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Written by: Chad Cabalka

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In Colorado, most home inspections are not legally required, but there are several that are strongly recommended in a typical purchase, plus a few that are smart to consider based on where and what you’re buying. Think of them as tools to understand the true condition of the home, not hoops to jump through.

Standard Whole‑Home Inspection

Almost every buyer in Colorado should start with a standard whole‑home inspection, even though state law does not make it mandatory. This is a generalist inspection that covers the big systems and structure of the property so you know how the house is performing before you close.

A typical whole‑home inspection looks at the roof, exterior, structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and visible interior components like windows, doors, and major appliances. It won’t catch everything that could ever go wrong, but it will flag safety issues, obvious defects, and age‑related concerns so you can decide what to negotiate, fix, or plan for in the future. In our competitive Denver‑area market, some buyers are tempted to skip this to “look stronger,” but that usually just shifts risk onto you.

Radon Testing (Highly Recommended in Colorado)

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes from the soil, and Colorado is considered a higher‑risk state for elevated levels. A radon test is typically a separate add‑on to the main inspection and runs for 48 hours or so, using a monitor placed in the lowest livable level of the home.​

If you’re buying anywhere along the Front Range — Denver, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Lakewood, etc. — radon testing is usually worth doing, especially for homes with basements. If the level comes back high, mitigation is straightforward in most cases, but it’s better to know before closing so you can negotiate installation or plan for it rather than being surprised later.

Sewer Scope (Especially for Older Neighborhoods)

A sewer scope is a camera inspection of the main sewer line from the house to the street. In many Denver‑area neighborhoods with older clay or cast‑iron lines, tree roots, settling, and breaks are common issues.

If you’re buying an older home in areas like Wash Park, Park Hill, Wheat Ridge, or Arvada, a sewer scope is often just as important as the main inspection. A damaged sewer line can cost thousands to repair or replace, so spending a few hundred dollars on a scope can save you a major surprise. Even in newer suburbs, it’s worth considering if there are large trees or signs of past drainage problems.​

Roof Inspection (Sometimes Separate, Sometimes Included)

Most general inspectors will give you a basic overview of the roof, but in Colorado’s hail‑prone climate, a more detailed roof evaluation can be helpful. Sometimes that means having a roofing specialist look at shingle condition, flashing, and prior repairs, especially if the roof is older or visibly patched.​

This can be particularly important for homes that have had multiple insurance claims or where the seller believes the roof is “fine” but you’re seeing age or wear. A clearer roof picture helps you understand whether you’re inheriting a roof with many years left or one you may be replacing soon.​

Specialized Tests: Mold, Asbestos, and More

Depending on the age and condition of the home, you and your inspector may decide to add more focused inspections. Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, may warrant asbestos testing if you plan to remodel or if materials like old floor tile, ceiling texture, or duct insulation look suspect.​

Mold testing may be appropriate if there are signs of chronic moisture, musty odors, or past water damage that hasn’t been fully explained. Other specialized inspections can include structural engineer evaluations for significant foundation concerns, or HVAC specialists when complex or highly aged systems are involved.

New Construction and Builder Walk‑Throughs

For new builds around Denver and the suburbs, many buyers assume they can skip inspections because “everything is new.” In reality, it’s still wise to have an independent inspector walk the property before your final walk‑through and again before the builder’s warranty expires.

These inspections focus on workmanship, safety, and systems that may not be obvious at a quick glance — things like insulation gaps, drainage grading, or minor code defects. Catching issues while the builder is still responsible tends to be much easier than trying to address them years later.​

Rental and Manufactured Housing Situations

Some specific property types have their own inspection frameworks. Manufactured homes in Colorado have separate installation inspection and certification standards administered through the Division of Housing. Certain cities also run their own inspections for larger rental properties or multi‑unit buildings to ensure basic safety and habitability.

If you’re buying a manufactured home or an investment property with multiple units, you’ll want to understand both the usual buyer inspections and any local program inspections that may apply.

How to Decide What You Need

Practically, your “must have” list in Colorado usually looks like this: whole‑home inspection, radon test, and sewer scope, with roof and specialized inspections layered on as the property and your plans dictate. The age of the home, its location, and whether you’re planning renovations all shape which extras are smart versus optional.

This is where it helps to talk with a local advisor who understands Colorado housing stock, soil conditions, and how different builders and eras of construction behave over time. The goal is not to order every inspection possible; it’s to choose the right combination so you walk into ownership with clear eyes and a realistic plan.

If you want to walk through a specific property or scenario together — what type of home, where it is, and what you’re aiming to do with it — I’m happy to help you sort out which inspections make sense and in what order, always with your long‑term comfort and stability in mind.

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This is offered as general education only. If you are already under contract with another agent, nothing here is meant to override their guidance or solicit you as a client; I fully respect those boundaries and would encourage you to defer to their advice.

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