Homewerx Home Inspection in Mesa, AZ

Category: Home Inspection

  • Roof Flashings on Tile Roof are Vulnerable

    Roof flashings on a tile roof are the most vulnerable areas and are usually where leaks will develop.

    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!

  • Unprotected Wire Connections May Be Damaged

    Electrical connections should only be made inside a junction box so as to protect the connections from damage.

    This picture shows a mess of unprotected wire connections.  Electrical connections should only be made inside a junction box so as to protect the connections from damage.  Also, be sure that a cover plate is installed on the box. 

    You should not attempt to troubleshoot or repair electrical connections unless you know what you are doing.  Electricity is dangerous and can cause serious harm or even death to an amateur.  If you have any questions about your home’s electrical system, please consult a professional.

    Call for an inspection today!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • Overheated Wire at the Circuit Breaker

    Overheated electrical wiring and components are an indication of a serious electrical problem and should promptly be evaluated by a professional.

    This picture shows an overheated wire at the circuit breaker.  Overheated electrical wiring and components should promptly be evaluated by a professional.  Overheating is an indication of a serious electrical problem and may lead to a fire.

    Call for an inspection today!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • Broken Attic Truss May Be Easily Repaired

    Broken attic truss web member may be easily repaired, but ONLY by a professional!

    Broken truss members can often be easily repaired.  However, special engineering considerations are needed because trusses are structural components, commonly used in the roofing and flooring systems.  Damaged trusses should only be repaired by a professional.  Remember, trusses are sacred.

    Broken trusses are commonly found in all types of homes, including brand new homes.  However, damaged trusses and other structural problems are not easy for the average homeowner to detect.  In fact, these problems are usually only revealed during a comprehensive home inspection.

    Call for an inspection today!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • Settlement Cracks Indicate Structural Movement

    Settlement cracks, like the one in the top of this masonry arch, are an indication of structural movement.

    Settlement cracks, like the one in the top of this masonry arch, are an indication of structural movement.  Often times they are a result of normal settling and age.  However, these cracks could also be a sign of a more serious structural problem.  The only way to determine if there is an underlying structural problem is to have the cracks in your home evaluated by a professional.

    Call for an inspection today!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • Improper Plumbing to Electric Water Heater Can Be a Safety Concern

    Improper plumbing to an electric water heater can be a safety concern and should only be installed or repaired by a professional, licensed plumber.

    Water heaters are often installed by an amateur plumber, without a permit or inspection.  Improper plumbing to an electric water heater can be a safety concern and should only be installed or repaired by a professional, licensed plumber.

  • Repair Leaky Pipes to Avoid Costly Repairs

    Repair Leaky Supply & Waste Pipes Promptly to Avoid More Costly Repairs

    Leaky waste piping can lead to water damage and mold growth.  Any leak from a waste or supply pipe should be promptly repaired to avoid costly repairs.

  • Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Warning Signs

    As we get into the 100+ degree temperatures, the efficiency of your home’s cooling system becomes of the utmost importance.  Your air conditioner or heat pump is usually the most expensive appliance in your home, not only in terms of initial cost, but also when it comes to maintenance cost and energy use.

    To maintain comfort in your home and to keep your cooling unit working at peak efficiency, you should:

    • have your air conditioner or heat pump serviced annually by a qualified professional
    • change your air filters at least once per month (yes – every month!)
    • keep at least 90% of all your home’s air vents open to avoid creating a pressure imbalance
    • clean any debris or obstructions near the outdoor components of your cooling system to improve cooling efficiency

    In many cases, it makes alot of sense financially to replace an older cooling system even if it still works just fine.  This is because newer cooling units are much more energy efficient than older ones.  Therefore, the money you save in electric bills will pay for the cost of the new unit in a fairly short time.  It obviously depends on how long you plan to keep your home.  If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old and you plan to keep your home for several years, you should definitely consider a newer, more efficient cooling system.

    One or more of the warning signs below could indicate that your cooling system may soon be due for repair or replacement:

    • Your cooling system makes excessive noise
    • Your air conditioner or heat pump turns on and off frequently
    • You notice some rooms are colder than desired, or hotter than desired
    • Your electricity usage increases
    • You notice excessive dust in your home
    • Your cooling system requires frequent repair
    • Your cooling system is more than 10 years old

    Hope this information helps you and your family stay cool this summer.  Remember, if you have any type of problem in your home, Homewerx Home Inspections can help!  We do homeowner maintenance inspections and special inspections, in addition to many other services.

    Call today for more information
    or to schedule your inspection!

    Valleywide (480) 503-2611
    Toll free: 1-888-THE-WERX

  • Wildfire Season is Here – Protect Your Home

    You see it on the news.  Wildfire season is upon us.  Fires are constantly burning acreage all across the country, and Arizona is no exception.  Each summer, Arizona also sees numerous fires and hundreds of acres scorched due to our dry, desert conditions along with our extremely high temperatures and winds.  However, there are some easy steps you can take to protect your property this wildfire season:

    • Be sure that combustible materials are properly stored away from your house.
    • Be careful as you re-fuel garden equipment and routinely maintain the equipment.
    • Regularly check and maintain your irrigation system to prevent vegetation from getting dried out.
    • Immediately remove dead plants, trees, shrubbery and other debris from your yard, and yes… your roof too!
    • Never store firewood or other easily ignited items near your home.  Firewood stored near your home can also cause undesirable insect activity.
    • Regularly prune trees and trim overhanging branches.  The lowest limb should be no more than 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

    It is inevitable that wildfires will burn across Arizona this summer, like last.  However, taking a few simple steps can help protect your home and family from a wildfire.

  • Proper Drainage is Important to Your Foundation

    Buried Downspout Can Cause Foundation Problems

    Can you guess what the problem is here?  If you asked how is the water going to get out of this completely buried downspout, you’re right!  This condition is particularly bad for the foundation.