Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado landlords and property managers will face some important changes regarding security deposits, thanks to the passage of HB25-1249. Think of it as a little “housekeeping upgrade” for landlords. The goal is to make expectations clearer and help everyone play by the same rules. Here’s what you need to know.

Redefining Normal Wear and Tear

One of the biggest changes is a new, clearer definition of “normal wear and tear.” Under HB25-1249, this refers to the natural deterioration, minor damage, or everyday uncleanliness that happens with typical use without negligence, abuse, or carelessness.

This means landlords can no longer automatically deduct for things like minor scuffs, fading paint, or the everyday flattening of carpet fibers. Picture it like walking across a brand-new carpet in socks. Some wear is inevitable and expected. However, if a unit is left substantially dirtier than at move-in, landlords can still account for cleaning costs.

This clarification benefits both tenants and landlords, setting reasonable expectations. It also highlights the importance of accurate move-in inspections. Documenting the initial condition of the property is like creating a “snapshot in time” that protects landlords if disputes arise over what counts as excessive damage.

Carpet and Paint Rules

HB25-1249 also sets limits on charging for carpet and paint. Landlords can’t charge for full replacement or repainting if damage is confined to just part of a unit. Carpets older than ten years can’t be charged for at all, regardless of damage. Paint charges are allowed only for substantial damage.

For Denver rental properties, this makes documenting carpet age, paint condition, and any localized damage essential. Think of it as keeping a little visual diary of the property. It’s much easier to prove the facts later than rely on memory alone. Detailed move-in inspections and photos provide a solid foundation for any necessary deductions.

Security Deposit Documentation and Returns

The law also expands documentation requirements and timelines for returning security deposits. Landlords must provide a written statement detailing exactly why any portion of a deposit is being withheld. Supporting evidence such as photos, receipts, invoices, or inspection reports should accompany the statement or be provided within 14 days if requested.

If landlords fail to meet these requirements, or act in bad faith, they risk losing the right to keep any portion of the deposit. “Bad faith” includes things like overcharging more than 125% of actual damages, billing for preexisting issues, or withholding deposits for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

For Denver landlords, organized records are no longer optional. They’re a must. Clear, timely documentation can prevent disputes from spiraling into costly headaches and ensures deposits are returned fairly.

Pre-Move-Out Inspections

Another big change is that tenants can now request a pre-move-out inspection. Landlords must offer the inspection at a mutually convenient time, either in person or via a virtual walkthrough, after tenants have removed furnishings.

These inspections are like a sneak peek at the house before the final curtain call. They give landlords a chance to spot damages beyond normal wear and tear, and they give tenants a chance to fix minor issues before move-out. Agents representing investors can highlight the value of this process: it reduces surprises and strengthens tenant relationships.

Security Deposits and Special Circumstances

The law also considers unique situations. For example, tenants who are survivors of domestic violence may terminate a lease early without being held responsible for damage caused by the perpetrator. Any economic impact to the landlord is capped at one month’s rent, provided proper documentation is shared.

Additionally, if a refund check is returned after being sent to the tenant’s last-known address, the landlord must hold it for at least one year and disburse it within fifteen days upon request. These rules emphasize fairness and transparency. 

Preparing for Compliance in 2026

For real estate investors and landlords in Denver, preparing for these changes now is crucial. Here are some proactive steps:

• Conduct thorough move-in inspections with detailed reports and photos.
• Schedule pre-move-out inspections when requested by tenants.
• Keep organized documentation of repairs, receipts, and invoices.
• Update lease agreements to reflect allowable deductions and inspection procedures.

Taking these steps does more than ensure compliance with HB25-1249. It can reduce disputes, safeguard investment properties, and keep tenants and landlords on the same page. Agents can use this information to educate clients and help make transitions smoother, all while keeping the process as painless as possible. 

When you’re considering purchasing a new home, a thorough home inspection is a crucial step to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Choosing Scott Home Services means you can expect a full examination of all the major systems of the home – both inside and out. This even includes a variety of household appliances. As a prospective home buyer or agent, it’s a good idea to know the full scope of an inspection service before booking it. When inspecting appliances, what will your home inspector look at and test, and what falls outside the scope of their assessment? Let’s dive into this topic, and discuss what you can expect with a Scott Home Services inspection.

Inspecting Appliances: What Do We Inspect?

During a standard inspection, our inspectors test all permanent appliances in the home. This essentially includes all the basic appliances found in most modern homes including:

• Dishwasher
• Stove/Oven
• Range Hood
• Garbage Disposal
• Microwave
• Refrigerator/Freezer
• Washing Machine/Dryer
• Additional Custom Built-in Appliances

The the inspector will operate the units on their standard settings to check for proper functionality. This approach is based largely on the The Standard of Practice for Home Inspections and the Code of Ethics for the Home Inspection Profession, established by ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and widely accepted as an industry guideline. 

It’s important to note that, while Scott Home Services includes refrigerators, clothes washing machines and dryers, the ASHI Standard of Practice in section 10.1.F does not explicitly list these as required appliances to inspect.

However, section 2.3 of the ASHI standard also states that “it is not intended to limit the inspector from including other services or systems and components in addition to those required.” Therefore, individual inspectors or inspection companies may choose to include additional appliances in their standard inspections.

What Aspects of Appliances Do We Inspect?

So now you know what appliances we inspect. But now the question is how do we inspect them? When inspecting appliances, our primary focus is, of course, whether they turn on and perform their basic functions. Additionally, our inspectors will perform certain visual assessments.

Dishwashers – The inspector will run the appliance on a short cycle, when possible. If there is any evidence of damage, rust, loose fixtures etc. it will surely be noted on the report. We always pay close attention for any apparent leaking during the cycle. In addition, the dishwasher discharge hose should also be looped and elevated above the disposal entry point (as shown below) to prevent liquid and debris from dumping back into the dishwasher.

Oven and Stovetop burners – Both the oven and stove will be operated to make sure they are functioning properly and reaching satisfactory temperatures. The inspector will take note of any apparent damage/defects, or cosmetic items – such as if the oven needs cleaning or if the oven light bulb needs to be replaced. If the oven/stove appears to be noticeably old, your inspector may recommend a replacement.

Note: We are unable to test induction stovetops, as they require induction cookware, and our inspectors do not use cookware.

Range Hood – On rare occasions, a kitchen might not have any sort of range hood or exhaust system. And while it is not technically mandated by code, it is certainly still a good idea to have some type of kitchen ventilation. In these cases, our inspectors will make note of it, and recommend installing a ventilation system. If an exhaust system is present, the inspector will be sure to run it.

Any visible issues, such as uncleanliness, missing filters, or damage will be noted on the report. If you have a gas range, the exhaust should be vented to the exterior for safety purposes (even though this is not a code requirement). Your inspector will make note if the exterior venting is not present with a gas range.

Garbage Disposal –  This one is fairly straight forward. We will make sure the garbage disposal turns on and operates properly without any damage or leaks. One important thing to check for is the proper bushing, or clamp, for the electrical wiring. This is important because it protects the electrical cord from damage caused by vibration, sharp edges, and movement.

Microwave – The inspector will run the microwave to test that its operating properly, taking note of any defects, as necessary.

Refrigerator/Freezer – Your inspector will make sure that the fridge and freezer are operational and cooling properly. Also, if there is a water and ice dispenser, they will test this for functionality.

Washing Machine/Dryer – Similar to the dishwasher, the inspector will run a brief cycle on the clothes washer and dryer (unless there are clothes inside either appliance). The inspector will check to make sure the dryer is actually heating up, that the washer is draining properly, and that there are no leaks after the cycle.

Additional Custom Built-in Appliances – There are certain less common built-in appliances that our inspectors will simply turn on and/or quickly check for functionality and condition. Items such as trash compactors, stand-alone ice makers, wine fridges or instant hot water dispensers all fall under this category.

What is Outside the Scope of Appliance Inspections

It’s crucial to understand that home inspectors perform a visual and operational check only; they do not conduct in-depth technical evaluations or repairs. While we can run short cycles and look for obvious problems, this is not a complete and total evaluation of any appliance.

Appliances have a shorter lifespan than almost any component in a home and most mechanical and electrical functionality is all hidden. This makes inspecting them a challenge. However, a limited inspection to verify correct installation and operation can catch a lot of defects if you know what you are looking for. 

There are certain aspects of appliances that typically fall outside the scope of a standard home inspection, as outlined in section 13 of the ASHI Standard of Practice. Some of the items Scott Home Services inspectors do not examine are as follows:

Dismantle system and components – It is out of the inspector’s scope to take apart or disassemble any aspect of the appliances. This type of evaluation should be performed by a specialist.

Moving Appliances – Our inspectors do not not move any appliance for any reason.

Is having a home inspection worth it? This is a common question some buyers might ask themselves before ordering an inspection on the home they are planning to purchase.

Realtors almost always recommend home inspections, but is that just because it is a common practice? Or is it a legitimate negotiation tool? And, do Realtors need the inspection report to request the seller to make corrections to the home?

Some buyers are more construction-savvy than others, where minor defects to the home do not worry them. Other buyers, however, may just want the peace of mind that a detailed home inspection can bring.

At Scott Home Inspection, we see the value of a home inspection firsthand every day at our inspections, and the value it brings to our clients. However, you shouldn’t just take our word for it.  Let’s look at the data.

In a world of data-driven technologies and buyer-informed decision making, we decided to crunch the numbers and share them with you.

So, is a home inspection worth it? Can you hope to recoup the cost of the inspection in avoiding costly repairs?  Let’s find out for ourselves.

How to determine if a home inspection is really worth it.

So how do we evaluate this? As a long time Home Inspection company, we have access to the reports of the thousands of inspections we have performed, and can run back through the final recommendations of randomly chosen inspections.

For each inspection, we will collect the following information:

1. Cost of the inspection (You can see our prices here.).
2. Age of home.
3. The estimated cost of repair recommendations included in the report that needed immediate action.
4. The average cost of the biggest repair item.

For each inspection, we will NOT collect the following information, due to privacy and limitations:

1. Address or homeowner information.
2. Add-On service data. (We will include extra services into repair cost and total inspection price.)
3. Specific repair recommendations.

By doing this, we can take the raw data of the average cost of the inspection, and compare it to the average cost of the recommended repair items.

This study does assume a few things:

First, it assumes that the buyer of the home attempted and was successful in negotiating some or all of the bigger items addressed in the report. This should be a safe assumption because this is typically the main point of a home inspection.

Second, it assumes the repair cost of these items. We will use local averages to compare, but some items may cost more or less than the numbers we use. We also assume that a qualified contractor is performing the repair, which will typically cost more than doing it yourself.

Third, this uses our inspection pricing. Inspection pricing can vary depending on the company. We believe our pricing is fair and competitive, but other companies’ fees may be different.

Last, if there was an item that was called out for further evaluation, like structural issues, EIFS siding, or asbestos, we only added the cost of evaluating the issue, and not the cost of remediation. That way if it didn’t end up needing repair, we did not inflate the repair cost in the study.

Sample size:

To get an accurate result, we will choose 50 homes that we inspected within the last year. This will give us up-to-date information that reflects our most recent pricing at the time this article was written.

Once again, these homes will be randomly selected, and reports from all of our home inspectors will be used.

We believe that by using these rules, we can find a fair and data-driven answer to the age-old question.

Is a home inspection worth it?

How the data was compiled.

One home inspection report was randomly chosen each week for the last 50 weeks.

We created a spreadsheet with all the inspections from the last 12 months and randomly clicked on one inspection within the weekly range.

From there, those 50 homes were consolidated to include inspection cost, age of home, repair total cost, most expensive single repair, and biggest repair category. This allowed us to easily evaluate the data.

Total Cost: As stated above, the total cost of the inspection includes all add-on services. This includes services like radon testing, sewer scope testing, mold testing and so on.

Age of home: The age of the home was recorded so we could analyze the value of inspecting a newer home versus an older home. While it’s typical for newer homes to have fewer issues than older homes, we would still like to know if the repair items exceeded the inspection cost.

Total Repair Cost: The total repair cost was found by going through each report section by section and assigning to each of the actionable defects a repair value. This was the estimated cost of repairing that specific item.

The items were filtered by urgency. In our reports, we combine issues into 3 categories: Maintenance items, Repair Items, and Immediate Action Items.

For this study, we only evaluated immediate action items and repair items. Of these recommendations, we only added a repair value if the repair should be made before the transaction.

You can see in the report example below that out of the 26 issues found within the home, we only considered 12 of them.

This includes items such as safety concerns, electrical issues, plumbing and leaks, major siding and landscaping repairs, roofing repairs/replacements, sewer repairs, radon system installations and repairs, appliance replacements/repairs, and moisture concerns.

This does not include cosmetic items, issues that do not need immediate repair, general landscaping, minor handy-man style repairs, areas to monitor, major systems that are still in use but reaching the end of life, and any other items marked as general maintenance within the report.

Out of the 3 comments below, only the first one would be added into the repair total. It was marked as a repair item, AND the defect calls for repair or replacement at this time.

How the prices were found: We used online sources and internal knowledge bases to find the average repair costs of each repair items. Because most of these sources give you a range, and every repair varies depending on the contractor and the severity of the issue, we typically used a number closer to the lower end of the range.

We tried to use unbiased discretion where possible to ensure we came up with accurate results. It should also be stated that some of the online sources we used may not be correct for our area, but we used Colorado numbers where possible.

While we were adding the total repairs together, we would keep track of the largest costs for each inspection and include the category. This is helpful to show how much of the total was due to one big repair item.

The results! Are Home Inspections Really Worth It?

Coming from a home inspection company… YES!

…but let’s actually look at the data.

Average Home Inspection Cost: $662.76

The average cost of one of our home inspections including the add-on inspections that were ordered is $663. This price changes in the data for each house because our home inspection fee varies by the square footage of the home. You can learn more about our home inspection fees here.

Average Age Of The Home: 32

The average age of the homes we looked at was 32 years old. This is pretty typical of Colorado. The state has a large base of newer homes and mid-century homes. There was only one home older than 100 years, and only a handful of homes less than 3 years old. However, there was a house built in every decade between 1920-2019 (excluding the 1930s, as almost nobody was building houses during the great depression.)

Average Repair Cost Per Inspection: $4,120.41

Yeah, that’s a pretty big number! It might make you think that every house has thousands of dollars worth of problems, but that is not necessarily the case. In fact, if you throw out the 3 houses with more major problems, that number drops all the way down to $3200.

However, as we said earlier, this number is the sum of items that should be repaired now or very soon. That means you can use these to negotiate the price of the home or have them addressed by the seller before you take possession of the house.

So one claim we can make from this comparison is that generally speaking, the average repair costs found during an inspection is greater than the average home inspection costs. This means if negotiations and repairs go according to plan, you are actually saving money in the long run by having an inspection performed on a home you are buying.

This is definitely a blanket statement based on averages, but the odds are that your outcome will be similar. Out of the 50 houses sampled, 7 of the inspections had repair items that did not total to as much as the inspection cost.

While you could look at this as a loss, you could also say that the peace of mind knowing that your future home is in great condition is invaluable. Also, while the repair item total did not exceed the cost of the inspection, in most cases, it came pretty close. So after negotiation, there is a good chance most of the inspection costs will be covered.

Also, if your inspection report only has a few immediate repair items on it, that gives you more liberty to ask the seller to correct some of the smaller/maintenance items that were not included in our repair total.

So Is A Home Inspection Worth It?

   Takeaways:

• 43 out of 50 homes’ immediate repair item total cost exceeded the inspection cost.
• This is without including cosmetic/maintenance issues found which could add to cost.
• Only 7 homes had repair items less than the inspection cost.
• Of those 7 homes, all had repair costs over 50% of the inspection cost.
• All repairs result in a better home.

Age and Inspection Repair Totals:

You may look at the above table where the defect total was lower and say, “Hey! Those were all newer homes. Maybe I don’t need a home inspection on a newer home.”

While this is a trend we see as well, that might not be the whole story. However, based on the graph below, older homes certainly have a higher total repair cost than newer homes.

While this is a smaller data set, you can still see the trend occurring. I will say, as an inspector, this is true, but we also didn’t get any homes in our data sample that were very old but fully remodeled at one point. I would say this is fairly common as well, and these homes tend to have a lower repair total as well.

But let’s visualize the data in a different way.

Here you see the trend, too, but the interesting thing is that even houses built in the last 15 years  have a repair cost average higher than the inspection cost. So while the chances of finding a bunch of repair items are lower (which is really a good thing), the inspection cost is typically worth it.

Besides, we are talking averages here. This typically is a situation where you don’t want to be the outlier – meaning you don’t want to be the buyer that skips the home inspection on a newer home and ends up with a bunch of issues to deal with yourself.

Ultimately the decision is yours to make. Everything in the home inspection process is a risk/reward trade-off. We just want to give you the information to make an informed decision.

Other interesting data points:

While there are many common issues with homes, some issues come with a higher price tag than others. Because of this, we pulled out the most expensive immediate repair item from each report to see the trends.

This data can help you decide what add-on inspections you should consider, and what the “big ticket items” are to keep in mind.

As you can see, there are some common “big” items. Let’s dig into some of those.

Elevated Radon Levels:

Radon is a harmful gas that is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in America. In Colorado, the radon levels are elevated when compared to other states. When levels are elevated over 4.0 pCi/L, mitigation is recommended.

As you can see, 11 of the 50 houses we looked at had elevated radon levels, and not all of them actually tested for it!

This can be a costly fix, but since this is a health and safety item it is a good thing to ask for in your negotiation process. Testing for radon is good for your health, your family’s health, and it can all be wrapped into your purchase agreement.

Ask your Realtor about negotiating for a radon system if your levels are elevated.  If you are interested in our radon testing services, click here.

Roof Replacement:

Roof issues were high on the list as one of the most expensive items. When we find issues with the roof, we will almost always recommend that a roofing specialist evaluate and give a second opinion, and we are pretty confident that they will agree.

Also, if there is roof damage or hail damage to a roof, it can be much harder to find affordable insurance for your home. Your home insurance provider will likely perform their own inspection to determine the condition.

A roof replacement is one of the more expensive repair items. At an average of $7500 for a new roof in Colorado, that is not a bill you want to get stuck with.

Electrical Issues:

These are lumped together but the big-ticket item here is an electrical panel replacement. These also include addressing aluminum wiring and several other electrical issues.

Electrical issues are a great thing to negotiate for, because typically they represent a safety item. Electrical issues can often result in shock or fire hazards in some form or another.

However, the trades in Colorado are getting more and more expensive as demand goes up. Panel replacement is a somewhat common recommendation, since there are some recalled electrical panel types still present in homes. However, a full panel replacement can cost around $1400-$2000!

Sewer Line Issues:

Although not as common, sewer line repairs still came up as one of the largest expenses in the study.  4 of the 50 houses had sewer line repair that needed to be addressed immediately.

These repairs will have a wide range of costs, spanning from $150 for a root cleaning to $15-$20k for the replacement of the sewer line. If you are interested in the common sewer scope issues we find, read our related article here.

The repairs that we added to this list were ones that were likely to have a significant cost to repair, which made them the most expensive repair for the inspection.

As with radon, not every house in the sample ordered a sewer scope inspection. But sewer line issues are usually out of sight and out of mind, until they cause a dreaded sewage backup, which is why we always recommend that a sewer scope inspection be paired with our standard home inspection.

Summary

While this was a very detailed and graph-heavy answer to a simple question, we think it is important that you understand why a home inspection is truly worth the money. Now you have the data to prove this, and you don’t just have to simply believe us, your real estate agent, or your friends and family.

If we didn’t provide real value to people, we likely wouldn’t be in business. So it is nice to see the data analysis confirms the usefulness of a home inspection. If you are in the market and are interested in having us inspect your home, and you are now convinced a home inspection is worth it, you can learn more about our inspection services here.

A home inspector is one of your greatest allies when you are ready to purchase a home. He or she can help you identify issues with a home that need to be addressed or repaired, before you close on the deal. This is why it’s important to choose a highly-qualified, professional and trustworthy home inspector. Wondering what to look for in a home inspector? In this article, we will discuss some key traits that every home inspector should have. Read on and learn more now.

A Great Attitude And Personality

Personality is an important trait in a home inspector. You’re going to be working closely with this person after selecting a home, so you want to find an inspector who is easy-going, has a positive attitude, and shows a willingness to help you.

The process of shopping for a home can be stressful, so it’s best to find a home inspector with a calm and confident demeanor, who can help you stay grounded, and explain every step of the inspection process to you.

It may seem like a small thing, but having a positive personality and helpful attitude are both critical for building trust and having a great working relationship.

A Dedication To Modern Technology

A home inspector should be dedicated to using the latest technology and provide forward-thinking and state-of-the-art inspection services. Tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, and other such high-tech equipment can help a home inspector search for hidden issues – providing a better overall inspection.

Additionally, your home inspection company should use modern communication technologies, such as SMS and email to keep in touch with you throughout the entire process – providing you with a smoother, streamlined inspection experience.

The importance of a sharp looking, web-based report is another way that an inspector can provide user-friendly, pertinent details on your property, featuring high-resolution images with clear and concise action items.

Are you looking for a highly rated home inspector in the Colorado Front Range area? Learn more about our home inspection services here.

Deep Industry Knowledge

Most importantly, a good home inspector should be a highly-qualified expert in his or her industry and have comprehensive knowledge about a home’s various components and systems. A good knowledge base enables him or her to help identify any potential concerns, and provide the proper recommendations. A good inspector should also be certified by one of the main home inspection organizations.

Your home inspector should be willing to share this knowledge with you.  Look for a home inspector who will allow you to walk through the home with them during the inspection.  They can answer any questions that you have throughout the whole process or can provide a summary at the conclusion of their inspection.

Reputation and Referrals

Finally, you need a home inspector who can walk the talk.  A reliable home inspector is a trusted and impartial source of information.  Satisfied customer referrals are critical in choosing a home inspector. Check out the company’s website or a review site for reviews and referrals on their inspectors, which will further ensure you of having a good home inspection experience!

Finding a trusted Colorado Home Inspector can seem like a tough task.

Over the last 18 years, Scott Home Services has grown to a multi-inspector firm that covers a broad area from Colorado Springs to Wellington. Thousands of Colorado families have used our home inspection, radon testing, sewer scope, and energy rating services to ensure the safety, health, and comfort of their current or future home. As local Colorado home inspectors, we have years of experience working specifically with different types and ages of homes. Hopefully the video above will help you get a better understanding of our company, and aid in your decision making when looking for a Colorado home inspector.

Questions to ask a Home Inspector before hiring:

When you do search for a home inspector, consider these top questions to ask the home inspection company prior to hiring them:

1. Do you perform repairs or just home inspections?  Seek an unbiased opinion from a home inspection company that only performs inspections and not repairs.  Buying a home is too important to try to sort out whether your inspector is calling out a defect for his own benefit to gain future repair business, or whether it is a legitimate concern.  At Scott Home Services, all our inspectors perform inspections only – we do not do repairs.  We seek to find the concerns in a home and point them out to you, then you can bring in appropriate contractors to quote repair costs as needed.
2. Are you insured? A surprising number of home inspection companies do not carry basic insurance in the event something happens during the inspection.  Since a Colorado home inspector is brought into the home at your request, in the unlikely event something were to happen in the home during the inspection, it is important that the inspector be insured.  We carry General Liability insurance at Scott Home Services for those very rare occasions.
3. Is the inspection company reputable and known in the industry? How long the company has been performing inspection is relevant to how skilled and knowledgeable they are with the inspection process.  And what is their reputation in the industry?  Research of companies is important, since many inspectors are referred by their realtors.  At Scott Home Services, we are members of the Better Business Bureau, we have been in business for over 18 years, all our inspectors are ASHI Certified, we have online reviews from satisfied customers, and we follow the ASHI Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice with every inspection we perform.
4. Can I join the inspector during the inspection process? While some home buyers leave the inspector alone to perform his inspection, others prefer to tag along and take a more hands-on approach to the inspection.  All the inspectors at Scott Home Services welcome your participation in the inspection process.  We will answer all your questions and help to ensure you have a good explanation of all the concerns we have noted.
5. What does the inspection include? Comparing inspections companies, their inspection processes and what is included in a home inspection is an important part of choosing who to work with.  At Scott Home Services, we follow the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standard of Practice.  We inspect every area of the home, noting all visible defects and maintenance concerns.  We prepare a digital report with color pictures included that will outline section by section the concerns with the home.
6. Do you have sample inspections reports available?  A home inspection company should be willing to share with you samples of their reports to give you a feel for what to expect.  On our home page we have links to several sample home inspection reports that show how we prepare our reports and what kinds of things are included in a typical home inspection report. You can also check out a sample report here.
7. Do you have additional services you offer with inspections? Many home inspectors only offer the inspection itself, leaving you to separately contract for additional testing needed to evaluate the home.  Examples include radon testing, sewer scope inspections, energy audits, infra-red scanning services, etc.  At Scott Home Services we are proud to offer a wide range of inspection services that can be added to a basic home inspection, providing  you with a one-stop-shop for all your home inspection needed.  All our Colorado home inspectors are trained to perform radon testing.  And we have dedicated inspection team members who perform sewer scope inspections.  We also offer energy audits, infra-red scanning services, water quality testing, mold testing and many more services that can further provide information on the home you are purchasing.
8. How much does the home inspection cost? Shopping on price alone may lead to cutting corners and leaving you with a less than satisfactory inspection.   Many new home inspectors who are less experienced charge lower fees.  At Scott Home Services, we feel that our pricing is competitive with the industry, and when you take advantage of our bundled pricing by adding more services, you can actually save big compared to pricing each of these services out separately.  All our pricing is available on our website on our Fees page.

At Scott Home Services, as a Colorado Home Inspection company we service the Front Range including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and all surrounding areas.  For more information about us, or to schedule an inspection online, watch the video above to learn more about our company and explore our website at www.scotthomeinspection.com

A very common question we get when talking to buyers who are scheduling a general home inspection is “What other services do you think I need?” The answer can depend on the age of the home, whether any remodeling has been done, and what specific concerns the buyer has with the home. The more information we have about the home, whether it has been vacant for a long time, or whether it was meticulously maintained by the homeowner, the better we can help suggest whether certain add-on services are recommended.

There are a couple of services we usually recommend with every inspection, especially to those who might be moving in from out of state and may not be familiar with our area. We’ll go through each service in this article, and help you decide what extra inspections you should realistically consider.

Radon Testing During A Home Inspection

Radon Testing in Colorado is important because it is known for its elevated levels of radon gas, due to the specific mineral content in the soils. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, but you can’t tell if a home has high radon levels unless you test for it.

If a home does test high for radon levels, then that is something that your agent can help negotiate, possibly for a credit or for a radon mitigation system.

During the test, the radon monitor is always set in the lowest living area of the home, even if it is an unfinished basement. These areas may be converted into bedrooms, office space, or a play area for the kids, so it is important to test at this location. It is in the lower parts of the home where the concentrations are highest.

Whether a home has a basement, crawlspace, or is on a slab, it should still be tested for radon, according to the EPA. If a home has a radon mitigation system, it’s always good to check when the last test was performed.

We will check to make sure the system appears to be in working condition during the home inspection, but the only way to know that the radon gas is truly mitigated is to perform a radon test.

When Should I Get A Sewer Scope Test?

A Sewer Scope is another important service that is suggested, particularly for single-family homes and townhomes, where the owner is responsible for the condition of the line from the home to the city’s or HOA’s main sewer line.

While we believe this is one of the most important add-on inspections for all properties due to the high cost of repair, it is even more important for older homes.

Many older homes will have original sewer lines made from clay or cast iron piping. Older pipes are more prone to issues like root intrusion, cracking, and offsets than newer PVC lines. We highly recommend a sewer scope on these types of lines.

What about septic systems? Many people tell us that they don’t need a sewer scope because the property is on a septic system. However, the main sewer line from the home to the septic tank is still susceptible to the same issues as a line from a home to a public sewer pipe and it should be checked.

Agents and buyers need to ensure that the septic tank itself and the rest of the septic system are properly inspected by a qualified septic servicer as well.

Problems with a sewer line can be very costly to repair, so it is always a good idea to have an independent and unbiased scope of the line. What is out of sight should not be out of mind!

Water Conscious Or Buying A Home With A Recent Water Event?

For properties that have had a “water event” or for clients with sensitivities to mold allergies, the Infrared (I/R) Scan service is a great way to help the inspector find hidden moisture concerns. An infrared camera reads the surface temperatures and moisture will show itself as cooler compared to the surrounding areas.

The camera cannot “see” behind the walls as some might think, but it can help the inspector focus on an area of concern, and recommend repair and mitigation of an area if active moisture is found.

Mold Air Sample Testing can further help to quantify whether there are elevated levels of mold spores in the home. A typical test consists of taking a minimum of 3 air samples. One is taken outside as a control sample, and then two more are taking on the inside of the home.

The samples are then sent to a specialized laboratory, where the samples are analyzed for fungal types and levels. The results are sent back to the buyer the next business day, in an easy-to-understand report.

While these tests can be beneficial during any home inspection, we recommend them to buyers with allergies or mold sensitivity, or in homes where water issues may have been disclosed.

Hate Pests? We do Too!

For those who are particularly concerned about wood-destroying insects, rodent intrusion, and other critters in the home, a Pest Inspection might be a good option to consider.

The pest inspection is performed by a specialist who follows the National Pest Management Association guidelines. This inspection includes a visual review of the entire home including the structure and foundation where any evidence of pests will be documented.

Observations and recommendations will be made as to how they might be entering the home, and how best to address any future entry or intrusion.

If a home is older, if pest issues have been disclosed, if the home is built in a high humidity area, or if the home is a mountain home in Colorado, we will typically recommend this inspection.

Concerned About Energy Consumption?

If you’re an energy efficiency geek, or just want to save on your future energy bills, an Energy Check will help to identify several ways to improve your future home’s comfort and efficiency.

During an Energy Check, insulation levels will be checked in the attic, which is one of the greatest sources of heat loss in a home, in addition to the crawlspace or basement.

An I/R camera is also used to help find voids of insulation in the walls and ceilings. The HVAC system, and other components of the mechanical systems are also assessed for their energy efficiencies, in addition to the windows.

Appliances and lighting fixtures are reviewed as well, with recommendations made for possible improvements.

An Energy Check provides information to a future home owner, and is primarily information only for future reference. Many of these items may not be negotiable in the purchase of a home.

So should you order an Energy-Check with your inspection? Many newer homes have been built to higher energy-efficiency standards per the building codes of a particular area. However, some of the older homes that are inspected were built when energy-efficiency was not fully appreciated for either the homeowners or the planet!

Generally, you will receive the most benefit from this in older homes pre-1990s or if you are looking to make improvements.

What About My Drinking Water?

Finally, a Water Quality Test is a test that is becoming more popular as well. Everyone wants to know that the water they are drinking does not contain dangerous substances, but also that it doesn’t put unseemly spots on your dishes.

Even though the public source of the water is tested regularly, there may be older pipes through which the water runs that may contaminate it, resulting in poor quality water at the tap.

We utilize state-of-the-art equipment approved by the EPA, which provides immediate results. The primary components that are tested include lead, copper, chlorine levels, hardness, pH, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

The age of the home and age of the neighborhood can help you decide if this test is right for you. Older homes, typically built before 1950 may have been built with some lead supply pipes that have yet to be removed. While we try to find these during the inspection, there may be small sections that are not visible.

Even if the house is brand new, it may be built in an older neighborhood. This increases the likelihood that there are lead supply pipes running to the lot itself. Any house built in an older neighborhood is a good candidate for this test.

When In Doubt, Give Us A Call.

Hopefully this article helps you decide which add-on services you should consider. When making a large purchase, like a new home, the more information you have the better.

If you are still unsure about which services to order with your home inspection, visit us online or contact us and our customer service team can help look up the home and give you recommendations.

We hope to hear from you soon on your next Colorado home inspection.

So you are buying a house and you think you found the perfect one! Well to start, Congratulations! Although your Realtor will be guiding you through the process as well, we want to give you a quick rundown on when you should schedule your home inspection. The buying process seems like a long period of time, but with everything you need to do, it can fly by and there will likely be a ton of questions throughout the process.

When To Schedule Your Home Inspection:

Everything happens once your offer is accepted on a house. At this point, you are officially under contract and can start the inspection process. We typically do not perform inspections prior to a buyer being under contract. However, once you are under contract it is time to look at all your deadlines and get your inspection scheduled!

Often, one of the first deadlines is called the “inspection objection.” This is when you need to request the seller to remediate any items that come up in the inspection that you think are important. In a standard closing process, this can come up early, so it is important to get your inspection done prior to this deadline.

Leave Some Extra Time:

You need to schedule your inspection before the inspection objection, but we recommend you do it as early as possible for the following reasons:

1. You and your Realtor need some time to go over the inspection report and decide which items you want to provide to the seller. This is an important step, so we recommend giving yourself the time to thoroughly read the report and ask questions.
2. Occasionally something will come up in the inspection that requires further evaluation. Maybe you want a roofer to look at a problem or a structural engineer to evaluate something we found during the inspection. You want the time to schedule this out as well. Deadlines can be moved for these items, but if you give yourself extra time you can save the trouble.
3. Be aware of the time of year. If you are buying during the summer, chances are many other people are as well. During our summer months, inspection schedules fill up fast. Although we try to accommodate everyone, if you wait until the last minute we may not have a spot for you.

When to Call:

This being said, we recommend you call us as soon as you go under contract. This gives you and your agent the most time to get everything scheduled. Also, this gives us time to coordinate the inspection with the listing agents and sellers. You do not want to feel rushed during such an important process. And as always, you can rely on the experience of your Realtor to aid you in your closing timeline.

For the fastest service, you can also schedule your inspection online. You will be able to see our availability in your area, as well as the price of your inspection. If you have any other questions or comments about when to schedule your home inspection, please leave us a comment below.

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is: What exactly is included in a home inspection.

That is a tricky question to answer because it varies from home to home, and by the type of inspection. However, when we provide a general home inspection, we usually do just that. Give you a general, but thorough overview of a home. The informational video will give you a brief summary of the different sections included in a home inspection, in the most basic scenario.

As we explain in the video, there are a lot of things to cover in a home, so we break it down into a few major sections. This list is pulled straight from our home inspection template.

1. Exterior – Ground
2. Foundation – Basement – Crawlspace
3. Roofing – Attic – Ventilation
4. Plumbing System
5. Electrical System
6. Heating Systems
7. Cooling System
8. Interior
9. Built-In Appliances
10. Garage

From this short list, we can cover most all aspects of a home. There are other systems that we look at as well including sprinkler systems, radon testing, moisture testing, and energy surveying. These are either included in a home inspection when present or they can be added on prior to your inspection. See some of our add-ons here.

When we go through this checklist, we are documenting and assessing all the different parts of the systems. From there we can inform you of any problems that we find. At the home inspection, we can also address any questions you may have about the home as well.

Limitations of a Home Inspection

Because a home inspection is a general overview of a home, there are some limitations. We often come across defects that we can identify, but due to the potential concerns, we may recommend having a specialist in that area give a complete analysis of the problem. You can count on us to find problems, but more information about the best way to proceed may be better left to a specialist.

A full overview of the home is included in a home inspection, but we are not able to see the future. We can analyze and inform you about what is happening in the home in the few hours we are there, but problems can develop over time and there is not always a good way to see it coming. We will inform you about the best ways to maintain a home to prevent future issues from occurring, but it is up to you to keep up with the multitude of tasks that come with owning a home.

Informed Purchasing Decisions

The number one thing included in a home inspection is your ability to make an informed purchasing decision on one of the biggest investments of your life. Using our tested methods and our 18+ years of experience, we will provide you the peace of mind needed for your new home.

At the end of the day, we will send you a digital report that includes all of our findings. This can help negotiate terms with the seller and their agent before you close. Afterwards, the report will help educate you about maintenance items that may need attention in the future. See some of our sample reports at the link here.

Read more about our Inspection Services.