Our home is our safe haven. After a long, stressful day at work, many of us look forward to resting and relaxing in our home. We think of it as a place of comfort and safety. If you have kids, creating a secure, welcoming, and safe environment for your family is on top of your priority list. If you think you’re safe in your Denver Colorado home, think again.

There are numerous hazards inside your Denver home that people tend to overlook. The biggest dangers are the ones that you can’t see. They are posing a threat to the health and safety of your loved ones, and you’re not even aware they are present in your home.

Here are 6 hidden hazards in your home, along with some suggestions on what you can do about them.

Mold

Molds are a natural part of the environment. They are literally everywhere, but active mold growth requires moisture. If you recently experienced flooding, water damage, roof leaks or pipe leaks, odds are there is mold inside your home.

Exposure to mold may cause a multitude of health problems. Not all people are sensitive to molds. Some develop reactions when exposed to mold while others do not. For those who are sensitive to molds, exposure to molds can cause allergic reaction. They usually develop symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, eye irritation, wheezing, throat irritation, and skin irritation. The symptoms may worsen overtime. Infant, children, older adults, and immune-compromised individuals are more susceptible to molds. Often, these individuals develop more serious reactions such as shortness of breath, coughing, and asthma attack.

Mold starts to grow within 24 to 48 hours of moisture problem or water damage. If you have recently experience water damage, act fast and address the problem as soon as possible.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is as colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It can build up inside your home without you even knowing it. The problem is that once you breathe in carbon dioxide, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in the body and leads to poisoning. CO poisoning kills more than 200 people a year. It is a serious issue you shouldn’t take lightly.

Carbon monoxide is usually produced by burning fuel. If you have fuel-burning appliances like wood stove, fireplace, water heater, and furnace, you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. To thwart danger posed by carbon monoxide, we highly recommend that you install carbon monoxide detector in your home. Also, make sure that all fuel burning appliances as well as the vents and chimneys are inspected annually.

Ideally, you should have one in every floor and place them near the sleeping areas. This way, everyone will be alerted by the presence of this silent killer. Also, make it a habit to test the detector regularly and replace the battery as needed. This is a simple step to ensure that your entire family is protected from the dangers of carbon monoxide. Remember, carbon monoxide is an invisible gas. Without a functional detector, it would be impossible to detect the presence of carbon monoxide inside your home.

Electrical issues

Electrical fire is one of the leading causes of residential fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires account to about 6.3% of all residential fires. This equates to about $1.3 billion in property damage.

Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, faulty appliances, and misuse of extension cords are just some of the most common causes of electrical fires. Most electrical fires are preventable. Don’t let these issues cause a fire in your home.

Older homes usually have inadequate electrical wiring, which can be an electrical and fire hazard. Keep you and your family out of harm’s way by hiring a certified electrician and have your electrical system inspected. If you often use electrical cords, be sure to keep them away from sources of water and heat. Also, never place them beneath the carpets. Inspect all electrical cords and discard all plugs or cords that are frayed or worn.

Structural damage

Some cracks on the wall or a door that’s a little tough to open may not seem like a big deal, but structural damage is a serious issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly. This means the foundation can no longer support your home. With a weak foundation, your home would collapse. Not only is it expensive to repair, it is also extremely dangerous.

Water damage is one of the most common causes of structural damage. If left unaddressed, it can create the perfect environment for mold growth and can eventually weaken your home’s foundation. Avoid permanent damage to your home by taking corrective action right away.

Lead

Lead-based paint was used in many homes from 1922 to mid-70s. It was added to paint to resist moisture, maintain a fresh appearance, and accelerate drying. Later on, they found out about the health risks associated with lead. As such, the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in 1978. If your house was built before 1978, there is a good chance that there is lead in your home.

Most old homes still have lead paint in them, which is a major health hazard. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can be harmful to people of any age. People can be exposed to lead through ingestion of lead-contaminated food, water or dust. Young children are more susceptible to lead toxicity because they tend to put different things in their mouth. Another route is through inhalation of lead particles. Once it’s in a person’s bloodstream, it can affect multiple body systems.

Lead does not present a health hazard as long as it is not flaking or chipping. To reduce the risk of lead poisoning, be sure to keep all paint in excellent condition and clean up paint chips safely. Also, families living in older homes should have their house tested to confirm the presence or absence of lead in your home.  

Radon

Radon is a natural by-product that is produced during the breakdown of radioactive elements such as uranium. Just like carbon monoxide, radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can be detrimental to one’s health. The gas is carcinogenic. Breathing in radon, especially over a long period of time, increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Studies suggest that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer among smokers.

According to studies, 1 out of 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels. It usually occurs in the outdoor air in small amounts that it isn’t considered as a health risk. Radon can enter your home through cracks in the walls, floors or basement drain and gets trapped inside. In some cases, it can build up to an unsafe level. When this happens, it can become an indoor air hazard for your family. But the problem is that, most homeowners aren’t even aware that there is radon gas in their home until it’s too late.

Since radon is odorless and colorless, the only way to determine the presence of radon in your home is through testing. You can either do the test on your own or hire a professional to do it for you. It doesn’t cost that much either. Have your home tested for radon. It can save the lives of you and your loved ones.

Buying a house has always been a part of the American dream. Studies suggest that 80% of millennials desire to become homeowners someday. They are moving out of their parent’s basements and into buying homes. In fact, millennials hold the largest share of homebuyers at 36%.

A house is one of the biggest purchases one will ever make in this lifetime. Considering the amount of money to be spent in buying a house, buyers are very cautious in purchasing a property. They don’t just want a beautiful house. They want a property that is in move-in condition. They are in search of a property that doesn’t require lots of time, money, and effort to repair. Homebuyers want to make sure that the hose they are investing on is in good condition. This is where home inspection steps in.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure of the property. Based on the visual inspection of accessible features, it determines the present condition of the house, as well as its major systems. The procedure is usually done by a professional home inspector – someone who has undergone extensive trainings and certifications.

Home inspection is usually done during a real estate transaction. Often, it is done at the request of the buyer. The buyers are usually the ones who hire a home inspector. Not only does it help them identify problems that are present in the house, it also gives them the assurance that the house they are interested in is worth investing on. Learning the actual condition of the property can help buyers save a lot of time and money in the long run. Not only is it beneficial for buyers, it can also work to your advantage when selling your house.

Anyone who is selling their house will go through a home inspection. You don’t need a real estate transaction to have a home inspection. If you are eager to know the actual condition of your house, you can hire a home inspector and have the house inspected any time.

Do home inspections really affect property value?

If you’re wondering whether or not a home inspection affects the value of the property, then the answer is yes. This is especially true when you’re selling.

You may not have plans of selling your house right now, but time will come when you’ll be ready to put it on the market. Read on to find out how home inspection can affect the value of your home.

You can make repairs before selling

First impressions matter when selling a house. If you want to sell your house fast and for top dollar, you need to make sure that your house is at its best. A charming and attractive house is definitely an advantage, but you also need to make sure that is in great shape as well.

If you are considering selling your home in the near future, we highly recommend that you have your house inspected before putting it on the market. This will help you identify potential and existing problems in your home.

Structural issues, plumbing problems, electrical problems, roof damage, and water damage are just some of the most common issues found during a home inspection. These issues are costly to repair and may negatively affect the value of your property. By learning about the issues present in your home, you are given the opportunity to fix them before putting your house on the market.

As mentioned earlier, most buyers are in search of properties that are in move-in ready condition. They don’t want to be bothered with repairs. By making the necessary repairs before selling, you are making your house more attractive to potential buyers.

Most sellers don’t have enough time or money to tackle all the issues listed on the home inspection report. That’s fine. You don’t have to fix everything. Just try to tackle as much issues as you can. Repair the roof, replace broken window glass, repair leaky faucets, fix broken appliances and HVAC systems, and patch holes and cracks in the walls and ceilings. By repairing certain issues and making improvements before listing your home, potential buyers will think that your home is well loved and maintained. As a result, you’ll be able to sell your house quickly and for top dollar. Plus, you’ll put more money in your pocket.

Make the buying process quicker and smoother

A home inspection involves a visual inspection of the house’s structure, as well as its major systems and appliances. By checking every aspect of the house, the inspector may be able to uncover issues you may not be aware of. You will also be provided a copy of the home inspection report within 1 to 3 days.

As mentioned above, it is often the buyer who hires a home inspector. Once it’s done, they have 3 options – they would ask the buyer to tackle repairs, negotiate for a lower price or back out of the transaction.

A home inspection is a vital part of a real estate transaction. Buyers are likely to have it done before they agree to buy the house. By performing a pre-selling inspection, there would be no surprises during the selling process. You are fully aware of the issues present in the house. You can either tackle these issues or just leave them as is. If you don’t have enough money to handle repairs, you can just disclose the issues to potential buyers and reduce the price of your home to accurately reflect its condition. They will uncover the truth eventually, so there is no point in concealing these issues.

By disclosing the issues in advance, it will help combat any suspicions they may have and reduce a buyer’s need for a price concession. It will also reduce the negotiation process since there won’t be much left for the buyers to negotiate on. With all the cards on the table, it will eliminate last-minute surprises and strengthen your home’s selling power.

Even if a buyer request to do their own home inspection, they are less likely to back out of the sale due to unsatisfactory conditions.

Get a pre-listing home inspection

Selling their house fast and for top dollar is a dream most home sellers share. This is why many of them spend time and money in beautifying their house. Often, sellers tend to focus on cleaning, decluttering, staging their home. We understand that you want your home to look its best. But if you want to get the most money out of your property, you need to look at the house with a buyer’s eyes.  

Having a pre-listing inspection will help you identify the issues you may have overlooked over the years. It will also give you a good idea about the current condition of your house. Equipped with this information, you’ll have the chance to take care of certain things before listing your home for sale. This will help increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Having a pre-listing inspection done, you can plan better and possibly a better price on your home. If you’re considering selling your home, please feel free to call us to schedule a pre-listing home inspection.

Buying a house is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. You are finally fulfilling your dreams of becoming a homeowner. But considering the amount of money you’ll be spending on that property, you want to make sure that you do it right.

Most homebuyers make the mistake of falling head over heels on a particular property. Let’s face it. It can be difficult to resist the charm of an older house. With decades of history and unique character, a lot of buyers get smitten when they first encounter an old house. When buying a house, however, you shouldn’t just focus on the aesthetic appeal. You want to make sure that it’s in pristine condition as well. This is where a home inspection comes in handy.

A home inspection will help you learn as much as you can about the house you are interested in. It can be used as a tool for future planning. It can pinpoint problems, major defects, potential threats, and safety concerns present in the house, and even give you an idea about the life expectancy of the appliances, roof, furnace, and other systems. By knowing about the current condition of the property, you can plan ahead and make an informed decision. Playing such an important role in the home buying process, it is important that you hire a reputable home inspector.

Keep these tips in mind when hiring a home inspector.

Ask for referral

Buying a house isn’t something we do very often. Most people would only do it once or twice in their lifetime. That said, many of you may not have an idea where to find a home inspector. If you have family, friends or colleagues who recently bought a house, then don’t hesitate to ask them for referral.

Your real estate agent is also a great resource for referrals, especially if they have been in the business for a long time. He/she should be able to recommend a few well-qualified inspectors. Keep in mind, though, that real estate agents only work on a commission basis. They won’t get paid unless you buy the house. If you are confident that your real estate agent has your best interest at heart, then you can hire the home inspector he/she recommended. But to be on the safe side, we highly recommend that you do your research before you hire a home inspector.

Qualifications

Finding a reputable home inspectors require some research. There are so many home inspectors out there. Given that some states do not require licensing, anyone can just call themselves a home inspector. The last thing you want is to hire someone who is inexperienced and doesn’t know what he’s doing.

In the process of hiring a home inspector, it is best to narrow down your list to 3-5 inspectors, and speak to them one by one. You may want to ask about their qualifications and certifications. Although not all states require licensing, we recommend that you ask about their background and experience. How long has he been in the business? Also, be sure to hire someone who has undergone extensive training. Remember, it takes training and years of experience to develop the necessary skill and insights to be a legitimate home inspector.

If you are planning to buy an old house, it is best to hire an inspector with a background in inspecting similar houses. Older homes usually present problems and issues that are uncommon in newer houses.

Membership

Reputable home inspectors are typically members of InterNACHI and ASHI. InterNACHI stands for International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Meanwhile, ASHI stands for American Society of Home Inspectors.

When you choose to work with an InterNACHI and ASHI-certified home inspector, you can be sure that you’re working with a professional inspector, who has completed technical examinations, numerous inspection courses, and adhered to recognized standards of practice. Being a member of these organizations doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she is an expert, but you can be sure that you are dealing with a qualified and experienced inspector.

Ask for sample home inspection report

After the home inspection, you will receive a copy of the home inspection report. The report contains the details and findings of the inspection process. Most inspectors will have the report ready within 24 hours of inspection.

Home inspection reports come in different formats. Some come in narrative format, while others use a checklist-style report. Others even include photographs. Before you hire an inspector, we recommend that you obtain a sample of the home inspection report. This way, you can see whether the format works for you.

Carefully read through the inspection report. Is it comprehensive and easy to understand? A good report should be clearly written, identify the issues and what should be done to fix them. If they have included some photos, even better. It will be easier for you to discern described on the report if they are accompanied with photos.

Ask to attend the home inspection

The home inspection is your chance to learn more about the property you are interested in. While the home inspection report will point out the flaws and issues present in the house, it doesn’t compare to the experience of going through the house. Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand the extent of the problem unless you have seen it in person.

We know that you have a hectic schedule, but we encourage you to carve out time out of your busy day to attend the home inspection. It will only take 2 to 3 hours of your time, but it will be worth it in the end. So go ahead and ask the inspector if you can take part of the process. If he says no, then that would be a major red flag. Do not hire that inspector.

A good inspector will allow you to tag along and even talk about any possible repairs that may be needed. Some would even give you estimates for repairs, so you’ll have an idea how much you’ll need to spend to make the house more liveable.

Compare costs

Buying a house can cost a small fortune. Aside from the down payment, there are also some added fees associated with home buying. Appraisal fee, taxes, closing fee, home inspection fee, moving costs, repair are just some of them. These fees can easily add up to several thousands of dollars.

Often, buyers are looking for ways to save money. Unfortunately, many of them would scrimp on home inspection. They would settle for the ones the lowest rate or skip it altogether. Considering how important the home inspection is in the buying process, you wouldn’t want to scrimp on the home inspection.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to save money and find a good deal. In fact, we recommend that you talk to 3-5 inspectors and compare costs. But if you are looking for a qualified home inspector, the rate should be the last thing to consider. Find a good inspector by using the tips above. He/she should be certified, have undergone extensive training, has years of experience, as well as detailed and thorough home inspection report. If the rate is amenable to you, then you may have found a good deal.

Selling a house is no easy task. There are lots of things that needs to be done to prepare your home for selling. From cleaning and decluttering to staging to advertising and showing, the entire process can be exhausting and stress-inducing.

Just because you have received an offer on your house, it’s not a guarantee that the sale will push through. You still need to pass the home inspection. A home inspection gives buyers a clear picture about the current condition of the property. Depending on what comes up on the inspection report, the buyer can negotiate a lower price, ask you to do some repairs or just walk out of the transaction.

If you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar, make sure that you prepare for the home inspection. Listed below are some dos and don’ts you should consider before the home inspector arrives. With these tips, you are sure to convince homebuyers to scurry for their checkbooks.

DOs

Get a pre-listing inspection

Selling the house quickly and for top dollar is a dream most sellers share. To do that, you want to make sure that you house is in tiptop shape before putting it on the market. One of the best ways to prepare your home for selling is by getting a pre-listing inspection.

A pre-listing inspection gives you a clear picture about the current condition of your home. It can help you avoid any surprises along the way and can streamline the process. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to address some issues early on, so you have a better chance of having a smoother, quicker selling process.

In some states, there are no licensing requirements for home inspectors. This makes it difficult to separate the goods ones from the inexperienced ones. To ensure that you hire a qualified home inspector, ask for credentials and certifications. You may also want to review a sample home inspection report. You want to make sure that the information presented is in a clear and thorough format. It is also best to do your research. Read reviews from past clients and check the company’s references. Sometimes, you need to do a little inspecting on your own to find the best inspector.

Clean your house

Having prospective buyers and home inspectors in your house can be a daunting thought. They’ll be checking every nook and cranny and look for flaws or issues in your home. That said, you want to make sure that your house is clean, organized, and presentable.

Nothing will turn off a buyer more than a messy, cluttered house. Home inspectors and potential buyers may also assume that your house wasn’t cared for.

Clean your home like a pro and pay particular attention to the bathrooms and kitchen. Don’t forget to look inside your drawers, cupboards, and cabinets. While you’re at it, get rid of things you no longer need or use. Remember, a stylish home is one that is clean, decluttered, and easy to move around in.

Be on time

Most inspectors come early. Others arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule. So, if the inspection is scheduled at 9:00 am, make sure that you are dressed and ready to go by 8:45 am.

Many of them would start inspecting the exterior of the house as soon as they arrive. So, make sure that you wake up and prepare early. The last thing you want is for the home inspector to be walking around the house while you’re dressing up. Be on time because the home inspector will be.

Check your home’s exterior

As mentioned above, the exterior is the first thing home inspectors will check, so you want to make sure it’s in great shape. If your home’s exterior is cluttered, now is the best time to take care of it.

Trim your bushes, mow the lawn, and clear the sidewalk. If you are selling in winter, then you need to shovel and salt the walkways. Also, consider repainting the faded window and front door to make your home more attractive.

Turn on all utilities

A home inspector will not only examine the different areas of the house, he will also check the air conditioner, furnace, dishwasher, and the water heater. Without utilities, he won’t be able to check these appliances. The inspection will need to be rescheduled and the closing will be delayed. We highly recommend that you leave the utilities connected even after you have moved out of the house.

Have paperwork ready

The inspector may want to know when you last had your HVAC system serviced or had the chimney cleaned. Gather all the necessary paper and documents of all repairs that you have done on your home.  It is also a good idea to include receipts of the appliances and fixtures, so it would be easier to prove their age.

Provide easy access to different areas of your home

Make sure that you provide access to different areas of your home. Otherwise, they won’t be able to do the job thoroughly. Provide unobstructed access to the basement, crawlspace, attic, and other areas. Unlock doors and gates to the garage, shed or any other rooms in the house.

Your HVAC system and hot water tank will also be inspected. Check them before the scheduled date of inspection and make sure that they are properly functioning.  A home inspector will need at least 3 to 4 feet of space in order to inspect it thoroughly. Provide workspace around hot water tank and HVAC system by removing furnitures, boxes or bookcases that may be blocking access to these areas.

DON’Ts

Hover around

More often than not, buyers tag along during the home inspection. After all, this is the perfect opportunity to learn as much as they can about the house they are interested in. They may feel uncomfortable to ask questions or point out some issues if you’re inside the house.

The average home inspection takes about 2 to 3 hours. Sometimes, it may take longer. Make sure that you have something planned for the afternoon. Don’t forget to take your pets with you. Also, make sure all pet accessories and toys are tucked away out of sight. You may be a dog person, but you should also consider that not everyone likes them. You shouldn’t take your chances by leaving your precious pets around strangers.

Leave obvious issues unfixed

A house is one of the biggest purchases one would make in this lifetime. Considering the amount of money that will be put towards the house, homebuyers want to make sure that house is in tiptop shape. The last thing you want is for them to assume that the house hasn’t been cared for or maintained. Remember that at this stage, they are deciding whether or not your house is worth investing on.

Fix obvious problems before having the house inspected. Any issue you expect to show up on the home inspection report should be dealt with by now. There is no point in masking certain issues as home inspectors will likely uncover them.

Forget about safety and security

Our home is our safe haven. It is where we relax and unwind after a long, stressful day at work. Aspiring homeowners aren’t just looking for a lovely house, they are also looking after their family’s safety and security. With that, we highly recommend that you check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Both devices are life-saving tools, and you want to make sure that they operating properly.

Selling a house is no easy feat. It goes beyond just putting a for sale sign on the front lawn. It requires a lot of hard work and patience.

Most homes do sell, it just takes time. But if your house has been on the market for weeks or months with just a couple of showings, there must be something wrong.

Here are 4 reasons why your house hasn’t sold.

The listing photos are bad

Most buyers begin the home buying process online. They would browse through some online listings, hoping to find a property that they would find interesting. Once they find something they like, that’s the only time they would drive by the property or schedule a viewing. This is why listing photos are so important.

Since potential buyers use listing photos to decide which homes to visit, make sure that you upload good quality photos. Showcase your home’s best features. Shoot wide angles with plenty of light. If possible, hire a professional photographer.

It’s overpriced

Most sellers would price their house high in the hopes of getting more money out of their property. This is a huge mistake that will cost you big in the long run.

Weeks have passed since you listed your home, yet there have only been a couple of showings. Chances are, you haven’t received an offer either. If your home is overpriced, it is important that you make an adjustment as soon as possible. The longer your property lingers on the market, the less money you’ll have in your pocket. Remember, pricing your home correctly from the beginning is crucial.

The property isn’t in good condition

In order to sell your house fast and for top dollar, you want to make sure that your house is in good condition before putting it on the market.

Getting a pre-listing inspection is always a good idea as it will help you determine the overall condition of your house. Plus, you’ll be able to identify the issues that need to be fixed immediately. If your house isn’t in great shape, it will linger on the market longer. If you haven’t taken any steps to improve the condition of the house, then we won’t be surprised why it hasn’t sold yet.

Your house is dark

Our home is our safe haven. It is where we relax by the end of the day and feel safe. If you want to sell your house quickly, your goal is to help potential buyers envision themselves in your home. You want to create a house that feels cozy and inviting.

A house that is dark feels small and cramped. It does not give a good first impression. Open the curtains and clean the windows to let as much natural light in. Also, paint the walls  a light, neutral color to make the room look bigger.

Most buyers have a house inspected before they buy it. One of the biggest fears of sellers is for buyers to find out about some issues they aren’t aware of. This is why it is important to have the property inspected before putting it on the market.  

Getting a pre-listing inspection offers some benefits to sellers. It will help you determine what condition your house is in and avoid any unexpected surprises. This will ensure that the selling process goes smoothly and gets you the most money for your home.

Hire a good inspector

There are lots of inspectors out there. Since home inspectors in some states are not required to be licensed, it can be difficult to identify the good ones from the bad ones. Anyone can easily pose as a home inspector, especially in states where regulations are not stringent.

If you have family or friends who recently bought or sold a house, feel free to ask for recommendations. Your real estate agent may also know a good inspector. But before you hire one, make sure that you do some research to protect yourself from hiring an unqualified home inspector. Go online and read reviews from past clients. It is also a good idea to interview the inspector, ask a few questions and see a sample of a home inspection report.

Prepare the house for inspection

The primary purpose of a home inspection is to examine the condition of the house. In order to do their job properly, inspectors will need access to different parts of your home. They need access to the attic, basement, garage, crawlspace, and other areas. Get rid of clutter and remove anything that blocks access. Prepare each area for inspection and unlock all doors before the inspector arrives.

Attend the home inspection

Attending the home inspection isn’t mandatory. But whenever possible, we strongly recommend that you be present during the inspection.

By attending the inspection, you’ll be able to identify the issues you have never noticed and determine which ones need immediate repair. This way, you can make certain repairs prior to selling.

Read the report

A home inspection report is basically a huge list of everything that is wrong with your house. Make sure that you read the report carefully and thoroughly to help you understand the condition of your home. If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, you need to pay attention on major issues as well as those that can pose a threat on the health of potential homeowners. You want to make sure that your house is in pristine condition before putting it on the market.

Appliances are a necessity in every Denver Colorado household. They help us in washing, cooking, and keeping us comfortable inside our home. That said, you want to make sure that you invest in reliable, durable, and affordable appliances.

Here are 4 things you need to keep in mind when shopping for new appliances for your Denver Colorado home.