Category: Owning a Home

  • Inspect Your Home After Arizona Monsoons

    Mesa, AZ sky just before a monsoon storm. If you have a leaky roof, you probably know about it after the last few weeks of rainstorms!  But rainy weather is a good opportunity to check more than just your roof.  For example, rainy/windy monsoon storms make it easy to tell how well your windows and doors seal up!  Rainy weather is also good time to check your lot for drainage problems.  You can easily see whether or not water is draining away from your house, and any place you notice significant water puddling may be an area where the grading needs attention.

    You should also walk around the exterior of your property and look for any damage Stormy Arizona sky during monsoon season. from the wind after a monsoon storm.  Pay special attention to areas where your landscaping might have been blown against your home. It would be a good idea to make sure all trees and shrubbery are trimmed away from your house before the monsoon season to prevent them from damaging the exterior of your home during windy weather.  You may notice pieces of shingles that have been torn from the rooftop and blown to the ground.  If you are extra motivated, you may want to get a ladder and look at your roof from the eave.  Be careful not to fall and don’t walk on a tile roof unless you are a professional!

    Nice clean swimming pool water before an Arizona monsoon storm. Your swimming pool also needs extra attention during the monsoon season.  Most pools and spas need more chemicals during the summer heat, and the windy monsoon season makes it almost impossible to keep the leaves and other debris out of the water!  Clean your pool, skimmers and filters more often, and pay closer attention to your water’s chemical levels during the Arizona summer months.

    These are just a few of the areas you should regularly inspect on your home.  Water damage is expensive and not much fun.  If ignored, it can even lead to mold and other problems.  Taking steps to keep your home properly maintained will be well worth the effort.

    If you have any questions, or are interested in having an Annual Home Maintenance Inspection, call us today!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

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

  • 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!

  • Broken Roof Tiles Eventually Lead to Leaks

    Broken roof tiles can cause water infiltration and damage to the felt underlayment, and will eventually lead to leaks.

    Broken roof tiles can cause water infiltration and damage to the felt underlayment, and will eventually lead to leaks.  Therefore, homeowners should have a roof inspection annually, and any broken tiles detected should be replaced right away.  Broken roof tiles are commonly found on homes of all ages, even brand new homes.

    Broken roof tiles are relatively inexpensive to replace if there are only a few.  However, you should always hire a professional both for the inspection and the repairs.  Walking on a tile roof can easily cause cracked tiles and is not recommended unless you are experienced.

    Call for an inspection today!

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

    Or Schedule Online!

  • 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.