Denver inspectors witness a lot of common problems while inspecting homes. Usually, these are issues that arise from deferred maintenance over the years, which can lead to more costly problems in the future.
For this post, I spoke with the best home inspector I know: Ken Clark from Home Systems Data. Before becoming a home inspector, Ken spent 23 years in the construction industry, in project management and as a VP with two leading companies in new home construction. His expertise and attention to detail have always left my buyers more than satisfied.
These are some of the most common issues found in the 400+ Denver homes Ken inspects every year, in particular with regards to the more historic homes in the Park Hill area.
1.) Adequate Water Drainage
Water is extremely damaging to homes, yet most Denver homes do not have an adequate water drainage system. In fact, almost none of the historic homes in areas like Park Hill that Ken has inspected, had an appropriate level of water drainage. Gutters should be able to collect and redirect water away from a home, but the downspouts are often too short. There should also be a 10% downward slope within the first 5 feet away from a home’s foundation on any side.
Long-term, a lack of adequate water drainage can allow water to accumulate along the home’s foundation, causing damage. Foundation issues can be incredibly expensive to repair, and may inhibit the sale of your home should you choose to list it in the future.
2.) Holes in the Exterior
The wood trim/soffit/fascia found on the exterior of Denver homes will eventually rot, and the holes left behind can allow small, unwanted animals to move in.
Exterior holes can also be found in brick homes, such as the Bungalow and Tudor style homes found in Park Hill. Over the years, the mortar will dissolve, leaving holes in between the bricks. This can be remedied with periodic maintenance known as “tuck point maintenance.”
3.) Sewer Scope
All homes should have a sewer line inspection, and this is particularly true for older neighborhoods like Park Hill, where many houses still use the original clay line. If you own a home and have no idea what the sewer line looks like, it’s worth the $100 to have a scope done. Over time cracks, roots and other issues can cause your sewer line to stop working. Replacing a sewer line is expensive, but having to deal with a sewage back-up in your home can be a nightmare.
4.) Service Furnace and AC
Most homeowners don’t have their furnace and AC serviced enough. However, having these cleaned every now and again will allow your systems to run more efficiently, which can save you money on energy costs.
5.) Maintain Windows
Window maintenance is important, especially for older homes with original windows. Here in Park Hill, having original wood windows in an older home can add a lot of charm- but can also add a lot of headaches if those windows are not properly maintained. When older windows are not maintained, water intrusion can occur which causes windows to deteriorate further. Hiring a window company to do regular maintenance on older windows is much cheaper than hiring one to replace them. If you decide to sell your home in the future, potential buyers will appreciate your well maintained, beautiful original windows.
-Erik Carman
To contact Ken Clark, home inspector, call 303-419-6304 or email Ken@HSDI.com
