Foothills Home Inspections: The Ultimate Guide to Fort Collins Services

Foothills Home Inspections is a locally owned and operated company in Fort Collins, Colorado, providing certified home inspections, radon testing, and sewer scoping. The business is led by Daniel Johnson, a certified inspector with extensive construction and real estate experience. This guide details the specific services offered, the operational standards used, and the geographic areas served in Northern Colorado.

Company Overview and Leadership

Foothills Home Inspections is a locally owned and operated home inspection company based in Fort Collins. The business was founded in 2015 by Daniel Johnson, who serves as the sole inspector. Johnson comes from a family heavily involved in the real estate industry, giving him a broad perspective on residential and commercial property. He possesses hands-on experience in remodeling, maintenance, and ground-up construction. This background allows him to evaluate homes with a practical understanding of how systems interact.

The company adheres to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Johnson received his training and certification through the American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) program. The firm is insured and certified, ensuring that clients receive professional evaluations. The primary goals of every inspection are to educate the client on the home, uncover potential safety defects, and identify items that may result in significant costs. The company aims to make every inspection pay for itself through informed negotiations or maintenance planning.

Home Inspection Services

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a home. Foothills Home Inspections provides thorough evaluations of a home's foundation, roofing, and plumbing systems. These inspections are essential for buyers and sellers to make informed decisions. The company offers various types of inspections, including pre-listing, new construction, builder warranty, multi-family, and standard homebuyer inspections.

Scope of Inspection

The inspection process covers critical components of the property. Inspectors evaluate the structural elements, including the foundation and framing. They also examine the roof, including shingles, flashing, and gutters. Mechanical systems such as HVAC, electrical panels, and plumbing fixtures are thoroughly checked. The goal is to identify existing conditions and potential safety hazards. Reports include photos, markups, and descriptions to make the findings easy to understand.

Report Delivery and Guarantees

Home inspection reports are typically delivered within 24 hours of the completed inspection. This rapid turnaround allows buyers and sellers to proceed with transactions without unnecessary delays. Foothills Home Inspections offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee or money back. Additionally, the company provides an industry-leading 90-day limited warranty with every full home inspection. This warranty covers structural and mechanical items that were inspected and found to be in good working order. These guarantees demonstrate the company's confidence in the quality of its service.

Radon Testing

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that cannot be smelled, tasted, or seen. It is often called a silent killer because it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is created from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water. It usually enters homes through cracks in pipes, foundations, floors, and walls. Because radon builds up inside Northern Colorado homes at a higher rate than many other areas of the country, testing is highly recommended.

Testing Frequency and Levels

Radon levels fluctuate often and cannot be predicted based on state or neighborhood data alone. Homeowners should have their homes retested every two years. If the radon level in a home is 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) or higher, a certified radon mitigation contractor must perform a diagnostic evaluation. If the level falls between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, mitigation should be considered because there is no safe level of radon. Foothills Home Inspections provides radon testing seven days a week to accommodate client schedules.

Mitigation and Follow-Up

Fixing a home with high radon levels is often easier than it sounds. A radon mitigation contractor will usually seal the cracks where radon enters the home and install an active soil depressurization (ASD) system. This system uses a fan to change the air pressure beneath the home and draw out the radon gas. The gas is then safely vented above the roofline. After mitigation, it is crucial to retest the radon levels to ensure the system is working effectively. Foothills Home Inspections can return for follow-up testing to verify that the radon levels have been reduced to acceptable ranges.

Sewer Scoping

Sewer scoping is a diagnostic procedure that uses camera technology to inspect the inside of underground sewer drain lines. Foothills Home Inspections provides certified sewer scoping in Northern Colorado. This service allows inspectors to pinpoint damages and obstructions that are not visible from the surface. Many home buyers rely on this service when deciding to purchase a home. Current homeowners also use it when they suspect they have a repair issue. The company uses state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate assessments of drainpipes.

Common Problems Identified

Sewer drainpipe repairs can be messy and costly, especially if problems are left unaddressed. Sewer scope inspections reveal several common problem areas. Collapsed pipes may be crushed, broken, or punctured. Offset pipes occur when sewer pipes become misaligned due to shifting soil, frozen ground, or soil settling. Corrosion can cause sections of pipe to collapse and restrict water flow. Pipe belly is a section of pipe that has sunk due to ground conditions, creating a valley that collects debris. Blockages may be caused by grease build-up, foreign objects, or tree roots infiltrating the line. Obsolete pipes made of substandard materials may have deteriorated beyond safe usage. Leaking joints occur when seals between pipes break or separate, allowing water to escape.

Deliverables

After the inspection, clients receive a full-color video and a written report. This documentation provides a clear picture of the pipe material, condition, and any necessary repairs. Drainpipes are made of various materials, including cast iron, clay, PVC, and concrete. Some materials require more maintenance than others for longevity. The sewer drain scope helps assess the overall condition of the drain system leading from the house to the local city sewer tap. This information is vital for planning maintenance or negotiating repairs during a real estate transaction.

Service Areas in Northern Colorado

Foothills Home Inspections is based in Fort Collins and serves many surrounding areas in Northern Colorado. The company provides thorough home inspections in communities including Loveland, Windsor, Boulder, Severance, and Johnstown. The firm is an affiliate member of the Fort Collins Board of Realtors. This local presence ensures that the inspectors are familiar with the specific construction styles and common issues found in the region. The company is also an annual donor to the Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County and a sponsor of Brave Homes, offering discounted inspections for military and first responders.

Key Takeaways

• Foothills Home Inspections is a locally owned and operated company in Fort Collins, founded in 2015 by Daniel Johnson.
• The company offers comprehensive home inspections covering foundation, roofing, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Inspection reports are typically delivered within 24 hours and include photos and detailed descriptions.
• The firm provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 90-day limited warranty on full home inspections.
• Radon testing is available seven days a week, with recommendations for retesting every two years.
• Sewer scoping uses camera technology to identify collapsed pipes, corrosion, blockages, and leaking joints.
• The company serves Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Boulder, Severance, and Johnstown.
• Inspections adhere to InterNACHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Foothills Home Inspections?

Foothills Home Inspections is locally owned and operated by Daniel Johnson. He is the sole inspector of the company and has experience in remodeling, maintenance, and ground-up construction.

What areas does Foothills Home Inspections serve?

The company is based in Fort Collins and serves surrounding areas in Northern Colorado, including Loveland, Windsor, Boulder, Severance, and Johnstown.

How quickly will I receive my home inspection report?

Home inspection reports are usually available within 24 hours of the completed inspection. The reports include photos, markups, and descriptions to make them informative and easy to understand.

What is included in a sewer scope inspection?

A sewer scope inspection uses camera technology to examine the inside of underground sewer drain lines. Clients receive a full-color video and a written report detailing the condition of the pipes and any identified issues.

How often should I test for radon?

You should have your home retested for radon every two years. Radon levels fluctuate often and cannot be predicted based on neighborhood data alone.

Does Foothills Home Inspections offer any guarantees?

Yes, the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee or money back. They also provide an industry-leading 90-day limited warranty with every full home inspection, covering structural and mechanical items found to be in good working order.

What certifications does the inspector hold?

Daniel Johnson received his training and certification through the American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) program. The company adheres to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Conclusion

Foothills Home Inspections provides reliable and thorough home evaluation services in Fort Collins and the surrounding Northern Colorado region. The company combines local expertise with certified professional standards to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions. Whether you need a standard home inspection, radon testing, or sewer scoping, the team is equipped to identify potential issues before they become costly problems. To schedule an inspection or learn more about the services offered, book an inspection online or contact the team directly.