Home Inspection Guide for Colorado Springs Buyers

The Ultimate Guide to Home Inspections in Colorado Springs: What Every Buyer Needs to Know

Buying a home in Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak region is an exciting ride, but once you’re under contract, the clock starts ticking. In Colorado Springs and suburbs like Falcon, Fountain, or Monument, the home inspection is your best chance to really see what’s going on under the hood.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, here is exactly what to expect during your Colorado Springs home inspection.

The 10-Day Inspection Period: Don't Wait!

In a typical Colorado real estate contract, you usually have about a 10-day window for your "Inspection Objection" deadline. This isn't just 10 days to get the inspector out there; it’s 10 days to get the inspection done, read the report, and negotiate any repairs with the seller.

Because Colorado Springs is a busy market, inspectors book up fast. I always recommend scheduling your pro the minute we go under contract so you aren't rushing at the last second.

Why Radon Testing is a Must in the Springs

If you’ve lived in Colorado for a while, you’ve probably heard of radon. It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the soil, and because of our geology, Colorado Springs is a "Zone 1" area (meaning high potential for radon).

Most buyers opt for a 48-hour radon test. If the levels come back above the EPA’s limit (4.0 pCi/L), don’t sweat it! It’s a very common fix. We usually ask the seller to install a mitigation system, which is a fan and pipe setup that vents the gas safely above the roofline.

VA Loans and Termite (WDI) Inspections

We love our military community here in the Springs! If you are using a VA loan to buy your home, the VA requires a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report.

While we don’t have the massive termite issues they have down south, we do have subterranean termites and carpenter ants. This inspection is mandatory for VA buyers to ensure the home is structurally sound. It’s a quick, affordable add-on to your main inspection that keeps your loan moving forward.

Mold Testing: Even in a Dry Climate?

People think because Colorado is a "high desert," we don't have mold. While it’s true we are dry, mold loves a leaky water heater, a poorly vented bathroom, or a damp crawlspace in a Black Forest home.

If your inspector sees any "organic growth" or signs of past flooding, you can add a mold air quality test. It’s better to spend a little extra now to make sure the air your family is breathing is clean.

What Else Should You Look For?

In our neck of the woods, we also pay close attention to:

• Roof Condition: Our legendary Colorado Springs hailstorms can be tough on shingles.
• Sewer Scopes: Especially in older neighborhoods like Old Colorado City or the Westside, checking the main sewer line for tree roots or cracks is a smart move.
• Foundation: With our expansive soils, we want to make sure the home isn't shifting more than it should.

It's also good to know about plumbing and electric. 

Your Next Steps

The inspection isn't about finding a "perfect" house, it’s about making sure you’re making a confident investment. Once we get the report back, we’ll sit down and decide which items are deal-breakers and which are just simple DIY fixes.

Thinking about buying or selling in Colorado Springs? I’m here to help you navigate every step of the process, from the first showing to the final closing. Reach out today and let’s get started!