Hey there, first-time homebuyers! As your friendly Colorado Realtor, I’m here to spill the beans on what to look for during a home inspection. This is one of my favorite subjects to talk about because of my love for flipping and DIY, so be sure to look out for my blog next week that talks about what your options are after you get your inspection report back. It’s like being a detective, but without the fancy hat. So grab your magnifying glass (or just your glasses) and let’s get cracking!

Start with the basics:

A solid foundation, sturdy walls, and a roof that doesn’t resemble Swiss cheese are essentials. If these are compromised, it’s definitely something you should fix before moving in. No one wants a home that wobbles like a Jenga tower. Other big ticket items to check on are things like the furnace, and water heater. While these don’t affect the integrity of the house, they definitely have a way of somehow “failing” the day after you move in. I don’t know why this happens, but it’s like… have you ever noticed that all the batteries are dead in vacant homes you look at? The house just knows…

Plumbing matters:

Look out for leaky faucets, clogged drains, and pipes that resemble a rollercoaster. These are relatively minor issues that can be fixed after move-in. Just be prepared for some DIY or the delightful sound of a plumber’s footsteps. A leaky pipe can sometimes be repaired for a few bucks by replacing the connections with a new rubber washer. I HIGHLY recommend getting sewer scope done, especially on older homes. These tests can typically be done at the same time as the home inspection, (most of the time by the inspector too) and run about $150ish. It’s a very small out of pocket cost for your piece of mind. I have seen clients walk away because there’s an obstruction underneath the ground that was gonna cost them nearly $20k to get remedied. I’ve also seen less serious outcomes where it’s a matter of simple maintenance, like getting the pipes hydro-jetted every year or so. It’s better to know, so I say… just get one done.

Electrical wizardry:

Ensure the home’s electrical system is up to snuff. Faulty wiring or an outdated electrical panel can be fire hazards and should be addressed before you start hanging up disco balls in every room. Another insider tip is to be on the look out for Federal Pacific Panels. While there may not have been any issues on this particular home, I have heard that if they can catch fire is they’re over-loaded, (think like running an entire workshop from the house by extension cords, or a grow house… because Colorado.) That’s not to say that it WILL happen, but I always just bring this to my clients attention anyway if I see them. Another example… you probably shouldn’t make toast with the toaster laying on it’s side… you can, but that’s not how it functions best. See what I’m sayin’?

Creature comforts:

Check the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. If it resembles Darth Vader’s asthmatic cousin, it might be worth fixing before you turn into a human ice cube or a sweaty mess. What most homeowners should know, is that to maintain your appliances and keep them living their best life… Maintenance is required. Like changing the air filters on the furnace ever other month or so, more often if you have fur babies, and the water heater should be drained and refilled every so often as well. Maybe every few years. Should we all be doing this? Yes. DO we do this? No. Try to put your best foot forward as a new home owner, and keep your things nice. It’ll only help with resale later on. Which… I can also help with BTW:)

Window wonders:

Look for cracked or foggy windows, as they can impact energy efficiency. You can tackle these after moving in, but be prepared for a little chill in winter and some foggy views. Foggy windows on double panes means that the seal has been compromised, and unfortunately there’s no fix for that. It means you should probably get a new window. This to me is more cosmetic than a deal breaker, but if it’s every single window, that can really add up. If you’re moving in during the winter time, and getting new windows isn’t in the cards yet, they do make these plastic shrink wrap kind things that realllllly help for a quick and super inexpensive fix.

Bug buddies:

Keep an eye out for signs of unwelcome critters like termites, rodents, or a kangaroo that somehow ended up in Colorado. Infestations are best nipped in the bud before they turn your dream home into a zoo. This one is pretty self explanatory. I love all creatures, but that doesn’t mean I wanna share a bed with them all.

Safety first:

Check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. These should be in good working order to keep you safe from unexpected surprises and potential fiery disasters. Another pro-tip… CO2 detectors SHOULD be close to the ground. CO2 is heavier than air, and it sinks… so if the detector is next to the smoke detector on the ceiling… You’ll likely be chilling in a room full of if before it makes it’s way up there. They are required in all homes anyway, so just make sure they’re in the right places and they actually work. Also keep and eye out for my blog about Radon. (it’s a sneaky radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground and cause some serious health risks if left unchecked.) It sounds scary.. sure. But it doesn’t have to be. I got your back on this too.

Cosmetic quirks:

Small cosmetic issues like chipped paint, scuffed floors, or outdated wallpaper can be fixed after you’ve unpacked the moving boxes. Get ready for some painting parties and a newfound appreciation for DIY projects. Bigger things like giant holes in the wall from last years Christmas when Uncle Jim decided to recreate his favorite WWE moves after too much eggnog, are absolutely things you can ask the seller to fix for you… but little baby stuff like cracked outlet covers are an easy fix you can take care of yourself.

Stairway sanity:

Inspect the staircases for loose handrails or squeaky steps. Falling down the stairs is never a good time, unless you’re auditioning for a slapstick comedy. There are some amazing DIY hacks for fixing squeaky stairs too. Remember, just because the stairs are squeaky doesn’t mean the entire house is shifting… It’s just something that happens over time. Not to worry.

That “je ne sais quoi”:

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off, ask questions and get it checked out. Your intuition can be a superpower when it comes to finding hidden issues or uncovering hidden treasure. Fingers crossed for treasure.

There you have it my friends, a home inspection is your chance to unearth any potential problems before making one of the biggest purchases of your life. Not only that, but it allows you spend the most amount of time in the house before move in day. Don’t forget to use this time to take measurements too. And please… for the love of all that is holy…. DO NOT buy any furniture or major appliances until AFTER you get the keys. Just…. Don’t do it, okay? So let’s channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. With a little detective work, you’ll soon be settling into your dream home with peace of mind. Happy hunting, my savvy homebuyers!