Who Is Foothills Home Inspections and What Services Do They Offer in Fort Collins?
Foothills Home Inspections is a locally owned, certified, and insured home inspection company based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Founded in 2015 by Daniel Johnson, the firm provides comprehensive residential evaluations, radon testing, and sewer scoping services throughout Northern Colorado. This guide details the specific services offered, the operational standards followed, and the geographic areas served to help buyers and sellers make informed real estate decisions.
Company Overview and Operational Standards
Foothills Home Inspections operates as a sole proprietorship led by Daniel Johnson, who brings extensive experience in remodeling, maintenance, and ground-up construction to every evaluation. The company was established in early 2015 after Johnson completed his certification through the American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) program. This background ensures that inspections are not merely checklists but thorough assessments rooted in practical construction knowledge.
The firm adheres strictly to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. This commitment to professional standards is reinforced by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an industry-leading 90-day limited warranty. The warranty covers structural and mechanical items inspected and found to be in good working order, providing clients with additional peace of mind after the transaction closes.
Efficiency is a core operational pillar. Foothills Home Inspections typically delivers detailed home inspection reports within 24 hours of completing the on-site visit. These reports include photos, markups, and clear descriptions to help clients understand the condition of the property. The company is also an affiliate member of the Fort Collins Board of Realtors and has received recognition for its service quality, including a Top 7 listing for Home Inspectors in Fort Collins by Expertise.com in 2019 and 2020.
Home Inspection Services
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible components of a residential property. Foothills Home Inspections provides these evaluations for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. The goal is to educate the client on the home's condition, uncover potential safety defects, and identify items that may result in significant future costs.
Scope of Residential Evaluation
The standard inspection covers critical systems including plumbing, electrical, roof, insulation, foundation, and HVAC. Inspectors assess the overall condition of these systems to determine if they are functioning as intended. For buyers, this process is crucial for negotiating repairs or adjusting the purchase price. For sellers, a pre-listing inspection helps identify issues that could derail a sale later in the process.
Specialized Inspection Types
Beyond standard buyer inspections, the firm offers several specialized services tailored to specific real estate scenarios:
- Pre-Listing Inspections: Helps sellers understand their home's condition before marketing it to the public.
- New Construction Inspections: Evaluates the quality of workmanship in newly built homes.
- Builder Warranty Inspections: Conducted before the one-year builder warranty expires to ensure all covered items are addressed.
- Multi-Family Inspections: Assesses properties with multiple units, such as duplexes or small apartment buildings.
Report Delivery and Support
Every inspection concludes with a comprehensive report delivered within 24 hours. The report is designed to be easy to understand, using visual aids to highlight findings. Clients can contact the inspector for clarification on any item in the report, both during the inspection and afterward. This ongoing support ensures that clients are never left with unanswered questions about their investment.
Radon Testing
Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that poses a significant health risk. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for over 20,000 deaths each year. Radon is created from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water. It typically enters homes through cracks in foundations, floors, walls, and pipes.
Why Northern Colorado Requires Radon Testing
Radon builds up inside homes in Northern Colorado at a higher rate than in many other areas of the country. Because of this regional risk, testing is strongly recommended for all residents in the Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor areas. Foothills Home Inspections provides radon testing seven days a week to accommodate the schedules of busy buyers and sellers.
Understanding Radon Levels and Mitigation
Radon levels fluctuate often and cannot be predicted based solely on state or neighborhood data. Homeowners should have their homes retested every two years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigation if radon levels are 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) or higher. If levels fall between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, mitigation should be considered, as there is no safe level of radon.
If high levels are detected, a certified radon mitigation contractor can usually resolve the issue inexpensively. This often involves sealing entry points and installing an active soil depressurization (ASD) system. An ASD system uses a fan to change the air pressure beneath the home, drawing out radon gas and venting it safely above the roofline. Foothills Home Inspections can return for follow-up testing to verify that mitigation efforts were successful.
Sewer Scoping
Sewer scoping is a diagnostic procedure that uses a video camera to inspect the interior of underground sewer drain lines and pipes. This service allows inspectors to pinpoint damages, obstructions, and material conditions that are invisible from the surface. Many home buyers rely on this service to avoid unexpected repair costs after closing.
How the Inspection Process Works
The inspection involves feeding a state-of-the-art camera into the main sewer line. The camera examines the pipe in real-time, allowing the inspector to determine the material composition, such as cast iron, clay, PVC, or concrete. Some materials require more maintenance than others for longevity. The process also assesses the overall condition of the drain system from the house to the local city sewer tap.
Common Issues Identified
Sewer drainpipe repairs can be messy and costly, especially if problems are left unaddressed. The video scope reveals several common issues:
- Collapsed Pipes: Crushed, broken, or punctured pipes, as well as offset pipes caused by shifting soil or frozen ground.
- Corrosion: Deterioration that can cause sections to collapse or restrict water flow, including pipe belly where the pipe sinks into a valley that collects debris.
- Blockages: Restrictions caused by grease build-up, foreign objects, or tree and shrub roots infiltrating the line.
- Obsolete Pipes: Substandard or outdated materials that have deteriorated beyond safe usage.
- Leaking Joints: Broken or separated seals that allow water to escape into the surrounding area.
After the inspection, clients receive a full-color video and a written report detailing the findings. This documentation is invaluable for negotiating repairs or deciding whether to proceed with a purchase.
Service Areas in Northern Colorado
Foothills Home Inspections is based in Fort Collins but serves a wide range of surrounding communities in Northern Colorado. The firm provides thorough home inspections, radon testing, and sewer scoping in the following areas:
- Fort Collins
- Loveland
- Windsor
- Boulder
- Severance
- Johnstown
The company is located in Larimer County, which is one of the most populous counties in the state. By serving these key communities, Foothills Home Inspections ensures that clients have access to local expertise and rapid response times. The firm's local presence allows for flexible scheduling, including possible same-day or next-day service upon request.
Key Takeaways
- Foothills Home Inspections is a locally owned, certified, and insured company founded in 2015 by Daniel Johnson.
- The firm adheres to InterNACHI Standards of Practice and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Home inspection reports are typically delivered within 24 hours of the on-site visit.
- A 90-day limited warranty covers structural and mechanical items found in good working order.
- Radon testing is available seven days a week and is critical for Northern Colorado homes due to higher regional risk.
- Sewer scoping uses video cameras to identify collapsed pipes, corrosion, blockages, and leaking joints.
- The company serves Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Boulder, Severance, and Johnstown.
- Clients can contact the company at 970-567-8180 for pricing and scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Foothills Home Inspections?
Foothills Home Inspections is locally owned and operated by Daniel Johnson, who is the sole inspector of the company. He has extensive experience in remodeling, maintenance, and ground-up construction.
What certifications does the inspector hold?
Daniel Johnson received his training and certification through AHIT (American Home Inspectors Training) in early 2015. The company also adheres to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
How quickly will I receive my home inspection report?
Foothills Home Inspections typically delivers home inspection reports within 24 hours of completing the inspection. The reports include photos, markups, and descriptions to make them informative and easy to understand.
Does Foothills Home Inspections offer a warranty?
Yes, the company offers an industry-leading 90-day limited warranty with every full home inspection. This warranty covers structural and mechanical items inspected and found to be in good working order.
What areas in Northern Colorado do you serve?
The company serves Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Boulder, Severance, and Johnstown, as well as many surrounding communities in Northern Colorado.
How often should I test for radon?
Radon levels fluctuate often, so you should have your home retested every two years. If the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, you will need to seek a certified radon mitigation contractor.
What is sewer scoping?
Sewer scoping is a service that uses state-of-the-art camera technology to inspect the inside of your home's underground sewer drain lines and pipes. It allows inspectors to pinpoint damages and obstructions to protect you from unexpected problems.
Can I schedule an inspection on the same day?
Conclusion
Foothills Home Inspections provides Northern Colorado residents with reliable, certified, and insured home evaluation services. From comprehensive home inspections to specialized radon testing and sewer scoping, the firm offers the tools and expertise needed to make confident real estate decisions. With a focus on education, safety, and financial protection, Daniel Johnson and his team ensure that every client is well-informed about the property they are buying or selling.
To plan your visit or schedule an inspection, today. You can also book an inspection online or call 970-567-8180 for pricing and availability. For more information on the company's background and qualifications, visit the About Us page. Explore the Home Inspection services page to learn more about what is included in a standard evaluation. If you are concerned about underground pipes, review the Sewer Scoping details. For those needing air quality assessments, the Radon Testing page provides comprehensive information on safety and mitigation. Foothills Home Inspections is committed to helping you protect your investment with thorough, professional service.