Common Items that Fail a Home Inspection in Colorado Springs

Are you tossing and turning at night, haunted by visions of items that fail a home inspection? You're not alone. From Garden of the Gods to Briargate, homeowners and buyers alike are wrestling with worries about hidden home issues that could turn their Rocky Mountain dream into a financial nightmare.

At Pikes Peak Home Inspections, we've explored every nook and cranny of Colorado Springs homes; whether it be charming Old Colorado City bungalows or Briargate builds, we've seen it all. No matter the minor hiccup or major headache, we're here to help you traverse the landscape of home inspections with the confidence of a seasoned mountaineer tackling America's Mountain.

The Colorado Springs Home Inspection Landscape

Our climate and geography in Colorado Springs can present unique challenges in regard to home maintenance. From the scorching summer sun to infamous surprise hailstorms, your home is going to take a beating from the weather year-round. Constant weathering from Mother Nature could lead to items that fail a home inspection:

Hailstorm Damage

Hail damage is one of the most common items that fail a home inspection. Hail wreaks havoc on your roof, causing damage that might not be visible from the ground. A good home inspector will look for signs of past hail damage, even if it's been a while since the last storm.

UV Damage

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, our roofs are constantly battling against UV rays. Over time, UV rays will prematurely age and deteriorate your roofing materials.

Expansive Soils

Clay-rich soils expand when wet and contract when dry. The expansion and contraction of soil beneath homes in Colorado Springs causes stress to foundations and cracks and structural issues over time.

Drainage Issues

Improper grading or inadequate gutters and downspouts will make water pool around your foundation. As anyone who's experienced a Colorado Springs summer thunderstorm knows, when it rains here, it pours. So, it's imperative that your gutters and downspouts are working correctly.

Cracks and Settling

Some settling is normal over time, but excessive or uneven settling is a huge red flag. Your inspector will be on the lookout for signs of foundation issues, which can be some of the biggest items that fail a home inspection.

More Common Items that Fail a Home Inspection in Colorado Springs

Besides the weather, there are a host of other issues that can arise during a home inspection. Older homes, and sometimes newer homes, can suffer from electrical, plumbing, or ventilation problems. Some of the most common issues that we encounter are:

Poor Ventilation

Winter ice dams and excessive heat buildup in the summertime can result from inadequate attic ventilation. In our climate of extremes, proper ventilation will extend the life of your roof and keep your energy bills in check.

Plumbing Problems

Plumbing is one of the most common items that fail a home inspection:

• Hard water woes: Hard water can be tough on pipes and fixtures in Colorado Springs, leading to leaks and reduced efficiency. If you've ever noticed a chalky buildup on your faucets, you've seen the effects of our hard water firsthand.
• Outdated materials: Older homes may have cast iron or galvanized steel pipes. Steel or iron pipes were once common but are now known to be problematic due to their propensity to corrode and fail over time.
• Improper installations: DIY plumbing jobs or work done by unlicensed contractors could mean minor leaks or major water damage.

Electrical Issues

In our tech-driven world, electrical systems face more demands than ever before:

• Outdated wiring: Homes in older neighborhoods like Old Colorado City or the Old North End may have outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Old wiring can be a fire hazard and often needs to be updated.
• Insufficient capacity: With our modern reliance on electronics, older electrical systems may not be up to the task of powering all your gadgets. If you're planning on working from home or setting up a killer entertainment system, this is something to pay attention to.
• DIY disasters: Plumbing and electrical work are often targets for ambitious DIYers. A qualified Inspector will scope out amateur work that could be potentially dangerous or life-threatening items that fail a home inspection.

Radon Risks

This one's invisible, but it's a big deal in our area:

• Elevated levels: Colorado Springs has elevated radon levels due to the rocky terrain. This odorless, colorless gas can pose serious health risks if left unchecked. Radon testing is vital for any home inspection in our area.
• Mitigation systems: If a home has a radon mitigation system, your inspector will check to ensure it's functioning correctly.

Read Also: The Silent Threat: Why You Need to Test for Radon Before Buying a New Home in Colorado Springs

HVAC Headaches

In a place where you might need both your heater and your air conditioner on the same day, you need a well-functioning HVAC system:

• Neglected maintenance: Many homeowners forget about their HVAC systems until something goes wrong. Have your HVAC system serviced regularly to prevent it from being one of the items that fail a home inspection.
• Improper sizing: An HVAC system that's too small or too large for your home can lead to inefficiency and premature wear and tear. It's not just about square footage - factors like our altitude and temperature extremes need to be taken into account.
• Outdated systems: Older homes in established neighborhoods like Patty Jewett or Ivywild may have aging HVAC systems that need updating.

Pest Problems

We're not the only ones who love calling Colorado Springs home:

• Termites: Termites are not super common in Colorado, but they are definitely items that fail a home inspection. Your inspector will be on the lookout for signs of these wood-destroying insects.
• Rodents: Rodents can cause damage to your home's structure and wiring. Signs of an infestation are definitely something your inspector will note.

Energy Efficiency Concerns

In a place where we can experience all four seasons in a single day, energy efficiency is a concern:

• Poor insulation: Poor insulation is common in older homes that weren't built with extreme temperature swings in mind.
• Drafty windows and doors: Older or poorly installed windows and doors let in drafts, driving up your energy costs and making your home less comfortable.
• Inefficient appliances: The efficiency of major appliances like water heaters and HVAC systems will significantly impact your home's overall energy use.

The Importance of a Professional Inspection

Knowing about the items that fail a home inspection is no substitute for a thorough, professional evaluation. A qualified home inspector will comprehensively evaluate your property, checking your home for anything that could later spell out trouble. Professional inspectors have the expertise to spot any potential issues that may be unapparent to the untrained eye.

Peak Home Inspections brings decades of local experience to every inspection we perform, and our detailed reports will give you a clear picture of a home's condition, helping you make an informed decision about whether you're buying or selling.

See Also: Five Tips for Finding the Best Home Inspector in Colorado Springs

The Pikes Peak Home Inspections Difference

Choosing Pikes Peak Home Inspections means more than just getting a report. It means gaining a trusted advisor in your corner. We know Colorado Springs like the back of our hand. From the unique challenges of homes in Manitou Springs to the newer developments in Briargate, we understand the local landscape.

A home inspection is more than a checkmark in the home buying or selling process. It's an invaluable tool for understanding and maintaining your most significant investment. With Pikes Peak Home Inspections, you're not just getting an inspection - you're gaining a partner in your homeownership journey. We want to help you discover and diagnose common items that fail a home inspection.

Don't let common home inspection failures catch you off guard. Schedule an inspection with Pikes Peak Home Inspections today, or give us a call at (719) 495-0042. Let us help you turn your Colorado Springs house into a worry-free home. After all, with views like ours, you should enjoy the scenery, not stress about your home!