For Your Information

An Englewood Colorado house is a major financial investment, so an evaluation of the condition of the house you want to purchase is essential.  With information about faults or defects in the house, you will understand the problems you have now or may have in the future.  You will be aware of what the ownership and maintenance costs will be.  Information from this WEB SITE, will help you "point-out", to the seller, to make the needed repairs, or perhaps lower the asking price.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when you do decide to hire a COLORADO PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR.  Home inspectors are supposed to work for the buyer and you will want to hire a professional who is totally impartial.

You want someone who simply inspects the house thoroughly and reports his or her findings but does nothing whatsoever to correct any fault he or she may find.  In that way the inspector will not be motivated to find work.

A professional inspector can point out things about the house you might not know about otherwise (like how long the roof will last or when you may need to replace the water heater).  He or She will check the property for termites and potential structural and mechanical defects.  He or She should also be able to evaluate the technical aspects of the house (like whether the plumbing or electrical wiring is in good shape).  The inspector should be knowledgeable enough to give approximate costs of repairs as a guide so that you can make the final decision on the house. 

To access a report on how a Home Inspection benefits both a seller and buyer, please CLICK here.

To access our PRICES AND OTHER pertinent information, please click HERE.

"TIPS" FOR INSPECTING AN ENGLEWOOD COLORADO PROPERTY

Looking for the right house, condominium, or other type of residential property can be a difficult process for those who are not experienced in all of the various technical aspects involved. Most purchasers have to make a number of decisions which are both emotional and technical in nature and the best and easiest way to complete a successful purchase is with the help of a real estate licensee who has the training and experience necessary. There are many things for prospective purchasers to observe and consider when looking at houses, condominiums, or other residential property. An outline of such items is presented below:

1. Siding: Look for cracks, loose pieces, lifting, or warping.
2. Paint: Look for peeling, chipping, blistering, stains, and any indication of damage as a result of water.
3. Foundation and exterior surfaces: Check for cracks and holes, areas not level or uneven, loose or missing stucco or mortar.
4. Porch or entrance area: Examine steps, handrails, posts, and look for loose or unsafe features.
5. Roof: Look for worn or bald spots, any missing shingles or tiles; determine age and if any warranty is still in effect.
6. Chimney: Look for tilting, cracks, and any missing bricks.
7. Gutters and downspouts: Check for signs of leaks, rusting, and condition of joints.
8. Windows and screens: Look for broken glass or screens, check for proper caulking.
9. Walls and fences: Look for holes and any missing fencing or rotted posts.
10. .Driveways and sidewalks: Check surface condition and look for holes or cracks; Check for levelness.
11. .Proper drainage: Water from rain should flow away from property. Check condition of any wells or septic tanks.
12. .Lot and landscaping: Locate property lines and determine approximate area; check condition of grass, shrubbery and plants, and trees. Check root condition of especially large trees close to any buildings.

Things to consider on the interior of the property

1. General plan: The traffic pattern and layout of rooms is important. Observe the general condition with respect to maintenance and repair.
2. Living/dining/family room areas: Size and design should be large enough for particular requirements and conveniently located. Any fireplace should have a damper that works and a clean chimney.
3. Bedrooms: Number should be adequate for present and future uses, with each having an outside window, proper closet space and entry off a hallway.
4. Bathrooms: An adequate number of bathrooms is very important and every floor should have a bathroom facility. Check for cracks in tiles, signs of leaks, how long it takes to get hot water, and proper ventilation.
5. Kitchen: Check appliances such as stove, refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, and microwave for age, and inquire about present age, condition, and any warranties in effect. Check amount of shelf and counter space, electrical outlets, and storage areas. If a separate breakfast room is not available there should be adequate space for a kitchen eating area.
6. Walls and ceilings: Look for major cracks, loose or falling plaster, and any signs of leaks or stains.
7. Windows and doors: Check to see that windows and doors have adequate locks and open and close properly.
8. Floors: Walk and jump lightly on floors to determine any movement; check for levelness or bowing.
9. Stairs: Check for any loose treads or handrails.
10. .Basement: If applicable, basement area should be checked for signs of water leaking, dampness, flooding, dry-rot, termites, and for adequate lighting.
11. .Attic: If applicable, the attic should be checked for signs of leaks and any rodent or insect infestation, and if insulated, check type and quantity.
12. .Plumbing system: Check type of water pipes and sewer lines, look for rusting or leaking; turn on faucets to test water pressure; look for clogged or sluggish drains or dripping faucets, and check for adequate laundry facilities.
13. .Electrical system: Check load center and observe if there are fuses or circuit breakers, check age and look for signs of wear or exposed wires.
14. .Heating system: Check the type of heating system such as warm air, hot water, or electrical, and determine age and condition.
15. .Hot water heater: Check for signs of leaking or rusting. Determine capacity and recovery rate, age and condition.

16. .Air conditioning/cooling: If applicable, check type of air conditioning or cooling system, age and condition.

The company will thoroughly inspect all wall, ceilings, doors and windows.  Complete visual and functional inspections are done on electrical, heating, cooling and plumbing systems, and on most major appliances.  We also provide a full written report, including recommendations and estimated repair costs.

The MONEY you spend now for a Professional Certified Inspection can save you from costly and unexpected repairs later on.