DENVER HOME BUYER’S GUIDE · STEP 6 OF 10
Ordering your home inspection
What happens during the inspection period, which inspections most Denver buyers order, and a quick tool to see which extras your home might need.
Which inspections do I need?Once you’re under contract, the inspection clock starts. The Colorado contract gives you a set number of days to inspect the home and decide whether to ask for repairs or walk away, so I schedule inspectors right away. This is your chance to learn everything you can about the house before you’re committed to it.
What to expect on inspection day
A general inspection takes two to four hours. The inspector looks at the roof, attic, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, foundation, windows, doors and more, all at a visual level.
Plan to be there for at least the last part. The inspector will walk you through what they found, and it’s much easier to understand a problem when you can see it in person. You’ll get a written report with photos, usually within a day or two.
Buying new construction? I recommend inspecting it too, ideally before the drywall goes up and again before closing. New homes have issues more often than people expect.
The three almost every Denver buyer orders
These usually happen in the same visit.
General inspection
The inspector’s visual review of the home’s major systems and structure. Typically $300 to $600.
Radon test
A monitor sits on the lowest livable level for about 48 hours. Elevated radon is common along the Front Range, and it’s fixable with a mitigation system. Typically $150 to $745.
Sewer scope
A camera runs through the line from the house to the main sewer, looking for cracks, blockages and tree roots. Older neighborhoods with mature trees are where this pays for itself. Typically $200 to $900.
Which inspections might your home need?
Check anything that applies to the home you’re buying. The list updates with the extra inspections worth considering and what they typically cost. The inspector may also recommend a specialist after the general inspection.
Your inspection list
Also worth a look: a CLUE report, which shows insurance claims on the property from the last seven years (free to $20). If the seller makes repairs, a re-inspection to confirm the work typically runs $100 to $200. Prices vary by company and home size.
For a deeper look at every inspection type, including when I recommend each one, read my buyer’s guide to home inspections in Denver.
Frequently asked questions
Can a home pass or fail a home inspection?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions I hear. The pass or fail language comes from permit inspections, where a city inspector checks whether new work meets code. A buyer’s home inspection works differently. It’s your chance to learn about the home’s existing, past and potential issues, and how to maintain it going forward.
The inspector notes and photographs everything they find and flags the most serious concerns in the report. From there, the decision is yours. You decide whether the home’s condition is acceptable, what repairs you’d need to move forward, or whether an issue is serious enough to terminate the contract. I’ll go through the report with you and help you weigh each item. Step 7 covers how that negotiation works.
Who pays for the home inspection?
The buyer. You pay each inspector directly when the inspection happens, not at closing.
How long do I have to inspect a home in Colorado?
The inspection deadlines are negotiated in your contract, so they vary from deal to deal. In a competitive situation they may be shorter. I’ll tell you your exact dates the day you go under contract.
Can I skip the inspection?
You can, and some buyers waive it to strengthen an offer. I rarely recommend it. If you want a competitive edge without flying blind, we can offer to limit what you’ll ask for instead.
Should I be at the inspection?
Yes, at least for the last hour, when the inspector walks you through the findings.
Want my inspector list?
I work with inspectors across the metro who are thorough and explain things clearly. Ask me for names that fit the home you’re buying.
Book a call720.454.5432Price ranges are typical for the Denver metro and will vary by company, home size and condition. Not a complete list of available inspections. Last reviewed September 2026.