of Repair!

    Valleywide Service, 7 Days a Week!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • Arizona Water Quality Testing

    Even if you don’t drink your tap water, it’s important to know what’s in the water you use for cooking, bathing, washing clothes & dishes, etc.  Arizona is known for it’s "hard water", but your water may contain more than just minerals.  The only way to know for sure what’s in your water is to have it tested.

    Homewerx Home Inspections offers the following Water Tests:

    Water Test: Level I – $150*
    This is a Bacteria Test which includes Total Coliform & E. Coli

    Water Test: Level II – $249*
    This is a Chemical/Bacteria/Lead Test which includes:

    • Bacteria (Total Coliform & E. Coli), Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, Total Nitrate/Nitrite, PH, Iron and Turbidity

    Water Test: Level III – $299*
    This is a Complete Water Analysis which includes:

    • Alkalinity, Bacteria (Total Coliform & E. Coli), Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, Total Nitrate/Nitrite, Clarity, Chlorine, Color, Copper, Hardness, PH (Acidity) and Iron

    …Because an Ounce of Inspection is Worth a Pound of Repair!

    Valleywide Service, 7 Days a Week!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

    * NOTE: Above prices are for Water Quality Tests performed in conjunction with a home inspection or other service.  If Water Quality Test is done by itself, add $50.

  • Mold Testing & Indoor Air Quality

    More information on Mold Testing & Indoor Air Quality is coming soon!

    Until then, please call for prices, scheduling and other details!

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

  • Lead Testing: Dust, Soil & Lead-Based Paint (LBP)

    Lead can sometimes be present in paint, dust or soil.  The only way to know for sure whether or not lead is present is to test for it.  This is done by taking a sample of the paint, dust or soil and sending it to a laboratory for evaluation.  Lead-Based Paint Testing is generally performed in homes and other properties that were built prior to 1978.

    The cost of testing paint, dust or soil for lead is:

    • $200 per sample (no minimum), or
    • $150 per sample if done in conjunction with a home inspection or other service

    To identify the presence of lead in water, you will need a Water Quality Test (Level II or Level III).

    …Because an Ounce of Inspection is Worth a Pound of Repair!

    Valleywide Service, 7 Days a Week!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • EPA Says 1 in 15 U.S. Homes has Radon Problem

    Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It is created naturally by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.  Radon typically gets trapped inside your home by moving up through the ground to the air above, then into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.  Radon can also get into the home through well water.  Once inside your home, it becomes part of the air you breathe or the water you drink.  Depending on ventilation and other conditions inside your home, the radon concentration may pose a serious health risk to your family. Radon is invisible, odorless and tasteless so the only way to know your home’s radon level is to test for it.

    Most people feel safe when they are at home and don’t worry about getting radiation exposure from their house.  But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, home is where you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure because it’s where you spend most of your time.  In fact, the EPA estimates that radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.  This makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today, second only to smoking.  And if you smoke plus have high radon levels in your home, your risk of lung cancer is extra high.

    The EPA says one out of every fifteen U.S. homes has an elevated level of radon (4 pCi/L or more).  Furthermore, radon can be a problem in any home – new house or old, well-sealed or drafty, basement or no basement and regardless of the home’s geographical location.  It’s not possible to predict radon levels based on state or local radon measurements, nor can you rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood.

    If your home’s radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, the EPA recommends that steps be taken to reduce the radon level.  Radon mitigation contractors may use a variety of techniques to reduce your radon level.  Sealing cracks and other penetrations in the foundation may be part of the solution, but sealing cracks alone is not enough.  A system of vent pipes and fans may be installed in the crawl space or another location in your home, creating a "sub-slab depressurization system".  This system draws the radon gas through the vent pipes, preventing it from entering the home from below the concrete floor or outside the foundation.  Radon mitigation contractors may also use other methods depending on the design of your home and other factors.  While it sounds complicated and intrusive, these systems generally do not require major changes to your home, and repairs can usually be accomplished for around $800-$2500.  Even in homes where the radon level is less than 4 pCi/L, radon may still pose a risk and in many cases, can be reduced.

    While radon cannot be eliminated, the radon level in your home can be minimized.  Testing for radon is the first step.  The EPA recommends a radon test for anybody that is buying, selling or building a home.  The EPA also recommends testing your home after any major renovations, or if you change your living patterns (i.e. you begin occupying a basement level that was previously not used much).  You should also re-test your home after having radon mitigation features installed to be sure that radon levels have been reduced.

    A Radon Test costs:

    • $200 by itself, or
    • $150 if done in conjunction with a home inspection or other service.

    For more information or to schedule a radon test for your home, CALL HOMEWERX HOME INSPECTIONS TODAY!

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

    or you can schedule online!

    ….because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!