Homewerx Home Inspection in Mesa, AZ

Category: Home Inspection

  • Don’t Get Squished By Your Garage Door

    One of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items in the home, and a very common safety defect, is the garage door and opener.  The garage door assembly is the largest and heaviest moving object in the home.  If it is not in good working order and properly adjusted, it can pose a serious safety risk.  There are three basic safety features on your garage door that should periodically be tested, ideally once a month.

    The first safety feature that should be checked is the safety reverse beam.  This light beam should be installed at about 6 inches from the floor, and should reverse the direction of the door when the beam is broken.  Be sure to refer to the installation instructions for proper mounting of this important safety feature.

    The second safety feature that should be checked is the auto reverse.  This feature will reverse the direction of the door should it encounter resistance while in motion (both up and down).  This can be tested by placing an object in the path of the door or holding the door while in motion.  I prefer the holding method because a faulty auto reverse can do serious damage to the door (usually the top panel will bend or crack where it attaches to the opener).  If the opener fails this test, minor adjustments to the sensitivity setting on the opener will often resolve this issue.

    The final safety feature on your garage door is the safety or counter balance spring.  This spring takes up the weight of the door and should not allow the door to fall when disconnected from the opener.  If this spring is damaged or incorrectly adjusted, the door can close with considerable force.  Serious injury or death can result if you, a child or a pet is struck by the door.  To test the spring, disconnect the door from the opener (while the door is in the closed position), open the door manually and see if it will remain balanced at the half open point.  Should your door fail this test, consult a professional to make repairs.  Counter balance springs are under tension and can cause serious injury if adjustments are attempted by an amateur.

    If you have any questions regarding the operation of your garage door, feel free to call our office at  (480) 503-2611.

  • Some Homeowner ‘Improvements’ Can Create Problems When Selling

    Several trusses were cut through to make this large hole in the garage ceiling.When this large hole in the garage ceiling was made, several trusses that hold up the roof were cut through, possibly compromising its structural integrity.

  • Air Conditioner on Brand New Home Doesn’t Work

                Brand new home's air conditioner doesn't work because the thermostat's wires were not stripped and are therefore not making proper contact! This would affect the heating operation also.                  

    Any ideas why this brand new home’s air conditioner does not work? 

    The correct answer will be posted in the ‘Comments‘ next Tuesday, February 28th!

    Be sure to check back…you can make a ‘Comment‘ below if you think you know the answer!

  • Did You Know Termites Can…

    Did you know that some queen termites can give birth every 15 seconds?*  You learn something new every day!

     

    *  Source:  Animal Planet’s Top 10 Most Extreme show

  • Bricks & Evaporative Coolers Don’t Mix!

    Evaporative cooler with bricks being used as leg stands. This is not recommended! Bricks are probably NOT the manufacturer’s recommended material for evaporative cooler stand legs!

  • Termite Inspection & Wood Infestation Report (WIR)

    WE CAN NOW TAKE CARE OF BOTH YOUR HOME INSPECTION & TERMITE REPORT WITH JUST ONE APPOINTMENT**

    Termite Inspections & Wood Infestation Reports (WIRs)** – $65
    Offered in conjunction with a Home Inspection ONLY

    • Inspections 7 Days a Week, Valleywide
    • Lockbox Access
    • Online Scheduling
    • 5-Day Scheduling Guarantee*
    • Promise of Quality*
    • All Inspectors are ASHI® Members or Candidates
    • VISA & MasterCard Gladly Accepted
    • 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

    CALL TODAY!!
    (480) 503-2611
    Toll Free 1-888-THE-WERX

    You can even SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION ONLINE!

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

    * 5-day Scheduling Guarantee means 5 business days.  All above special offers, promotions and guarantees apply in the Phoenix-metro area only, and other restrictions apply.  Call for complete details.

    ** Termite Inspections are scheduled by Homewerx, Inc. at the same time as your home inspection, but Termite Inspections are performed by Canyon State Termite & Pest Control LLC.  Only one appointment and one payment required!

  • Proper Roof Maintenance is Important

    The roof is arguably one of the most important components of any structure.  Proper installation and maintenance will keep out the sun, rain and other elements.  If neglected, it will affect every other component of your house and repairs can cost thousands of dollars.  With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few things that will help keep your roof healthy and happy for years to come!

    To begin with, there are several types of roofs and each has its pros and cons.  The most common types here in the valley are tile, asphalt shingle and built up or flat roofs.  You will also see wooden shingle or shake roofs in some custom neighborhoods.  These types of roofs are all made from different materials and have different life expectancies.  All roofs, however, need to be kept free of debris such as leaves and dirt.  Keeping your roof clean will not only make your house look better, it will allow the roofing materials to perform the way they were designed.  Annual inspections are also an important part of roof maintenance.

    Tile Roof
    Tile Roof Tile is a great material for roofs, especially here in Arizona.  However, if not installed properly, they can begin to leak after a very short period of time.  Improper installation is more common than you would think and it can allow the tiles to move out of their intended position (see picture).  This allows water to penetrate the roof.   Once a leak begins, the roof can deteriorate quickly and tiles can actually fall off the roof (very dangerous if you happen to be standing nearby when it happens).   Apart from the installation, tiles can crack easily which also allows water in.   If you don’t have a good reason, never walk on a tile roof.  In some cases, it will even void your warranty (if they can prove that you were up there).   The best preventative measure for tile roofs is to look for cracked tiles and tiles that have shifted out of position, then call a professional, your homebuilder or warranty company.  Average life expectancy is approximately 50 years, depending on maintenance.

    Asphalt Shingle Roof
    Asphalt Shingle Roof Asphalt roofs can be found all over the country and perform well in most climates.  The main enemy to asphalt roofs here in Arizona is the sun.  The intense heat and ultra violet rays will deteriorate the shingles and shorten their life span.  If the shingles become brittle, they can easily be damaged by wind.  Inspect the roof after monsoon storms for missing or damaged shingles.  If your roof is over 15 years old, a higher level of maintenance may be required.  Asphalt shingles come in different qualities (i.e. 20 year shingles, 30 year shingles, etc.)  Keep in mind that here in Arizona, they actually last fewer years than the stated life expectancy due to the intense sun.

    Built Up or Flat Roof
    Built Up or Flat Roof A flat roof is not truly flat and installation is key.  If water does not drain off the roof properly, it will pond.   This sitting water will ruin a flat roof quickly.  If ponding does occur, steps should be taken to redirect the water off the roof and away from the house.  This expense is far less than replacing the entire roof.  If a leak occurs, it may be very hard to detect precisely where it is coming from which can add to the cost of repairs.  Prevention is the approach that should be taken when maintaining a flat roof.  These roofs should last for the life of the structure provided they are resealed every 3-5 years.

    Wooden Shingle or Shake Roof
    Wooden Shingle or Shake Roof Wooden roofs can be some of the prettiest roofs and should last 40 to 60 years if properly maintained.  One of the best ways to keep a wooden roof in peak condition is to apply a wood sealer every 5 years or so.  This will help keep the shingles clean and protect them from water damage and other elements.  Wooden roofs, like tile, can be easily damaged by walking on them so stay off unless you have a real good reason.  Annual inspections are important; things to look for include curling, cracked or broken shingles and shingles that have been moved out of place.

    Nothing will completely eliminate the possibility of a roof leak.  However, following a few simple rules along with a little preventative maintenance can help reduce the risk.  And catching problems early will greatly reduce your costs when problems do arise!

    Remember:  If you have any questions or concerns, call a Home Inspector!

    Is your warranty about to expire?

    Click here for information on Warranty Inspections

  • Say Hello to Termite Season

    Say hello to termite breeding season.  That’s right, with the beginning of the new year we also begin the time of year where termite activity increases.  According to the US Department of Agriculture, over $750 million in damage is caused by termites each year.  That’s a lot of bugs. The good news is there are some easy things homeowners can do to help avoid these costly pests.

    According to the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission, the most common termite in Arizona is the subterranean termite.  Therefore, a good barrier between the ground and the wood in our homes is extremely important.  Here is a list of things that homeowners should look for (source: Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission).  Although this list is not all inclusive, it will give you a good place to start.

    1. Cracks in foundation walls.  It only takes a crack 1/32 of an inch wide to give termites and other wood destroying insects hidden access to a house.
    2. Leaking pipes and faucets.  Termites as well as other insects, seek out moisture for survival. Leaking pipes can keep wood and soil continually damp and create a perfect home for termites.
    3. Wood debris around and under a house.  Pieces of scrap lumber or firewood kept next to a structure can support a colony of termites.
    4. Sprinkler systems or bubblers placed near the outside wall of a structure.  Excessive watering can dilute pesticide treatments around foundation walls.
    5. Flower planters. Planters allow hidden and direct access to unprotected siding and cracked stucco when built in direct contact with a house.
    6. Trellises and wooden fences.  If a trellis or wood fence touches soil and is in contact with a structure, it provides a direct link between the subterranean termites in the soil and wood in the structure.

    All of these conditions are things that termites and termite inspectors look for, and so should the homeowner.  By eliminating these conditions, you can reduce the risk of infestation.  However, it is important to remember that all homes are at risk to termite infestation, even masonry structures.  See MPEG movie of termites (Source: Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission)

    If you have any concerns, be sure to call a professional to check it out before that termite takes a bite out of your house and your wallet.

  • Construction Flaws Eventually Lead to Roof Failure

    What can you do with the equity in your home?  Re-model the kitchen or bathroom?  Re-surface the pool and add a rock water fall and BBQ?  Or, remove the tiles on the roof, replace the felt paper and batons completely, and add the flashings that the original roofer failed to install which is why you had to jimmy rig three five gallon buckets in the attic to catch the rain water that is entering between the sheathing and staining the kitchen and living room ceilings.  Breathe…….Unfortunately this happened.

    The original homeowners purchased this home new, ten short years ago and now have to replace most or all of the underlayment on their roof.  The roof had several construction flaws that led to its failure (see pictures below).  Most of these flaws allowed storm water to get under the tiles and onto the felt paper.  As water runs under the tiles, it runs into thin wood pieces called batons.  These batons are what the tiles are nailed to and run horizontally across the span of the roof with gaps every few feet to allow water to slip between, should any water enter.  The batons expel the water horizontally which affects additional material and instead of a small area between the leak and the bottom of the roof, you now have a large area that can be affected by one small leak.  So instead of paying off the car and taking a cruise through the Caribbean, the homeowner is going to spend thousands of dollars and their home will look just as it did ten years ago.

    This is just another example of why it’s so important to have a Construction Inspection!  We will inspect your new home as it’s being built and after it’s complete, helping to eliminate hidden surprises like the one described above.  A Warranty Inspection can also help to find problems before your new home warranty expires.

    Roof Problems Caused By Construction Flaws

    Homewerx offers several different types of inspections to help buyers, sellers and homeowners.  Call to schedule your home inspection today!

    (480) 503-2611

    or 1-888-THE-WERX

    …or schedule online!

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

  • Plumbing System Maintenance

    It is important for every one in the family to become familiar with the different controls that operate your home’s plumbing system.  In the event of a major plumbing leak, knowing the location and proper operation of these controls may save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damage to your home and personal property.  The following are a few suggestions on how to prevent damage to these systems and reduce the costs involved should a leak occur. 
       
    1.   Know the location of the main water valve. 
    This valve controls the supply of water to the entire house.  It is usually located near the front of the house under the hose bib.  This valve should be operated at least once a year to prevent the valve from getting clogged or stuck from mineral deposits.  Mineral build up can make the valve difficult to turn and in severe cases, the handle can break off and/or leak.  If this happens, the valve would need to be replaced.  This situation can occur even in homes with water conditioning systems because this valve is located between the city/well and the water-conditioning unit.
       
    2.   Know the location of the isolation valves.
    Isolation valves are located between the main valve and various plumbing fixtures.  For example, under the kitchen sink there are two isolation valves; one for the hot and one for the cold water supply line to the faucet.  These valves also need to be operated once a year to insure proper operation.  Isolation valves are often low quality and can break easily, so care should be taken when opening or closing a valve that has not been operated in a several years.

    3.   Properly maintain drain pipes.
    There are many ways to keep your drains open and working properly.  The best way is to be conscious of what you put into your drain.  Never pour hot grease or other things that tend to solidify at room temperature down your drain.  Harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided because they are rarely effective in cleaning your pipes and pose a hazard if and when repairs are made.  They can also damage the surface of many pipes and plumbing fixtures.  A few pots of boiling water down the drain every month will help protect the environment and work just as well. 

    4.  Replace washing machine hoses.
    It is wise to replace the hoses to the washing machine every 3 to 5 years.  This is an often neglected and weak link in the plumbing system.  The constant pressure on these rubber hoses will eventually cause them to burst.  If this should happen while at work or even worse when your out of town, the expense could be enormous.  It only takes a few minutes and for under $15, is worth every penny.

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