FAQ
A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property’s overall condition, performed by a certified inspector before you buy, sell, or maintain a home. Think of it as a health check-up for your house—identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential concerns so you can make confident decisions.
At Catalyst Inspections, we go beyond the basics. Our standard home inspection includes a comprehensive review of the roof, foundation, structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, interior, attic, and insulation. We also use thermal imaging at no additional cost to uncover hidden issues like moisture, missing insulation, or electrical hotspots that aren’t always visible to the eye.
A home inspection gives you:
Peace of mind before making one of the biggest investments of your life.
Negotiation leverage if repairs or credits are needed.
Clarity about your home’s safety, efficiency, and maintenance needs.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed, photo-rich digital report the same day, so you and your agent can move forward with confidence.
Here’s why a professional inspection from Catalyst Inspections matters:
Protect Your Investment – A thorough inspection can uncover hidden issues—like roof leaks, foundation cracks, or faulty electrical systems—that could cost thousands down the road.
Negotiation Power – Your inspection report gives you leverage to request repairs, ask for credits, or adjust the purchase price.
Peace of Mind – Whether you’re buying your first home in Loveland, upgrading in Fort Collins, or selling in Denver, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what you’re walking into.
Education, Not Just Evaluation – Our inspectors take time to explain what we find in simple terms so you understand your home’s systems, maintenance needs, and safety features.
Every Catalyst inspection includes thermal imaging at no additional cost, allowing us to detect issues like moisture intrusion, missing insulation, or overheating electrical components that aren’t visible during a standard inspection.
We deliver a detailed, photo-rich digital report the same day, so you and your agent can take immediate next steps with confidence.
During your inspection, we carefully assess:
Roof & Exterior – roofing materials, flashing, gutters, siding, grading, and drainage.
Foundation & Structure – visible signs of settlement, cracking, or structural concerns.
Interior – walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, and safety features.
Plumbing – fixtures, visible piping, water heater, and functional flow.
Electrical – outlets, switches, service panels, breakers, and visible wiring.
HVAC – heating and cooling systems, ductwork, and ventilation.
Attic & Insulation – insulation levels, ventilation, and signs of leaks or pests.
Appliances – basic function checks on built-in appliances.
At no extra cost, every inspection includes thermal imaging to help detect hidden issues such as moisture intrusion, missing insulation, or electrical hotspots—problems that aren’t always visible to the naked eye.
For an even deeper look, we also offer:
Radon testing
Sewer scope inspections
Mold testing
11-month builder’s warranty inspections
Every inspection comes with a detailed, photo-rich digital report, delivered the same day. This ensures you and your agent have the information you need to make confident, timely decisions.
First things first: don’t panic—almost every home, even new construction, will have a list of issues. The key is understanding which items are minor and which may need attention before you move forward.
When our Catalyst Inspections team delivers your same-day report, we make sure you have:
Clear explanations of what’s urgent vs. what’s routine maintenance.
Photos and detailed notes that you can easily share with your agent, seller, or contractors.
Actionable guidance so you feel confident about your next steps.
If the report uncovers concerns, you and your real estate agent may decide to:
Request repairs or credits from the seller.
Renegotiate the purchase price.
Proceed as-is if the issues are minor and manageable.
Walk away if the problems are too significant for your comfort.
Finding problems during an inspection isn’t bad news—it’s powerful information. It helps you avoid surprises, plan for repairs, and protect your investment. Our role isn’t to scare you, but to equip you with the knowledge to make smart, informed decisions.
Yes—we highly recommend that buyers (and even sellers) attend the home inspection whenever possible. While it’s not required, being present gives you the opportunity to:
See issues firsthand instead of just reading about them in the report.
Ask questions on the spot and get clear, simple explanations from your inspector.
Learn about your home’s systems—from the roof to the foundation—so you feel confident moving forward.
At Catalyst Inspections, we treat every inspection as a chance to educate, not just evaluate. Our inspectors take the time to walk you through what we’re seeing, point out both strengths and concerns, and even add a touch of light humor to make the process less stressful.
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend, you’ll still receive a detailed same-day report. We’re also happy to hop on a follow-up call to review findings and answer questions.
At Catalyst Inspections, most standard home inspections in Northern Colorado range between $350 and $550, depending on the size, age, and unique features of the property. Larger homes, multi-family units, or add-on services such as radon testing, sewer scope inspections, or mold testing may increase the overall cost.
We believe in transparency and value—our pricing reflects the time, expertise, and care we put into every inspection. Unlike volume-based companies, we limit ourselves to two inspections per day so we can thoroughly evaluate your home, explain findings clearly, and deliver your same-day report (guaranteed within 24 hours or we refund $100).
A professional home inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make in your real estate journey. Our inspections can reveal issues that might save you thousands of dollars in repairs or give you peace of mind when moving into your new home.
Because every home is unique, we encourage you to contact us for a personalized quote. We’ll factor in your home’s square footage, location, and any additional services you may need so you’ll know the cost up front—no surprises.
Call or Text Us – Reach out directly at 970-599-1871 to lock in your preferred date and time.
Book Online 24/7 – Use our our online booking tool to instantly see availability and reserve your spot.
Confirm & Prepare – We’ll send a confirmation email with details about your appointment and how to get the most out of your inspection.
We keep scheduling flexible to fit your busy timeline—whether you’re under contract on a home in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, or Denver, or you’re planning ahead for a 11-month builder’s warranty inspection.
No matter how you book, your inspector will provide a thorough, roof-level inspection (yes, we climb when safe or use advanced tools like the Docapole). You’ll receive your inspection report the same day, guaranteed within 24 hours.
While every home will have a list of minor issues, the biggest red flags in a home inspection are usually major structural or safety concerns. These are problems that can be costly to fix and may affect whether you move forward with a purchase.
Some of the most serious red flags include:
Foundation problems – signs of major settling, shifting, or cracks that indicate structural instability.
Roof damage – extensive leaks, missing shingles, or poor installation that could require a full replacement.
Electrical hazards – outdated wiring, overloaded panels, or unsafe DIY work that can pose fire risks.
Severe plumbing issues – leaking supply lines, damaged sewer lines, or water intrusion that can lead to mold.
Widespread mold or moisture – especially in basements, crawlspaces, or attics.
Discovering these issues early allows you to:
Renegotiate with the seller for repairs or credits.
Plan ahead for necessary fixes.
Walk away if the risks outweigh the investment.
At Catalyst Inspections, we don’t just flag problems—we explain what they mean, how serious they are, and what your options might be. With thermal imaging included at no extra cost, we can often spot hidden water intrusion or insulation gaps before they become expensive surprises.
No — a home inspection is not a pass-or-fail test. Instead, it’s a professional evaluation of the home’s current condition. Every property, even brand-new construction, will have some issues. The goal of the inspection isn’t to “approve” or “reject” a house—it’s to give you the information you need to make confident decisions.
When you schedule an inspection with Catalyst Inspections, you’ll receive a same-day, photo-rich digital report that outlines:
Major concerns that may require immediate attention.
Safety issues that could affect you or your family.
Maintenance items to keep an eye on for the future.
Positive features of the home that are in good condition.
Your report is a tool for negotiation, planning, and peace of mind—not a grade. With our thorough process (including thermal imaging at no additional cost), you’ll see a clear picture of the home, including hidden issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The first thing a home inspector looks for is the overall condition of the property’s exterior—especially the roof, structure, and grading around the foundation. These big-picture elements set the tone for the rest of the inspection because they can reveal potential water issues, structural concerns, or safety hazards.
From there, the inspector usually checks:
Roofing and drainage – Are shingles intact? Is water being directed away from the home?
Foundation and grading – Any cracks, settlement, or poor slope that could lead to water intrusion?
Exterior systems – Siding, gutters, decks, porches, and safety features.
If the outside isn’t performing as it should, it often leads to problems inside—like moisture intrusion, mold, or foundation shifts. By starting with the “big ticket” items, inspectors can better understand the story the home is telling before diving into plumbing, electrical, and interior details.
At Catalyst Inspections, we combine this big-picture evaluation with advanced tools, including thermal imaging at no additional cost, to catch hidden issues like insulation gaps or moisture problems early on. From the roofline to the basement, we treat every home as if it were our own.
An 11-month builder’s warranty inspection (sometimes called a “home warranty inspection”) typically costs about the same as a standard home inspection—usually $400 to $600 in Northern Colorado, depending on the size and features of your home.
At Catalyst Inspections, our pricing is designed to give you maximum value during this critical window. By identifying issues before your builder’s warranty expires, you can often save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs that the builder—not you—should cover.
Your builder’s warranty inspection is a comprehensive, top-to-bottom evaluation, just like our standard inspection, and it always includes:
Structural and foundation review
Roof and exterior systems
Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems
Interior finishes and safety features
Thermal imaging at no additional cost to help uncover hidden defects (like insulation gaps or moisture intrusion) that your builder should address
A small upfront investment in an 11-month inspection gives you peace of mind and leverage with your builder before your warranty runs out. We also deliver a same-day, photo-rich digital report so you can submit claims quickly and confidently.
In Northern Colorado, a professional home inspection typically ranges between $400 and $650, depending on the size, age, and unique features of the home. At Catalyst Inspections, our inspections start at $400, with most averaging around $600.
The cost of your inspection depends on several factors, including:
Square footage and layout of the home
Age and condition (older homes often take more time to evaluate)
Additional services such as radon testing, sewer scope, or mold testing
Unlike volume-based inspection companies, we limit ourselves to two inspections per day so we can take the time to thoroughly evaluate your property and explain everything clearly. Every Catalyst inspection also includes thermal imaging at no additional cost to help uncover hidden issues like water intrusion, insulation gaps, or electrical hotspots.
You’ll also receive a same-day, photo-rich digital report so you can move forward quickly and confidently.
A Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) is the highest professional designation in the home inspection industry. To earn this title, an inspector must meet strict requirements that go far beyond basic licensing or certification.
A Certified Master Inspector has:
Proven experience – typically many years and thousands of inspections completed.
Advanced education – continuous training to stay current with building practices and safety standards.
Commitment to excellence – following the industry’s highest code of ethics and standards of practice.
Working with a Certified Master Inspector means you’re getting someone with the knowledge, training, and real-world experience to spot issues that less-seasoned inspectors might miss. It also means you’ll get clear explanations, not just a checklist of problems.
At Catalyst Inspections, we bring that Certified Master Inspector expertise to every job. Combined with advanced tools like thermal imaging at no additional cost and our promise to deliver a same-day digital report, you can feel confident that your home inspection will be thorough, accurate, and easy to understand.
Here’s the truth: a home inspection isn’t a pass-or-fail test. A professional inspection is designed to give you a clear picture of a home’s condition, not to “approve” or “reject” it.
That said, there are certain serious issues inspectors often flag that can raise red flags for buyers, sellers, and lenders:
Major structural problems – like significant foundation movement or framing damage.
Roof failures – severe leaks, widespread damage, or poor installation.
Electrical hazards – unsafe wiring, overloaded panels, or fire risks.
Plumbing failures – leaking supply lines, damaged sewer lines, or chronic water intrusion.
Mold or moisture issues – especially in basements, crawlspaces, or attics.
Safety concerns – such as missing handrails, lack of GFCI outlets, or carbon monoxide risks.
Even if a house has big issues, it doesn’t mean the deal is dead. Instead, the inspection report becomes a tool for negotiation. Buyers may request repairs, ask for credits, or choose to walk away if the problems are too severe.
At Catalyst Inspections, we don’t just hand you a list of problems. We explain what each issue means, how serious it is, and what your options are. Every inspection also includes thermal imaging at no additional cost, which helps us detect hidden problems—like water intrusion or missing insulation—that could affect your decision.