High Performance Colorado New Construction Oversight – Residential + Commercial Phase Inspections

Level 1:

Final Building Inspection: Our complete, high-performance building inspection.

Level 2: (everything in level 1 plus)

Pre-Pour Inspection: Occurs before slab and footings are poured. (Foundation footings form work and rebar sizing and placement, site compaction testing, basement/slab rigid insulation, vapor barrier location and sealing, plumbing, electrical, radon, termite flashing (when applicable), excavated beams, post-tensioned cable systems, trenchwork and pad drainage, and more)

Weatherization and Pre(Siding, Roofing, Drywall, Insulation) Inspection: (Framing and structure (roof to foundation), plumbing, electrical, HVAC, Window, door and exterior building penetration flashing and sealing, weather resistive barrier/housewrap, fireblocking/firestop protection, thermal envelope and interior air-barrier, sprinkler system and more)

Level 3: (everything in level 1 + 2 plus)

All Phase Inspections: Construction oversight at every phase of the building, from start to finish. Your white glove consultant through the entire construction process, supporting you every single step of the way. All significant milestones of construction inspected and reported with expert guidance and defect documentation.

Level 4: (everything in level 1 + 2 + 3 plus)

Land Acquisition Analysis: We meticulously evaluate the potential of your chosen land, taking into account critical factors such as site location, orientation, and other environmental influences that could impact the buildability and future livability of your home. Our comprehensive analysis culminates in a detailed report, designed to arm you with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions.

Design and Architectural Guidance: Our network includes highly regarded designers and architects, allowing us to make recommendations that align perfectly with your vision and project goals. We delve deeply into the design process with you, offering valuable insights on how each decision will influence your project’s overall cost and quality. Crucially, we guide you in avoiding potential cost overruns by helping you understand the financial implications of design choices and by steering you away from decisions that could inflate your budget unnecessarily. Additionally, we have a keen eye for evaluating subcontractor bids, advising you on which ones may be unrealistically high or suspiciously low.

Permit Navigation and Regulatory Compliance: We simplify the complex and time-consuming process of securing building permits across various municipalities, including Denver, Lakewood, Aurora, Boulder, among others.

Plan Review: Building Supporters offers professional recommendations on how to make your building a more durable and better place to live. Our comprehensive plan review includes highlighter and expert notations, taking into account things such as: Long term maintenance cost considerations, energy/water/air/vapor management and building science durability pitfalls, comfort and accessibility, general architectural plan errors, and more.

On-Demand Expertise + Support: Building Supporters will inspect and guide you through the most challenging building complexities (7 days a week): From R-80+ exterior insulation Passive House wall assembly details to flashing and fine-tuning high-performance tilt+turn quad pane windows in rain screen walls, and beyond. When you need answers or have questions, our building experts are here for you. Remember, we work for YOU, not your builders pocketbook! When you need the absolute truth about questionable builder construction methods or materials, we give you straight, honest answers, every time. No one cuts corners with our clients, period.

High-Performance Material + Installation Guidance: Many builders are not aware that significantly better building materials and installation methods exist. Building Supporters’ extensive knowledge of the building material industry alternatives and first-hand experience of in-field product failures and durability, can help you achieve a FAR better build quality. We give YOU the option to decide what is best for your investment. It’s ALL about the power of choices. For example: Consider housewrap: Most residential builders believe Tyvek® HomeWrap® with cap-staple installation is “good enough”, however, Building Supporters may recommend upgrading to the far superior, more durable, Tyvek® CommercialWrap® D, which is generally only pennies more. For high-performance builds, where airtightness and world-class durability matter, Building Supporters may recommend a German-engineered self-adhering air- and water-resistive barrier such as DORKEN® DELTA®-VENT SA or a fluid-applied WRB such as Prosoco® Cat 5. Many superior building products and methods exist that can enhance and protect your investment, but it takes an ally like Building Supporters to educate and share the building industries’ best kept secrets.

(Optional) 1-Year Builder’s Warranty Home Inspection
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(Optional) Owner Builder Support + Resources:
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Level 1: Residential Starting at $999
Commercial Base: $999 + $0.29 per square foot. Buildings over 100,000 sqft priced at $0.14 per square foot)
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Level 2: Residential: $2099
Commercial Base: $2099 + $0.29 per square foot. Buildings over 100,000 sqft priced at $0.14 per square foot)
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Level 3: Residential Starting at $9,900
Commercial $10,990
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Level 4: Residential: $11,990
Commercial $12,099
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(* Over 6,000 square feet? Uncommon complexities? Please contact us for a custom quote)

On demand answers. Consultation per hour:
1 Hour Residential/Commercial consultation $200/hr. (Support offered in 1 hour blocks: video conference or phone call only)
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Certifications + Memberships: Dual InterNACHI + CCPIA certified.

The only High-Performance Home Inspection™ in Colorado, North America and the entire World. We go above and beyond for you and your family — Passionate. Dedicated. Knowledgeable. Always here to serve you.

What to expect with a High-Performance Home Inspection:

• High-Performance team that’s ON IT – Fast Same/Next Day Proposals. Transparent pricing for immediate booking.
• High-Caliber Team Of Real Builders + Pro Trades With Real In-Field Experience
• White Glove Multi-Hour Inspections
• True Building Science Focused Approach Helps You Budget For The Future
• One-On-One Personalized Walk-Throughs: Explaining The Building’s Story With You
• INTERNACHI Master Certifications +  Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) Certified + World-Class Construction Memberships/Certifications
• Infrared Thermography Survey Included (a $250 value)
• BS Energy Assessment Included (a $400 value)
• Visual Mold Assessment Included  (a $300 to $600 value)
• Aerial Roof Inspections
• Appliance Testing Included
• BUILDFAX (3rd party provider) Proprietary Property Intelligence Report Included. ($200 value)
• Moisture Scan + Meter Probe Testing
• Attic inspection included, when deemed safe to do so. (Industry standards don’t require inspectors to go into attics)
• 100/day Inspection Guarantee
• Testing And Reports FAR Exceed industry Standards of Practice
• Inspection Crawler Robot For Difficult/Potentially Unsafe Crawlspaces (Industry standards don’t require inspectors to go into crawlspaces. When feasible, we most certainly do!)
• Optional Nationally Accredited Laboratory Material Testing (Asbestos, Lead, Corrosive Drywall +)
• Same/Next-Day Reports (Complex/Larger Properties Require More Time) With Digital Inspection Photos
• No Extra Charges For Historical Buildings Or Crawlspaces
• Combustible Gas Detection Included
• Data Driven: Over 100+ Calibrated and Highly Specialized Scientific Grade Instruments As Needed (Over $100K in equipment. Most home inspectors carry only a few hundred dollars in tools.)
• Full Spectrum Of Services Available: Septic + Sewer + Chimney Scopes to IAQ to Forensics, Litigation, Water Testing, Permit History, Commercial Buildings, and More
• Fully Insured: E&O and Liability Insurance (Only 5% of ALL home Inspectors Have This)
• Every High-Performance Inspector Carries A Building Code Book (for new construction)
• Generally Same/Next Day Appointments: 7 Days A Week + After Hours
• Knowledgeable Insights Not Guesswork: True Building Problem Solving Specialists + Solutions
• Accessible Dryer Vents Checked For Obstructions. (75% of buildings inspected have completely clogged dryer ducts: leading cause of house fires.)
• Unlimited Support After The Inspection – Here For You For The Long Run
• Talk To The Building Supporters Owner Anytime – Direct Access To Brian Cornwell
• Unbiased, Neutral Opinions + Referrals To Colorado’s Most Experienced Contractors and Trades
• Communicate with only one team. Pay only one time. Navigate only one report.

In addition to complying with InterNACHI® standards for a home inspection, our high-performance home inspections FAR exceed expectations. 

No one does what we do or the high-performance way we do it.

• Window and Door Glazing + IGU Integrity + Skylights + Egress + Safety Glazing
• Roofing + Gutters + Roofing Drainage Systems
• Flashing (Window/Door Head + Roof Drip Edge + Kick Out )
• Exterior Cladding + Siding Including EIFS/Stucco
• Foundations + Structural Components
• Ventilation + Vapor Control + Moisture Intrusion
• Plumbing (Drain, Waste and Vent) + Water Heaters + Exterior Faucets + Water Distribution + Visible Water Main
• Interior Plumbing (Drains, Sinks, Toilets, Tubs + Showers)
• Electrical Main Panels and Sub Panels + Wiring Safety ( Service Drop, Entrance Conductors, Cables, Grounding + Raceways)
• Interior Electrical (GFCI, AFCI, Outlets, Switches, + Lights)
• Heating + Cooling Systems + Ductwork + Register Operation + Condensate Disposal + Exhaust Fans
• Site Grading + Drainage + Retaining Walls
• Appliances (Trash Compactor + Washer + Dyer + Microwave + Dishwasher + Garage Disposals + Vent Hoods + Refrigerators, Freezers, Ovens, Cooktops +)
• Environmental Damage (Fire, Insect, Wind, Flood, Earthquake)
• Attics, Walls, Basements
• Pools + Spas + Equipment (Auxiliary service)
• Building Penetrations, Exterior Maintenance, Weatherization + Flashings
• Solar + Backup
• Gas Lines (Leak Detectors with liquid gas detection solution for secondary confirmation)
• Fire Sprinkler + Safety Devices (Smoke and CO Alarms Recommended when not present)
• Basements, Attics + Crawlspaces
• Heat recovery ERV and HRV + Demand Controlled Ventilation
• Garages + Driveways + Overhead Doors
• Framing + Decks + Balconies (Posts, Beams, Joists, Sheathing + Decking)
• Stoops + Steps + Porches + Patios
• Fuel-Burning + Insert Fireplaces + Chimneys (Crowns, Walls, + Flashing)
• Staircases + Railings + Guards
• Insulation + Air Leaks
• Counters + Countertops
• Septic Systems (Auxiliary service)
• Nearby Building Vegetation + Wildfire Risk
• Sump Systems (Basket + Pump + Cover + Piping Extensions)
• And Much More: Something you don’t see? Ask us, chances are we do inspect it.

In today’s construction and home building, there’s a significant discrepancy between what builders promise and what is actually delivered to their clients. What looks good on the outside, may be plagued with problems on the inside.

• Many builders capitalize on the general lack of knowledge clients have about construction processes and materials. This knowledge gap allows them to make substitutions with cheaper, lower-quality materials without the client knowing the difference. For example, opting for a lower-grade house wrap instead of a high-performance option like Delta Vent SA can have significant long-term repercussions on the durability and energy efficiency of the home, even though it saves cost in the immediate sense.
• The construction industry is marked by a startling gap in education and a failure to stay abreast of innovations in building science. This isn’t just about not knowing; it’s about a reluctance to learn and adapt. Many builders stick to outdated methods and materials because “that’s how it’s always been done,” disregarding the evolving research and technology that could prevent future problems and enhance the longevity and efficiency of buildings. You wouldn’t believe how many times we’ve heard, “But I’ve done it this way 1000 times with no issues, ever.” There’s builders in NY who are Spray foaming the historic broadstones and argue there will never be problems, beacuse they’ve done it a 1000x times already. Yet, building forensics has revealed spray foam will evenutally cause every single one of these structures to fail rapidly.
• Most builders do not construct homes to the highest possible standards, such as Passive House or Net Zero. The reason isn’t always nefarious; it’s often due to a mixture of ignorance, time pressure, and cost considerations. However, the result is homes that are far less efficient and durable than they could be. Builders know even the most poorly-built homes will gernally not exhibit issues immediately but are far more likely to present significant problems after the warranty period expires, leaving homeowners to bear the brunt of repair costs.
•  Building a home involves managing a vast number of moving parts, from coordinating with dozens of subcontractors to sourcing and integrating over 100,000 physical components. Mistakes are, to some extent, inevitable, but the frequency and severity of these errors could be significantly mitigated with more rigorous oversight from Building Supporter’s high-performance new home construciton… REWRITE
• The current trade shortage exacerbates challenges, forcing builders to work with whoever is available, regardless of the quality of their craftsmanship. This not only affects the immediate construction phase but also the overall longevity and integrity of the home.
• The pressure to complete projects rapidly (many as fast as 3-6 months), often means there’s insufficient time dedicated to ensuring everything is done correctly. This rush can lead to homes with hidden defects, such as moisture intrusion or structural weaknesses, which may not be apparent until years later.
• The ambition to grow and expand operations can lead to overextension, with builders taking on more projects than they can effectively manage. This dilution of attention and resources means individual projects may not receive the care and oversight they require, further increasing the risk of substandard work.

It’s a crucial understanding to grasp, particularly when navigating the complex world of homebuilding and ensuring the structural integrity and safety of a building. The often overlooked truth about municipal building inspectors is that their primary directive isn’t necessarily aligned with the highest standards of construction quality or innovation. Instead, their main focus lies in upholding the minimum standards outlined by the building codes, which primarily cover immediate safety concerns.

This approach, while important for basic safety, inherently sets the bar at what could be considered the lowest acceptable standard. This means that aspects of construction that carry significant long-term implications, such as the engineering design, foundation integrity, soil conditions, and the correct application of structural fill, may not receive the detailed attention they require during a municipal inspection. These are elements with high liability risks, potentially leading to severe consequences down the line if not properly addressed.

Why is this the case? Think about it: The municipal inspector’s role is primarily to prevent immediate dangers to the occupants of a building. Therefore, their inspection checklists are attuned to identifying risks that could lead to catastrophic outcomes like electrical shocks, fire hazards, and gas leaks. While these are, without a doubt, critical safety concerns that need to be rigorously checked, this focus can mean that other, equally important, aspects of building quality and long-term safety are not covered in their assessments.

The reality is, these inspectors are often stretched thin, managing extensive caseloads with limited time to dedicate to each inspection. This strains their ability to dive deep into the more intricate aspects of building science and construction quality. Moreover, the fact remains that, in some cases, the commitment of these inspectors to go the extra mile — quite literally, beyond just stepping out of their vehicles — can be lacking.

As someone deeply involved in the homebuilding process, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of relying solely on municipal inspections for quality assurance. It underscores the importance of taking personal responsibility for the integrity and safety of your construction projects. Engaging with specialized inspectors for higher-risk aspects of your build, such as structural engineering, can supplement the municipal inspection, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation of the property’s overall quality and safety.

In conclusion, while municipal building inspectors play a vital role in maintaining basic safety standards, the onus remains on builders and homeowners to seek out more thorough evaluations, particularly for aspects of construction that carry significant long-term risks. Accepting this reality is the first step towards ensuring the durability, safety, and quality of your home for years to come.

“If architects did their job there wouldn’t be any need for building science”. It’s true, even the BEST architects make mistakes, however, these aren’t just your ordinary, accidentally plan mistakes. In reality, most of today’s architects have drifted far away from all facets of building-performance and focused almost entirely on building beauty. Back in the day – 100 years ago, or maybe 50 years ago, architects were trained like master builders. They understood structure, mechanical,  physics, material science, and how everything worked together. The focus now on the architectural education is all art and what’s missing are all of those other pieces — one of those missing pieces is building science or building physics. Today’s architect place the responsibility of building science on the builder, when they should be designing to solve things like: How to keep the rain out of the building, how to keep the air in and the air out, etc. Most don’t know how building envelopes will necessarily function in the real world.

• Lack of best building science practices: Rainscreen capillary break missing for stone, stucco, and siding.
• ZIP sheathing flashing tape applied without rolling (adhesive bonding is dependent on applied pressure)
• Inadequate foundation waterproofing leading to basement moisture intrusion
• Improperly installed window flashing (sloped toward house) causing leaks and water damage
• Missing sill plate gasket (capillary break).
• Exhaust bathroom fan vent ductwork improper sloped. (condensation build up)
• Incorrectly sloped balconies and decks promoting water pooling and structural rot
• Leaking shower pans
• Dryer and bath  exhaust vents with excessive elbows and length of run. (compromised performance)
• Faulty fire blocking and draft stopping in wall cavities compromising fire safety
• Plumbing vents terminated inside attics rather than extending through the roof, leading to moisture issues
• Inadequate structural requiring larger steel lintels to support the exterior brick.
• Improperly lapped housewrap, fastening and flashing tape sealing.
• Air conditioning systems matched with undersized compressors (5-ton coil matched to a 2-ton compressor)
• Inadequate roof sheathing and shingle installation requiring full roof replacement (re-roof).
• Substandard stairway construction not meeting code requirements for riser height and tread depth
• Malfunctioning sump pumps or lack of backup systems leading to basement flooding
• Exposed wall cavities due to upper roof walls being unfinished.
• Ineffective sealing around penetrations for electrical and plumbing fixtures causing air leakage.
• Improperly installed or missing vapor barriers in crawl spaces, leading to moisture problems
• Gas leaks
• Electrical hazards and significantly overheating wiring connections
• Over notched engineered lumber I-joists for mechanicals leading to diminished structural performance.
• Exterior grading sloped towards foundation
• Windows installed neither level nor square causing operation failure.
• Subpar and deficient materials that virtually guarantee failure.