PineBreeze Inspections

The Best Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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When you’re at home, it’s all about being comfortable and feeling at ease—which is why you try to make it a safe place for you and your loved ones. Stay savvy about your home’s safety with technology like smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—devices that protect you, your family, and your home.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Due to its odorless and colorless characteristics, carbon monoxide remains a significant danger for families everywhere. Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide can be produced and released by any fuel-burning device in your home, such as the stove, furnace, and heater. Even though carbon monoxide (CO) alarms remain the most accurate means of detecting this very dangerous gas, an estimated 40% of American homes do not have any means of monitoring CO levels. This is a dangerous gamble for you and your family.

What Is a Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Smart smoke detectors and those that sense carbon monoxide conveniently alert you if there is a fire, where the smoke or carbon monoxide is coming from, and what action to take, wherever you are. These devices are connected to the internet, which allows them to communicate through apps to deliver alerts to your smartphone when an alarm sounds.

You’ll receive details about what was detected. For example, telling you there’s smoke in the kitchen when you’re reading in your bedroom or shopping for groceries — so you know exactly what action to take.

Top 3 Best Smart Smoke and CO Detectors

Nest Protect

Nest’s smoke alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. When it does pick up something, it will not only sound an alarm but also tell you in what room the alert is coming from and the nature of the alert. An LED ring on the bottom of the alarm also changes color, giving you a visual cue.

The Nest Protect comes in both wired and battery-powered versions. If you have more than one in your home, and one goes off, the others will, too, alert you to the location of the fire.

The Nest Protect also works with a wide range of smart-home devices. For example, in an emergency, the Nest can automatically turn on your lights, making it easier to leave your house. However, this only works for those without converting their Nest account to a Google Assistant account.

First Alert Onelink Safe and Sound

If you’re looking for a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector with tons of functionality, your best option may be the new Onelink Safe & Sound. This has an abundance of features, including push notifications, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, a customizable night light, and Amazon Alexa functionality—yes, that’s right—it lets you give voice commands directly to your smoke detector.

Overall, this smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector is packed with intelligent features and does its main job well, alerting you immediately with push notifications if it ever goes off. However, it’s quite expensive, and many of the features that command its higher price seem unnecessary. If you like the idea of using your smoke detector to play music or as an Alexa device, you can feel secure that this device will protect your home and family, but if the extraneous features don’t appeal to you, there are cheaper, equally reliable options, such as the Nest Protect.

Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener

The Ring listener alarm offers an inexpensive way to turn your home’s fire alarms into “smart” units. Ring is known for smart home and DIY security equipment, from its revolutionary video doorbell to its smart lights and locks. A dedicated smart listener, the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener works with existing smoke and CO alarms.

Users can place the Ring Listener up to 6 feet away from their existing smoke and carbon monoxide detector. If the detector goes off, the listener senses the alarm and sends an alert to a smartphone. However, users already must have a Ring Alarm security system base station. A smart choice for renters or for those who have a hard-wired detector installed, the Ring Listener is easy to set up.

Consideration Before Selling Your Home

If you are planning on selling your home, talk to your real estate agent about the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and possibly your local fire department as well. You can save yourself time and unnecessary delays by meeting the requirements prior to your closing. The last thing you will want to do is scramble at the last minute to find an electrician to replace old detectors. Selling a home and moving is stressful enough as it is.

Experienced home inspectors, like ourselves, will test the smoke and CO detectors in the home and mark whether they are operable. Smart detectors add a layer of security for your family and peace of mind for the next homeowner.

When it comes to providing the best home inspections in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area, PineBreeze Inspections stands at the ready. Whether you need a standard home or a commercial building inspection, schedule an appointment with us today. Don’t leave it to chance; let us put your mind at ease with a total property inspection.

What Is A Home Maintenance Inspection?

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Anyone who’s been a homeowner can attest that there’s always something to fix around the house. That’s why it’s recommended to set aside 1%-4% of your home’s value (depending on how old it is) for yearly maintenance.

Maintenance budgeting will help alleviate the pain every time you write a check to repair service. But natural wear and tear on the house can sneak up on you—even if you regularly respond to “fires” like a noticeable plumbing leak or appliance breakdown.

Homes do not have a check engine light. However, there is a reliable way to test your home’s health if you’re willing to be proactive: They’re called home maintenance inspections, and you can think of them as routine doctor’s appointments that help you catch the high cholesterol long before the risk of a heart attack.

What Is A Home Maintenance Inspection?

During a home maintenance inspection, a licensed inspector checks out all the main systems of your home—roof, walls, foundation, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing—and notes anything that might be starting to malfunction.

For example, at a pre-purchase total home inspection, your inspector will walk you through the home, showing you what was found and explaining what it means. You should have a chance to ask questions or get clarifications, and usually, the inspector will point out things you should be doing regularly to keep all of your home’s systems functioning in tip-top shape.

Often, a good inspector can see the little signs that something is starting to go wrong: small cracks, uneven wearing, or even just appliances such as water heaters reaching the eventual end of life. They can also remind you of the regular maintenance you should be doing on your house. Like an annual physical, a maintenance inspection can catch issues early and give you the peace of mind of a clean bill of health.

Afterward, the inspector will create a detailed inspection report and send it to the client within a day or two. This report will include all of the inspector’s findings, from minor issues to major problems. As a homeowner, you can use this report to decide what repairs need to be completed to keep your home in good condition.

Maintenance Inspection Adds Value To Your Home

If you avoid any maintenance or maintenance inspection, imagine what would happen when you tried selling your home. Your home inspection report will show that there are a lot of potential problems in your home. This will, in turn, decrease the value of your home, and buyers will be demanding a discount depending on the issues. You won’t receive as much back for your house, and even worse, you will have to pay a big chunk out of pocket to repair or replace the items that have been worn.

However, if your house is properly maintained, you will accumulate more equity in it, and the value of your home will increase.

Protect Your Family with a Home Maintenance Inspection

Aside from the resale considerations, leaving your home’s appliances unchecked could cause serious harm to your family. For example, if you neglect your furnace, it may develop a clogged vent and begin a dangerous backflow of carbon monoxide into your home.

Making a habit of scheduling regular maintenance inspections can help ensure that your property is kept in good shape and in safe condition for you and your family.

How Much Do Home Maintenance Inspections Cost?

The price for your home maintenance inspection will vary depending on the size of your home. Still, HomeAdvisor reports that the typical range is between $296 and $424 and the national average home inspection cost is $315. However, homes over 2,000 square feet will run more in the $400 range.

If your inspector is also doing additional specialized testing, like radon or mold testing, or checking for termites, you should expect to pay additional fees.

Most home inspectors do not cover these specialized areas. However, your inspector should note in their report if he or she notices any signs of mold or termites (radon requires specialized equipment to detect).

Contact Us For Your Home Maintenance Inspection in Colorado Springs

A home maintenance inspection is an absolute must to keep your family safe, avoid surprises, and get the most value for your home when it comes to selling. Contact us today to book your inspection and learn about potential malfunctions with your home’s appliances. We will get back to you right away. Our team is eager to help you through the home-buying journey in Colorado Springs.

How To Control Window Condensation

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Condensation can turn wood windows black and mess up window sills. It’s a widespread occurrence here in Colorado. The typical homeowner goes online to read numerous articles about how they must be doing something wrong with their humidity levels to experience so much condensation. In some cases, condensation forms freezes and melts all over the wood. They consider adding air exchangers with humidity control, throwing all plants out of the house, and telling the family to reduce showering, cooking, and breathing.

As Colorado Springs’s experienced home inspection team, we would like to inform you that all of those considerations are extreme. We have good news! With a few easy fixes, you can minimize or prevent condensation on windows.

Common Causes of Window Condensation

Although it might look like an issue, moisture on your windows doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Window condensation can signify that your windows are forming an airtight seal, reducing air leakage and keeping the moisture inside your home.

Most of the time, moisture on your windows is a matter of temperature and humidity. When the air is hotter and more humid on one side of the glass, moisture collects on the window panes.

In winter, condensation can form on the interior of your windows because it’s cold and dry outside but warm and humid inside. In the summer, it’s the opposite. You may see condensation from dew outside your windows in the morning — just as it forms on your lawn. If there’s moisture inside your home, it’s likely because it’s become too humid indoors. If you can’t easily remove window condensation by wiping the glass, the moisture is between the panes. And that’s a sign of a more significant issue.

How To Control and Remove Window Condensation

In homes, old or new, simple lifestyle changes that lower humidity and/or keep surface temperatures above dew point will be more practical and a less expensive long-term solution than installing whole-house ventilation systems. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce condensation on your windows.

Turn Down the Humidifier

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the relative humidity in your home should always be below 60 percent. Ideally, you want it somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. It’s expected to be on the lower end of the range (or slightly below) during winter.

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans

Use your bathroom and kitchen fans every time you cook or shower. Showering and cooking release a lot of moisture into the air, and sometimes, this moisture cannot escape from your house easily. The exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom help remove this moisture from the air. You want to run the fans for 15 to 20 minutes after you shower or cook.

Use Storm Windows

If you have older windows in your home, using storm windows during winter can help reduce condensation on your interior windows. The space between the two windows allows the interior window to stay warmer. Storm windows can also help reduce your heating bills during the winter. While storm windows can sometimes have condensation, they reduce the condensation on the interior windows, which helps reduce frost buildup. Condensation on the storm windows often indicates a leak in your interior windows, and you will want to check and/or reapply your weather stripping.

Getting Rid of Window Condensation on the Outside

Because it’s seasonal and climate-related, condensation on the outside of windows is quite common. It doesn’t indicate problems with your windows or the humidity inside your home. You can wait for the sun to come out and dry up all the moisture.

If condensation on the glass is bothersome, try applying a water repellent to the exterior of your windows—you may already have some in your garage. Water repellent is commonly used on car windshields to help improve visibility in rainy weather. It can work in the same way to prevent condensation on house windows.

Colorado’s Total Home Inspection Team

Staying on top of major condensation year to year by sanding and re-varnishing the area where the glass meets the wood can help. Ultimately, it depends on your threshold for humidity levels and whether or not you can continue with the wood windows or get them replaced with something more moisture-friendly. Before buying or selling, or if you simply want a professional team, our expert home inspection team inspects every aspect of the home.

How to Maintain Your Water Heater

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What’s often overlooked is the home’s plumbing system. The condition of plumbing features, especially the shower, water heater, and sewer pipes, can dramatically affect a home’s value.

The size and design of water piping running to and from the water heater are extremely important and can affect aspects like water pressure and water leaks. Our expert home inspector inspects the different elements of the water heater and advises you on what requirements are non-negotiable. If problems occur, here are some water heater repair tips to help keep it working.

3 Reasons To Have Your Water Heater Inspected Regularly

Delaying water heater maintenance is never a good idea. You rely on your water heater for around-the-clock hot water. Imagine how unpleasant showering and bathing will become without it. Here are three good reasons to schedule a yearly professional water heater inspection.

Prevent Major Problems

You’re taking a significant risk by ignoring your water heater. The longer the water heater goes without an inspection, the more likely it is to malfunction. Warning signs, such as corrosion and sediment buildup, are easy to spot during an inspection. You’ll have the chance to address problems before they become beyond repair.

Lower Water Heating Costs

It takes a significant amount of energy to operate a water heater. It’s estimated that a water heating system accounts for up to 18 percent of home energy use. If your system isn’t working properly, it could cost more than you realize. A yearly inspection will keep your water heater operating at peak efficiency.

Protect Your Family

If you have a faulty gas water heater, carbon monoxide leaks are possible. This is extremely dangerous, as the gas is odorless and deadly. Stomach upset, physical weakness, dizziness, and headache are possible indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning. Chest pain, vomiting, and mental fogginess are also symptoms.

3 Ways to Maintain Your Water Heater

Check the Pressure-Relief Valve

Test the pressure-relief valve on the water heater’s top or side. This valve opens automatically if the pressure inside the tank gets too high. (Excess pressure can cause the tank to explode.) To test it, place a bucket below the discharge pipe on your water heater tank and gently lift the lever on the pressure relief valve.

If the valve doesn’t release water when you lift the lever, replace the valve. Replacement is simple: Turn off the water, drain the tank, unscrew the discharge pipe, and unscrew the old valve. Wrap the threads of the new valve with sealant tape and screw it in. If your valve is several years old and has never been tested, it might leak after you test it. In that case, replace the valve.

To check your work, close the shutoff valve on the cold water supply pipe that feeds the water heater. Then turn on the hot water at any faucet to release the pressure inside the heater’s tank. Leave the faucet on until you finish your work. If you have an electric heater, turn off the power at the main panel. With a gas heater, turn the gas control dial to “off.”

Drain Sediments From the Water Heater Tank

Drain the tank to flush out sediments that have settled to the bottom of the tank. Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Open the drain valve slowly and let the water run until it’s clear and free of sediments.

Check for Strange Noises

Rust, sediment, and mineral buildup in the tank typically cause the hot water heater’s gurgling noises. This is common in older water heaters, which are more prone to rust and buildup. When you turn the shower or faucet on, the hot water in the water heater tank rises to the top for dispersal into your house. It’s replaced by cold water, which needs to be heated in preparation for use. The cold water settles at the bottom of the tank below the hot water. If there’s a lot of scaling or sediment build-up when the heated water rises, it creates a gurgling sound.

Installing a water softener is the best way to prevent calcium deposits from forming not only in your water heater but also in your home’s entire plumbing system. This solution prevents calcium buildup before it occurs, saving you time and money in the long run.

Don’t Wait For Your Hot Water Heater to Break – Call PineBreeze Inspections Today

Before your water heater breaks and you need a costly replacement, schedule an appointment with PineBreeze Inspections. Our master home inspectors will walk you through maintaining your water heater and advise if a replacement is necessary. When you need a water heater inspection, you need PineBreeze.

What does a Well Inspection Entail?

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What’s Involved in Professional Water & Well Inspections?

When you’re in the process of buying a new home, having your water tested is essential. While public water systems are mandated to test and treat their water, these tests only cover the water that has yet to leave the treatment plant. Once it leaves the plant, your water must pass through miles of piping, some of which may be in disrepair or contain lead, before it enters your home’s plumbing system.

Pine Breeze Inspections is equipped to ensure the water in your home is high-quality and safe to consume. Whether you are just moving in or you’re already settled and just recognizing that your water has an abnormal odor, color, or taste, our professional team can confidently assist you.

Protect yourself and your family and contact us today if you have any questions about a water and well inspection for your property or home. We proudly offer service to clients in Colorado Springs.

The Dangers of Low-Quality Water

Not only does low-quality water have an unpleasant taste and smell, but it can also have a number of long-term effects on the body.

Poor water quality can result in several problems, such as:
● Neurological disorder
● Abdominal disease
● Respiratory disease
● Cancer
● Cardiovascular disease

According to the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, there are two categories of contaminants. Primary contamination encompasses contaminants that have health-related effects. Secondary contamination includes contaminants with aesthetic effects.

Comprehensive Water Inspections For Your Home

Testing the water in your home is the only way to determine potential contaminants and/or biological compounds such as:
● Dangerous levels of bacteria, including E-Coli and Coliform
● Elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites from fertilizers that leach into groundwater
● Imbalances in PH levels
● High fluoride levels
● Mineral contaminants such as iron and arsenic
● Heavy metal contamination such as copper and lead

Professional Well Water Inspections

If you get your water from a private well, you are responsible for scheduling water & well inspection services. Most homeowners who use well water don’t request these services until they decide to sell their property. The EPA highly recommends that well owners schedule water testing
services every year and whenever they suspect an issue. Our certified master inspector will test your well for any traces of pH, total dissolved solids, nitrates, coliform bacteria, chemicals, and any other suspected contaminants. Because well water is not regulated, activity around your water source can change rapidly and impact the overall quality.

Some of the most common sources of contamination in well water include:
● Agricultural activity and the use of pesticides and fertilizers
● Waste from animals and livestock
● Mining and industrial activity
● Household chemicals that have been improperly stored
● Nearby septic tanks or leach fields
● Natural occurrences such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes

What is a Well Water Quality Test?

A well water quality test is used to check your water for any impurities or contamination. It provides a holistic picture into the content of everything from water bacteria and parasites to heavy metals and organic chemicals. To perform a well water quality test, a certified Pine Breeze inspector will come to your home and collect a sterile sample from your water source. They will typically collect water at the well and from your tap for comparison. This helps to better determine where any potential contamination is coming from and ensure thorough coverage.

Then, the samples of your water will be analyzed for contaminants. In many cases you can get your results within three to five days. After receiving the comprehensive report, your inspector will review it with you and help determine the best course of treatment for any issues identified. Often solutions can be as simple as a well water filtration system

Levels Testing We Offer:

Basic Water Testing

This test is designed as a fast laboratory- precision screen for lead, copper, and high PH levels.

Coliform & E.Coli Screening

This test is performed in a professionally certified laboratory and analyzes a drinking water sample for potentially harmful bacteria. This test checks for the presence of Coliform & E .Coli.

Radon Water Screening

Radon is a known carcinogen with a particular impact on internal organs and the stomach. Various US states suggest levels for radon in drinking water range from 300 to 10,000 pCi/L.

VOC Water Screening

This tests your water for 50+ volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Many of these are significant health risks and can migrate into your drinking water from a variety of sources such as chlorine disinfection, proximity to waste facilities, proximity to agricultural activity, and much more.

Schedule Your Water or Well Water Inspection in Colorado Springs

Whether well water quality testing is required to buy your dream home or you would like to know more about what you’re drinking, it’s easy to connect with a certified PineBreeze Inspector. Contact PineBreeze Inspections today to schedule your well inspection.

What Should You Look for During a Home Inspection?

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Whether you’re a property agent, a buyer, or a seller, settling on a price for the property calls for a celebration. But it’s not over yet! You need to get the home inspected by a trustworthy home inspector. A home inspector’s responsibility is to determine if a house is safe for dwelling and if any repair or maintenance work is carried out.

Home inspections also help determine whether all the construction standards have been observed. Homebuyers ultimately receive a home inspection report, but it doesn’t have a fail or pass rating.

However, a home inspection differs from a municipal or regulatory home inspection, which is meant to determine if the local building codes have been followed during the construction.  Here’s what you need to know.

Finding A Reliable Home Inspector Or Home Inspection Service

Finding a reliable home inspector is not always easy. Home inspectors and home inspection services in Colorado do not require a license, so it is important to verify whether the home inspector or the inspection service is qualified enough to perform a house inspection.

Choosing an InterNACHI or ASHI-certified home inspection service would be the perfect thing to do. Looking into a sample inspection report prepared by the home inspector is another good practice. A home inspector with work experience in the following fields can also be relied upon:

  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Remodels

The Home Inspection Report

After completing the home inspection, the home inspector prepares a report. This report includes detailed descriptions of the house and the home inspector’s suggestions for repair and maintenance work.

The Standard Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract

The standard Colorado real estate purchase contract requires sellers to compensate buyers if they deem certain conditions unsatisfactory.

The contract also permits buyers to adjust the price of the house they wish to buy or to terminate the contract altogether.

Things To Check While Carrying Out a House Inspection

Home inspectors need to examine every nook and cranny of a house with the utmost attention and care to ensure that it is safe and habitable.

A home inspector needs to:

  • Inspect the outer part of the house and the surroundings.
  • Ensure if the house is situated on solid ground.
  • Note if the house is situated close to things or factors that can affect the integrity of the structure in the long run.
  • Inspect the house foundation
  • Check the exterior walls, roof coverings, gutters, and also plumbing fixtures.
  • Check the conditions of doors, windows, floors, and ceilings.

While inspecting the interiors, home inspectors focus on those corners of a house that might exhibit signs of structural decay or require repairs. For instance, they inspect the basement, including the crawlspace. The other space not to miss out on – the attic!

Top Things You Should Look Out for During a Home Inspection

When buying a house in Colorado, pay attention to the quality of the insulation, the air conditioning system, and the existing electrical system. Your home inspection report will help you look for any issues.

Check the house’s roof condition very carefully. The roof plays a major role in keeping the interior in proper condition. If there are chimneys, vents, or skylights on the roof, the property inspector should also examine them.

You should also keep an eye on the GCFI outlets in the house. If these outlets are non-functional, it is indicative of major electrical issues in the house.

Watch out for improper venting of bathroom fans into the attic, as it might lead to mold growth. Also, check if there are attic air leaks because the presence of attic air leaks could mean that there might be some problems with the insulation system.

The Other Things to Look For In a Home Inspection

  • It is also important to check the water mains and the basement of a house. Watch out for plumbing issues and check if all the bathtubs and shower pans in the house have been tested for leaks.
  • You can also check the furnace filter as it would give you an idea regarding the furnace maintenance in the house.
  • Many home inspectors also offer a few additional services, including radon testing, water testing, and termite inspection.

As a homeowner, get your houses inspected and carry out repairs and other maintenance work before putting up your houses for sale.

How To Choose the Right Home Inspection Service

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Are you ready to buy a new home? There are a few important considerations to make before putting your hard-earned money into a new house, one of which is choosing the right home inspection service. It is important that you find an experienced and trustworthy home inspector – their job is to ensure you receive an unbiased assessment of what is, for many, the most expensive purchase of a lifetime.

So, how do you make the right choice? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Job of a Home Inspector?

Home inspectors are required to hold a valid license and credentials. It is the sole responsibility of a home inspector to determine whether or not a property is in a habitable state by thoroughly inspecting every nook and crevice of the house.

In the course of the inspection, they will look at the house’s mechanical, structural, and aesthetic features. In order to document each element of the examination, the house inspector must write a document known as the property inspection report based on the findings.

Home inspectors give you all of the information you require while you are considering purchasing a property. Their ability to identify potential concerns assists a buyer in completing the transaction.

The Top Tips For Choosing A Reliable Home Inspector

Here are a few tips that can help you find the right, trustworthy, and reliable home inspector that can provide you with a detailed and well-documented property inspection report:

1. Use Google Search

If you’re new to something and want to know in detail about it, Google always comes to your rescue. If you search for ‘House Inspectors near me,’ you will be able to find the contact information for a plethora of recognized expert home inspectors in your local area. The most difficult part of this process is researching the specifics, cross-checking them, and validating the identity of the house inspector online before hiring.

Check Reviews for Trusted Home Inspection Companies

Whether you go with a small or big scale company, cross-checking their background history is important to establish trust. Ask about their insurance policy. Depending on your locality, they might conduct an inspection without insurance. The major problem with uninsured home inspectors is that you may be liable if they get hurt during the home inspection process.

Ask for References from Your Real Estate Agent

If you’re looking for a house inspection, the easiest place to start is with your real estate agent. They’ve been in the company for a long time, and you can rely on them to do an excellent job. You can also generally rely on their advice for a home inspector. They might even provide you with a list and let you to make your own selection. However, if you don’t know the realtor well or aren’t confident in their reputation, you should proceed with caution when considering their recommendation.

Note The Things Included in the Home Inspection Report

A thorough inspection will include the following:

● Electrical System

● Structural condition

● Plumbing system

● Ventilation systems

● The basement and terrace

● Drainage system

● Pest Control

● Furniture and Appliances condition

Checking Their Sample Inspection Report

A sample inspection report from your prospective home inspector should be considered while making your decision on who to hire. With this, you can get an idea of their style and format by reading their work. You may also get a sense of how accessible their reports are. If you’re not sure how to get access to a sample report, it’s simple – ask them!

Look for InterNACHI or ASHI Certification

When it comes to finding a home inspector, the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) is the greatest resource to turn to for guidance. InterNACHI is the largest inspection trade group in North America, with more than 20,000 members. They’re legitimate professionals with years of expertise and certification. It will not be difficult to put your trust in them because they have already passed numerous exams to become qualified. They are well-versed in their field. They must, however, complete more than 250 successful professional inspections in order to become an ASHI certified professional.

Purchasing a property, and more importantly, a place that you will be able to call your own is one of the most important investments you’ll make. As such, it makes sense to exercise extreme caution and caution before choosing a home inspector you can trust to ensure the property is liveable and worth the amount you’re set to pay for it.

Check their experience, research their reviews, and choose someone you feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions – often, the more willing they are to respond, the more trustworthy they are for the inspection itself.

How Long Do Home Inspections In Colorado Take?

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The process of buying a house in Colorado is lengthy. Once a house seller accepts a buyer’s offer, the buyer enters into a contract. Then, you can initiate a home inspection.

Home inspections in Colorado can be scheduled immediately after a buyer comes under a contract. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about home inspections in Colorado.

What Is Inspection Objection?

Homebuyers must arrange a home inspection before the “inspection objection.” The objection refers to the date a buyer must inform the seller about the repairs or maintenance work they wish to do in the house.

How Long Does A Home Inspector Require To Complete The Process?

Depending on the kind of home a buyer invests in, home inspections in Colorado may take about 2-3 hours. If the house is big, old, or fixer-upper, the inspection will take longer than 3 hours. Also, a home inspector would need extra time if the sewer scope is included in the inspection process.

Who Should Be Present When A Home Inspection Is Being Carried Out?

A buyer may or may not be present during the home inspection. However, their presence is highly recommended. In a few states, realtors are restricted from attending home inspections as they are believed to exert their influence during the inspection.

Which Parts Of The House Should A Home Inspector Examine?

Home inspectors are expected to examine the following elements of a home:

  • Roof
  • Basement or crawlspace
  • Heating or cooling system
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical system
  • Foundation of the house
  • Walls and ceilings
  • Floors and windows

The home inspection process in Colorado does not include radon testing and sewer scopes. But these are highly recommended. Also, home inspectors will not evaluate the quality of an item or items they cannot access in the house.

How Should The Seller Prepare For A Home Inspection?

Sellers need to ensure that the home inspector and the buyer (if present) can explore every nook and cranny of the house during the inspection. Also, before the arrival of the home inspector, they can do the following:

  • Get all the drains cleaned,
  • Check for any sign of water leakage,
  • Flush all the toilets,
  • Caulk around sinks, windows, doors, and windows,
  • Have the furnace filter replaced,
  • Get all broken bulbs replaced,
  • Ensure the presence of carbon monoxide detectors,
  • Have all the pilot lights turned on,
  • Check if the grading is appropriate and if the water flows away from the house,
  • Ensure the presence of a downspout extension,
  • Ensure that the fuse box is labeled,
  • Have damaged window screens replaced, and so on.

If defects are discovered during the home inspection, a buyer might request that the seller complete all the repairs and maintenance work before closing the deal.

Buyers invest their time, energy, and money in buying and inspecting a house. They may terminate the contract if they find any significant issues. So, sellers must ensure that the house to be sold is safe and habitable.

What Happens After A Buyer Receives The Inspection Report?

A buyer may receive their inspection report on the same day or a few days after. The inspection report will contain all the details along with pictures.

So, if a buyer fails to be present on the inspection day, they need not worry. The inspection report will have all the details they need to know before they finally close the deal.

Home inspectors will also describe and classify all the issues in the report. This can help buyers understand the severity of those issues. For instance, this includes their recommendation after describing each issue in detail.

Occasionally, a home inspector will recommend the buyer to hold another inspection. After carefully reviewing the inspection report, the buyer can decide what they would request the seller to repair.

If no issues are found, the buyer may finalize the deal.

How Can A Seller Address The Problems Found In The Inspection?

The seller can address all the issues in the following ways:

  • They may decide to carry out the repairs on their own,
  • They can hire a contractor to carry out the repairs,
  • They can choose to give some credit to the buyer, with which they can cover future repair costs,
  • The seller can choose not to carry out any repair at all.

Home inspections can take some time, making the entire buying experience lengthy. However, house inspections allow homebuyers to buy a safe and habitable house and prevent their money from going to waste.

Common Issues to Fix Before You Move Into the House

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So you found a home, started packing and are almost ready to move. Congrats!

Before you load up that moving truck, though, consider what you’re actually moving into. Whether the home is older or newer, chances are good that you’ll inherit a few quirks and issues. Most problems should be pointed out during the home’s inspection prior to the closing. After reviewing the issues, you may be wondering which home problems to fix before moving in and which to wait on.

After all, some issues are worse than others. Problems such as damaged window treatments and broken light fixtures can probably wait until after you move in to be addressed. However, other issues are best remedied before moving a truckload of furniture and belongings inside.

A home inspection is extremely important before you buy a house, or you will spend a lot of money fixing problems you could have identified. Some of the most common problems are plumbing issues. On the other hand, sellers may conceal a problem to secure a sale. However, even though you carefully inspected a house before buying, there are some things you should check regardless of the house. Below, we’ve included six common household problems that must be fixed before moving into a new home.

Pest-proof your house

Before you move into the new house, hire a professional pest control company to ensure you get rid of pests. Then you can start pest-proofing your house. First of all, install door sweeps at the base of all exterior doors. Caulk the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds and any cracks around windows and doors. Seal all utility openings where pipes and wires enter the house with urethane expandable foam, steel wool, caulk, cement, or copper mesh. Invest in wire mesh over the roof, the attic and crawl space vents and install a chimney cap.

Fix squeaking and creaking

You can de-squeak your doors by applying surfboard wax, petroleum jelly, or lubricating oil on the hinges. You can also use vegetable oils. However, avoid canola oil as it can attract pests. The main cause of creaking floors is wood shrinkage around the nails on the floorboards. You should locate the creaking floorboards and re-screw and tighten the nails.

Water pipes can become noisy due to a water hammer. Shut off the main valve. Turn on the lowest tap in the house to drain all water from the pipe. Turn off the lowest tap and reopen the main valve. Another reason for banging water pipes is high water pressure. Invest in a water-pressure regulator or a pressure-reducing valve.

Drafty Windows

Moving in the winter when drafty windows affect the inside temperature? Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient ones might not be a bad idea. While some homeowners wait to do this, we recommend doing it before moving in. After you close on the house, enlist a window company to come to the home, take measurements and provide a quote for new windows. If you decide to move forward, arrange to have all the new windows put in the home before moving day. The reason? Removing old windows and installing new ones is a time-consuming process – one that will most certainly inconvenience anyone living in the home.

Have The Heating And Cooling Systems Cleaned

You should have the heating and cleaning systems cleaned once a year. Regarding the heating system, you should definitely call professionals if you can smell mold, if you notice excessive debris in the ducts, or if you and your family members experience allergy symptoms. You should also clean an air conditioner by cleaning and replacing a filter, keeping condenser and evaporator coils clean, and keeping outdoor equipment clear of debris.

Change The Locks

You’ll never know how many keys are floating around for your new home unless you get new or re-key the existing ones. The previous owners may have given a key to neighbors, workmen, relatives, or cleaning services, and you’ll get some peace of mind if you get new ones. This project is to be done just before or soon after you move in.

Use your inspection report as a ‘to-do’ list for maintenance

After you buy a house, address any issues flagged on your home inspection report that the seller didn’t fix. Using the report as a guide, make a list of things to repair, update or maintain for the future, ranking them from most to least urgent. You’ll want to address items that can potentially blow up and cost you money later, such as dirty gutters, leaky pipes, or doors and windows needing resealing.