When I first started searching for home inspectors Fort Collins CO, I thought the process would be simple—book an inspection, get a report, and move on. But as I went deeper, I realized not all inspections are equal. Some inspectors focus only on structure, while others include air quality, moisture levels, and radon testing. Later, when a friend in Longmont mentioned her experience with home inspectors Longmont CO, I learned how important local knowledge is. Different soil types, climates, and home styles across these areas affect what inspectors need to look for.
That’s where Lords Radon came in. They’re not just another inspection company—they’re Colorado’s specialists in home safety, crawl space sealing, and radon mitigation. Their focus on clean air and healthy living spaces makes them stand out. If you’re in Northern Colorado and want a trustworthy inspection that actually protects your investment, this guide will help you know exactly what to look for.
Step 1: Understand What a Home Inspection Covers
A home inspection is like a full health check-up for your house. It’s not just about finding visible damage—it’s about understanding what might cause future problems. A good home inspector checks every major system, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, attic, and crawl space.
In Fort Collins, inspectors also pay special attention to issues caused by freeze-thaw cycles, which can crack foundations and affect insulation. In Longmont, older homes often show wear from soil movement or outdated wiring systems.
A complete inspection should end with a written report, including photos, safety notes, and repair recommendations. This document becomes your roadmap for budgeting repairs and negotiating property prices.
Step 2: Choose Local Inspectors with Regional Knowledge
Homes in Fort Collins aren’t built or aged the same way as those in Longmont. That’s why hiring someone who understands local building codes, soil types, and weather challenges makes all the difference.
For example, Fort Collins homes often sit on clay-heavy soil, which expands with moisture. Longmont properties may face radon risks due to the local geology. Local inspectors know these patterns and test accordingly. They recognize warning signs specific to your area, like early signs of foundation settling or hidden water damage from seasonal runoff.
Lords Radon, based in Northern Colorado, has built its reputation by combining inspection expertise with deep local understanding. Their technicians have seen every kind of home—from mountain cabins to modern subdivisions—and know what problems tend to repeat.
Step 3: Ask About Radon Testing and Air Quality
Radon testing is one of the most overlooked but essential parts of home inspection in Colorado. Radon is an invisible gas that comes from soil and rock under your home. It’s odorless and colorless but can increase the risk of lung problems with long-term exposure.
Fort Collins and Longmont both fall into high-risk zones for radon. Even new homes can have elevated levels. While not all inspectors include this service, those who do save you an extra step and give you a clearer picture of your indoor air safety.
That’s another area where Lords Radon excels. They specialize in radon testing and mitigation, ensuring that your inspection isn’t just about walls and wires—it’s also about the air you breathe. Their team installs mitigation systems that safely vent radon out of your home, keeping levels below EPA recommendations.
4: Review Credentials and Experience
Anyone can call themselves a home inspector, but certification matters. Make sure your inspector has training through recognized organizations such as InterNACHI or ASHI. Certification proves they follow consistent standards for safety, inspection methods, and reporting.
Experienced inspectors are better at spotting early warning signs—like faint cracks or discoloration that might look minor now but could grow into expensive repairs later. They know what’s normal for older homes versus what’s a red flag.
Before hiring, ask how many inspections they’ve done in your area and whether they’re insured. Reliable professionals will gladly share their credentials and past experience.
Step 5: Understand the Inspection Report
The inspection report is where the real value shows. It’s your blueprint for understanding your home’s condition. A strong report should be clear, organized, and easy to follow. You shouldn’t need an engineering degree to understand it.
Good inspectors use photos to show every problem area and explain the level of urgency—what needs fixing now versus what can wait. Reports from Lords Radon, for example, are detailed but written in plain language. They don’t just list what’s wrong; they tell you why it matters and what can happen if it’s ignored.
If you’re buying a home, this report helps you negotiate with sellers. If you already own the home, it helps you prioritize maintenance and improve safety.
Step 6: Ask the Right Questions Before You Book
Choosing a home inspector isn’t just about who’s available first. It’s about finding someone thorough and trustworthy. Ask them what’s included in their inspection, how long it takes, and whether they test for radon or mold.
Find out if they’ll walk you through the inspection in person. The best inspectors explain findings as they go. That’s how you learn about your home and catch potential issues early.
Also, ask about turnaround time for the report. In a fast-moving market like Fort Collins or Longmont, quick yet accurate reporting can make or break your closing timeline.
Step 7: Follow Up After the Inspection
Many homeowners stop paying attention after the report is delivered. But your work doesn’t end there. Go through the findings carefully and create a plan for repairs or preventive maintenance.
If radon levels were high or crawl space moisture was detected, schedule mitigation right away. Sealing cracks, improving ventilation, or adding vapor barriers can prevent long-term problems.
Lords Radon often helps homeowners take this next step. Their team not only provides inspection feedback but also handles mitigation, sealing, and follow-up testing. This one-stop approach saves time and ensures your home remains safe year-round. You can learn more about their services and expertise at lordsradon.com.
Step 8: Know the Signs of a Poor Inspection
Not every inspection company provides the same level of service. Some rush through the process or skip hard-to-reach areas. Watch out for inspectors who don’t share photos, rush the walkthrough, or use vague language like “possible issue” without explaining what it means.
A good inspector should be confident, detailed, and transparent. They should answer every question you have—even basic ones—without hesitation. You should feel more informed after the inspection, not more confused.
If your inspector can’t explain their findings clearly, that’s a red flag. Home safety depends on communication and clarity.
Step 9: Keep Inspections Part of Regular Home Care
A lot of people think inspections are just for buying or selling a home. But smart homeowners in Fort Collins and Longmont treat inspections as part of regular maintenance.
Every few years, schedule a follow-up inspection. Soil shifts, weather changes, and age can all impact your home’s condition. Regular checks help you catch small issues—like hairline cracks or moisture buildup—before they grow into major repairs.
Inspections also keep your home’s value strong, which is important if you ever decide to sell. A clean record and updated inspection report give buyers confidence.
Step 10: Make Health and Safety a Priority
At the end of the day, a home inspection isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about protecting people. Your home’s structure, air quality, and systems all affect how safe and comfortable your family feels inside.
Companies like Lords Radon focus on long-term health, not quick fixes. Their approach blends technical skill with a genuine commitment to safety. By combining inspection, mitigation, and education, they help homeowners across Colorado breathe easier—literally.
So when you’re looking for an inspector in Fort Collins or Longmont, remember: you’re not just hiring someone to check boxes. You’re hiring someone to help you create a safer, stronger, and more valuable home.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right home inspector takes time, but it’s worth it. A detailed inspection can reveal issues that save you thousands in future repairs. It can also give you peace of mind that your investment—and your family—are protected.
Whether you’re buying your first home in Fort Collins or upgrading to a new property in Longmont, use these steps as your checklist. Ask questions, read reports carefully, and choose professionals who care about your safety, not just the sale.
Home inspections might feel like one small part of the home-buying process, but in reality, they’re one of the most important. Take it seriously, and your home will thank you for years to come.