J LaRue Services for Home & Property Inspections

09/30/2026

12/02/2025

This is too good not to pass on!

Hawaiian Pineapple Cake

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda

Full Recipe in Coʍmеոτ 💬

08/25/2025

Inspection Story of the Day:
Opened a brand-new electrical panel… and found a sticky note inside that said: “Do not touch, it works now.” 🤔

That’s not exactly the “manufacturer’s warranty” I was looking for! 😅

08/24/2025

🍂 Seasonal Homeowner Reminder – Fall & Hurricane Preparedness 🍂

As we head into fall, it’s the perfect time to step back and think about the systems that keep your home safe and comfortable. Cooler weather puts new demands on your HVAC, and storm season can put your backup power to the test. A few minutes of preparation now can save a lot of stress later.

✅ HVAC Systems:
After months of heavy summer use, your system deserves a quick check to make sure filters are clean, components are working as they should, and everything is ready for the shift to cooler temperatures. Routine attention helps extend the life of your equipment, improves efficiency, and ensures comfort when you need it most.

⚡ Generators – Whole House & Portable:
With hurricane season in full swing, this is also the time to confirm that your generator is ready to perform. Test it under load, check fuel supply, and review connections. A well-maintained generator provides the security of knowing your home and family won’t be left in the dark during an outage.

🌟 Peace of Mind:
Taking a little time now to check these systems is about more than just convenience — it’s about protecting your home, reducing unexpected breakdowns, and being prepared for whatever the season brings.

07/18/2025

Locked Out and Living the High Life (Literally)

So there I was… standing 20 stories up on a downtown Houston balcony, enjoying the view before kicking off a condo inspection. I step outside for a quick look at the skyline—thinking, “Man, what a great day!”

Then I turn back toward the sliding door… click.

Yep. Self-locking patio latch. My phone? On the kitchen counter. My gear? On the kitchen counter. My dignity? Slowly slipping away with each minute in the blazing sun.

For the next 2 ½ hours, I was the world's most well-situated prisoner—great view, zero escape plan. I waved at people below. I made friends with a pigeon. I even gave a full exterior balcony evaluation… from the outside.

Eventually, I was rescued by the world’s most confused (and entertained) realtor.

Lesson learned: always check the latch. And maybe keep snacks in your tool bag.

J LaRue Services – Inspections with experience, a sense of humor, and occasionally... altitude.

...MostDays

06/25/2025

Jim LaRue - J LaRue Services
Tankless vs. Tank: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
By Jim LaRue – Professional Inspector, TREC #8663
J LaRue Services | Houston, TX

When your water heater starts acting up, or that 15-year-old tank begins to groan, the question comes up: “Should I stick with a traditional water heater—or go tankless?”

Tankless units are marketed as sleek, space-saving, and energy-efficient. But are they really worth the higher price tag? Let’s break it down.

🔁 Tank vs. Tankless: What’s the Difference?
Tank heaters store and constantly heat 40–50 gallons of water. Tankless systems heat water on demand as it flows through.

✅ Tankless Water Heater: Pros
More energy efficient — no standby loss
Longer lifespan (15–20 years)
Endless hot water (when sized right)
Smaller footprint
⚠️ Tankless Water Heater: Cons
Higher installation cost ($2,500–$4,500+)
May require gas line or electric upgrades
Inconsistent temp if overloaded
Needs annual descaling in hard water areas
🛠 Tank Heater: Pros & Cons
Pros:

Lower upfront cost
Simpler installation
Cons:

Shorter lifespan (8–12 years)
Higher long-term energy costs
Larger size, less efficient
📈 Cost Breakdown
Tank: $1,000–$1,800 installed
Tankless: $2,500–$4,500+ installed
Tank lifespan: ~10 years
Tankless lifespan: ~20 years
🧐 Inspector’s Advice
If you plan to stay long-term and your plumbing can support it, a tankless system may pay off. But if you're on a budget or selling in a few years, a good-quality tank heater still makes sense.

Replacing your water heater? Let’s look before you leap.
I provide clear, unbiased home inspections to help you make smart upgrade decisions—no sales pitch, just fac

Send a message to learn more