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What Home Inspectors Often Find in Fort Collins Homes (and How to Prevent Them)

Buying or selling a home in Fort Collins, Colorado is exciting — but also a big financial and emotional decision. A professional home inspection helps ensure your investment is sound and free of hidden surprises.

At Colorado Professional Inspections, we’ve inspected homes across Northern Colorado for more than 20 years. From Old Town to Rigden Farm, and from Timnath to Loveland, our team has seen nearly every type of issue — and five show up more than any others.

Here’s what our certified inspectors find most often in Fort Collins home inspections, and how to keep them from becoming bigger problems.

1️⃣ Roofing Damage from Colorado Weather

Fort Collins homeowners know how quickly our weather changes — sunshine one day, hail the next. Over time, hail, snow, and wind wear down roofing materials, leading to:

• Missing or cracked shingles

• Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys

• Gutter buildup and drainage issues

• Signs of leaks in the attic or ceilings

Even small leaks can lead to water damage or structural decay if ignored.

💡 Local Tip: Schedule a professional roof inspection at least once a year, especially after major hailstorms or before winter. Consistent maintenance can extend your roof’s lifespan and prevent expensive surprises later.

2️⃣ Foundation Cracks and Settlement

Northern Colorado’s expansive clay soils are notorious for shifting with moisture changes. This constant expansion and contraction often leads to foundation cracks, uneven floors, or sticking doors.

Typical warning signs include:

• Hairline or stair-step cracks in basement walls

• Gaps between walls and floors

• Sloping or uneven flooring

• Windows or doors that suddenly stick

💡 Homeowner Tip: Not every crack signals structural failure — some are purely cosmetic. But wide, horizontal, or widening cracks are worth professional attention. Early detection helps prevent long-term structural movement.

💬 “In older Fort Collins neighborhoods, foundation settling is a common issue due to soil movement and inconsistent drainage," says Bruce Czech, one of the very few Certified Historic Building Inspectors in the State of Colorado. "Simple steps, like keeping gutters clear and ensuring proper grading of soil away from your home, can make a significant difference in preventing damage.”

3️⃣ Outdated or Unsafe Electrical Panels

Electrical systems often get overlooked until there’s a problem — but in older Fort Collins homes, outdated wiring and panels are common.

In neighborhoods like Old Town and City Park, inspectors often find:

• Aluminum wiring from the 1970s

• Double-tapped breakers or overcrowded panels

• Missing GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms

• Insufficient service capacity for modern appliances

💡 Safety Tip: Have your home’s electrical system checked if it hasn’t been inspected in a decade or more. Modern panels and grounded outlets not only meet today’s safety standards but also make your home more energy-efficient and ready for new technology.

⚡ Bonus: When upgrading, ask your electrician about whole-home surge protection to safeguard electronics from lightning and power surges — a smart addition in storm-prone areas like Fort Collins.

4️⃣ Plumbing Problems in Older Homes

Homes built before the 1980s in Fort Collins and Loveland often have galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, which corrode and become brittle over time. Even in newer homes, plumbing issues can sneak up on:

• Hidden leaks under sinks or behind walls

• Slow drainage or water pressure fluctuations

• Corroded shutoff valves or outdated water heaters

💡 Prevention Tip: Regularly check for moisture under sinks and around appliances. Replacing old supply lines and fixtures early helps avoid major water damage down the road.

🚿 Seller Insight: If you’re preparing to list your home, consider a pre-listing inspection. Fixing minor plumbing or fixture issues in advance can reassure buyers and prevent negotiation hurdles later.

5️⃣ HVAC and Insulation Concerns

Fort Collins’ climate swings from hot summers to freezing winters — which means your heating, cooling, and insulation systems work overtime.

Common findings include:

• Dirty or neglected furnaces

• Air filters clogged with dust or pet hair

• Blocked vents or disconnected ductwork

• Attics with poor insulation or ventilation

💡 Maintenance Tip: Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up twice a year (spring and fall). Change filters regularly and inspect attic insulation before winter. An efficient system keeps your home comfortable and your utility bills under control.

🌡️ Energy Tip: Proper insulation not only regulates indoor temperature but also reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system, saving energy in the long term.

🌦️ How Fort Collins’ Climate Affects Home Condition

Living along the Front Range brings four true seasons — and unique home challenges:

• Hail and wind stress roofs and siding.

• Freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks in concrete and foundations.

• Dry air shrinks caulking and wood materials.

• Heavy snowmelt tests drainage and sump systems.

💡 Pro Tip: Incorporate seasonal home maintenance inspections into your annual routine. A spring roof and foundation check, plus a fall HVAC review, can prevent many of the issues found in standard home inspections.

🧰 Why These Issues Matter for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers:
A thorough inspection gives you confidence and leverage. You’ll know exactly what’s behind the walls — and what to plan for in future maintenance.

For Sellers:
Fixing known issues before listing your home shows transparency, builds buyer trust, and prevents last-minute deal delays. A clean inspection report can even make your property stand out in a competitive Fort Collins market.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long does a home inspection in Fort Collins take?
Typically between two and three hours, depending on home size and age.

Q2. What does a Fort Collins home inspector check?
Inspectors evaluate the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and overall safety features of the home.

Q3. Do I need a home inspection for new construction?
Yes — even new homes can have construction errors or incomplete work that a third-party inspection can identify.

Q4. Are Fort Collins homes prone to radon?
Yes. Larimer County has elevated radon levels, so every home sale should include a radon test.

Q5. What areas do you serve besides Fort Collins?
We proudly serve Loveland, Wellington, Windsor, Timnath, and surrounding Northern Colorado communities.

✅ Choose the Right Inspector – Trusted in Fort Collins Since 2000

At Colorado Professional Inspections, we help homeowners, buyers, and sellers make informed decisions across Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Wellington, and Northern Colorado. Our InterNACHI-certified team provides detailed, easy-to-understand reports — and peace of mind before your next move.

📞 Call or Text: (970) 430-1819
🗓️ Schedule Your Fort Collins Home Inspection Online → Schedule Now!

Written by Colorado Professional Inspections, InterNACHI-Certified Home Inspectors serving Fort Collins and Northern Colorado since 2000.
Trusted by thousands of homeowners for detailed inspections and preventive winter maintenance.