Homewerx Home Inspection in Mesa, AZ

Category: Owning a Home

  • 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!

  • What Does a Home Inspection Include?

    We inspect in accordance with the Arizona BTR Standards and ASHI® Standards.  A standard home inspection includes the following:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Built-in Appliances
  • Electrical System
  • Exterior of the Home
  • Heating System
  • Insulation & Ventilation
  • Interior of the Home
  • Plumbing System
  • Pool & Spa
  • Roofing Components
  • Structural Components

    • Termite Reports & Environmental Inspections are not included in a standard home inspection, but can be done for an additional fee.

  • Pools & Spas

    Pools and spas are not part of a standard home inspection.  However, the pool and spa can be inspected for an additional fee.  A pool and/or spa inspection is a visual inspection, and includes the following components:

    • filter
    • pump
    • structure
    • above ground plumbing
    • above ground electrical
    • deck

  • How Do I Choose A Home Inspector?

    Because there are many inexperienced Home Inspectors in Arizona, choosing the right Home Inspector is essential.  Here are a few tips:

    • Ask many questions – if the person doesn’t seem to want to answer your questions, call Homewerx!  We’ll be happy to take the time to answer your questions thoroughly!
    • How long has the company been in business?  Homewerx has been proudly serving Arizona since 1999!
    • What are the Inspectors qualifications?  Homewerx only hires quality Inspectors with extensive construction backgrounds.
    • Are the company AND Inspector properly licensed?  Arizona requires both Inspectors and Inspection Firms to be registered with the Board of Technical Registration.  Homewerx meets or exceeds all state requirements.
    • Are ALL of the company’s Home Inspectors ASHI® Members or Candidates?  Homewerx requires all Inspectors to be an ASHI® Member or Candidate…no exceptions!
    • Is the company and/or Inspector adequately insured?  It is important that the company and/or Inspector has E&O Insurance, General Liability Insurance AND Workman’s Comp.  All of these insurance policies cover different situations and the company is not fully insured without all 3 types.  While a bond meets the legal requirement, good inspection companies go above and beyond.  Rest assured that Homewerx is FULLY insured for your protection.
    • Does the company and/or Inspector offer a written guarantee?  If the company does not stand behind their work, don’t hire them.  Homewerx offers several guarantees to our Clients!
    • What type of report will I get and when will I get it?  Many companies still use a checklist report and they give you a carbon copy at the end of the inspection.  Assuming you can even read the Inspector’s writing, this type of report usually gives you very little information about the property.  Some of these checklist reports do not even meet the State’s minimum reporting requirements.  At Homewerx, we provide an easy-to-read narrative report with color photos.  The report is delivered within 24 hours of the inspection (usually by email, but that is up to the Client!).

  • What is ASHI®?

    ASHI® stands for American Society of Home Inspectors.  It is the most widely recognized national organization for Home Inspectors.  Prior to licensing in Arizona,  ASHI® set the standards for home inspections.  In fact, the Arizona Board of Technical Registration adopted ASHI® Standards as the state guidelines for Arizona Home Inspectors.

    An ASHI® Member must meet certain experience requirements, in addition to passing a written test.  ASHI® Members are also required to observe the ASHI® Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.  ASHI® is still the standard in most places, with or without licensing requirements.  Most Real Estate Agents won’t even use a home inspector that is not an ASHI® Member or Candidate.

  • Maintaining Your Heating System

    Now that colder weather is upon us, it is time to make sure your heating system is ready.  There are several types of heating systems available.  In the Valley, however, we mainly see gas furnaces, electric (resistance) furnaces and heat pumps.  Since it is most likely that you have one of these three types in your home, we will give you a few tips to help you maintain safe and reliable heat all winter long. 

    Gas Furnaces
    Many people prefer gas appliances to electric ones.  Gas has been proven to be an economical and reliable source of energy.  However, if these appliances are not properly maintained, gas can be deadly.  Regular maintenance is important to insure the safety of the occupants in homes with gas appliances.  Annual inspections are the best way to identify problems before they pose a safety risk.  Some gas companies will perform an annual check for gas leaks free of charge, while others will refer you to a professional who will charge a fee.  Even with regular servicing, unsafe conditions can develop at any time.  Since natural gas is colorless and odorless, the gas company has added an ingredient that smells like rotten eggs.  If you smell this odor, open the windows to prevent accumulation of gas, leave the property and call the gas company immediately.

    Unfortunately, gas leaks are not the only danger with gas appliances.  Improperly adjusted and damaged burner assemblies will produce carbon monoxide.  Regular inspections should also identify these conditions.  CO is also a colorless and odorless gas which, in large enough quantities, can cause death.  Some of the symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and drowsiness.  If your home is equipped with gas appliances, a carbon monoxide detector may help prevent a tragedy.  It is also important to change or clean the filters monthly.  This will help with indoor air quality and reduce stress on the system.

    Electric Furnaces
    Electric furnaces are more efficient than gas, however, electricity is more expensive.  This is probably the main drawback to electric heat.  Although electricity may cost more than gas, these systems are often much more efficient and economical to operate because heat is not lost up the flue.  Electric heat can also be safer.  Because no combustion is taking place, the electric furnace does not pose a risk of CO poisoning.  Regular inspections should be performed to identify possible problems.  Changing or cleaning the filters monthly will help with indoor air quality and reduce stress on the system.

    The real danger to electric heat is the space heater.  These appliances are nice because they can direct instant heat on your favorite lounge chair.  But if placed too close to furnishings like draperies, they can cause a fire.  Many units can reach temperatures as high as 400 degrees.  Most newer space heaters are equipped with a device that will turn them off if tipped over.  This feature needs to be tested regularly to insure safe operation.  If it fails, the heater should be replaced.  Many of these space heaters also pose a burn risk.  Be especially careful when using these heaters around children!  When selecting a space heater, you should choose a name brand.  Check with the Consumer Products Safety Commission for bulletins on unsafe and recalled items at www.cpsc.org. 

    Heat Pumps
    A heat pump is a system that transfers heat from one place to another.  In the summer, heat is collect from inside and deposited outside.  In the winter, heat is gathered from outside and transferred indoors.  This type of system works well in mild climates.  However, a back up system for both heating and cooling are often needed for extremely hot or cold spells.  When operating a heat pump, never change from the heating mode to the cooling mode or vice versa without shutting the system off for at least 20 to 30 minutes first.  Changing modes without letting the system equalize can cause damage to the system.  Like gas and electric furnaces, heat pump maintenance involves regular inspections and frequent changing or cleaning of the filters.

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

    Is your warranty about to expire?

    Click here for information on Warranty Inspections

  • 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!

  • What is a Home Inspection?

    A home inspection is a visual assessment of the readily accessible components of the house.  The items that are inspected will vary from state to state and inspector to inspector.  In states with licensing requirements, such as Arizona, the regulating authority will set the minimum standards (what must be inspected and reported on).  In non-regulated states, most good inspectors will join an industry organization and follow their standards. 

    The most well known industry organizations are the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).  However, there are several other smaller ones like the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF).  The Standards of Practice, whether created by an industry organization, the State or both, are the minimum guidelines for home inspectors.  The AZ Standards of Practice covers most of the major components of the house, and it describes what the inspector must inspect and what the inspector is not required to inspect.  If you have a specific concern about a system or component in the home you are having inspected, ask the inspector before the inspection if it is covered and to what extent.  Do not assume that something will be covered in the inspection, especially if you have concerns about it.

    Termite inspections and wood destroying insect inspections are not usually included in a home inspection.  While many home inspectors are also qualified to inspect for termites, it is usually a separate inspection and additional fee.  Some home inspection companies claim to include a termite inspection for "FREE" with each home inspection, but rest assured that nothing in life is "FREE".  Those companies usually charge about $50-$75 more for a home inspection, so the termite inspection is not really "FREE", it’s just already included in their higher than average home inspection price.

    Environmental issues such as mold, radon, lead-based paint and water quality are all outside the scope of a standard home inspection.  Sometimes these items can be evaluated by the home inspector, but they are not part of the home inspection.  Separate tests are required and additional fees will usually apply.

    As I said earlier, a home inspection is a visual assessment.  Systems will not be dismantled and no destructive testing will be performed.  Items that are concealed behind finishes, furnishings and below the ground are not considered readily accessible.  If significant deficiencies are present, further investigation by a specialist or contractor may be necessary.  A home inspection is NOT a warranty or guarantee of any type.

    If you have any questions about what is and is not covered per the state requirements, please visit the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.  Since Homewerx Home Inspections exceeds the state’s minimum standards, please give us a call or comment on this post if you have any questions about what is included in your inspection.  We’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have!

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

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