Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

Colorado home inspections aren’t legally mandated for buyers, but in practice, they’re thorough and buyer-driven, with inspectors held to high standards through licensing and insurance requirements. After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve seen inspections uncover critical issues that protect buyers while giving sellers clear paths to resolution.​

The Inspection Process in Colorado

Home inspections occur during the due diligence period after contract acceptance, typically 10-15 days, allowing buyers to assess structure, systems, and safety without state-mandated checklists. Inspectors must complete extensive training—often 80-120 hours plus field experience—and pass national exams like the NHIE, plus carry $250,000+ in liability and errors/omissions insurance. This setup ensures rigorous evaluations of roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and foundations, with special attention to Colorado-specific concerns like radon, wildfire risks, and soil stability.​

Sellers must disclose known defects, but inspections often reveal hidden problems, empowering buyers to negotiate repairs, credits, or walk away. In competitive areas like Highlands Ranch real estate or Littleton real estate, some buyers waived objections during hot markets, but current balance in the Colorado housing market brings them back as standard practice.​

What Makes Them Feel Strict

Colorado’s lack of prescriptive codes gives flexibility, but inspector ethics and buyer leverage create strict outcomes. Common red flags include outdated wiring in older Denver homes, poor drainage causing foundation cracks, or inadequate insulation failing new energy codes like the 2024 IECC updates for windows and sealing. Rental properties face even tighter city rules—Denver requires third-party inspections for licensing, covering fire safety and habitability, with re-inspections until compliance.​

From my experience, “strictness” varies by property age and location. Newer builds in Douglas County pass smoothly; vintage homes in central Denver often need updates. Septic inspections are now seller-mandated in some counties, adding another layer.​

Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers

To navigate effectively, I recommend:

• Buyers: Hire licensed inspectors early, attend the walkthrough, and prioritize radon/sewer scopes in Colorado’s geology.​
• Sellers: Get pre-listing inspections to fix issues upfront, avoiding last-minute surprises and price chips.​
• Everyone: Review HOA docs for shared systems and budget for post-inspection negotiations—transparency builds trust.​

In my concierge service, walking clients through reports turns potential deal-breakers into smooth closings, often sparking lifelong relationships.

If you want honest guidance, detailed market insight, or a no-pressure conversation about inspections in your Denver real estate deal, reach out—I’m here. Visit www.MileHighHomeGroup.net to search properties, explore Denver, learn more about me, and connect.