J LaRue Services for Home & Property Inspections

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

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

07/07/2025

🏗️ From 1,600 to 16,000 SqFt — Oversight That Scales With Your Project
Whether it’s a modest home or a full-scale custom build, JLS provides expert inspection services from start to finish.

✅ Foundation to final
✅ Phase inspections tailored to your build
✅ Detailed reporting and builder-ready documentation

No matter the size — I’ve got you covered.
JLS delivers premium oversight at a competitive rate.

📞 Jim LaRue – 281-831-0063
📧 [email protected]

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

06/16/2025

❄️ THE BIG CHILL IS COMING — ARE YOU READY?
🚨 Big changes are coming to residential air conditioning in 2025 — and if your AC system is 10+ years old, this affects you.

For years, most systems have used R-410A refrigerant. But starting January 1, 2025, the EPA is phasing it out due to environmental regulations.

🔄 Why It’s Changing
R-410A is a powerful greenhouse gas (GWP), and the EPA is enforcing a national refrigerant shift under the AIM Act.

Two new, more eco-friendly options are replacing it:

✅ R-32 – high efficiency, already used globally
✅ R-454B – ultra-low GWP, gaining ground in the U.S.
Both are safe when properly installed — but they are mildly flammable (A2L) and require newer systems designed for them.

🧊 What This Means for You
✔️ You can still service existing R-410A systems—for now
💵 But refrigerant and repair costs will rise
🛠️ Replacement parts will phase out over time
⚠️ If your AC is 10+ years old, plan to upgrade before demand and prices spike.

🆚 Quick Comparison
Refrigerant ✅ Pros ⚠️ Cons
R-410A Cheap, available now Being phased out
R-32 High efficiency, globally used Mildly flammable
R-454B Lowest GWP, good compatibility Limited availability
👷 Inspector's Advice
🔎 If your system is still solid, keep it maintained
⏳ If it’s over 10 years old, start budgeting
🔥 Don’t wait for it to fail mid-summer
Upgrade before the shift to control cost, timing, and options.

💬 Final Word
This isn’t about panic—it’s about smart planning. The new refrigerants are more efficient and better for the environment. A little foresight now could save you a lot later.

Need a second opinion before replacing your AC?
I don’t sell HVAC—but I do offer clear, unbiased home inspections to help you plan smart.

Jim LaRue
J LaRue Services | Houston & Surrounding Areas
📧 [email protected] · 📞 281-831-0063
🌐 www.jlarueservices.com
TREC License #8663

Read more about Jim LaRue, who performs professional home inspection services in Houston that include full certification, insurance, and more.

05/22/2025

Inspector Confession: Trust… But Verify (Especially with Kids)
🚿💦➡️😬

Got called to a home recently with a mystery leak showing up in the downstairs bedroom ceiling. Homeowner says, “It’s probably from the kids’ bathroom upstairs — but it only happened once.” Uh huh. Heard that before.

So I go upstairs. First thing I see? Swollen baseboards behind the toilet. Classic water damage. My gut says: maybe it’s tub splash. After all, the kids “only did it once,” right?

But something felt off. So I came back. Multiple trips. Thermal imaging. A scope. A flashlight. A squint. Still no busted pipe, no cracked drain. Just that nagging feeling…

Then it hit me:
It wasn’t a plumbing leak — it was a people leak.

Turns out, the kids were still getting water on the floor during showers and baths. Not a ton… just “a little,” according to them.

Now let me tell you something:
A kid’s definition of “just a little water” is like calling the Great Lakes “just a pond.” 😂

Moral of the story?
Even a small splash party — repeated over time — can soak a ceiling. So if your bath mats look like they’ve survived a tidal wave… maybe they have.

Send a message to learn more

05/04/2025

I Thought I Had to Know Everything 🧠😅

When I first started inspecting homes, I thought I had to have every single answer.
If a client asked me something, I figured I had about three seconds to respond — or I’d lose all credibility on the spot.

Part of that mindset came from the guy who trained me.
He always seemed like he had it all figured out — quick answers, confident tone, the whole deal.
Looking back now?
He was winging it more than a weather vane in a hurricane.

Fast forward a few months — I’m finally inspecting a house all by myself. Big moment. Felt like a pro. I’m rattling off answers, moving through the property like I’ve been doing this for decades.

Then the client stops me mid-sentence and says,
"Hey… I don’t mean to interrupt, but your zipper’s down."

Let me tell you — nothing knocks the “I’ve got all the answers” attitude out of you faster than realizing your barn door’s been wide open through half a walkthrough.

That moment stuck with me.
Not just because of the embarrassment (okay, maybe a little), but because it reminded me of something important:

Being a good inspector doesn’t mean pretending to be perfect — it means being real, honest, and humble enough to laugh at yourself when you need to.

These days, I don’t rush my answers — and I check my zipper twice before I walk in.

At J LaRue Services, I bring experience, professionalism — and a sense of humor — to every inspection.
If you want thorough, honest, and real, I’m your guy.

📞 281-831-0063
🌐 JLaRueServices.com
📧 [email protected]

Call now to connect with business.

05/01/2025

🏠 How Old Is That Roof? 🔍

Not sure how old the roof is on your home — or the one you're about to buy? Here are some signs your composition (asphalt shingle) roof might be nearing the end of its life:

✅ Granules missing
✅ Shingles curling, cracking, or brittle
✅ Discoloration or fading
✅ Moss or algae growth
✅ Soft spots or sagging areas

In Texas heat, even 30-year shingles can wear out in 18–25 years — or sooner. 🔥

👉 3-tab roofs? Expect 15–20 years
👉 Architectural shingles? 20–30 years
👉 Luxury shingles? 30+ — but rare

Buying or selling? I’ll help you figure it out.
Inspection includes drone imaging, thermal, and foundation scan — no extra fees.

📞 Call/Text: 281-831-0063
🌐 JLaRueServices.com
📧 [email protected]