One of the most crucial steps in the home buying process is the home inspection.
When it comes to home inspections, there are seven key things you should have on your radar:
- Roof
- A damaged or aging roof can lead to a world of problems down the line, from leaks to structural damage. Ensure your inspector checks for:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Signs of leakage or water damage
- The overall age and expected lifespan of the roofing material
- A damaged or aging roof can lead to a world of problems down the line, from leaks to structural damage. Ensure your inspector checks for:
- Sewer Line
- A compromised sewer line is an expensive and messy problem. Your inspector should:
- Check for blockages or breaks
- Inspect the line with a camera if possible
- Determine the material of the sewer line and its expected longevity
- A compromised sewer line is an expensive and messy problem. Your inspector should:
- HVAC
- In our dynamic Colorado climate, an efficient HVAC system is non-negotiable. Ensure your system is:
- Operating efficiently and without unusual noises
- Cleaned, with filters replaced regularly
- Age-appropriate, as systems older than 10-15 years might need replacement soon
- In our dynamic Colorado climate, an efficient HVAC system is non-negotiable. Ensure your system is:
- Foundation
- The foundation is quite literally the bedrock of your home. Key things to watch for include:
- Cracks or shifts in the foundation
- Signs of water damage or seepage
- Proper drainage around the foundation to prevent water pooling
- The foundation is quite literally the bedrock of your home. Key things to watch for include:
- Major Plumbing
- Leaky faucets might be minor, but larger plumbing issues? Not so much.
- Check for signs of corrosion or leakage in main pipes
- Test water pressure throughout the home
- Ensure the water heater is functioning properly and is of appropriate capacity
- Leaky faucets might be minor, but larger plumbing issues? Not so much.
- Major Electrical
- Faulty wiring isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Your inspector should:
- Examine the electrical panel for age and capacity
- Test outlets for proper grounding
- Check for any exposed or frayed wiring
- Faulty wiring isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Your inspector should:
- Radon
- Colorado homes can sometimes have higher levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It’s crucial to:
- Test the home’s radon levels
- If they’re above safe thresholds, ensure a radon mitigation system is in place and functioning
- Colorado homes can sometimes have higher levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It’s crucial to:
Final Thoughts: As a Denver real estate agent, my goal is to ensure you’re armed with all the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your future. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of Denver real estate or negotiating the best deal, I’m here to help every step of the way. Remember, a well-conducted home inspection is not just about finding faults; it’s about securing peace of mind in your investment. Have more questions about what to expect when you’re inspecting? Shoot us a message.