Whether you are preparing to buy or sell Fort Collins real estate, a home inspection is invaluable.
A report from a standard home inspector includes an objective review of the home’s condition–its heating and air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems, and a review of the structural components from roof to the foundation and everything in between, including walls, ceilings, floors, window, doors, visible insulation, basement, attic, and anything else considered “structural.”
- For the home seller, a home inspection identifies any problems and gives you the opportunity to make any particular repairs that will make the home a more attractive offer on the market.
- For the homebuyer, a home inspection helps you learn as much as possible about your possible new home. It might identify the need for major repairs, upcoming maintenance or, if it’s a new home, any builder oversights. No matter what, it gives you a good overview of the home’s physical condition and allows you to move forward with any decisions.
*In addition to the standard home inspection, you may wish to consider a specialty inspection depending upon the home’s age, location, and unique property features. Below is a list of specialty inspections that you may choose to have done.
What Are Specialty Home Inspections?
Termite inspection. Termites–those tiny, destructive wood-destroying organisms can cause untold damage to your home unless they are caught in time. A termite inspection, which may be a condition for sale, focuses on infestations, wood rot, and other conditions.
Swimming pool/Jacuzzi inspection. For this inspection, use a pool specialist who specializes in real estate-related inspections. The final report should include a detailed report about your pool’s condition and an action plan that addresses any problems such as racks, faulty equipment, or other safety issues.
Chimney inspection. If your home has a fireplace, a chimney inspection should be conducted regularly, whether as part of the home inspection or a separate specialty inspection. Depending on use and age, a chimney may have hidden cracks, construction defects or other problems due to earthquakes or settling.
Septic inspection. If you are considering buying or selling a home with a private septic system, a professional septic system inspection is a very good idea. Leakage, odors, and stone discoloration are all signs of concerns. It’s also important to consider the age of the septic system, how often it has been pumped, and how much water the current occupants use versus future occupants. A family of two probably uses less water than a family of five, and the amount of water flow helps determine how often the septic system should be pumped.
Lead inspection. If the home was built before 1978, I recommend a lead inspection. Until 1978, there was no regulation on the amount of lead used in paint for residential use. A lead inspection would include a review of interior and exterior painted surfaces ranging from walls, ceilings and chair rails to porches, siding, and gutters.
Asbestos inspection. Before the 1970s, it was not unusual for many building products to contain asbestos particularly to improve fire resistance and heating insulation. There is an increased health risk if asbestos fibers are released into the environment so it’s important to know if the home has asbestos and what condition it is in. As always, a professional should do any inspection and necessary repair work, and I can connect you to reputable inspectors.
Radon inspection. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in water, rocks, and soil, usually moving up through the ground into the air above. It can enter your home through cracks or holes in the foundation or even via well water. Any home can have a radon problem and the problem can vary from house to house; a neighbor’s home may have more or less radon than yours. A radon inspection will indicate the level of radon in the home and if it poses a health hazard.
Inspect Your Most Valuable Asset
Protect yourself and your largest investment. Specialty inspections, whether for a real estate transaction or your own ongoing home maintenance program can save your life, not to mention your wallet, by identifying any problems or concerns.
About the author: This post was provided by Allison Klein. Allison has been helping buyers and sellers in the Windsor Colorado real estate market for many years. Please visit her website to get the latest news on Windsor as well as the Loveland Colorado real estate market on her blog.
