Special Inspections You Need Done on Your Crested Butte Home – most Buyers and Sellers are aware that an inspection needs to be completed on a home before it is bought or sold. The purpose of this inspection is to inform the buyer about the integrity and condition of the home, both good and bad.
I recommend to Sellers before they put their home on the market to get an Inspection done. Better to understand any issues upfront so they can be addressed and have peace of mind.
However, there is more than just this basic inspection that I recommend for both buyers and sellers. I also tell people to have a Radon inspection done when buying or selling their Crested Butte home.
Radon Inspection
One part of the special inspection when buying or selling your Crested Butte home is a radon inspection. I always recommend clients ask the inspector about getting a radon test done. The EPA and the Surgeon General of the United States recommend radon gas testing for all houses.
Typically the inspector will place canisters in the home for 48 hours and then send them to a lab for test results. There are also newer high tech radon testing devices that can be placed in the home for shorter amounts of time. If the results come back showing a reading above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), this is considered high. Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L can still pose some risk. Radon levels can be easily mitigated and reduced in most homes to 2 pCi/L or below using a vapor barrier and ventilation options. Generally this is not a big cost item – local Crested Butte Radon remediation expense typically $5,000 or less.
What Is Radon?
You may be wondering why radon is a part of the special inspection when buying or selling your Crested Butte home. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. Radon can cause lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage. For more information, go to www.epa.gov/radon, or for radon testing, call the National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-RADON, or 1-800-767-7236.
Well or Septic Inspection
Many homes in the Crested Butte area are in “remote subdivisions” that may be only a few miles from downtown Crested Butte, but that are not on the public water / sewer systems. These homes are some of the most luxury homes in the Crested Butte area, and they have their own water well and septic systems.
Septic Systems Inspection and OWTS
It is now required by Gunnison county to have the Septic System professional inspected and prior to a transfer of title to comply with the Environmental Health & OWTS (On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems) regulations. Generally this is a Seller’s responsibility – and best to have this completed as a part of the annual service of the septic system prior to putting the home on the market. See link: https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/140/Environmental-Health-OWTS.
Water Well Inspection
It is not unreasonable for a buyer to wonder if the water well is functioning and provides good and consistent flow of water – and that the water quality is safe. It is advisable for a seller to already have this documentation in hand – and most homeowners have annual service of the well to ensure the pump is operating properly and water filtration systems and storage tank cisterns are in working order.
How Can I Help?
Do you have any other questions regarding what special inspections you need done on your Crested Butte home? Please reach out to me! I have been in your shoes – as both a Second Home Buyer and Seller here in Crested Butte. If you want to chat about the real estate market here in Crested Butte – give me a call or text me… (970) 209-5405
The Crested Butte area offers a wide variety of properties including ski-in/ski-out single-family homes, ski-in/ski-out condominiums, lake and river frontage properties, golf course property, quality homes in Downtown Crested Butte, and true fine mountain homes on acreage.
To see Crested Butte Homes For Sale or search the MLS – visit ChrisKopf.com.
Click this link to see my monthly Crested Butte Real Estate Market Reports.
I have consistently been a Top Real Estate Agent in Crested Butte, and I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and be your Crested Butte Real Estate Agent.
Please contact me at:
Chris Kopf
Global Luxury Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Chris.kopf@CBMP.com
(970) 209-5405
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