Wildfires continue. We lack rain. Medical costs are up. Energy costs are up. The Cowboys went down. Is this really a Happy New Year?

Gosh I hope so. Last year was a roller coaster ride. Remember to take control of your own situation. Watch your costs, because others are not watching for you.

Be smart in maintaining your health, your career, your car and your home. Remember your home is the biggest investment most of us will ever make.

Home Shows are coming to town, Home Improvement shows abound all over TV. Find someone you can trust to assist you in areas you can not do yourself. Have accountability in making sure work is done properly. By having it verified. We find quality departments in every industry, striving to save the company money and make better products.

My mission this year is to get people to see their homes in the same way we see other products. Get a second opinion before you spend money. Don't just go with the cheapest product or contractor.

If we can assist you in maintaining your home, please ask us. We are here to help folks out.

Lets make is a Happy New Year, by being and spending SMART.

Question: Should I have my home inspected before I put it up for sale?

A: Thank-you so much for asking. ABSOLUTLY. When we sell our home we want to get the most for our investment. If you know know about problems, and fix them up front, we'll be pointing them out to the seller who will be asking for money off the sales price to have things fixed.

A presales inspection could be the best investment you ever make. call and ask us to check our your home. Even if you are not selling it. We call it a Home Wellness Check.

Question: My house is two years old, how can there be wood rot?

A: Everything revolves around money. Contractors cut cost by using "Contractor Grade Materials". In layman's terms that means the cheapest possible. Paint is one such product which should be considered when cutting cost. The purpose of painting wood is to seal it from moisture penetration. If it's cheap paint that looks like whitewash, it's going to last just long enough to get the work out of warranty.

Question: I'm getting a new roof, Will you inspect it?

A:You bet we will. It's important to make sure the job is being done right.

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Ask Inspector Stan

Ask questions about your home. I might answer it in the next newsletter.

Residential Inspection

Commercial Inspection

Stucco  & Moisture Intrusion

Energy Audits

Inspections are not just for buying a home.

Almost everyday we find a problem for which the homeowner says "I had that fixed back in... "

We all want to believe that when someone comes into our home to provide a service, they will do the work honestly. Many contractors do provide good services. But just like any profession there are some who like to take advantage of people.

Several things you can do to avoid problems are:

1) Check out the person before you hire them.

2) Contact the BBB to see if complaints have been filed.

3) Contact references. Don't just read the web site, or letters in a binder.

Most of all have the work verified. The photograph above is of a supply vent which should be going to the living room. The Owner purchased two HVAC units, but you can see how well they verified their work. It's obvious they did not check for proper airflow and temperature following installation.

GET A WELLNESS CHECK

Call and have us evaluate your home. We'll work with you to find solutions which you can implement. We'll look to find problems before they turn into major issues costing a lot of money.

We recently found a customer's flue vent missing on her heater, leaking carbon dioxide into the home. She was feeling ill a lot over the fall. She was lucky.

Help keep your family safe by checking product recalls and safety news from CPSC.  Recalls and Product Safety News

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School News

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ELectrical Wires ?

We found this electrical box on the exterior of a home, close to the Hot Tub!

Make sure your electrical system is safe and done by a licensed electrician.

Thermal loss costs you $$$

This image is of a cold air leak at a supply duct. This is where many of us are loosing money in our attic.

Infrared Technology is shows amazing things