Mountain Home Due-Diligence Checklist
The list I bring to every mountain showing.
Take this with you when you tour. If you can’t check a box, ask. If nobody knows, that’s an answer too.
Water
- Well, cistern or public water?
- Flow rate (aim for 3 to 5 gallons a minute or more)
- Last water quality test, and any treatment system in place
- Well permit type: household use only, or more?
Septic
- Last pumped and last inspected
- Age of the system and number of bedrooms it’s designed for
- Any county records or permits on file
Getting in and out
- County road, private road or HOA-maintained?
- Who plows, and what does it cost?
- Which way does the driveway face? How steep is it?
- How long is the drive to groceries, and to Denver at rush hour?
The house
- Roof age and material
- Heat source, and backup heat if the power goes out
- Solar: owned, leased or financed? Who installed it?
- Internet providers and speeds at this address
- Radon test
Fire and insurance
- Defensible space and mitigation already done
- Insurance quote in hand before contingencies end
Rentals (if it matters to you)
- County or town short-term rental rules and license availability
- HOA restrictions