Your Inspection

5280 Home Inspections - Certified Home Inspector Services

Structural Home Inspection in Denver, CO

Colorado doesn't require home inspectors to be licensed or certified — anyone can call themselves a home inspector here, with no state-mandated training, exam, or oversight. 5280 Home Inspection chose to get ICA certified anyway, because buying a house is too big a decision to leave to guesswork. If you're searching for a home inspector for buying a house in the Denver area, this page covers exactly what our pre-purchase inspection includes and why it matters. For other services, see our home inspection offerings, your inspection page for a breakdown of the general process, our new construction inspection page if you're buying a newly built home, our pre-listing inspection page if you're also selling, or our certified roof inspection page for roof-specific concerns — or contact us directly to schedule.

What to Expect From a Home Inspection

Your inspection starts with a full walkthrough of the home's accessible structural and mechanical systems, performed by an ICA Certified Home Inspector who knows what Denver's specific housing stock tends to run into. Denver's expansive clay soils are notorious for causing foundation movement over time, which makes structural assessment one of the most important parts of any inspection here. We check the foundation, framing, attic, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for visible signs of damage, wear, or improper installation. This is a visual, non-invasive inspection of accessible components — not a specialized engineering evaluation, so if we spot something that warrants a closer look, we'll tell you plainly and point you toward bringing in a structural engineer. Most inspections take about 2 hours, and you're welcome to ask questions throughout.

What We Inspect

Every structural home inspection covers the systems that matter most to your home's safety and long-term value. Here are the major areas we focus on:

Foundation and Slab

We check for cracking, settling, and signs of water intrusion, which are common concerns given Denver's clay-heavy soil conditions. Hairline cracks are often normal, but we'll flag anything wider, horizontal, or actively leaking so you know the difference.

Framing & Structural Components

We assess visible load-bearing elements, including walls, beams, and connections, for damage or signs of movement. This is one of the few chances to catch a structural issue before finishes or landscaping make it harder to see.

Roof Covering and Flashing

We inspect the roof for missing or damaged materials, proper flashing, and signs of leaks that could affect the structure below. Denver's hail seasons make roof condition a frequent point of negotiation, which is why many homeowners searching for a roof inspector near them want that documentation in writing before they buy or sell.

Attic and Insulation

We look at attic framing, insulation levels, and ventilation, which directly affect both structural health and energy efficiency. Poor ventilation up there can lead to moisture problems that are easy to miss until they've already caused damage.

Electrical Panel and Wiring

We check the main panel and visible wiring for outdated components, safety hazards, and code-related concerns. Older panels and certain legacy brands are known fire risks, and we'll call those out specifically if we find them.

Plumbing Supply and Drain Lines

We test visible plumbing for leaks, water pressure issues, and signs of past or active water damage. We also check for older pipe materials that may be nearing the end of their useful life.

HVAC System

We verify that the furnace and AC unit are functioning properly, which matters most during Denver's cold winters and hot summers. We also check the age and condition of the system so you know roughly how much life it has left.

Grading and Drainage

We check that the ground slopes away from the foundation, since poor drainage is one of the most common causes of foundation movement in this area. Even small grading issues can lead to basement moisture or long-term settling if left unaddressed.

What Happens After Your Inspection?

You'll receive your full inspection report within 24 hours, with clear photos and plain-language explanations instead of dense technical jargon you have to decode yourself. Every finding is organized so you can quickly tell the difference between routine maintenance items and anything that needs immediate attention. If something does come up that concerns you, we're available to answer questions about the report after you've had a chance to read through it. Your report gives you the documentation and clarity you need to move forward with confidence, whether that means closing on the home, requesting repairs, or simply understanding what you now own.

What's included in your report:

High-resolution photos of every area inspected
Clear, plain-language explanations for each finding
Severity flags so you know what's urgent versus routine
A summary section you can act on quickly
Documentation you can use in negotiations or for your own records
Follow-up access to ask questions about anything in the report

Call 720-879-4426 to schedule your structural home inspection today.