Home Inspections

Home inspections are an intergral part of buying and selling homes today. In Colorado, the home inspection process and related deadlines are built into the real estate purchase agreement and we strongly encourage our clients to have them done - on every home. A typical home inspection takes several hours and can cost anywhere from $300 to $500. You should end up with a written inspection report that you'll want to review. Many times home inspectors will spend time at the end of their job discussing their findings and pointing out any problem area(s) and possible solutions. Radon testing is also routinely part of this process.

What is radon? According to the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment, Radon is "an invisible, radioactive gas created from natural deposits of uranium and radium in the soil." The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that a testing level of 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L) is the maximum safe, or at least acceptable level. Radon test results are measured against that benchmark. Since it comes from the soil, radon can be found in both new and old buildings and homes, in homes with all types of foundations, and it can vary from house to house. The EPA has published information entitled "Home Buyer's and Home Seller's Guide to Radon", which further details the issue and how radon testing and mitigation work.

Home inspectors will visually evaluate major components of the home like the foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc., and report their findings in the inspection report. The main idea is to alert you to any potential problems and allow you an opportunity to address them, or at least be aware of them before closing. The process is somewhat negative by nature, i.e. looking for problems that need to be addressed, but good inspectors will also point out the positive aspects of the home. A home inspection is not an appraisal and it's not really intended to be completely exhaustive in nature; it's a process designed to allow a third party to visually inspect the property and recommend potential corrective action(s).

There are different styles of inspectors, different experience levels, certification(s), training, etc. The State of Colorado does not currently license, certify, or register home inspectors. Look for certifications like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and interview more than one inspector to find the best fit for you. Click on the icon to the left, then click on the highlighted link to watch a "Virtual Home Inspection", published by ASHI. Many inspectors in our market perform radon tests as a part of their investigation, if you authorize and pay for it.

Radon testing and mitigation are normal parts of buying and selling homes in the Boulder real estate market. Consult with your home inspector, access the resources here, or submit the form below to request more information. Our goal in any Boulder real estate transaction is to make sure you make an informed decision about your new home.