Buying A House? What to Expect From a Home Inspection

You’ve heard it before – a home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, so it’s really important to understand the condition of your investment. A Certified Home Inspector can help you spot problems with materials, workmanship or installation that might incur repair expenses down the road or compromise your safety.

Find an Inspector

Your realtor may have several recommendations and most inspection companies can be found online. Since Colorado does not regulate home inspectors, it’s a good idea to confirm that your inspector is both certified through a reputable certifying body and fully insured. It’s also a good idea to ask what is included in the inspection, what the fee is, and what add-on services are available.

At A Firm Foundation Home and Building Inspection, we are always working to add value to our service. We invest a significant amount of time and resources to make sure you receive the highest quality inspection available. In addition, we are committed to offering the BEST PRICE and the BEST VALUE for your money.

Schedule the Inspection

It’s easy to schedule an inspection with A Firm Foundation Home and Building Inspection. You can call 970-901-2684 or you can easily schedule the inspection online.

Allow three to four hours for your inspection, depending on the size and age of the house. I encourage you to attend a 30 minute walk-through the house at the end of your inspection so that I can explain my findings, point out important maintenance items, and answer all your questions.

What to expect on the day

On the day of the inspection, I will inspect the systems and components of the home, inside and out, from the foundation to the roof, using the latest tools and technology when appropriate.

I inspect the following, and much more!

• The structure and foundation
• Grading & drainage
• The overall condition of the roof and exterior
• The basement and attic or crawlspaces for dampness, mold, insulation problems, etc.
• The plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems
• Interior doors, windows, flooring, and permanent appliances

Following my evaluation, I will compile my findings in an easy to read report, which will include detailed descriptions and high resolution photos and video of any issues I’ve discovered, along with my recommendations for monitoring, replacement, or repair.

I’ll deliver your report within 24 hours, and I am available to help you understand everything that’s in your report.

Other Considerations

Depending on the location and age of the house, you might want to order additional testing:

• Radon. Radon levels in Colorado are high. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. The Surgeon General and The Environmental Protection Agency recommend ALL homes be tested for Radon. If the house already has a mitigation system you should still test to see if the system is working correctly. If Radon levels are high, I can help you understand your options for mitigation. Mitigating Radon to acceptable healthy levels is often straight-forward and affordable.

• Air Quality. We recommend all buyers consider Air Quality Testing as an add-on to a standard home inspection, but especially if the home has been vacant, has a history of moisture intrusion, or if someone is particularly sensitive to mold or respiratory problems. I will take 3 air samples that are used to determine if mold and other allergens are elevated in the indoor air. Following the collection of the samples, a nationally accredited lab will provide you with an easy to read report. The results can offer you peace of mind if they are normal, or prompt further investigation if they are elevated. 
• Mold Testing. Unchecked mold indoors can damage the structure of a home, cause wood rot, and ruin drywall. Most importantly, it can cause health problems. A professional mold test starts with a thorough inspection of your property.  I will investigate any signs of past or present moisture intrusion, which can promote mold growth, and I will take samples for laboratory analysis. We recommend a Mold Inspection when you are buying a home with a history of moisture intrusion, a musty odor, visible signs of mold growth, or visible conditions conducive to mold growth.
• Home Energy Report. Home energy reports give you a better estimate of utility bills. I include a free Home Energy Report with every standard home inspection.

If you are looking for a qualified home inspector for a home you are buying in the greater Montrose and surrounding areas (or even to get a better assessment of your existing home) then contact A Firm Foundation Home & Building Inspection today. We’re happy to help!